September 23, 2011

Contents:

  • Notes
  • WWE: D/HH 1 - October 7-8
  • Other WWE Topics and Dates
  • FEHI Update
  • New IDEA Rules for Infants and Toddlers With Disabilities Released
  • Institute Launches Web Clearinghouse for Parents of Deaf Children
  • Job Opportunity
  • October: National Bullying and Disabilities Month
  • Deaf Sprinter Wins Right to Visual 'Starter Gun'
  • Websites
  • Save these Dates!

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NOTES

There is a lot of information in this Tech Notes. The date-sensitive topics are regarding our WWE sessions and FEHI. There is now an Events page on our wiki: http://rmtc.wikispaces.com/events
Click on the link for each event to go directly to the registration page.

We are still taking registrations for Usher's Screening Training. The next two trainings are October 19 in Jacksonville (prior to the CEC Conference) and November 3 in Lake Mary (prior to the FEHI Conference). Early diagnosis of Usher's Syndrome is very important, so we want to make sure every district sends at least one person. The other dates, and the link for registration for all trainings, is below in the Save the Dates! section.

I told you about Focus Groups in the September 11 Tech Notes. You can refer to that information and the dates and locations here: http://rmtc.fsdb.k12.fl.us/technotes/

I'm trying a blog format to post Tech Notes archives. Check it out and let me know what you think. Do you like this, or would you prefer the old format (on the website)?
  • New - http://rmtc.fsdb.k12.fl.us/technotes/
  • Old - http://rmtc.fsdb.k12.fl.us/technotes/index2011.html

I mentioned in the last Tech Notes that our Google Search was not working. I have fixed that, so you should be able to search both our website and our wiki with one search. You can find the search on our Home page:
http://rmtc.fsdb.k12.fl.us

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WORKING WITH THE EXPERTS (WWE): DEAF / HARD OF HEARING

We are pleased to announce the first of four trainings for professionals working with students who are deaf/hard of hearing. A flyer is attached with this information. Check the wiki for any updates.
https://rmtc.wikispaces.com/Working+With+the+Experts

OCTOBER 7 & 8, 2011
Dr. Connie Mayer and Beverly Trezek
New(?) Answers to Old Questions: Literacy Development in DHH Learners 

In this two-day workshop, participants will be introduced to a framework for understanding literacy learning (i.e., reading and writing) in students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Answers to long-standing questions about the nature of literacy development and effective instructional strategies will be explored, with an emphasis on the changing context in the field (i.e., UNHS, cochlear implants, evidence-based practice). Instructional strategies for teaching reading and writing will be presented, demonstrated, and practiced.

Outcomes: 
  • Explore literacy development for students who are deaf or hard of hearing, given the recent changes in research-based practices and technological advances
  • View and discuss effective instructional strategies for teaching reading and writing to students who are deaf or hard of hearing
  • Identify instructional routines that can be implemented to advance reading comprehension and written English skills

IN THREE LOCATIONS

St. Augustine - on the campus of the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind
  • Host Site (face-to-face presentation)
  • Location: Music Building
  • Hotel Information:
    • Holiday Inn St. Augustine Historic District - http://tinyurl.com/3bnjhwu
    • Courtyard Marriott St. Augustine I-95 - http://tinyurl.com/3how7c8

Panama City
  • Location: Gulf Coast State College, 5230 West U.S. Highway 98, Panama City, FL 32401
  • Remote Site with Live Streaming
  • Hotel Information:
      • Towneplace Suites - http://tinyurl.com/3p3fb4a
      • LaQuinta - http://tinyurl.com/3phxfq5

    Bartow
    • Location: Polk County FDLRS/ESE Office, Bartow Municipal Airport #270
    • Remote Site with Live Streaming
    • Hotel Information: Coming Soon

    Ft. Lauderdale

    • Location to be determined
    • Remote Site with Live Streaming
    • Hotel Information:
      • Coming Soon

    To register for the workshop:
    http://conta.cc/wwedhh1 or
    http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=nozl6lfab&oeidk=a07e4txxwif0d3adaa8
    .
    For more information:
    Carmelina Hollingsworth at hollingswoc@fsdb.k12.fl.us or 800-356-6731 or
    Leanne Grillot at leanne.grillot@fldoe.org or (850) 245-0478

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    OTHER WWE WEEKENDS AND TOPICS
    https://rmtc.wikispaces.com/Working+With+the+Experts

    The following dates and topics have been confirmed. The locations will be the same as WWE1 (above). You can visit the link above for our wiki page to register, or get updated information.

