Consider This...
Things to Consider in April 2021 from RTSC
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In this Month:
- April Articles
- Useful Tips and Resources
- Upcoming Federation Events
Click titles for full articles
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News and information about education, research, and support for SESPs; adoptive, foster, and kinship caregivers; and child welfare and education professionals helping children with trauma and other special needs get the most from their education. |
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Greetings!
I hope that this finds you well, in this crazy time. I mean it's snowing out and it's spring. I also want to take the time to make sure that you are aware of all of the support options that are available to SESPs and caregivers through RTSC's resources. Are you aware that we are now offering online Support Groups for SESPs once a a week? This allows you the opportunity to ask questions (no identifying information please) of an RTSC Support Specialist and fellow SESPs. Click here for times and dates. By Mary-Beth Landy, Sr. Trainer, Recruitment and Support Specialist for RTSC
We are still offering our Network Series on the second Thursday of the month. This is a great opportunity to learn even more about different topics. Currently we are breaking down the portions of the IEP and looking at each section in depth. See below for more details and to register.
Recently we have updated our RTSC Facebook page, including a new Private Support Group for SESP's as another way to support the wonderful work that you do. And as always we are looking for feedback and other suggestions on how to better serve our Educational Decision Makers, so feel free to join us and let us know or drop us a line at rtsc@fcsn.org. We look forward to spending time with you.
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So you've been assigned a new student and you are the Educational Decision Maker. Now what? Well now comes the time when you begin to gather all relevant records for the students education. Now, that's not so easy if the students has recently moved placement or had multiple placements. But what if there was an electronic backpack that stored all of those documents in one place that were accessible to you? Well that is precisely what Bill H.236, is hoping to do. Keep an eye out for more news as it becomes available.
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If I were to ask you to picture a teacher in a public school today, what would they look like to you? A seasoned white female teacher? Don't worry if that was the image. It is for most people. But that's not an accurate picture of our educational system. Where are all of the black teachers? Edutopia's Youki Terada looks at the reason that black teachers are leaving the profession at staggering rates in comparison to their colleagues.
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What is the perpetual statement in your household these days? "Get off your device and get to bed!" Well you aren't the only parent to ever utter those words. In fact now is the most challenging of times where screen time is concerned. Classes, homework, connecting to friends and just hanging out, it all very reasonable, until it's excessive. But what to do about it during a pandemic? First of all - cut yourself and your child some slack, says the Child Mind Institute. In a time when physical distancing required and not being able to hang out with friends and make social connections in person is the norm, this may be a good thing
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"Well we are not in Kansas anymore," as the saying goes. Youth Detention Centers are not known for being all warm and fuzzy. But for one center in Sacramento California being trauma informed and sensitive is the name of the game.
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Esports and digital gaming are extremely popular among students these days. They have been around for years as after school activities, but now more and more schools are partaking in the fun and community that it creates for students. Like live sports you create teams, rules and roles. Unlike live sports, it's available to all students regardless of their athletic abilities, allowing for anyone to be part of the action And it's that what community is about - inclusiveness!
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“The culture of hypermasculinity makes it harder for boys to form relationships, and that leads to a crisis of connection,” said Niobe Way, professor of Developmental Psychology at New York University. According to experts, boys have less coping skills and more stressors by society than girls to "tough it out," leaving them more vulnerable to mental health challenges and a higher suicide rate by 4 times as that of girls.
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DESE has recently put out a new guidance effecting the MCAS testing for juniors this year, in an acknowledgement of the lost preparation time due to remote learning. This also includes a modification of the competency determination for the Class of 2021, and the MCAS testing for grades 3 through 8.
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Useful Tools, Media and Resources |
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Kizzy Lopes grew up in the Child Welfare System and she identifies as being black. Kizzy speaks to the disparities within the system and how the systematic racism of the policies and routines effect the students. Take a listen to her TEDtalk.
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Upcoming Federation Events |
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RTSC April Webinar
Tuesday, April 27, 2021 12:00pm-1:00pm
The presenters will explain the latest guidance for schools around 51As and CRAs (Child Requiring Assistance) and what it means to families.
Marisol Garcia and Toni Kokenis, are attorneys with the Mental Health Advocacy Program for Kid at Health Law Advocates.
Be sure to submit questions for Marisol and T when you register.
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Thursday, May 13, 2021 @ 10:30am - 12:00pm
Are you a Special Education Surrogate Parent, PCTI trained Parent Consultant or SEPAC Officer? If so, register for an upcoming Networking Series for All.
This series will provide us with the space to dive deeper into each aspect of the IEP.
This series will be facilitated by Federation staff with support from Cheryl Hollocher. Cheryl earned an undergraduate degree in Linguistics and Anthropology, then a graduate degree in Intensive Special Education. She is the parent of two adult children with disabilities. She worked for over 20 years as a special education teacher and administrator in public school districts. For the past three years, she has been working as an Educational Consultant for families and as an Information Specialist and trainer for the Federation for Children with Special Needs as well as being a SESP.
We will dive into page #2 Present Levels of Educational Performance A: General Curriculum. On June 10th, 10:30-12:00 we will dive into page #3 Present Levels of Educational Performance B: Other Educational Needs.
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Free Upcoming Online Orientations
Tuesday, April 20, 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Wednesday, April 28, 12pm-2:30pm
Tuesday, May 4, 6:00 pm-8:30 pm
Saturday, May 15, 1:00 pm-3:30 pm
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For more information on becoming a Special Education Surrogate Parent
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Federation for Children with Special Needs
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