Videos

This recorded presentation reviews the SSIP Theory of Action.

This recorded presentation provides a brief overview of SSIP Coherent Improvement Strategy #1 - Early Warning System (EWS).

This recorded presentation provides a brief overview of SSIP Coherent Improvement Strategy #2 – Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for Academics.

The State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) is a comprehensive, ambitious, yet achievable multi-year plan for increasing graduation rates of students with disabilities. This recorded presentation includes an overview of SSIP, the Theory of Action, and information regarding each of the seven coherent improvement strategies.

Learn to distinguish between the terms phonological awareness and phonemic awareness, explain the role of phonemic awareness in reading and spelling, and consider the unique needs of all learners when planning for and implementing explicit and systematic phonemic awareness instruction in the classroom.

Children with visual impairments, blindness, or deaf-blindness (including students with multiple disabilities) have unique educational needs. In addition, they have very specific needs related to learning in physical education. Physical education is important, as it can cover all domains of behavior, including the affective, cognitive, and the psychomotor. Physical education also covers all of the nine Expanded Core Curriculum components when done correctly. The purpose of this presentation is to teach professionals the specific strategies to teach children with visual impairments in the elementary ages. This includes a variety of resources for participants to take home and share with colleagues and parents.

The application of universally designed instruction is currently mandated by education law. The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) process encourages a proactive approach to planning so that potential barriers to student learning can be avoided. Educators who consider options for differentiating the presentation of information, expression of student learning, and methods to promote engagement in the planning stage are able to provide instruction that is accessible to all learners. New lesson plan frameworks have been developed to support teachers in the planning phase and they encourage the consideration of accessible and feasible technologies for assisting students in the learning process. One framework being presented has been linked to a variety of resources that can support considerations for students with diverse learning needs. The planning structure aids in the selection of materials, presentation modalities, options for expression, strategies for supporting prerequisite skills, and methods of engagement. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop to this session.

The Planning for the Future Checklist is designed to support youth with disabilities, as well as their family and IEP team members, to ensure they are reviewing all aspects of transition planning at age appropriate intervals. This video depicts how the Planning for the Future Checklist could be utilized during an IEP meeting for a high school senior with an intellectual disability and physical mobility needs.

Employment is a hallmark of adulthood and should be available for every person. The benefits of employment are significant for people with and without disabilities. Employment is feeling proud, having self-confidence, getting a paycheck, meeting new people, paying taxes, and building new skills. Daily Life and Employment is one of the Life Domains of the Charting the LifeCourse™. This webinar will feature the employment elements of the Daily Life and Employment Life Domain, including school, employment, volunteering, communication, routines, and life skills. Participants will learn how to use these LifeCourse Tools to help students envision and plan for their employment goals.

School climate is a key factor in social, emotional, and academic outcomes for students, but what about their teachers? In alignment with Pennsylvania’s dedication to attracting, preparing, and retaining practitioners in education, specifically in special education, Dr. Salome Thomas-El, better known as “Principal El,” joins PaTTANpod to discuss the relationship between school culture and teacher retention.