    ________________

    WWE 2 (November 19-20 Sat/Sun)
    Itinerant Make and Take
    Gail Wright and Lindsey Siegel

    Two days of jam packed sessions with Two Veteran Itinerant Teachers.
    Topics will include:

    • An approach to teaching and getting students to implement advocacy strategies using "13 tools"
    • An "Itinerant Trunk " featuring our favorite materials, websites, apps, and resources
    • Ideas for Mainstream Teacher Inservices and how to help Mainstream Teachers trouble shoot HA's and FM's
    • Hands on work from a Case Study Evaluation all the way to Data Collection on goals.
    • Ideas for inservices all the way from Kindergarten-High School! (not just another PowerPoint!)
    • Implementing National Noise Awareness Activities in the schools
    • Itinerant Organization Ideas

    Walk out of these two days having actually MADE materials relating to the 13 tools and Classroom In-service Trainings!

    ________________

    WWE 3 (December 3-4, Sat/Sun)
    Advocacy & Protection to Enhance Teaching, Learning & Performance of Students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing
    Note: a particular emphasis will be placed on ethnically diverse and deaf+ students
    Harold Johnson, Ashley Koe, Gabe Lomas, Caroline Guardino

    More information coming

    ________________

    WWE 4 (December 9-10, Fri/Sat)
    TLC: Teaching Language To Children A Communication Curriculum for Children Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
    Amy Sijan


    The TLC Curriculum was conceived in the hearts of Janice Hope Cook and Amy O’Brien Sijan in 1985. Jan is a teacher of the deaf and was instructed in the oral philosophy. Amy grew up in a deaf household, and was a speech/language pathologist who used sign language. Both professionals realized, early on, that the “curriculum” established for children who are deaf did not address the single most primary need for deafness: COMMUNICATION. As a result, both Jan and Amy decided that they would produce their own curriculum of communication, beginning with pre-single words and progressing to complex communication structures, with associated vocabulary, grammar, and social skills.

    TLC is the curriculum basis for the Hearing Impaired Program in the Lee County School District. It is the basis from which the Lee County Language Curriculum was established (LCLC), under the direction of Dr. Lawrence D. Tihen, Editor of the TLC. Both curricula continue to be used in the Lee County School District. It was used in the Florida School for the Deaf and the California School for the Deaf under the direction of Mary Hanlon, a contributor to TLC.

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    FEHI UPDATE

    The FEHI Conference will be held November 4 and 5 at the Westin Hotel in Lake Mary, Florida. We are very lucky this year because the Resource Materials and Technology Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (RMTC) and Florida School for the Deaf and Blind (FSDB) are Platinum Sponsors which means that they are contributing funds to pay for interpreting services and presenters.

    Thanks to their contribution, we were able to lower our registration prices this year and extend the audience to include SLPs, audiologists, parents, early childhood, and other professionals who work with d/hh students.

    We are still looking for presenters and I know for a fact that many of you develop great resources for your classrooms. So, if you are willing to share with other professionals, we would greatly appreciate it. Here is the link for the Call for Papers < http://fehi.org/images/Call_for_Papers_2011.pdf > and the Rubric < http://fehi.org/images/Proposal_Evaluation_Rubric_2011.pdf > used to evaluate proposals.

    For more information please visit our website: http://fehi.org
    Hotel and registration: Conference 2011 < http://fehi.org/conference2011.html >
    Agenda: Conference Agenda < http://fehi.org/conferenceagenda2011.html >
    Please check our website periodically. The agenda is updated as soon as presenters are confirmed.

    Additional forms for Teacher of the Year, Honors of the Association, Membership, etc are available under the tab titled Forms < http://fehi.org/forms.html >.

    In the past, PEPNet was able to assist teachers with funds to attend FEHI. Unfortunately, they are no longer able to do that. Their funding structure has changed with their new budget.

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    NEW IDEA RULES FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS WITH DISABILITIES RELEASED

    Following is information on new rules being issued dealing with Part C of IDEA concerning identification, referrals, evaluation, and what language evaluations should take place in.

