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Webinar, Job Opening, FEHI, iPads, and More

ezzell_k@firn.edu — 2012-02-22T15:18:18-05:00

Contents:

Notes
RMTC Webinars
Job Opening
FEHI Notice
iPads in the Classroom
Websites
Save these Dates!

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NOTES

In the last Tech Notes, I mentioned that Mandy Longo has joined our group on a part-time basis. Now you can contact her directly at longom@fsdb.k12.fl.us. She is available to work primarily with small/rural districts providing observations and needs assessments, consultation with staff, and possibly some student evaluations. Mandy has created a Facebook page. Be sure to LIKE her!!! Search for "Mandy Longo, M.S. CCC-SLP" on Facebook.

Mark your calendars! The next Language Reading Connection: Deaf/Hard of Hearing Workshop will be May 14-16 at the Westin Hotel in Lake Mary. We will be sending more information when we are ready to start accepting registrations. Note: This will only be open to those that have NOT attended previously.

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RMTC WEBINARS

Our next webinar:

What's New In SMART - Wednesday, March 7, 3:00 PM EST
During this brief, but informative webinar, we will look at all of the latest features available in the last few editions of SMART Notebook. This webinar will benefit anyone in the classroom who has a SMART Board with the latest edition of SMART Notebook installed on their computers. In addition, we will look at some of the new features that are available to SMART document camera owners that will make educating the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing student that much more exciting!
As a result of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Identify features available on SMART Notebook Version 10.8
Use the new tools to enhance the educational experience of your D/HH children
Know how to use the "Mixed Reality" cube feature of the SMART Document camera

To join the webinar:
http://connect.fsdb.k12.fl.us/rmtc
Log in as Guest, but please put your name in the name box. We want to know who is joining us!

Handouts, resources, and information for our webinars can be found on our wiki at http://rmtc.wikispaces.com. Be sure to JOIN so that you can participate in discussions. Links to webinar archives can also be found on the Wiki.

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JOB OPENING

Lake Sybelia Elementary School in Orlando has an immediate opening for a self-contained D/HH teacher. If interested, please contact Dr. Julie Paradise at Julie.paradise@ocps.net

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FEHI NOTICE

This is a reminder to submit Teacher of the Year Nominations, Mini Grant Proposals, and Honor of the Association Award nominations. Please forward this email to colleagues since we do not have an updated contact list and many email addresses are bouncing back.

The deadline for submission has been extended to March 5th, 2012. The board meeting will be held on March 10th.

All the forms are available at http://fehi.org under FORMS. Just a reminder that you have to be a paid member to qualify. If you are not and would like to join our professional group click here for the membership form (pdf file).

It is never too late!

Teacher of the Year Nomination (pdf file)
Mini Grant Proposal (pdf file)
Honor of the Association (pdf file)

Looking forward to receiving Nominations and Grant proposals.
Sincerely,
Nada El-Khoury
Past President

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iPADS IN THE CLASSROOM

We have created a spreadsheet listing iPad apps by subject area. These are apps that we like and recommend. We will be adding apps as we find them. Let us know if you find apps that aren't on the list.

Here are some other iPad resources:

iPad Lessons (Pinterest page)
Complete Guide to Educational and Special Needs Apps (Excellent resource!)
iPads in the Classroom (Kathy Schrock - always good!)
TechChef4U (great; up-to-date)
Teachers with Apps
Apps in Education
75 Interesting Ways to Use an iPad in the Classroom
APPitic (1300+ Education Apps by categories like Bloom's Taxonomy, Special Ed, Preschool, Themes, Teachers, and Multiple Intelligences)
iPad Recommended Educational App Lists
iPad Lessons
iPads in Schools
Apps for Social Studies
iPads in Special Education
iPads AND iPod Resources and Lessons
Android4Schools (for you Android users)
Cool Apps for Schools

If you want suggestions about tools to use with the iPad, let us know.

Let me highlight just a few apps that I've recently discovered.

Socrative is a FREE tool for creating quizzes. There is a teacher app and a student app. You can create quizes on your iPad or on their website. Your students can take the quiz from any device (including computers) that has Internet access.

PuppetPals is a FREE app for creating stories with characters. It's worth it to pay the $2.99 to add the PuppetPals Directors Pass to add more characters and themes. My only objection to this app is that you can't add text to your stories, but you can export your videos and add text in the iMovie app ($4.99).

ASL Zoo ($0.99) is a sign dictionary for zoo animals. I like this one because it shows the printed word, a picture of the animal, a movie of the sign, and also a movie of the animal.

Flashcardlet is a great FREE app for creating flashcards. If you want, you can create your flashcards in Quizlet (online), and import them into Flashcardlet. (Use the link to download Flashcardlet. There are MANY flashcard apps, so it may be hard to find by searching.)

Cardboard ($1.99) is another good flashcard app. You can also import from Quizlet in this app.

I like both of these flashcard apps because you can add pictures to the cards.

Are you looking for an app for a specific need? Let me know! If I don't already know of something, I will look for you!

AND ... would you like for us to feature iPad Apps in each issue of Tech Notes? Let me know!

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WEBSITES

Deaf Planet
Thought I would remind you of this site (and show). Step into the unique, cultural world of Deaf Planet native, Kendra, her hearing friend Max, and his robotic interpreter sidekick, WILMA. Each episode brings both deaf and hearing-enabled kids into a world of learning and discovery, and is as educational as it is entertaining. The website features include a wide array of interactive content to engage users such as ASL and LSQ video sign language glossaries as well as educational games and activities. Additionally, users can also watch their favorite episodes from the show. The website brings together four languages and features video, animation, and interactivity to make learning about science, math, or new languages fun for everyone. [NOTE: We have a couple of these on DVD that you can check out. You have to use them on the computer since they are interactive.]

ICTmagic
This wiki won the award for best educational wiki for 2011. It is a collection of IT resources for students and teachers, and it’s sure to give you more ideas than you could possibly have time to try.

Resouces for History Teachers
This wiki won second place for best education wiki for 2011. It features primary source, multicultural, and multimedia resources for teaching history in K-12 schools based on the Massachusetts K-12 History & Social Science Curriculum Framework, the AP World History Key Concepts, and the AP U.S. History Themes. [Note: Even though it is based on the Massachusetts curriculum, most of the concepts are also in the Sunshine State Standards! It applies!]

Educational Origami
This wiki is a resource hub, where those who contribute to the wiki can share resources on a wide range of technology and education based topics ranging from Pedagogy to Leadership and management. They have starter sheets for different technologies and rubrics for their use, plus links to readings that challenge the reader to think and question their teaching practice.

BalancEdTech
This wiki's blog posts, articles, presentations, workshops, and consulting focus on helping educators weave curriculum, pedagogy, and technology into engaging and rigorous learning.

Web 2.0: Cool Tools for Schools
This wiki highlights some of the great online tools that are available now. Check out the categories in the left frame: Presentation Tools, Collaborative Tools, Research Tools, Video Tools, Slideshow Tools, Audio Tools, Image Tools, Drawing Tools, Writing Tools, Music Tools, Organizing Tools, Converting Tools, Mapping Tools, Quiz and Poll Tools, Graphing Tools, Creativity Tools, Widgets, File Storage & Web Pages, and Other Helpful Sites.

Some LiveBinders to check out:

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SAVE THESE DATES!
FEHI
November 9-10, 2012
Westin Hotel, Lake Mary, FL

FETC (Florida Educational Technology Conference)
January 28-31, 2013
Orange County Convention Center, Orlando

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Kay Ezzell, Technology Resource Specialist
Resource Materials and Technology Center:
Deaf and Hard of Hearing/FDLRS
Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind
207 N. San Marco Avenue
St. Augustine, FL 32084
1-904-827-2684
1-800-356-6731
ezzell_k@firn.edu
rmtc78@gmail.com
http://rmtc.fsdb.k12.fl.us/

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The Resource Materials and Technology Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (FDLRS/RMTC) is funded by the State of Florida, Department of Education, Division of Public Schools and Community Education, Bureau of Exceptional Education Student Services through federal assistance under IDEA Part B, IDEA Trust, and general revenue funds.

