OSDE - SES -February 1, 2024 - External

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Announcement

Teaching and Learning Connections

Teaching and Learning Connections

Teaching and Learning Connections’ consulting practice centers around high-impact methodologies. High- impact consulting is based on the premise that the consulting
process is a collaboration between the consultant and client, discovering and mobilizing readiness for action to improve performance and to achieve desired outcomes. We pride
ourselves on offering a results-oriented framework. Client success is carefully considered and is included as part of all projects. High-impact consulting focuses on near-term sub-projects that both parties are reasonably confident can be achieved. Teaching and Learning Connections assists client staff with training needed to implement the suggested
recommendations. We assist our clients not in only tapping into their knowledge but in developing new skills too.

  • Bilingual and English-only Special Education Psychoeducational Evaluations: Our team is proficient in conducting thorough assessments to support students with diverse linguistic backgrounds.
  • Bilingual and English-only Dyslexia Evaluations: We offer specialized evaluations to identify and address dyslexia-related concerns, ensuring every child receives the support they require.
  • Bilingual and English-only Speech Evaluations: Our expert evaluators can assess and provide tailored solutions for students with speech-related needs, enabling effective communication skills.
  • Professional Development: We offer valuable professional development opportunities for educators and administrators to enhance their knowledge and skills in the realm of Special Education.
  • Program Evaluations: Our organization conducts comprehensive program evaluations to ensure that your district's Special Education initiatives are effective and in compliance with the latest standards.
  • Coaching and support for evaluation staff

Oklahoma Youth Leadership Forum (YLF)

The Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma is hosting their annual Oklahoma Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) in June 2024. YLF is a great self-advocacy and self-determination learning opportunity for youth with disabilities! It is an educational, fun-filled, motivational, and packed week of experiences like no other! Check out the YLF Brochure and learn more about this event on the Oklahoma YLE page and encourage students and families to APPLY for YLF NOW!

*Applications are due March 1, 2024.


Employer Tuition Assistance for Higher Education

Many agencies, organizations and businesses across Oklahoma provide tuition assistance benefits to help their employees pay for higher education. Types of education benefits for employees vary, and may include:

  • Tuition payment assistance or reimbursement.
  • Payment/reimbursement for licensing courses and exams.
  • Matched contributions to employer-sponsored 529 college savings plan.
  • Student loan repayment.

Some employers that offer educational benefit options require a minimum waiting period for eligibility, some set a maximum benefit amount, and some may extend educational benefits to employee dependents. Please visit our alphabetical list of some Oklahoma employers that offer tuition assistance benefits for employees. For more specific and comprehensive information, contact the employer directly.

Trainings/Webinars

**NEW** Alternate Diploma - Myths and Facts

Learn about the graduation pathway for students who participate in the Alternative Assessment Program. Learn how to access FAPE until age 22.

Join us on January 30, 2024 at 6:00 PM. 

For more information and to register, please see the Alternate Diploma. Also available in Spanish


Sooner Works is now accepting applications!

Sooner Works is the inclusive postsecondary education program at the University of Oklahoma for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

For the application portal, please visit the application overview packet.

Applications are due February 1st

Sooner Works will also be hosting two more Virtual Open Houses via Zoom where any interested student, parent, or educator can learn more about the program and meet our staff.

For more information and registration, please see Virtual Open Houses.


**NEW** Vision Screening Provider Training

This course fulfills the requirements listed in 70 O.S § 1210.284: Vision Screening - Recommendations on Standards - Comprehensive Eye Exam on Failure - Annual Reports.

Vision Screening Provider Training- 

  • OKC: Feb 8, 2024, 9AM-12PM
  • Glenpool (Tulsa Area): Feb 15, 2024, 9AM - 12PM

Vision Screening Trainer of Provider (only available to those who are certified in Vision Screening Provider Training)

  • OKC, Feb 8, 2024: 1PM - 4PM
  • Glenpool (Tulsa Area): Feb 15, 2024 1PM - 4PM

Registration is now open

If you have any questions, please send them to Kellie Carter


**NEW** LAMP Conference 2024

LAMP is an augmentative alternative communication (AAC) approach designed to give individuals who are nonverbal or have limited verbal abilities a method of independently expressing themselves through the use of speech-generating device. There is no cognitive prerequisites for implementing the LAMP approach. Please join us February 29, 2024 - March 1, 2024.

