Complaints 101: How to Resolve Disputes in the Special Education Process

Complaints 101: How to Resolve Disputes in the Special Education Process
February 13, 2024 | 12:15 p.m. CT

Join us for our next statewide webinar on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 12:15 p.m. CT, as Tabitha Dwyer, Equal Justice Works Fellow at Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) discusses common disagreements that arise within ARD committees and ways to resolve those disagreements, including how to draft and file a complaint with the Texas Education Agency.

Guest presenter: Tabitha Dwyer, Equal Justice Works Fellow at Disability Rights Texas


If you have questions about our statewide or collaborative webinar series, please contact Chelsea Rivas at crivasprn@gmail.com.

Using CADRE Resources to Support Your Child’s Self-Determination Skill Development

Using CADRE Resources to Support Your Child’s Self-Determination Skill Development
February 27, 2024 | 12:15 p.m. CT

Join us for our next statewide webinar on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at 12:15 p.m. CT, as Kelly Rauscher and Manny Guendualy, Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE), introduce CADRE’s free online learning series, Your Journey to Self-Determination, and the accompanying facilitator guide with supplemental activities and resources that was developed to assist teachers, parents/guardians, and mentors. These resources can be used to support your child’s development of key self-determination skills and build the confidence to advocate for what they need.

Guest presenters: Kelly Rauscher & Manny Guendualy, Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE)


If you have questions about our statewide or collaborative webinar series, please contact Chelsea Rivas at crivasprn@gmail.com.

Preparing for Higher Education: What Do I Need to Start Doing Now?

Preparing for Higher Education: What Do I Need to Start Doing Now?
March 5, 2024 | 12:15 p.m. CT

Join us for our next statewide webinar on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 12:15 p.m. CT, as Kelly Majewski, Texas A&M University Postsecondary Programs: PATHS, HOPS, ACHIEVE, discusses transition planning for students. All of us are part of the process when supporting students to identify, plan for, and then work towards postsecondary goals – THIS is transition planning.

Guest presenter: Kelly Majewski, Texas A&M University Postsecondary Programs: PATHS, HOPS, ACHIEVE


If you have questions about our statewide or collaborative webinar series, please contact Chelsea Rivas at crivasprn@gmail.com.

Empowering Parents: Practical Sensory Supports for the Home webinar flyer

Empowering Parents: Practical Sensory Supports for the Home
April 9, 2024 | 12:15 p.m. CT

Join us for our next statewide webinar on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 12:15 p.m. CT, with Andrea Webb, Region 10 Education Service Center. There may be times when your child experiences sensory overload in response to anxiety, stress, fear, excitement or other emotions. Our presenter will share sensory support tips parents can readily pair with research‐based behavior strategies and incorporate into daily routines to help their child regulate emotions, manage stress, minimize disruptive behaviors, reduce sensory overload, and improve concentration.

Guest presenter: Andrea Webb, Region 10 Education Service Center


If you have questions about our statewide or collaborative webinar series, please contact Chelsea Rivas at crivasprn@gmail.com.

Strategies and Tips to Avoid the Summer Slide

Strategies and Tips to Avoid the Summer Slide
May 7, 2024 | 12:15 p.m. CT

Join us for our next statewide webinar on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 12:15 p.m. CT, with Michelle Simmons, West Texas A&M University. This webinar will equip parents with strategies to assist in preventing academic regression during the summer months. Parents will receive tips on behavior management during the summer, recommendations for maintaining predictable routines for students with learning differences and hands-on academic resources and activities to keep students engaged during summer months.

Guest presenter: Michelle Simmons, West Texas A&M University


If you have questions about our statewide or collaborative webinar series, please contact Chelsea Rivas at crivasprn@gmail.com.

Past Webinars – Recordings and Resources

2024 Statewide and Collaborative Webinar Series

Using AT as a Behavior Support
January 23, 2024

During this webinar, parents will learn how assistive technology (AT) can be used to address their child’s behavior concerns. Dr. Pethick will share practical tips and strategies for supporting your child’s behavioral needs.

Special Guest Presenter: Layne Pethick, Ph.D., Region 10 Education Service Center

Staff from the Texas Education Agency will be presenting on strategies and ideas for how to identify and resolve disputes related to special education at the local level. Additionally, TEA staff will provide an overview of the dispute resolution options available at the state level.