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Webinars, SMART Note, Project Endeavor, and More

ezzell_k@firn.edu — 2012-02-01T15:14:18-05:00

Contents:

Notes
RMTC Webinars
Notes from Brian
Project Endeavor
AG Bell Video Contest
Summer Activities
Healthy Kids Challenge Recipe Contest for Middle School Students
Websites
Save these Dates!

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NOTES

Did you think we had forgotten you? We haven't! We have really been busy, but now all our Usher Screening Trainings and Focus Groups are finished, and we hope to get back to normal — or as normal as we can! Please remember to let us know how we can support you, whether it's technology, classroom strategies, family situations, etc. If we don't know the answer, we will try to find someone that does!

We are working to schedule the next Language-Reading Connection for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Workshop. Be looking for an announcement in the near future! This workshop fills up fast!

Have you liked us on Facebook? Look for 'RMTC and OSBD'! Have you followed us on Twitter: rmtcosbd

We want to welcome a new member to our team! Mandy Longo is a Speech/Language Pathologist with extensive experience in working with students who are deaf or hard of hearing. She is joining RMTC and OSBD on a part-time basis. She is available to work primarily with small/rural districts providing observations and needs assessments, consultation with staff, and possibly some student evaluations. You can email Carmelina at the address above if you would like Mandy to visit your district.

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RMTC WEBINARS

Brian has two webinars scheduled.

Internet Safety - Monday, February 6, 3:00 EST
This webinar will explore some of the dangers that teens face while using the internet. The content is focused on preparing parents/guardians and school staff with knowledge about what children may encounter online. Hopefully, the content will give those supervising Deaf and Hard of Hearing children insight into things they should be on the lookout for online. We will discuss signs teens may display that adults should be aware of. In addition, we will take a look at some measures adults can take to create a safer browsing environment for children.
As a result of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Recognize warning signs that their child may be involved in inappropriate online activity
Better prepare your home for a safer online experience
Know what topics to discuss with your child before they begin exploring online

What's New In SMART - Wednesday, March 7, 3:00 PM EST
During this brief, but informative webinar, we will look at all of the latest features available in the last few editions of SMART Notebook. This webinar will benefit anyone in the classroom who has a SMART Board with the latest edition of SMART Notebook installed on their computers. In addition, we will look at some of the new features that are available to SMART document camera owners that will make educating the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing student that much more exciting!
As a result of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Identify features available on SMART Notebook Version 10.8
Use the new tools to enhance the educational experience of your D/HH children
Know how to use the "Mixed Reality" cube feature of the SMART Document camera

Look on your toolbar, or right-click on your toolbar to customize it, and find the icon that looks like this. This is the new "Clear Ink" tool. It allows you to erase all of the digital ink on the page without using an eraser. It will leave any pictures you have on the page. So your notebook page will look new again (see below), ready for use with your next class!

I hope you find this helpful! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me!

Hope to see you soon!

Brian

Brian Newton
Technology Resource Specialist
RMTC/FDLRS Center Located in Walker Annex
SMART-Board Certified Trainer for Notebook 10 (Windows and Mac)
Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind
207 North San Marco Avenue
St. Augustine, Fl 32084-2799
RMTC.FSDB.K12.fl.us
NewtonB@fsdb.k12.fl.us

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PROJECT ENDEAVOR

Project Endeavor is a program of CSD, funded by a two year contract with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This program focuses on providing deaf and hard-of-hearing Americans with access to broadband or high speed internet through discounted internet service plans and internet devices. Project Endeavor also provides an array of training materials and educational resources for deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

This program is for everyone includIng teachers and staff. For more information, go to http://www.projectendeavor.com

For eligibility information, download this file.

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AG BELL VIDEO CONTEST: WHY I LOVE HEARING TECHNOLOGY
http://nc.agbell.org/page.aspx?pid=1433
Enter the "Why I Love Hearing Technology" video contest for a chance to win a $250 Apple gift card! AG Bell is now accepting video entries featuring professionals, groups and organizations who support, use or know someone who uses hearing technology to listen and talk in the following categories:

Kids and families
Organizations
Professionals in training
Professionals in the field
Adults with hearing loss

Professionals are encouraged to submit a 60-second video in response to the question that demonstrates how hearing technology has affected the lives of the families and children they work with. Submitting a video is easy: videos should be captioned and uploaded to the submitter's YouTube account, and a submission form filled out on the AG Bell website, http://www.agbell.org. The contest deadline is May 1, 2012 by 5 p.m. EDT. Click here to learn more.

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SUMMER ACTIVITIES

ALABAMA
Summer Sports Camp for Youth
July 2012
http://www.gallaudetathletics.com/camps/index

DELAWARE
National American Sign Language and English Bilingual Consortium for Early Childhood Education: Summit III
March 16-17, 2012
Mission: to promote the development, management, and coordination of ASL/English bilingual early childhood education for children who are deaf and hard of hearing and their families so that...families are afforded the option of choosing ASL/English bilingual early childhood education for their child.
Hosted by the Delaware School for the Deaf
630 E. Chestnut Hill Road
Newark DE 19713
Registration Fee: $150.00 per person
Limited to 150 participants on a first come, first served basis
Contact Information: ECE.SUMMIT@gmail.com
For more information, visit: http://bilingualece.org/

Gallaudet University’s Summer Programs
May 14 – August 10, 2012
Gallaudet University's Summer Programs offers a comprehensive array of exemplary personal and professional development, leadership, and outreach programs for deaf and hard of hearing individuals, their families, communities, and professionals working with them across the globe. Programs and services are developed to address the needs and interests of diverse constituencies through the offering of graduate, undergraduate, professional studies, and non-credit courses and programs.
For more information visit: http://www.gallaudet.edu/summer_programs.html

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HEALTHY KIDS CHALLENGE RECIPE CONTEST FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS

All over the country, educators and parents are using the Healthy Kids Challenge Stirring Up Health Recipe Contest as a way to model and help kids build healthy habits. Seventh and eighth graders are learning healthy eating skills while creating a healthy recipe or making an existing recipe healthier. In the words of a middle school educator, “I feel I am making a difference by educating my students to make healthy and wise food choices that will impact their overall health in the future.”
Frost Middle School

1. Use the Stirring Up Health Recipe Contest to
a. Build skills and appeal for healthy food choices.
b. Use life skill situations for students to apply math, language arts, and science.
c. Have students use process skills to collect data, analyze, conclude, and strategize.

2. Enter recipes as individuals or a group and have a chance to win a school/youth organization visit from a Johnson and Wales University chef. Johnson and Wales is a leading culinary arts school whose alumni include well-known television personalities.

3. Use the recipe contest essay guidelines to help kids set healthy goals.

The Stirring Up Health Recipe Contest ends March 2, 2012.

See classroom ideas and entry information at: http://www.healthykidschallenge.com/content/2010-2011-classroom-ideas.

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WEBSITES

FlexBooks
http://www.ck12.org/flexbook/
FlexBooks are customizable textbooks that you can use online or as printed books. You can share FlexBooks, and you can customize them. They provide high-quality online materials that are aligned with national textbook standards, and -- because FlexBooks are online -- they can keep them up to date much more easily than printed textbooks. You can use the books just as they provide them, or use only parts of them, or add you own materials or material from the web. FlexBooks are as flexible as you make them by adding or deleting material (including graphics and videos), adjusting the difficulty of the language, and making any other changes you need. You can then make them available online -- including in PDF readers that allow students to annotate them -- or print all or part of your FlexBook. FlexBooks are free, so you can modify your FlexBook each time you find something that works better in your classroom.

