Warm Wishes and Zarrow's Winter Highlights! | | |
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As the days grow colder and snowflakes blanket our world in winter’s magic, we’re embracing this season of reflection and renewal. December isn’t just a time for cozy moments by the fire—it’s also a chance to explore fresh opportunities for growth, celebrate achievements, and chart new paths to success. This month, we're sharing some wonderful opportunities and resources to brighten your winter days:
- Student Involvement in the IEP Resources
- Winter Themed Movies for Teaching Self-Determination Skills
- Application Deadline Extension for ELEVATE Doctoral Consortium Program
- Zarrow Summer Institute
- Staff Updates for Sooner Works and SPARK360°
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Serving Up Self-Determination: The Ultimate IEP Engagement Menu
This IEP Engagement Menu serves up a variety of tools and resources to boost active student involvement in Individualized Education Program (IEP) development. From engaging "starters" to skill-building "main dishes," this guide is packed with activities to foster self-determination, advocacy, and goal-setting.
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'Tis The Season for Self-Determination and Winter Classics
Warm up with this classic winter movie guide that blends entertainment with valuable life lessons! Each film is paired with themes like goal-setting, persistence, and disability awareness, offering a fun way to learn and grow this season. Bring these winter classics into your classroom to inspire self-determination, strengthen problem-solving skills, and create meaningful connections this season.
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Application Deadline Extended!
ELEVATE Transition: Equipping Learning, Empowering Vision, Achieving Transitions, & Engaging Families
This Doctoral Leadership Consortium program aims to develop scholars in the field of special education with expertise in transition services to enhance outcomes for students with disabilities using culturally responsive practices. The University Consortium includes the University of Oklahoma, University of Connecticut, University of Arkansas, University of Kansas, Sam Houston State University, and Ohio State University.
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NEW: Teacher Perspectives on Employability Skills
This survey explores how frequently teachers focus on teaching employability skills—like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork—and how important they believe these are for students with disabilities entering the workforce. By participating, you can enter to win one of ten $25 Amazon gift cards!
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TAGG-Middle School Field Testing
Participate in the next step of field testing for the TAGG-Middle School assessment for students with mild-to-moderate disabilities and receive $30 per completed assessment set. Learn more about the field testing on our website.
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Educator Self-Efficacy Transition IEP
Self-Efficacy Scale (E-TISE)
Participate in evaluating the reliability and validity of the E-TISE. It will only take you 5-10 minutes to answer the 13 items (and demographic questions); your feedback will help to better understand the role of self-efficacy in educator transition planning.
Questions? Contact Dr. Mary Morningstar at mem28@pdx.edu
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Announcing the Launch of the Transition in Practice Journal - Inaugural Issue Now Available!
We are excited to introduce the Transition in Practice Journal, a new platform dedicated to exploring the practical aspects of transition across sectors and disciplines. Our inaugural issue features insightful articles, case studies, and thought pieces that bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering actionable insights and real-world examples. Whether you're a practitioner, researcher, or simply curious about the field, the journal provides valuable tools and perspectives for navigating and implementing transitions effectively.
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Zarrow Summer Institute 2025
Dreaming of summer weather? So are we! Get ready for Zarrow Summer Institute 2025 on Tuesdays in June and July from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM CDT. Dive into dynamic sessions, hands-on workshops, and unbeatable networking. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, there's something here for you! Connect with peers, learn from top experts, and walk away with fresh insights to boost your skills and knowledge related to transition and self-determination skills.
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Sooner Works and SPARK360° Applications & Staff Updates | |
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Sooner Works at the University of Oklahoma is a comprehensive, four-year program for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities seeking a college experience. Participants live on campus, engage in regular and specialized courses, complete internships, and develop essential skills for independent living, integrated employment, and community involvement.
Applications for 2025-2026 are due February 1st!
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About SPARK360°
SPARK360° is an Autism Support Program for college students at OU, which launched in Fall 2023, emphasizing support, partnership, advocacy, resources, and knowledge. The program provides full-circle support for participating students through academic planning, transition support, employment skills, independent living, and social development.
Spring 2025 Applications are due February 1st!
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Meet Emily Kendall
Join us in welcoming Emily Kendall as the new Vocational Coordinator for Sooner Works. She has worked as an instructor for Sooner Works over the past two years while pursuing a Ph.D. in Special Education with a focus on transition studies. Before joining the University of Oklahoma, Emily spent 11 years teaching special education, including two years teaching in a juvenile incarceration facility, where she established after-school programs to support vocational skill development, certifications, resume building, and alternative education pathways.
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Meet Angela Barbour
We are excited to announce that Angela Barbour is now the full-time Director of SPARK360°. Angela has over five years of experience in working with students with disabilities in the higher education environment. She has worked with the SPARK360° program since its inception and was instrumental in the program's implementation; prior to SPARK360°, she served as the Associate Director of the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center at the University of Oklahoma. Angela is also a PhD Candidate in Special Education with a focus on supporting autistic college students through specialized support programs like SPARK360°.
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