    ________________

    Rules Finally Issued on Infants, Toddlers With Disabilities, by Nirvi Shah on September 6, 2011 12:12 PM
    < http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/speced/2011/09/six_years_after_the_individual.html >

    UPDATED Six years after the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act was renewed, the U.S. Department of Education today finalized regulations that address how to work with infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. Babies and toddlers with disabilities come under the law's Part C program, a $436 million program that serves about 340,000 children through age 2 who have developmental delays or a diagnosed physical or mental condition that has a high probability of leading to a developmental delay. The regulations cover essentially the whole of Part C, including how quickly children must be identified and referred to those who can work with them, what language they should be evaluated in, and whether parents should be consulted before their insurance is tapped to pay for some of the services. (That's why the regulations are more than 900 pages long.) Some highlights:

    • Children must be referred to the Part C program "as soon as possible but in no case more than seven days" after identification.
    • The new regulations clarify the transition requirements that apply to children receiving services as they move to preschool, kindergarten or elementary school.
    • The regulations clarify when and what transition requirements apply to toddlers with disabilities, including toddlers in a state that elects to offer services beyond the age of 3. "Children are so young," said Deborah Zeigler, the associate executive director of policy and advocacy services for the Council for Exceptional Children. "The timelines are important."
    • Also, the Education Department said the regulations have been revised to include the law's existing "maintenance of effort" requirements (which govern how much states and school districts spend on students with disabilities from year to year). But the agency will issue a notice of proposed rulemaking on these provisions and give the public a chance to comment on the proposal. That's important because whenever there are new regulations, there are expenses. "We certainly kept that in mind as we were developing these," said Ruth E. Ryder, deputy director of the Education Department's Office of Special Education Programs. "We feel like the benefit to children and families greatly outweighs any cost."
    • States must get a parent's permission before requiring a parent to enroll in a public benefits or an insurance program for services for their child or if the use of funds from a public benefits or insurance program imposes certain costs on the parent. When the regulations were offered up for comment, this particular issue drew many comments. "It was a big issue-a big issue that needed clarification," said Mary Louise Dirrigl, director of the Office of Policy and Planning IDEA Team.
    • Another area that needed clarifying was what language to use when evaluating a very young child, Ms. Dirrigl said. The regulations now say that those evaluating a child can use either the native language of the child or his or her parents.

    Separately today, the Education Department < http://www2.ed.gov/policy/speced/reg/idea/part-b/index.html > is proposing new regulations regarding when a state or district wants to use a child's or parent's public benefits or insurance to pay for services under the IDEA. They want to hear your thoughts, too.

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    INSTITUTE LAUNCHES WEB CLEARINGHOUSE FOR PARENTS OF DEAF CHILDREN
    http://www.rit.edu/ntid/educatingdeafchildren/

    The Center for Education Research Partnerships at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, a college of Rochester Institute of Technology, has launched a website intended as a source of unbiased information for parents, teachers, and other professionals who work with deaf children. About 90 percent of deaf children have hearing parents, "so many times those parents feel overwhelmed and at a loss to find resources to answer questions they may have," said a press release from the center.

    I like that the information is presented in a Q&A format and covers a lot of ground, from acceptance of cochlear implants in the deaf community, to issues of social development. But the site will be even better when there are more questions archived there. The people answering the questions are experts in this field, so readers who are interested in this topic should definitely take advantage of this resource.

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    JOB OPPORTUNITY

    Knoxville Center of the Deaf (KCD) is seeking an Executive Director. Please help me pass this on to anyone you know who may be interested. The deadline is approaching. I have attached a job description.

    Thank you,

    Kimberly A. Wolbers, Ph.D., CI/CT
    Program Coordinator, Assistant Professor of Deaf Education
    The University of Tennessee Department of Theory & Practice in Teacher Education
    A214 Bailey Education Complex
    1122 Volunteer Blvd
    Knoxville, TN 37996-3442
    865.974.2375 (voice)
    865.622.2306 (videophone)
    865.974.6302 (fax)

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    OCTOBER: DISABILITY AWARENESS AND BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH

    October is both Disability Awareness month and National Bullying Prevention Month. There will be many state campaigns on these topics.