BatchGeo
http://batchgeo.com
BathGeo is a quick and easy tool to map multiple locations on a single map. You can create a local map by showing where your students live. But you can also create US or international maps. What if you paste in places along the Oregon Trail and create a map? Or Westward Expansion? Or Columbus's or Magellan's voyages? This is a great tool!!!

Health Information
http://www.healthbridges.info/?page_id=36
This website where your students can type in their communication preferences and then print out a card that they carry with them at all times in their wallet/purse, so they can show it to anyone they may encounter to let them know how they communicate and gives their emergency contact info, etc.

General Mathematics and Teaching Resources
http://www.onlineteachingdegree.com/resources/general-mathematics-and-teaching-resources/
This page is a compilation of resources for math professionals and teachers, including various teaching styles, links to mathematics journals for inspiration, and an abundance of sites dedicated to making math instruction accessible, fun, and worthwhile.

SNApps4Kids
http://www.snapps4kids.com/
SNApps4Kids is a community of parents, therapists, doctors, and teachers who share information on how they are using the iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, and Android devices with children who have special needs.

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SAVE THESE DATES!
FEHI
November 9-10, 2012
Westin Hotel, Lake Mary, FL

FETC (Florida Educational Technology Conference)
January 28-31, 2013
Orange County Convention Center, Orlando

Online Sign Language Classes, Pinterest, and More

ezzell_k@firn.edu — 2011-12-15T12:59:07-05:00

Contents:

Notes
Signing Interactive: Online Sign Language Courses Available!
Signing with Babies and Children
FEHI Update
Pinterest
Websites
Save these Dates!

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NOTES

We hope all of you have a great vacation! Happy Holidays!

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SIGNING INTERACTIVE: ONLINE SIGN LANGUAGE COURSES AVAILABLE!

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

Signing Interactive is an opportunity for families and professionals to learn Sign Language through an online video chat room setting. While learning vocabulary, grammar, and culture, each individual’s specific sign language needs will be met through online surveys and weekly correspondence. This experience as an eight-week course built around each participant can range from beginner to intermediate levels. This approach is a new endeavor for many parents and professionals. These participants have requested this support to increase communication with their deaf and hard-of-hearing children at home and in the classroom. While there is no cost for the course, we hope those wishing to be involved are able to commit the necessary time and effort. We also ask for constructive input to better shape the courses for future participants. As this is an online course, this easy ONLINE SURVEY / REGISTRY LINK will get you started! Questions – Contact Aimee McDonald. Project made possible from the Theodore R. and Vivian M. Johnson Foundation.

Next sessions start the week of January 9th.

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

http://www.fsdb.k12.fl.us
http://technology.fsdb.k12.fl.us
http://www.vimeo.com/fsdb
http://www.youtube.com/fsdbvideos
http://www.facebook.com/FloridaDeafandBlind

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SIGNING WITH BABIES AND CHILDREN

This article is a summary of research findings for parents and professionals on the impact of signing on babies and children. There is a good reference section at the end.

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FEHI UPDATE

Mark your calendars! The FEHI conference will be November 9 and 10, 2012 at the Westin in Lake Mary.

If you missed the opportunity to attend this year's conference and would like to see the keynote speaker's presentation you can see a recoding on the FEHI Website. You can also download or open the PowerPoint presentations of the sessions as pdf files. All files will be uploaded by the end of next week.

Thank you
Nada El-Khoury
Past-President

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Pinterest

Have you heard of Pinterest? This is the description from their About page:
Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes. Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests. To get started, request an invite.

This is my home page. You can see that I haven't added a lot to my pages. I started creating a Pinterest board for Math 4 Teachers. BUT then I realized that there are already good pages. So why re-create? Here is one a teacher created for younger students. It's called Math Stuff for School. This same teacher has a page for Projects 4 School.

Here are some other good Pinterest boards you may be "pinterested" in:

Okay, I quit!!! I get lost reading all the good sites I find. You need to search yourselves!!!

How can you create your own Pinterest Boards? Go to the Pinterest website and click "Request an Invite". Then learn your way around by exploring different boards. You can "Follow" people, or particular boards. Then you will be notified when they make changes. Click on 'About' and then 'Help' to find directions for creating your own boards, following, etc.Direct

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WEBSITES

Poster Street
This site has free posters that you can download and print. Click on 'Teacher' to find great ones for teachers — both for the classroom, and inspirational. 'Kids' has great ones for your students, and 'Teen' for your older students. They also have a store if you want to get the same posters printed on cups, totes, etc.

Teaching Blog Addict
This is a blog that links to fabulous teaching blogs that are filled with creative teaching tips and fun educational resources.

Lory's Page
Lory is a second-grade teacher that likes to create things for her students and her classroom. On this blog, she shares a lot of the things she has made. Download to your heart's content, but please read her disclaimer about not selling her products.

SpaceWeather
This is a good site to check on what is happening with the earth, sun, and space — eclipses, meteror showers, asteroids, etc.

Dots-n-Spots
The blog of a fourth-grade teacher that loves polka dots. She shares ideas from her classroom.

Create-Teach-Share
This blog is by another fourth-grade teacher. She shares lots of ideas and things she has made for her classroom.

ICT Magic
This wiki was named the best educational wiki of 2011. A primary teacher in the UK developed the site to share the many online resources he uses in his classroom. Click on the subject area on the left to find resources for what you teach. [Note: some parts of the site might not work due to your school's firewall. Explore the site at home if you can.]

Lose the Chalk
This UK teacher's blog reflects her use of technology with her students. In her post from 12/11/11, she has pictures of some of the displays in her classroom.

KB...Konnected
KB is a teacher of art and reading/writing to students with special behavioral, emotional, and educational needs. This blog is a reflection of tools and resources she has found online.

Celebrating Winter
This is a resource for free holiday and seasonal educational activities. Click on the icons to find free learning resources for all of your favorite winter holidays including learning games, language activities, writing prompts, songs, action rhymes, fingerplays, printable worksheets, flash cards, word walls, puzzles, coloring pages, arts and crafts, ELL resources, and other winter fun.

YouTube for Schools
YouTube has create this site for educational use. I hope it isn't blocked in your districts! Access thousands of free high quality educational videos on YouTube in a controlled environment.

Mummy's Message
Mummy's Message is an ancient Egyptian educational game designed to educate middle and high school students about Egyptian civilization. This interactive classroom game brings the history of ancient Egypt to life, incorporating the use of pharaohs, pyramids, mummies, and hieroglyphic messages.

Classroom Antarctica Classroom Antarctica - a comprehensive online teaching resource produced by the Australian Antarctic Division. It is particularly aimed at grades 5 to 8. Each unit has a selection of activities you can mix and match to meet your own school or state's learning objectives. You can adapt the activities to the range of abilities in your class and the particular interests of your students.

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SAVE THESE DATES!

Usher's Syndrome Screening Training
• January 17: Chipley, FL

FETC (Florida Educational Technology Conference)
January 23-26, 2012
Orange County Convention Center, Orlando

FEHI
November 9-10, 2012
Westin Hotel, Lake Mary, FL

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Downloading from YouTube, Workshops, FL Hands & Voices, & More

ezzell_k@firn.edu — 2011-12-08T13:00:00-05:00

Contents:

Notes
Can I Use that YouTube Movie?
Workshops
Florida Hands and Voices
New DVD on Support Service Providers for Deaf-Blind Individuals
Websites
Save these Dates!

