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'Strengthening a Learner's Transition to Independence' |
Welcome to the MITTIN Memo
Happy November!
As MITTIN continues to grow, you will find new topics, new resources, and new opportunities to get involved. In this issue of the MITTIN Memo, I would like to highlight the new MITTIN website. At mittin.org or maase.org/mittin you will see more details regarding our work. Beginning with the "Home" tab which lists our mission, vision and upcoming events; the 'About MITTIN' tab shares our Strategic Plan, Logic Model, Organizational Structure, Committee Members, Leadership Team, Partners and Staff; 'Digital Modules' tab which has all our modules and links to Google Play Store, STEAM and a zip file you can download; 'Media & Communication' tab which is where you find all past editions of the MITTIN Memo; and 'How to Get Involved' tab provides opportunities and contact information. The "Curricular Resources" tab is still under construction, yet we are beginning to fill it with teacher made resources and tools that support a "... learner's transition to independence."
Thank you for your interest MITTIN.
Best Regards,
Dr. Derek Cooley,
MITTIN Committee Chair
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We need a few minutes of your time...
MITTIN Teacher Survey
We need your help! To obtain feedback on module use we are reaching out to teachers who have used the modules. The goal is to develop a greater understanding of how teachers and students use and experience the modules. This will help inform further module and library development, as well as research and dissemination efforts, going forward.
We would very much appreciate a few minutes of your valuable time and expertise to take a brief online survey. Public Policy Associates (PPA), an independent research firm, is conducting this survey on MITTIN’s behalf. Although PPA will share the results of the survey with MITTIN and other stakeholders, no individual survey response will be identified, and your name will not be used in any shared information.
If you have any questions about this survey, please email PPA using this address:
ppa@publicpolicy.com.
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C.O.O.R ISD & Clare - Gladwin RESD
Transition Workshop
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On Friday, November 3rd, Katie Knapp-Wyman and Brenda Vaughan from the Clare-Gladwin RESD & C.O.O.R ISD hosted a Transition Workshop and invited MITTIN to be part of their agenda. Under the expert facilitation of Shannon DeLora, participants from across 6 counties, interacted with the digital resources, explored the new MITTIN website and provided input as to new module topics they would like to see developed. Kristine Gullen supported the presentation and assisted educators in interacting with and downloading MITTIN modules.
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Ingham ISD
Transition PLC Workshop
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On Wednesday, November 15, 2023, two of our amazing MITTIN educators -- Jenna Kogut & Ashleigh Moro facilitated professional learning for transition teachers and administrators from all over Ingham County. This Ingham Transition PLC is designed to provide resources and connections between schools and community agencies. Thank you Jenna & Ashleigh for leading learning around the state. | |
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MITTIN Committee Member Spotlight | |
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Tina Lawson
Tina Lawson is the Director of Special Education at Berrien RESA. She enjoys working with local districts and developing resources and providing support & guidance to local districts to make a positive impact on students. Prior to this move in Fall 2020, she was the Principal for 12 years and the Assistant Principal for 6 years at Blossomland Learning Center. She loves working with students and staff. She also spent 10 years working as a resource room teacher at Cassopolis Public Schools, which is also where she graduated from high school.
In addition to her variety of experiences in the schools, she has been an active member of MAASE for 20 years. She currently participates in a variety of volunteer opportunities in MAASE - Summer Institute, Membership Services/Leadership Development, a MITTIN team member, and was the Co-Chair for SLIP for 12 years. These experiences have helped to develop her skills relative to networking, collaboration, communication, leadership, and mentoring/coaching.
On a personal level, Tina is a grandmother of three busy bees - Jordyn, Lennox, and Eli. She has been married for 32 years to her high school sweetheart Robbie. She loves to read, travel with her husband, and has spent 17 years enjoying Girl's Trips across the United States.
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2024 SLIP Winter Conference
SLIP has been supporting, guiding and offering their expertise to MITTIN from the very beginning. If you are interested in learning more about SLIP and networking with fabulous educators from around the state, join us for the annual SLIP Winter Conference supporting the needs of supervisors and teachers of low incidence programs and center-based programming. The SLIP Winter Conference will provide information regarding Essential Elements/Curriculum, Alternatives to Seclusion/Restraint, Building Capacity in Staff and other struggles/concerns for low incidence population staff. Attendees will learn from presenters, listen/discuss topics with other attendees, and then designated time to complete action items.
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MITTIN Implementation
MITTIN is on the go throughout Michigan. Over the next few weeks you can find us connecting with parents, agencies and educators to strengthening a learner's transition to independence at:
Ingham Intermediate School District
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
PLC Assessment Cohort - Professional Learning
Friday, November 17, & Saturday, November 18, 2023
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MITTIN – MIchigan Transition To INdependence is a dynamic collection of modules and curricular resources which foster the development of independent living skills in the home and community. Designed to support special education transition-related instruction, these resources are free and available to for all parents, schools, educators and learners in Michigan. MITTIN is a partnership of the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE), Michigan Council for Exceptional Children (MCEC), Great Lakes Reality Labs (GLRL) and Public Policy Associates (PPA). These resources can be found at: mittin.org
Safety and Independence at Home
MITTIN currently has seven topics which focus on strengthening skills which promote safety and independence at home.
- Change a Light Bulb
- Clean Flat Surfaces
- Clean the Bedroom
- Put Away Groceries
- Use a Microwave
- Use an Oven
- Use a Stove
Safety and Independence in the Community
MITTIN currently has four topics which focus on strengthening skills which promote safety and independence in the community.
- Cross the Street
- Shop for Groceries
- Walk Through a Parking Lot
- Use Self-Checkout
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