    As noted above, we are planning a Working with the Experts (December 3-4) session to address Bullying and other topics. DCMP (Described Captioned Media Project) is focusing on Bullying issues and has resources that may be useful to FSDB and teachers in the state. Of course you know that October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and the DCMP just captioned this 45 second video to promote it: 
    http://www.schooltube.com/video/59fd42293e8681ba8540/National-Bullying-Prevention-Month-Captions

    You can download four recently developed Bullying Tip Sheets here:
    • What Should You Do if Your Blind or Visually Impaired Child is Bullied? (4-page paper)
      • http://rmtc.fsdb.k12.fl.us/files/110906_bullying_blv_web.pdf
    • What Should You Do if Your Blind or Visually Impaired Child is Bullied? (2-page print flyer)
      • http://rmtc.fsdb.k12.fl.us/files/110906_bullying_blv_print.pdf
    • What Should You Do if Your Deaf or Hard of Hearing Child is Bullied? (4-page paper)
      • http://rmtc.fsdb.k12.fl.us/files/110906_bullying_dhh_web.pdf
    • What Should You Do if Your Deaf or Hard of Hearing Child is Bullied? (2-page print flyer)
      • http://rmtc.fsdb.k12.fl.us/files/110906_bullying_dhh_print.pdf
    •  
    There are more bullying resources described on this special DCMP Web page: < http://www.dcmp.org/bullying >. You will note links on it to three PACER videos on the DCMP YouTube channel that anyone can view.  Additional resources listed on this Web Page are available to DCMP members only, but of course all teachers and parents with D/HH or B/VI children all qualify for DCMP membership. Most all of their media offerings can be viewed online, and they also still offer a DVD loan service. You can register for membership here: http://dcmp.org

    “Protecting your Deaf Child from Sexual Abuse:  A Parent’s Guide,” the DVD produced by the Washington School for the Deaf, is now a part of the Described and Captioned Media Program collection. 

    The URL to view the description on the DCMP website is: 
    http://www.dcmp.org/Catalog/TitleDetail.aspx?TID=6760

    Described and Captioned Media Program members may borrow a copy of the DVD or may view the title via streaming from the DCMP Web site.   However, in order to encourage the widest circulation and use of the production, anyone else may view it online only here:
    http://www.dcmp.org/FlashLanding/SecureFlash.aspx?G=33595

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    DEAF SPRINTER WINS RIGHT TO VISUAL 'STARTER GUN'

    Dewi Cooke September 15, 2011

    AN 11-YEAR-OLD deaf athlete will be allowed to compete in a national sports competition using a visual prompt instead of a starter's gun after he took his case to the Australian Human Rights Commission. In an outcome closely watched by disability rights groups and Victoria's own government school sports body, Brisbane sprinter Sekou Kanneh will compete this week at the School Sport Australia Primary Track and Field Exchange in Darwin after School Sport Australia agreed to provide a visual prompt for him. Kanneh placed second in the 100 metre and 200 metre events in the Queensland track and field championships last month, but relied on watching other competitors to know when the race gun had fired. School Sport Australia initially refused to provide the additional prompt but agreed to it after meeting with representatives from Deaf Sports Australia in the commission on Monday.

    Disability advocate Julie Phillips said the decision was important. ''Whenever you have a precedent, it means that the next person who has the same request refers to that precedent and any sensible organisation or person will see that the writing is on the wall,'' she said.

    Read more: http://tinyurl.com/436p8b2


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    WEBSITES

    Math Moves U
    http://www.mathmovesu.com/
    This site was Cool Site of the Day for September 12, 2011. It is designed to engage middle school students in math and science through interactive learning programs, contests, live events, scholarships, and more.

    U Tech Tips Wiki
    http://wiki.utechtips.com/
    This site has software recommendations for educators. See a piece of software that you use and love not listed? Add it by clicking on the easyedit button on the appropriate page. There are recommendations for Macs, Windows, Linux, Internet-based apps, and Firefox extensions.

    Imagination Soup
    http://imaginationsoup.net/
    This blog writer has entries several times a week on topics she feels are interesting – especially about reading and writing, book recommendations, education and learning issues, imaginative play, and products that make learning fun.