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NOTES

Don't forget our Holiday Resources page. There are lots of links to pages for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Years, and other December happenings.

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CAN I USE THAT YOUTUBE MOVIE?

Items on the internet have the same intellectual property rights as any other type of media. Your use of someone else's creation, in any format, is subject to Fair Use Guidelines to protect the creator's intellectual property.
To determine Fair Use, consider the following...

the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;
the nature of the copyrighted work;
the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and
the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.

If you are using these clips in an educational environment, and captions are being added for accessibility; you most likely fall under fair use. If the modified clips are housed on a "closed" system (password protected) that only your students are accessing, then you are even safer.

**Keep in mind, Fair Use is not a rule or a law.. Fair Use Guidelines can be used as a defense if the intellectual property owner files a suit. In addition, citing your sources is always good practice.

Resources for more information on Captioning, Copyright and Citing :

Captioning
        www.dcmp.org/CIY

Copyright and Fair Use
        www.techlearning.com/article/3398

Citing Digital Sources
         www.umich.edu/~ece/resources/citations.html#images

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WORKSHOPS

Differentiated Instruction! Using Technology to Develop Literacy Skills for Students with Additional Developmental Disabilities
Use technology to help students read, write, create, and collaborate! Presenter Nada El-Khoury will demonstrate the use of Comic Life, Photostory—and other free or low- cost technology resources—for instruction and evaluation. Nada will share the impact of digital stories on language, vocabulary development, reading, and writing skills.
When: January 14, 2012
Where: The Florida Hotel and Conference Center, Orlando, FL
For more Info:

Strategies for Understanding and Enhancing the Communicative and Cognitive Competencies of Children with Severe and Multiple Disabilities, sponsored by the University of Florida and the Florida Outreach Project for Children and Young Adults Who Are Deaf-Blind
When: February 2-3, 2012!
Where: Hawthorne Suites, Lake Buena Vista, 8303 Palm Parkway, Orlando 32836 (near Walt Disney World)
Presenter: Philip Schweigert, Early Communication Consultant for the New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Target Audience: This is intended for professionals, para-professionals, parents, and other caregivers who work and care for these learners.
Workshop Description: This is a workshop on communication and concept skill development for individuals with deaf-blindness, as well as other severe and multiple disabilities. The workshop includes both instruction and practical exercises. These are designed to support participants understanding of ways to encourage children with significant and disabilities in developing skills for participation in their social and physical worlds. The content of this workshop is based on the Design to Learn model developed by Rowland and Schweigert.
$50 REGI ST RATI ON: Limited scholarships AVAILABLE!
Parents are always FREE! Individual consultation sessions!
Contact Pam Kissoondyal at 352-273-7529 or 800-667-4052 or pamsk@ufl.edu for more information.

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FLORIDA HANDS & VOICES

Florida Hands and Voices has a new website. Be sure to check it out. And visit their Facebook Page.

We have three upcoming events in the Orlando area that we would like to share with you!

1. Silent Saturdays
We will gather once a month at Panera on Lake Eola in Downtown Orlando for Silent Saturdays. This is an opportunity for parents, professionals, ASL students, or anyone who is interested in practicing their sign language skills. Grab a cup of coffee, turn off your voice, and jump in! (no children please). We had our first "Silent Saturday" this past weekend, and it was a huge success! We had parents of deaf children, deaf adults, interpreters, high school ASL students, speech-language pathologists, and more! We had every skill level present, from the very beginning signer, all the way up to native signers. Same time, same place each month. Our next Silent Saturday is going to be on January 14th at the Panera on Lake Eola at 10AM. We hope you can join us!

2. Signed Stories at Barnes & Noble
We have partnered with Barnes & Noble on Colonial Drive to be able to offer Signed Stories in their children's department. We are going to be working with the guest story tellers, as well as The Orlando Repertory Theater, to bring signed stories to our community. Our first signed story is THIS Friday night (December 9)! Students from Edgewater High School are going to be reading the story, The Polar Express, and it will be told in Sign Language by deaf adult, Joe Kramlinger. He is an amazing storyteller!

3. The Annual Holiday Gala for deaf/hard of hearing children and their families, presented by Hearing Me. The theme for this event is "A Pirate and Princess Holiday" and children can come wearing their costumes! This event is on December 15, 2011 from 6:30 - 8:30pm at The Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies in Classrooms 1 and 2. This is located at 83 Miller Street, Orlando, FL 32805.
If you would like to attend, you must RSVP to Tanya Williams by 12/12/11. You can contact Tanya by email at: Tanya.williams@Orlandohealth.com

Remember, all of our events are posted on Facebook, so you can always check there for updates or more information, or you can contact me at any time.
        Happy Holidays from Florida Hands & Voices!

Mandy Longo
Child & Family Program Coordinator
Florida Hands & Voices
Email: mandygo@aol.com

Florida Hands & Voices is a 501(c)(3) organization.

Mailing Address:
Florida Hands & Voices, Inc.
P.O. Box 620756
Oviedo, FL 32762-0756

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NEW DVD ON SUPPORT SERVICE PROVIDERS FOR DEAF-BLIND INDIVIDUALS

We received an announcement about a newly released DVD on Support Service Providers for Deaf-Blind Individuals. As you may know, there are estimated to be 1.2 million Americans who are both deaf and visually impaired. Dealing with this dual sensory loss can be challenging at the very least and devastating at its worst, causing profound isolation and loneliness. Support Service Providers can make a huge difference in improving the quality of lives for people who are deaf-blind.

The attached flyer describes this informative and engaging documentary which portrays SSPs at work with deaf-blind individuals on a cruise to Alaska. Personal testimonials by Donna Ragland of Morrison, Colorado, and other deaf-blind travelers from all over the United States, describe the value of support service providers: how their services enable them to access the world around them, participate in their communities, and maintain and enjoy an active life.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this DVD will benefit future trips of the Deaf-Blind Explorers. An order form is attached. For more information on this DVD and other books go to the website.

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WEBSITES

Mrs. Hahn's Resources
This high school Biology teacher keeps a running list of resources that she uses in class, or that she comes across and seem like they would be a good idea.

Mrs. Volak's Second Grade
This second-grade teacher shares lots of her classroom resources. Click on 2 Reading to find Keynote and PowerPoint interactive games she created to support her lessons. Some of the other pages list other online resources to support that topic.

Your Next Read
When nearing the end of a great book it’s natural to want more books like the one that is about to come to an end. YourNextRead takes the book you’re reading and suggests follow up books to match it. For each book you plug in you get eight suggestions. You can click on one of the suggestions to read more or, if you’re already familiar with the book, give it a thumbs up or thumbs down to refine the search. Click on the Children tab to find suggestions for children's books. [Thanks for the link, Rebecca!]
Craft Ideas: Winter/Christmas
Free craft ideas, patterns, and tutorials for the Winter and Christmas season. Visit the Home page to find materials for other times of the year.

NeoK12
Educational collection of videos, lessons, quizzes, puzzles, and games for K-12 School Kids. There are also good pictures you can download to use in presentations or worksheets. [Note: Very good videos, but not captioned!]

OpenCourt Resources
Free preK-6 resources created by teachers for teachers.

Math Worksheets World
Good math worksheets for K-12 students. A yearly subscription is $30 right now.

How Candy Canes Are Made
Video showing a candy cane factory. [Note: not captioned]

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SAVE THESE DATES!

Usher's Syndrome Screening Training
• January 17: Chipley, FL

FETC (Florida Educational Technology Conference)
January 23-26, 2012
Orange County Convention Center, Orlando

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

Working with the Experts Reminder

ezzell_k@firn.edu — 2011-11-07T12:55:00-05:00

This is a reminder of the upcoming Working with Experts: Deaf/Hard of Hearing sessions. We realize this is a busy time of year, but we needed to complete these before the end of the year.