For more information, please see the LAMP Flyer and Brochure


*NEW* Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) 2024 Special Education Convention & Expo

Each year at the CEC Convention & Expo, thousands of special education professionals from around the world come together to learn, share, grow, and connect. With hundreds of sessions on just about every topic in the field, the CEC Convention & Expo is THE professional development event for special educators to find research, tips, and strategies to support students with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. 

We want to make sure your teachers, administrators, principals, and support personnel have the chance to attend the biggest special event of the year. That’s why we’re offering all Oklahoma residents a special offer for $70 off registration. All they need to do is use code OKLAHOMA24 when registering to save. 

Please share this information with your district, division, and area administrators and encourage them to take advantage of this special offer through January 31, 2024

Please join us March 13-16, 2024. For more information, view the CEC 2024 Convention & Expo Website


Oklahoma Department of Career Technology Education (ODCTE) Innovative Grants

  • “Supporting CTE Special Populations Grant Application 2024-2026” is now available for review and will open in March 2024!!!​ Check it out and begin planning in advance for an opportunity to be awarded a two-year grant (up to $50,000/year) aimed at helping schools implement transition programs and/or other support strategies to assist in the provision of transferable skill sets to students regarding the attainment of meaningful employment and becoming productive members of society!!!
  • The Supporting CTE Special Populations Overview (oklahoma.gov) outlines the requirements for the 2024-2026 grant application and required goal priorities.
  • Perkins LEAs or consortia meeting the $15,000 requirement OR technology centers, technology center co-ops, postsecondary institutions, or consortia meeting the $50,000 requirement are eligible to complete the grant application. ​
  • Application deadline is currently listed as May 3, 2024 (subject to change).
Professional Development

**NEW** Multisensory Math Training

Multisensory Math Training Presented by Hydeparkday Training, in collaboration with Marilyn Zercher 

A two-day Multisensory Math Training appropriate for grades PreK-4th grade and SPED teachers on March 1-2, 2024 in Oklahoma City

Attendees receive:

  • Multisensory manipulative materials
  • A curriculum scope and sequence, including Background and Theory/ Research Rationale on Multisensory Math, including knowledge of precursor numeracy skills through operations of algebraic thinking, geometry, mathematical practices, and fractions.
  • Access to training presentation materials
  • A certificate of course completion

For more information and registration, please see Multisensory Math Training.


**NEW** Online Professional Development in Dropout Prevention Strategies

NDPC offers online courses in each of the 15 research-based Effective Strategies for Dropout Prevention. The 15 Effective Strategies are recognized as the highest-impact interventions for graduation rate improvement. Each online course takes participants through an exploration of what the strategy is, how it fits within the 15 Effective Strategies model, and the research supporting it, allowing participants to envision for themselves how the strategy can be implemented well within their schools and communities. Participants investigate successful implementations across the country, potential benefits and barriers to implementing the strategy, and key implementation characteristics to consider in setting up their programs. Each course costs $99 except for the overview course, which costs $149.00. Each self-paced course takes 60 to 120 minutes, except for the overview course, which takes about 6 hours to complete.

Project 613 Funds are available for the National Dropout Prevention Center (NDPC) Online Courses in each of the 15 research-based Effective Strategies for Dropout Prevention

For more information and a list of courses, visit Online Professional Development in Dropout Prevention Strategies.


Oklahoma Autism Center

The Oklahoma Autism Center is offering Professional Development Opportunities for 2023-2024 including:

  • Autism: Foundation Training
  • Reducing Challenging Behaviors
  • Conducting FBA and Writing BIP's

Please see the OAC Professional Development Opportunities for more information. 

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