    Energy Balance
    http://energybalance101.com/
    Too many children today are at risk for serious diseases at an early age. They need resources and leadership to maintain a balance between the energy they consume and the energy they expend through physical activity. Energy Balance: 101 is based on that foundation, offering communities the guidance they need to support children.

    SUBWAY'S RANDOM ACTS OF FITNESS
    http://www.subwaykids.com/grownups/classroom/RandomActsOfFitness.aspx
    You can still take register and take part in the fun, and even host your own Field Day! Mini-field day activities along with Field Day prep info are available. Register today to get your free kit in the mail or visit the website for downloadables.

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    SAVE THESE DATES!


    Usher's Syndrome Screening Training
    http://conta.cc/ushertrng

    September 21: Ft Myers, FL
    • October 19: Jacksonville, FL
    • November 3: Lake Mary, FL
    • November 17: Tampa, FL
    • Date TBD: Chipley, FL

    Working with the Experts: Deaf/Hard of Hearing
    https://rmtc.wikispaces.com/Working+With+the+Experts
    Session 1: Deaf Literacy with Connie Mayer
    October 7-8, 2011
    Session 2: Make & Take for the Itinerant Teacher
    November 19-20
    Session 3: Advocacy & Protection to Enhance Teaching, Learning, and Performance of Students
    Who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing
    December 3-4
    Session 4: TLC: Teaching Language to Children—A Communication Curriculum for D/HH Children
    December 9-10

    FEHI
    http://fehi.org
    November 4-5, 2011
    Westin Hotel in Lake Mary, FL

    FETC
    http://fetc.org
    January 23-26, 2012
    Orange County Convention Center, Orlando

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    September 9, 2011

    Contents:

    • Notes
    • DOE Survey
    • Focus Groups
    • Websites
    • Save these Dates!


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    NOTES

    This is a short Tech Notes, but I wanted to share this DOE Survey as soon as possible. It is very important that teachers of the deaf and teachers of the blind complete this survey. Please complete it and also share with others that may not subscribe to Tech Notes.

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    FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SURVEY

    The Florida Department of Education needs your help gathering information regarding online learning opportunities for students with sensory impairments. House Bill 7191 requires all high school students, starting with this year's ninth graders, have at least one high school course completed through online learning for graduation.

    Anticipating access concerns, we are looking for information from teachers assisting students with sensory impairments. Please forward this survey on to any teachers you feel would be able to give any input into students with sensory impairments. Knowing the knowledge these teachers currently have, and what training they need, will be valuable for discretionary projects. Knowing how students currently take these courses, and what works and what doesn't, will be valuable to the companies trying to offer accessible online courses to districts.

    Your feedback is very valuable. The survey will close September 23rd.


    To begin the survey, click the link.

    http://www.cvent.com/d/bcqjfq

    Thank you. Your time is appreciated.

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    FOCUS GROUPS

    Between now and the new year, OSBD, in collaboration with FLDOE, will be conducting a series of focus groups with ESE directors. The focus groups have been developed to look at the state of education for children who are deaf/hard or hearing or blind/visually impaired. The purpose of these focus groups is to develop a better understanding of the issues, concerns, and successes for these students, what issues, trends, and concerns that districts have for the future in educating these children, and what the needs of the districts are and will be in educating these students.

    Every ESE Director is being asked to participate in one of these meetings. If you cannot attend, please send someone from your district who can speak for the district on these topics. The meetings will run about two hours, and are scheduled from 10:00 AM to noon at each location.

    Currently, there are seven focus groups planned. Here are the following dates and locations, as well as which districts are being requested to attend which meetings. (There is also a list attached in case you aren't able to read the following table.)





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    WEBSITES

    Have Fun Teaching
    http://www.havefunteaching.com/
    This site is a teacher resource that is free for everyone! Have Fun Teaching is updated on a daily basis with new worksheets, songs, videos, flash cards, coloring pages, fun activities and blog articles released every day.

    Teachers With Apps
    http://teacherswithapps.com/
    This blog discusses new iPad apps that work well in classrooms.

    i-Itch
    http://www.i-itch.com/
    For those of you that work with preschool children, this blog discusses apps that "develop and delight".

    Signing Savvy Teaching Tips
    http://www.signingsavvy.com/blog/teachingtips
    This blog is part of a series of Teaching Tips for teachers of deaf and hard-of-hearing students. However, many of the ideas would work well in ANY teaching situation where you are working with children and parents (families).