If you would like to attend these sessions in St. Augustine, be aware that the city celebrates the beginning of "Nights of Lights" on November 19. This is when they light the Christmas lights. Make your hotel reservations as soon as possible. This is beautiful time to go downtown, but there is a LOT of traffic that night. The lights will be on all through December and January, so you can see them if you attend WWE 3 and/or 4, too. If you attend WWE 3, you might also be interested in the First Friday Art Walk. This is an opportunity to visit art galleries downtown.

Let us know if you have any questions!

______________________________________________________________

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

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

“O.U.R. Children: Observing, Understanding, Responding & Preventing Violence Against Children who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing”
Harold Johnson, Ashley Koe, Gabe Lomas, Caroline Guardino

Children with disabilities are three to four times more likely to experience maltreatment than their nondisabled peers. This horrific reality can be prevented, or at least mitigated, if parents and professionals are aware of the risks, how to reduce the risks, how recognize and then report a suspicions of maltreatment, and finally, when instances of maltreatment have occurred, how to provide support to children and their family.

Topically this WWE will share information, stories, insights and resources concerning the prevention, recognition, reporting and response to child maltreatment from birth through adulthood. Topics such as neglect, physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, plus “cyber risk,” “teen dating violence,” and domestic abuse will be dealt with in a sensitive, open, interactive and hopeful manner. Participants will be encouraged to share their goals, questions and resources at the WWE.

Participants will also be invited to join a well established online “community of learners” who are collaboratively supporting one another as we share what we know and learn what we need to protect our children from maltreatment.

Please join us for a weekend of knowledge, hope, and support for together we CAN make a difference.
________________

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 (Session 4 only)

Location: Polk County FDLRS/ESE Office, Bartow Municipal Airport #270
Remote Site with Live Streaming

Ft. Lauderdale

Location to be determined
Remote Site with Live Streaming

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

Itinerant News, SKI-HI Training, and More

ezzell_k@firn.edu — 2011-11-16T12:54:00-05:00

Contents:

Notes
Working with the Experts: Deaf/Hard of Hearing
Itinerant Round Table
The Idea Book for Educators Magazine
SKI-HI Training
Resources
Websites
Save these Dates!

?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?

NOTES

It was great seeing many of you at FEHI! I think it was one of our best conferences ever! There were some great presentations! Thanks to the FEHI Board!

For those of you that wanted the extra handouts that Lynne Price had in her presentation, I have scanned them, and posted them on the D/HH Itinerant Wiki. Click on FEHI 2011 in the left column. While you are on the wiki, check out some of the other resources there!

Please note under Save these Dates that the Usher Training for the Panhandle has been rescheduled for January 17.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

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

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

WWE 3 (December 3-4, Sat/Sun)
"O.U.R. Children: Observing, Understanding, Responding & Preventing Violence Against Children who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing"
Harold Johnson, Ashley Koe, Gabe Lomas, Caroline Guardino

Children with disabilities are three to four times more likely to experience maltreatment than their nondisabled peers. This horrific reality can be prevented, or at least mitigated, if parents and professionals are aware of the risks, how to reduce the risks, how recognize and then report a suspicions of maltreatment, and finally, when instances of maltreatment have occurred, how to provide support to children and their family.

Topically this WWE will share information, stories, insights and resources concerning the prevention, recognition, reporting and response to child maltreatment from birth through adulthood. Topics such as neglect, physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, plus “cyber risk,” “teen dating violence,” and domestic abuse will be dealt with in a sensitive, open, interactive and hopeful manner. Participants will be encouraged to share their goals, questions and resources at the WWE.

Participants will also be invited to join a well established online “community of learners” who are collaboratively supporting one another as we share what we know and learn what we need to protect our children from maltreatment.

Please join us for a weekend of knowledge, hope, and support for together we CAN make a difference.

________________

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.

IN FOUR 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 (WWE 4 only)

Location: Polk County FDLRS/ESE Office, Bartow Municipal Airport #270
Remote Site with Live Streaming

Ft. Lauderdale

Location to be determined
Remote Site with Live Streaming

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

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

ITINERANT ROUND TABLE

There will not be an Itinerant Round Table this year. Instead, RMTC is going to be having working type meetings where we will work on solving the problems we discussed at previous Round Table discussions. Also, the State Leadership Team is helping us to address these concerns. The Roundtable is evolving to a working meeting to address our specific concerns. RMTC is helping to support us by providing the funding and bringing the workshops to us.

Major Concerns:
1. What is the curriculum for Itinerant Teachers of the D/HH?
2. How to determine amount of service provided to the student with a hearing loss?
3. How do you provide services? (Direct and Indirect)
4. How to determine an appropriate case load for each Itinerant Teacher of D/HH? When is it time to hire another teacher?

At the WWE for Itinerants we are trying to address 1 & 3.

Cara Wilmot, M.Ed.
Teacher of Deaf/Hard of Hearing
wilmotc@duvalschools.org (Best way to contact me.)
858-3518 (Voicemail Only)
858-3534 (Fax)

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THE IDEA BOOK FOR EDUCATORS MAGAZINE (free bi-annual subscription) Teachers: sign up to receive A+E Networks' free bi-annual magazine The Idea Book For Educators. In each magazine you'll find Classroom guides, program information and our Creative Ideas From Our Teachers contest in which educators can win $1,000 for submitting their innovative classroom lessons. You can also email the subscription information on the form to classroom@aetn.com
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SKI-HI TRAINING

SKI - HI training will be offered in Saint Augustine at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind. The training will start in January.

A flyer and registration form are attached.

For more information, please contact Kathy Kelly at 904-827-2437 or by email at kellyk@fsdb.k12.fl.us

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Resources

There were a couple of vendors at FEHI with materials specifically for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing:

Rule the School: Self-Advocacy Tools for Students with Hearing Loss has a Board Game, TicTacToe Bingo Games, Apps for the iPhone, iPad iTouch, and Mac computers, and a Helping Hands CD. You can get more information on their site.

HandCraftEdASL© is an accessible and FUN way to build competence and confidence in your child! The products are designed to educate and entertain using classic play patterns, simple card decks, and colorful imagery.

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WEBSITES

Playdough Recipe
Lots of recipes for making different kinds and colors of playdough -- even edible.

Robert Subada
Robert Subada creates pop-up books, and has some pop-ups that you can download to create your own. This includes a turkey if you want to try it for Thanksgiving.

Have Fun Teaching Blog
I mentioned the Have Fun Teaching website before, but you might want to subscribe to the blog. They feature new worksheets on a regular basis.

We Give Books
We Give Books is a free website that provides parents, caregivers, and educators with immediate access to a growing digital collection of Penguin Group's classic children's literature – stories that they can enjoy in the classroom or at home to enhance early reading experiences. For every Penguin or DK book read online at wegivebooks.org, the Pearson Foundation donates a book to a child in partnership with one of the exemplary international, national, and local literacy organizations that the We Give Books program helps to support. Some good books for next week are Two Bad Pilgrims, T is for Turkey, and Pardon That Turkey. You can search for books by topic if you're looking for something specific.

Vocabulary.com
A free site that allows students at all levels to acquire and retain vocabulary. Each free session has three levels and contains puzzles and activities. This site is updated continuously.
Free Word Puzzles for Thanksgiving: Thanksgiving Day

Maggie's Earth Adventures
Free educational resources available in both English and Spanish.

The English Teacher's Friend
This site picks through the best of the excellent teaching materials for middle and high school English teachers, and features tons of resources and lessons -- all FREE. You can also subscribe to The Monday Morning Connection Newsletter for engaging and time-saving lessons for middle and high school English classes.

