State Special Education Advisory Committee Constituency Reports December 2018

SSEAC Constituency Reports page 2 of 17 December 2018 Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) Commendation: National Job Shadow Month February 2019

SSEAC Constituency Reports page 3 of 17 December 2018 Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) Commendation: Orton Gillingham training in December 2018  

SSEAC Constituency Reports page 4 of 17 December 2018 Foster Care (DSS) Concerns: Foster care students have continuity in their education Complying with state special education regulations while maintaining educational stability is the most requested topic for TA. When CSA is involved, the process is even more complex Students placed in private placement is removing responsibility for FAPE from the school division of residence-LRE Commendations: Joint trainings offered for local DSS and school staff on the processes for students with disabilities

SSEAC Constituency Reports page 5 of 17 December 2018 Higher Education Commendations: Training education grant money came through; earlier notification would be better to prevent slowing progress Grant received for 50 micro credentials and 450 educators have enrolled in the program

SSEAC Constituency Reports page 6 of 17 December 2018 Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) The top four current STATEWIDE trends from intakes: Eligibility issues (this is a daily call we receive) IEP Concerns/Questions Transition Bullying

SSEAC Constituency Reports page 7 of 17 December 2018 Persons with a Disability Commendations: I’m Determined applications will become available soon

SSEAC Constituency Reports page 8 of 17 December 2018 Teacher Concerns: Family and Community Engagement Parental Accountability and Education Equality in Caseloads; large caseloads and lack of time Gen Ed and SPED teacher both request less PD on the Collaboration/Inclusion models and more PD for Gen Ed teachers, that are being required to serve students within the Gen Ed setting, to add strategies and modifications to their toolboxes. This request is initiated by the Gen Ed teachers due to the number of inclusive practices with SWD, and a shortage of time and resources related to the SPED teachers

SSEAC Constituency Reports page 9 of 17 December 2018 Teacher Commendations: Encouragements of the Districts to present Professional Development on relevant and current topics; i.e. Mental Health Awareness, Trauma-Informed Care, Parental Accountability, and State Endorsed Advocates Districts presenting Professional Development that is relevant to the needs of both Special Education Teachers and General Education Teacher Parent Information Seminars being held in each Region

SSEAC Constituency Reports page 10 of 17 December 2018 McKinney-Vento Concern: Ongoing challenge for students with disabilities who are experiencing homelessness is assisting schools divisions in determining who is responsible for FAPE when a student remains in his/her school of origin in a school division where the student is not currently residing.

SSEAC Constituency Reports page 11 of 17 December 2018 Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD) Board Updates: Recruiting for Partners in Policymaking Releasing a competitive RFP this month focused on several areas: community supports, under and inequitably served populations and self advocacy Proposals that seek to address African American students with developmental and other disabilities who are disproportionately affected by exclusionary discipline practices. Priority will be given to divisions who are not current participants in VTSS

SSEAC Constituency Reports page 12 of 17 December 2018 Region 1 Parent Representative Concerns: Transition Services Inclusion vs. self-contained classrooms Parental engagement and lack of trusting relationships Commendations: Active parents and high parent engagements in some districts Training in trauma-informed care and restorative practices

SSEAC Constituency Reports page 13 of 17 December 2018 Region 3 Parent Representative Concerns: Early intervention Lack Consistent participation Commendations: I’m Determined Program

SSEAC Constituency Reports page 14 of 17 December 2018 Region 4 Parent Representative Concerns: Communication Lack of parent training and misunderstanding the role of SEAC Transition Lack of funding to provide resources/services in inclusive settings, i.e., Board Certified Behavior Analysts(BCBA's), teachers and teacher recruitment Commendations: Critical Decision Points and SEAC training Resource fairs and I’m Determined

SSEAC Constituency Reports page 15 of 17 December 2018 Region 5 Parent Representative Commendations: Parent trainings on instructional activities, professional development resources, and community inclusive initiatives School-wide Inclusion Day with a community fair and disability awareness activities Grant to improve Inclusive Practices

SSEAC Constituency Reports page 16 of 17 December 2018 Region 6 Parent Representative Concerns: SEAC active parental involvement/participation Lack of funding for speech language pathologists, teaching assistants, and registered behavior technicians Helping non-disabled children in the family understand the special needs of their siblings Minimum quarterly SEAC meetings not occurring

SSEAC Constituency Reports page 17 of 17 December 2018 Region 6 Parent Representative Commendations: TEACH program will allow students this year to work at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College (DSLCC), CVS, Food Lion, Alleghany Lewis Gale Hospital, YMCA and the public library Sensory night that promotes gross motor, fine motor, and other skills important to the special education community Learning labs, TeachTown, Autism Coaches, Individualized Program, Strong Inclusion, and the Parent Resource Center Open House