    Deaf World as Eye See It
    http://www.deafeyeseeit.com/
    This blog consists of the collection of blogs and vlogs created by Amy Cohen Efron. DEAF WORLD AS EYE SEE IT will allow you to join Amy’s observations of “DEAF WORLD” through her “EYE”, and find out how Amy “SEES IT” as absurd and funny! Watch her witty, knee-slapping funny, thought-provoking, serious and sometimes, controversial commentaries.
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    SAVE THESE DATES!


    REGIONAL ROUNDTABLE Discussion Re: Test Equity for Students who are D/HH
    http://www.pepnet.org/cal.asp
    September 16, 2011
    Valencia College West Campus, Orlando, FL

    Usher's Syndrome Screening Training
    http://conta.cc/ushertrng

    September 21: Ft Myers, FL
    • October 19: Jacksonville, FL
    • November 3: Lake Mary, FL
    • November 17: Tampa, FL
    • Date TBD: Chipley, FL

    Working with the Experts: Deaf/Hard of Hearing
    Session 1: Deaf Literacy with Connie Mayer
    October 7-8, 2011
    Location to be Determined
    More information later ...

    FEHI
    http://fehi.org
    November 4-5, 2011
    Westin Hotel in Lake Mary, FL

    *************************************

    September 6, 2011

    Contents:

    • Notes
    • Usher's Syndrome Screening Training
    • Working with the Experts: Deaf/Hard of Hearing
    • Signing Interactive: Online Sign Language Courses Available!
    • Regional Roundtable Discussion Re: Test Equity for Students who are D/HH
    • Websites
    • Save these Dates!

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    NOTES

    Are you using an iPad in your classroom? We would be glad to talk to you about ways to use them and apps that we really like.
    • Rena Carney and I created this site to share resources about iPads.
      • < https://sites.google.com/site/ipads4fdlrs/home >
    • We also have some resources on our wiki.
      • < https://rmtc.wikispaces.com/iPads+%26+iTouches+in+the+Classroom >
    • Kathy Schrock has created a great iPad site: iPads in the Classroom
      • < https://sites.google.com/site/schrockipad/ >

    I just realized that the Google search tool on the front page of our website isn't working. I'll try to figure out what the problem is. Also, don't forget to share with new teachers that they can subscribe to Tech Notes on our front page. < http://rmtc.fsdb.k12.fl.us >

    Don't forget our September page. There are resources for National Hispanic Heritage Month and Constitution Day. < http://rmtc.fsdb.k12.fl.us/monthly/sept.html >
    This year's student contests focus on the theme, "Celebrating Hispanic Leaders in Business — Past, Present, and Future". Information about the contests and Florida's Hispanic Heritage is available on Florida's HIspanic Heritage Month website. < http://www.floridahispanicheritage.com/ >

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    USHER SYNDROME SCREENING TRAINING
    • http://conta.cc/ushertrng

    There is nothing new concerning the Florida Usher's Training. Be aware that every deaf/hard-of-hearing student is required to be tested for Usher's between grades 6 and 12. Of course it is best to test them as early as possible so that they can start getting help if needed. Please check the link to the site above for information. Click on the site in your area to register. You should check with the ESE Coordinator from your district before registering. It would be best to have a team of three from each district: a teacher of the deaf/hard of hearing, a teacher of the visually impaired, and a nurse. At least one person from every district should attend. Participants will be reimbursed for mileage over 50 miles round-trip for up to three participants per district. Additional participants from each district will be at the district's expense. This training will provide hands-on training and the materials needed to complete the screening in their districts.

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    WORKING WITH THE EXPERTS: DEAF/HARD OF HEARING (WWE: D/HH)

    The WWE session for October 7-8 will be held at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind. We are hoping to also have it telecast to two remote locations. We will have more details about this soon.