Thanksgiving Math Worksheets
Thanksgiving Themed Math Pages
Thanksgiving Resources and Activities
Thanksgiving Mazes
November Worksheets
DLTK Crafts for Kids: Thanksgiving

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SAVE THESE DATES!

Usher's Syndrome Screening Training
• December 1: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
• January 17: Chipley, FL

Working with the Experts: Deaf/Hard of Hearing
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

FETC (Florida Educational Technology Conference)
January 23-26, 2012
Orange County Convention Center, Orlando

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

PEPNet Update, Signapalooza, PocketMods, and More

ezzell_k@firn.edu — 2011-10-18T12:52:00-04:00

Contents:

Notes
Working with the Experts: Deaf/Hard of Hearing
FEHI Update
PEPNet Update
K-12 Interpreting Resources
Low-Cost Internet Services
Signapalooza
PocketMods
MTV’s Next Reality Star: University for the Deaf
Websites
Save these Dates!

?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?

NOTES

There are several time-sensitive notes here. Please read these as soon as you can. Especially the note about making your FEHI reservations!

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

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

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!

________________

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

Ft. Lauderdale

Location to be determined
Remote Site with Live Streaming

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

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

FEHI UPDATE

This is a friendly reminder about FEHI Conference. Visit our website for a list of presentations. If you have not registered the deadline is October 20 if you wish the regular registration cost.

Hotel Reservations: You need to have your reservation made by October 20th. The room block reserved for FEHI will be released on October 20th.

If you need to make reservations for the FEHI rate you will have to call Mary Blunt at the
WESTIN LAKE MARY
2974 International Parkway, Lake Mary, FL 32746
D 321.249.8021

Looking forward to seeing you there.
Nada

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PEPNet Update

As you may know, PEPNet's 2006 - 2011 grant cycle ended on September 30, 2011. But PEPNet services will continue in the future under a new model!

In the next project cycle, the model will shift to one national center instead of four regional centers. The national center will be located at California State University Northridge (CSUN.) Additional information about activities and services will be posted on the PEPNet website. The new funding cycle began on October 1.

As of October 1, 2011 the GA/FL PEPNet-South Outreach Site office will be closed.

For a long time it has been my plan to retire at the end of this funding cycle. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve Georgia for many years and - - - Georgia & Florida in the last five years through the GA/FL PEPNet-South Outreach Site. Thank You! I am glad that PEPNet will continue, and I hope you will call on PEPNet again in the future through its new model as one national center at CSUN.

Katherine J. Bruni katherine.bruni@pepnet.org Outreach Specialist, Georgia/Florida PEPNet-SOUTH Outreach Site 404-406-8194 cell/TEXT/voice/office/FACETIME; 770-928-6785 tdd only; FAX: 770-928-9929 PEPNet-South Satellite Office: 324 Knots Circle Woodstock, GA 30188

The Georgia/Florida PEPNet-SOUTH Outreach Site is part of a federal grant PEPNet (Postsecondary Education Programs Network) that is supported by contracts with the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Office of Special Education Programs. 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.

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K-12 Interpreting Resources: Three Powerful, Free Online Tools

If you work in the K-12 environment or are a parent of a young student who is deaf or hard of hearing, PEPNet wants to introduce you to three resources that contain useful information on many of the topics on your mind, and can lead you to additional helpful sites.

Classroominterpreting.org
Classroominterpreting.org was developed by Dr. Brenda Schick, Ph.D., CED, Professor, University of Colorado Boulder, with U.S. Department of Education funding, and is maintained/housed by Boys Town National Research Hospital, the site of the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA) Center. Teachers, parents, students, administrators, and interpreters will find something useful at the site. Parents can find information about what it means for their children to have an interpreted education, the rights and responsibilities of everyone involved, and what they can learn from case studies. Administrators can quickly gather information about supervising interpreters, qualifications, and legal issues. Students can analyze their learning styles to discover if they are more visual or more auditory, or read about their communication rights at school. Interpreters can find solid information about the work of K-12 interpreters, effective preparation, professional guidelines, and tutoring. This site has carefully organized information, and provides a plethora of additional resources and links. RID Educational Interpreter

RID Educational Interpreter Resources Toolkit
The Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) provides all types of interpreting resources, but houses a unique collection of information related to interpreting in the K-12 education environment. The Educational Interpreter Resources Toolkit was developed by the 2007-09 RID Educational Interpreting Committee under the leadership of Committee Chair Pam Brodie. This rich resource is perfect for any K-12 staff member wanting detailed information ranging from laws/policies, related organizations, books/journals of interest, state specific interpreting guidelines, and resources for school personnel, students, and parents. It differs from the above resource in that it was produced mostly to meet the needs of K-12 interpreters whose work often is different than that of interpreters working in the community with adults.

RID K-12 Educational Interpreting Standard Practice
A third useful resource is the RID Overview of K-12 Educational Interpreting Standard Practice, written by the RID Professional Standards Committee. It was updated in 2010 by the RID Educational Interpreter Task Force, under the leadership of Chair Susan Brown. This is one of 17 Standard Practice Papers on the RID website, and the only one tailored to the K-12 environment. The paper is useful to guide best practices in schools across the country, to encourage high standards by all those working with children who are deaf or hard of hearing, and to emphasize again that schools that have not worked with interpreters have available resources. The paper touches on related laws, qualifications, the role of K-12 interpreters, ethics, and supervision.

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LOW-COST INTERNET SERVICES

We know that receiving internet services can be crucial, but costly. We hope this information helps to provide better access for videophones, computers/webcams or to download audiobooks, etc.

Any family with at least one child who qualifies for the free lunch program at public schools can subscribe to a low-speed (1.5Mbps) Comcast Internet connection for $9.95 a month

How to qualify
To qualify for $9.95 a month Internet service and a low-cost computer, your household must meet all these criteria:

Be located where Comcast offers Internet service
Have at least one child receiving free school lunches through the National School Lunch Program
Have not subscribed to Comcast Internet service within the last 90 days
Not have an overdue Comcast bill or unreturned equipment

How to apply

Call 1-855-8-INTERNET (1-855-846-8376) to request an application
We will mail you an application. Complete and return it, along with lunch program documents from your child's school
We will notify you by mail about the status of your application. Allow 7-10 days for a response

For information about local Comcast services in your area:
http://www.comcast.com/Corporate/shop/Products/local/florida.cspx

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

SIGNAPALOOZA

The UNF Interpreting Program is partnering with Jacksonville Deaf Club to sponsor a day of Deaf Pride activities for the whole family that will include: Workshop for Deaf Community Members about Deaf Interpreting, Deaf Teen Theatre (Hands-On Theatre) Workshop and Evening Performance, Language and Fun Activities for Deaf Children who use ASL, and classes and networking opportunities for Parents of Deaf Children. Please mark your calendars and pass this along to any families, teens, or others you know who might be interested in attending...more information coming soon with registration available on Facebook. All activities are FREE!

Thanks!
Sherry

Dr. Sherry Shaw, Ed.D., CSC
Program Director, Associate Professor
ASL/English Interpreting
University of North Florida
1 UNF Drive, 57/3500
Jacksonville, FL 32224
Phone: 904.620.1811 VP: 904.385.4395 Fax: 904.620.3895

Click here for the event flyer: Signapalooza

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

POCKETMODS

The PocketMod is a new way to keep yourself organized. Lets face it, PDAs are too expensive and cumbersome, and organizers are bulky and hard to carry around. Nothing beats a folded up piece of paper. That is until now. With the PocketMod, you can carry around the days notes, keep them organized in any way you wish, then easily transfer the notes to your PDA, spreadsheet, or planner. The PocketMod is a small book with guides on each page. These guides or templates, combined with a unique folding style, enable a normal piece of paper to become the ultimate note card. It is hard to describe just how incredibly useful the PocketMod is.

The PocketMod application is completely online at this time, but they are working on a new version. For Windows users, there is already a program you can download to convert PDFs to PocketMods. The online creator has guides for writing paper, calendars, organizers, references, games (like Sudoku), and emergency information. The information you put on the pages is endless. You can also use blank pages and make story starters, or stories.

Onion Mountain Tech PocketMods
This site is collecting PocketMods. You can download some that others have made, and you can contribute some of your own. An example of some that are already there are Solar System, Coins, Letter A, Money ID, Shapes, Halloween, and Oceans. Try some of these to get an idea of what you can do yourself!

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MTV’S NEXT REALITY STAR: UNIVERSITY FOR THE DEAF
MTV's college channel, mtvU, which has taken its cameras and microphones into lectures, concerts and protests at schools across the country, will next attempt to capture university life of an entirely different nature: a campus where nearly all students are deaf.

On Monday, the cable network will formally announce the debut of a short-form series, "Quiet Campus," that will follow four students at Gallaudet University, the four-year school for the deaf and hard of hearing in Washington, D.C. (You can watch a clip from the series on this website.)

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

WEBSITES

iPads in Education
This Ning explores the use of iPads and eBooks in education. There are lots of good resources, and you can join discussions with other iPad users.

YouTube Space Lab
I hope that you are able to see this page. It's unfortunate that they put this amazing site on YouTube since it is often blocked in schools. This page is the YouTube Space Lab, launching with Lenovo and Space Adventures in cooperation with NASA, ESA, and JAXA. Watch amazing space and science videos and, if you're 14 to 18 years old, submit a space experiment idea for your chance to win out-of-this-world prizes. Check this Educator page to learn more about the Space Lab. [Note: The one I saw was captioned -- you just need to click the CC button (which doesn't show up until you click play).]

Lanternfish ESL
I've mentioned this website before, but it was called Boggle's World. There are worksheets, flashcards, games, and activities already created.

Qwiki
Check out this unusual search engine. Type in your keyword, and the search engine creates movies of the websites. Very cool! And very visual!

WebMATH
Webmath is a math-help web site from Discovery Education that generates answers to specific math questions and problems, as entered by a user, at any particular moment. The math answers are generated and displayed real-time, at the moment a web user types in their math problem and clicks "solve." In addition to the answers, Webmath also shows the student how to arrive at the answer.

November 11, 2011
11/11/11 is coming soon -- an event that won't happen for another thousand years. These sites have ideas for preparing for this day:

These ideas came from Diane Flynn Keith's ClickSchooling newsletter:
Plan eleven fun activities. Dress in 11's - wear stripes! Color with 11 crayons. Listen to 11 songs. Read 11 pages in a book. Visit 11 friends. Plant 11 seeds. Do 11 sit-ups. Give 11 gifts. Solve 11 math problems. Go on an "11 Hunt" - find eleven things, or search for the number 11 wherever you go. You can also eat meals made up of 11's with tasty treats such as:

Carrot Sticks
Celery Sticks
Pretzel Sticks
String Cheese
French Fries
Bread Sticks

Do you have other ideas?

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

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

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

FEHI Update, New IDEA Rules, and More

ezzell_k@firn.edu — 2011-09-23T12:49:00-04:00

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!

?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

DOE Survey and More

ezzell_k@firn.edu — 2011-09-09T14:55:02-04:00

Contents:

Notes
DOE Survey
Focus Groups
Websites
Save these Dates!

?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?

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.

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

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.

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

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.)

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

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.
*************************************

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

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

iPads and More

ezzell_k@firn.edu — 2011-09-06T14:50:34-04:00

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!

?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?

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/ >

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

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.

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

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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Welcome Back to School!

ezzell_k@firn.edu — 2011-08-24T14:03:00-04:00

Contents:

Notes
Usher's Syndrome Screening Training
Working with the Experts: Deaf/Hard of Hearing
MATA-Sign Language Media EXPO 2011 - Florida
Download YouTube Movies
Websites
Save these Dates!

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NOTES

Welcome back to school! I think everyone is probably back in the groove by now. I hope you all had a wonderful summer. Please remember that Nada, Brian, and I are here to support you in any way that we can. Contact us!!!

Notice the two names I've added to our header above. Last year, we joined our services with FSDB's Outreach Services for Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) and Blind/Visually Impaired (BVI). They had previously been working in small and rural districts only, but are now expanding their services. Diana is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist and Visual Education Specialist for BVI. Mark works with parents and families of both BVI and DHH. Contact them if you have any questions or need any support.

Don't forget our August resources page. There are links to lots of Back-to-School Resources here!
http://rmtc.fsdb.k12.fl.us/monthly/aug.html

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USHER SYNDROME SCREENING TRAINING

http://conta.cc/ushertrng

In June, I told you about our upcoming Usher's Syndrome Trainings. We had to postpone our August training in Chipley. We are still looking for a date for that session, but all other sessions have been set up. 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.

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

We are working on dates and presenters for Working with the Experts, but the first was has been confirmed. Mark October 7 and 8 on your calendars. Connie Mayer from York University in Toronto will be speaking about Deaf Literacy. You can read a bio for Connie Mayer here: http://edu.apps01.yorku.ca/profiles/main/mayer-connie

Look for more information about WWE: D/HH in future Tech Notes. I will let you know as soon as we are ready to accept registrations.

Note: You do NOT have to attend all of the WWE sessions. Also, you do NOT have to obtain permission from your District Coordinator.

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MATA-SIGN LANGUAGE MEDIA EXPO 2011 - FLORIDA
http://www.mataexpo.com/fl

September 17, 2011 | Saturday | 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Hall B | Osceola Heritage Park
1901 Chief Osceola Trail, Kissimmee, FL 34744

FREE ADMISSION! BEFORE September 7, 2011
Please register for your free pass ticket at the site given above.

Activities:
Social Gatherings.
Amazing booths.
ASL comedy shows and games
Raffle prizes contest. Chance to win!

Please email info@mataexpo.com or fax 951 346 5678 for more information.

MATA-Sign Language Media EXPO 2011 is coming back!!! MATA EXPO 2010 (Ontario Convention Center on November 5-6, 2010) was a huge success event and attracted to 7,123 participants.

"As the ever expanding US Deaf market continues to evolve and its purchasing power increases year after year, understanding its cultural factor, their unique behavior market, and utilizing the adequate mediums and technologies becomes key when targeting this market. Some of the approaches that have been successful include the use of social networking and affiliate marketing". This event mirrors society's increased awareness of Deaf people's media-tech-culture needs

About MATA EXPO

'MATA' means 'See you later or again" in the Japanese language and "Eyes" in tagalog language. Mata is a symbolic word "visual concept + small world" in the Deaf-related community.

MATA EXPO is considered one of the nation's largest multicultural marketing events in US Deaf history. It is an opportunity for companies, organizations, and individuals with talents to show off their deaf/hard-of-hearing products to thousands of people at once and make announcements about new products and services. It is also a showcase for deaf performing artists in various media types (deaf films, deaf celebrities and cultural arts presented from US nationwide and International). MATA EXPO empowers Deaf Culture, Diversity, and Media Technology.

A paramount emphasis will be on the changes and progress made in quality of life for Deaf-related, Deaf and Hard-of -hearing consumers.

Part of the show's focus will be a celebration of society's increasing awareness of the needs of the Deaf and Hard-of-hearing. Included will be a detailed look at the recent legislation passed and written into laws that positively impact the quality of life for the Deaf and Hard-of-hearing.

Open to the public, the show targets not only Deaf people but also their employers, friends and family, government and nonprofit organizations, as well as students enrolled in sign language and Deaf culture classes.