    This is the topic of the workshop and bios for the two presenters:

    New(?) Answers to Old Questions: Literacy Development in DHH Learners
    Dr. Connie Mayer & Dr. Beverly Trezek

    In this two-day workshop, participants will be introduced to a framework for understanding literacy learning (i.e., reading and writing) in deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) individuals. Answers to long-standing questions about the nature of literacy development and effective instructional strategies will be explored with an emphasis on considering the changing context in the field (i.e., UNHS, cochlear implants, evidence-based practice). Instructional strategies for teaching reading and writing across the age and grade range will also be presented and demonstrated. Data from recent studies on the literacy achievements of learners with cochlear implants and those in bilingual settings will also be discussed.

    Dr. Connie Mayer, Ed.D. Associate Professor, York University-Toronto
    Dr. Mayer is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at York University in Toronto, Canada where she works in the graduate programs in both Education and Linguistics, and in the teacher preparation program in the education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) students. Prior to joining York, Dr. Mayer worked for more than twenty years in the field as a consultant, administrator and teacher at both schools for the deaf and in school boards. She is currently an Associate Editor for the Volta Review and serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education and the American Annals of the Deaf. Her current research focuses on written language and literacy development in D/HH learners, early literacy and early intervention, cochlear implantation, bilingualism and models of teacher education. She has authored numerous journal articles and book chapters on these topics, and presented at more than ninety national and international conferences. In 2007, her article "Can the Linguistic Interdependence Theory support a Bilingual-Bicultural Model of Literacy Education for Deaf Students?" published in the Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education was selected by Oxford University Press as one of the seminal papers published in the past century.

    Dr. Beverly Trezek, Ph.D. Associate Professor, DePaul University-Chicago
    Dr. Trezek is an Assistant Professor of Special Education and the director of the Reading Specialist: Reading and Learning Disabilities program at DePaul University. Dr. Trezek has more than twelve years of experience working as a cross-categorical special education teacher and a teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing in the K-12 public school setting. Her research interests focus on reading instruction for beginning and struggling readers with a particular emphasis on investigating the role that phonemic awareness and phonics play in the development of literacy skills for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Dr. Trezek has recently published articles in Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, American Annals of the Deaf, Behavioral Disorders, The Clearing House, Theory Into Practice, Journal of Balanced Reading Instruction and International Journal of Inclusive Education and is the lead author of the book Reading and Deafness: Theory, Research and Practice.

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    SIGNING INTERACTIVE: ONLINE SIGN LANGUAGE COURSES AVAILABLE!

    Free to family members and professionals communicating and working directly with deaf children in Florida! No experience necessary!

    Next sessions start the week of September 19th

    (Click here for more information and to register)
    < http://technology.fsdb.k12.fl.us/distance-learning/sign-language-interactive/ >

    Richard Flores
    Coordinator of Distance Learning
    Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind
    207 N. San Marco Avenue
    St. Augustine, FL 32084
    (904) 827-2614 V
    (904) 827-2338 F


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    Your Georgia/Florida PEPNet-South Outreach Site
    INVITES YOU
    to a
    REGIONAL ROUNDTABLE Discussion
    Re: Test Equity for Students who are
    Deaf and Hard of Hearing
    (this is a free training activity)
     
    Hosted by
    Valencia College
    West Campus
    1800 Kirkman Road
    Orlando, Florida

     
    When:       FRIDAY, September 16, 2011;   9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Where:    Valencia College, West Campus – 1800 Kirkman Road, Orlando, Florida
    Professional Development Awards may be available to participants from Georgia and Florida to help defray the costs of travel.  Please contact Katherine Bruni if you are interested in a PDA to attend this training.
    What Is a REGIONAL ROUNDTABLE Discussion? 
    This Regional Roundtable will focus on Test Equity  issues:

    • Understanding English and How to Explain it to Students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing; teaching reading/writing/English to students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
    • PEPNet’s 2008 Test Equity Summit and Outcomes
    • Interpreting TESTS ??

    We will also benefit from a Student Panel  that will discuss the academic challenges of going to college.
    Trainers will present information and share resources.  Trainers will also be available to answer your specific questions and discuss your concerns in a question and answer session.

    The general purpose of a REGIONAL ROUNDTABLE is to disseminate information and resources and to provide professional development regarding services, accommodations, and education for people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing.  Roundtables allow professionals in a specific region the opportunity to discuss Deaf/Hard of Hearing services, network with colleagues, and to become familiar with national and regional resources. PEPNet welcomes the opportunity to offer training, answer your questions, and to discuss technology use activities regarding students and clients who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. All postsecondary and secondary systems, as well as other professionals, are welcome to attend the Regional Roundtable on September 16, 2011.
    Completion of the Registration Form below will reserve a seat for you at the REGIONAL ROUNDTABLE.