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DOWNLOADING YOUTUBE MOVIES

I've talked about downloading YouTube movies before, but there are always changes.

Zamzar - http://zamzar.com/
You can paste the URL (web address) for the YouTube video you want to download in Step 1 (click on URL first). Be aware that you are limited to converting files that are less than 100 mb unless you subscribe to a paid plan. In Step 2, click on the drop-down menu. Scroll down to the video formats. If you have QuickTime and/or iTunes (free for both Mac and Windows), you can play .mov, .m4v, or .mp4 files. You can play .wmv files on Windows, and some Macs (use the free VLC player or QuickTime if you have the correct plugin). iPads use .mp4 files only. You can also choose iPhone or iPad from the list. Put your email address in Step 3. Click the Convert button in Step 4. They will email you when your file is complete. Click on the link in your email to download the file.

RealPlayer Downloader - http://www.real.com/
I've started using this method to download videos. When you download RealPlayer, you can also get RealPlayer Downloader. In RealPlayer, go to Window and choose Open RealPlayer Downloader. I usually just keep this running at all times. Anytime I watch a movie in YouTube, it shows up in RealPlayer Downloader. I can then click on 'Download' in the Downloader. It downloads the file to a RealPlayer Downloads folder inside my Movies folder.
[Note: This is how it works on a Mac. I assume it works the same in Windows. I will try it when I get a chance, and let you know if it's different.]

After you use one of thee methods to download your file, you can transfer the file to a flash drive or whatever way is best for you to take it to school with you.

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WEBSITES

Google Squared
http://www.google.com/squared
Have you seen this Google tool? This tool is in beta, and they are going to phase it out on September 5. So think of any search tools you might want to use, and try it. You can export them as CSV files, and import into Microsoft Excel. Or you can export it directly to Google Docs (Spreadsheet). How do you use Google Squared? Go to the site and type in your search term ... like "dinosaurs". Google Squared AUTOMATICALLY builds a table for you with the Name, Image, Description, Class, Genus, Phylum, and Kingdom. You can even add your own columns, or delete columns you don't want. Try it!!!
Here are some that I made. You can use them in Google Docs, or download to use in Excel.

Planets - http://tinyurl.com/3t6edq8
US States - http://tinyurl.com/3k742o7
Continents - http://tinyurl.com/3k742o7
Countries - http://tinyurl.com/423jbsw

Quizlet
http://quizlet.com/

Quizlet is the largest flash cards and study games website with over 6 million free sets of flashcards covering every possible subject. It's the best place to play educational games, memorize vocabulary and study online. And it's FREE!

Word Walls
http://www.santarosa.k12.fl.us/reading/wordwall.htm
This page explains word walls, and has many pictures to give you ideas.
More Resources for Word Walls

- http://olc.spsd.sk.ca/DE/PD/instr/strats/wordwall/
- http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=4380
- http://www.abcteach.com/directory/teaching_extras/word_walls/
- http://www.teachingfirst.net/wordwall.htm
- http://edhelper.com/word_walls.htm
- http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson/lesson328.shtml
- http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/studentsupport/ese/PDF/MathWordWall.pdf (PDF File)
- http://mrsmcgowan.com/flashcards/all_words.html
- http://www.ndreadon.com/wordwall.htm

All Kids Network
http://www.allkidsnetwork.com/
All Kids Network is a network of websites dedicated to providing fun and educational activities for parents and teachers to do with their kids. There are hundreds of kids craft ideas, kids worksheets, printable kids activities and more. So far, there are two main sites - allkidsnetwork.com and kidslearningstation.com. Kids Learning Station is the website dedicated to printable learning worksheets for kids.

Khan Academy
http://www.khanacademy.org/
Khan Academy is a non-profit organization that has created a library of over 2,400 FREE videos covering everything from arithmetic to physics, finance, and history and 125 practice exercises. Unlike the last time I checked this site, the videos seem to be all captioned. Unfortunately, the videos are stored on YouTube's server. This means they may be blocked in your school/district. Check the Downloading YouTube section above for information about downloading the videos at home.

The School Bell
http://www.theschoolbell.com/
The School Bell has a lot of great information for elementary teachers. Check the pages on word walls, word games, number families, and Dolch words. There are also links for theme-based topics: science, dinosaurs, penguins, snow, etc.

50+ Web 2.0 Ways to Tell a Story
http://50ways.wikispaces.com/
This great wiki walks you through ways to tell a story, and links to many different online tools to do it.

Web 2.0: Cool Tools for School
http://cooltoolsforschools.wikispaces.com/
This wiki introduces you to lots of Web 2.0 tools arranged by type of tool. Some of the tools have links to demos or tutorials. Great collection!

Free Technology4Teachers
http://www.freetech4teachers.com/
Free Technology4Teachers is one of my favorite sites. On this blog, they regularly review and share information about online resources.

Reading Is Fundamental
Check these sites for some online stories.

Leading to Reading (Ages 0-5)

- http://www.rif.org/kids/leadingtoreading/en/leadingtoreading.htm

Semillitas de Aprendizaje (Spanish version of Leading to Reading)

- http://www.rif.org/kids/leadingtoreading/es/leadingtoreading.htm

Reading Planet (Ages 6-15)

- http://www.rif.org/kids/readingplanet.htm

Leamos en Familia (Spanish version of Let's Read as a Family)

- http://www.rif.org/kids/leer/es/leerhome.htm

Let's Read as a Family

- http://www.rif.org/kids/leer/en/leerhome_english.htm

WatchKnowLearn
http://www.watchknowlearn.org/
WatchKnowLearn has indexed over 20,000 educational videos, placing them into a directory of over 3,000 categories. The videos are available without any registration or fees to teachers in the classroom and to students at home 24/7. Users can dive into their innovative directory or search for videos by subject and age level. Video titles, descriptions, age level information, and ratings are all edited for usefulness. [Note: These videos come from all over the Internet. Some may be captioned, but most are not.]

Flubaroo
http://www.flubaroo.com/
Flubaroo is a free tool that helps you quickly grade multiple-choice or fill-in-blank assignments. It works in conjunction with Google Docs. Besides being a grading tool, it computes average assignment scores; computes average scores per question, and flags low-scoring questions; shows you a grade distribution graph; and, gives you the option to email each student their grade with an answer key. The site gives step-by-step directions. Try it!

Socrative
http://www.socrative.com/
Would you like to have student response systems for your classroom, but don't have the money? Socrative is a smart student response system that empowers teachers to engage their classrooms through a series of educational exercises and games via smartphones, laptops, and tablets.

Homeschool Creations
http://homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/2011/08/animal-classification-cards-before-five.html
The Homeschool Creations blog has some free Animal Classification cards that you can download and print out (August 23, 2011 entry).

Before Five in a Row
http://homeschoolcreations.com/BeforeFiveinaRow.html
This page is from the Homeschool Creations site above. She has created activity packs for 23 literature-based studies (some aren't finished yet). Some of these books may be some you're using in your classrooms: Caps for Sale, Angus Lost, Blueberries for Sale, The Snowy Day, etc).

Geography Resources
http://homeschoolcreations.com/Geography.html
This page is also from the Homeschool Creations site. Click on the country names under "Printables by Country" to find available printables and lesson plans. Go further down the page to find printable sheets for notetaking and research factsheets.

DotToDots.net
http://www.dottodots.net/
DotToDots.net Puzzles has 125 free downloadable dot-to-dot puzzles. You can choose puzzles that include animals, buildings, transportation, and more from nearly a dozen different categories. They're all available for free, and all you need is a copy of Adobe Acrobat or any other application that lets you open and print PDF files, and you're in business. You can download individual puzzles and activities for free, or you can download the entire collection all at once for $9.00.

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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
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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