    If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Katherine Bruni.
    Katherine is the PEPNet-South Outreach Specialist for Florida/Georgia.  katherine.bruni@pepnet.org
    404-406-8194 cell/TEXT/voice/office,FACETIME; 770-928-6785 tdd ONLY; 770-928-9929 fax.

    The Florida/Georgia PEPNet-SOUTH Outreach Site is part of a federal grant PEPNet (Postsecondary Education Programs Network.)  We  provide 1. training and professional development, 2. technical assistance (we answer your questions,) 3. technology use  activities, and 4. materials regarding services, accommodations, and education to people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing in postsecondary institutions and high schools.  Your GA/FL PEPNet-SOUTH Outreach Site  is a free resource.  Visit our  web site: www.PEPNet.org

     
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    WEBSITES

    iWork 4 School
    http://www.iwork4school.com/
    iWork for School is a resource for iWork users (Apple's Pages, Numbers, and Keynote) who find themselves in and around schools. There are loads of templates to fit your needs and they are 100% free. Whether you're a colege student, teacher, or parent you'll be able to find the iWork templates you need on iwork4school.com!

    Animaps
    http://www.animaps.com/
    Animaps extends the My Maps feature of Google Maps by letting you create maps with markers that move, images and text that pop up on cue, and lines and shapes that change over time. When you send your Animap to friends it appears like a video - they can play, pause, slow and speed up the action!

    Digital Storytelling
    http://livebinders.com/play/present?id=166980
    Jerry Swiatek created this livebinder to share resources about digital storytelling. We also have resources on this topic on our website < http://rmtc.fsdb.k12.fl.us/tutorials/photostory.html >.

    TitanPad
    http://titanpad.com/
    TitalPad lets you create a notepad to use simultaneously with other users. Each user is color-coded. Students can work in teams from different computers, or even from each of their homes. It's a great tool, and easy to use!

    Marzano's Instructional Strategies
    http://www.tltguide.ccsd.k12.co.us/instructional_tools/Strategies/Strategies.html
    This site is based on the research from
    Classroom Instruction that Works, by Robert J. Marzano, Debra J. Pickering, and Jane E. Pollock. These authors have examined decades of research to determine which teaching strategies have positive effects on student learning. To learn more about these strategies, click on Building Better Instruction by Kathy Brabec, Kim Fisher, and Howard Pitler. Another article, Focus on Instruction, by NREL, gives K - 12 examples of classroom activities. The activities on this site above offer technology resources to give students the opportunity to increase their academic achievement.

    Makes Sense Strategies
    http://www.graphicorganizers.com/
    These research-based graphic organizers are available to purchase, but there are lots of free samples you can download if you register.

    Catlin Tucker
    http://catlintucker.com/
    This is the blog for an Honors English Teacher, but is great to follow no matter what you teach. She discusses a lot of online tools and classroom strategies.

    Math Dude's Quick & Dirty Tips to Make Math Easier
    http://mathdude.quickanddirtytips.com/
    This is another great blog to follow. There are a lot of ads on the page, but the content of his blog is great. Some of his recent topics are: Can a math problem have more than one answer?; How to use Venn diagrams to solve problems; How to add quickly; and, What are numerators and denominators?

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    SAVE THESE DATES!

    REGIONAL ROUNDTABLE Discussion Re: Test Equity for Students who are D/HH
    http://www.pepnet.org/cal.asp
    September 16, 2011
    Valencia College West Campus, Orlando, FL


    Usher's Syndrome Screening Training
    http://conta.cc/ushertrng
    September 21: Ft Myers, FL
    • October 19: Jacksonville, FL
    • November 3: Lake Mary, FL
    • November 17: Tampa, FL
    • Date TBD: Chipley, FL


    Working with the Experts: Deaf/Hard of Hearing
    Session 1: Deaf Literacy with Connie Mayer
    October 7-8, 2011
    Location to be Determined
    More information later ...

    FEHI
    http://fehi.org
    November 4-5, 2011
    Westin Hotel in Lake Mary, FL

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