Special Guest Presenters: Joshua Deloach and Elyse Lieberman, Texas Education Agency

El personal de la Agencia de Educación de Texas presentará estrategias e ideas sobre cómo identificar y resolver disputas relacionadas con la educación especial a nivel local. Además, el personal de la TEA brindará una descripción general de las opciones de resolución de disputas disponibles a nivel estatal.

Presentadors invitados especiales: Joshua Deloach y Elyse Lieberman, Agencia de Educación de Texas

2023 Statewide and Collaborative Webinar Series

The 88th Texas Legislature begins in January 2023 and runs until May 2023. State lawmakers will consider several topics that are important to students with disabilities. This presentation will preview the session, including key issues and legislation already filed and waiting for consideration.

Special Guest Presenter: Steven Aleman, Disability Rights Texas

About Our Presenter: Steven Aleman, Disability Rights Texas. Prior to joining DRTx, Steven had many years of experience in policy analysis, law, mediation, and teaching. He has worked both in Washington, DC at the federal level and in Austin, TX at the state level. Drawing on this broad range of experience encompassing education policy analysis and disability law, Steven now serves as a Senior Policy Specialist at Disability Rights Texas, managing policy advocacy affecting children, youth, and adults with disabilities in the Texas public school system.

Navigating the Contentious ARD

David Beinke, Director of Advocacy for Cirkiel & Associates, shares tips for parents on how to communicate effectively with their child’s school and how to manage a difficult ARD meeting.

Special Guest Presenter: David Beinke, Director of Advocacy, Cirkiel & Associate

Executive Function and Accommodations for Students with Dyslexia

Nancy (Disterlic) Hannagan M.A.T., CALT, LDT, explores how dyslexia manifests as a processing disorder and how appropriate accommodations can build independence and confidence for students with dyslexia in the classroom.

Special Guest Presenter: Nancy (Disterlic) Hannagan M.A.T., CALT, LDT, Dyslexia Connects

About the Presenter: Nancy (Disterlic) Hannagan graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Development and Dallas Baptist University with a Master of Arts in Teaching (Multisensory Instruction). She taught in Keller ISD for 12 years in both elementary and high school, as a classroom teacher, dyslexia therapist and special education teacher for students with autism. Nancy served as the Regional Dyslexia Consultant for over 150 districts in the Dallas area for Region 10 Educational Service Center, her role encompassed training teachers and administrators in current laws and best practices. She is currently the owner of Dyslexia Connects, a teacher training company. She is a Certified Academic Language Therapist, Licensed Dyslexia Therapist, and a member of the Academic Language Therapy Association. She enjoys serving districts and students to develop the skills to become independent and confident. She offers a new perspective for teachers working with students with dyslexia.

Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training (TSLAT) Resources for Families

Through the network of 20 regional Education Service Centers (ESCs) and the support of Texas Education Agency (TEA), the Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training (TSLAT) provides access to professional development, technical assistance, and resources related to autism for educators and families. This webinar will review resources available on the TSLAT website that are designed to assist both families and educators of students with autism.

This webinar is a collaboration with SPEDTex, Region 10 ESC, and the TEA

Fostering High Expectations & Presumed Competence

During this presentation, parents will learn practical approaches to advocating for their student and partnering with the district to unlock learning opportunities. We will look closely at the core components of a learning environment that presumes competence and maintains high expectations for positive academic and social outcomes for all students.

Key questions that will be discussed are:

  • What do we mean by “high expectations” and “presumed competence?” Why are these important?
  • What do high expectations and presuming competence look like for my student?
  • How can partner with teachers to set high expectations for my student?
  • How can I address concerns about presumed competence and expectations my student’s learning environment?
  • How can I support high expectations and presumed competence in my student’s home environment?

Special Guest Presenter: Mary Baker-Boudissa, M.A. Educational Psychology, Education Associate & Equity Specialist, PCG

About Our Presenter: Mary Baker-Boudissa is a field associate and provides subject matter expertise in educational equity, culturally responsive practices, and diversity and equity in the workplace. She is a professional learning specialist, with experience in designing online courses, developing highly engaging content, and effective delivery of learning sessions to support anti-bias education, curriculum implementation, and strategies for building cultural competence among educators. Since joining PCG in 2018, Mary has supported district and state clients across the US with professional services that include Equity Audits, Curriculum and Special Education Reviews, Stakeholder Engagement, and Professional Development. These projects provide districts with practical recommendations for improving student outcomes, applying equitable practices across departments and buildings, partnering with families, and increasing access to academic and social-emotional support for all students. Mary’s equity work also includes conducting assessments and research on Indiana charter schools as the former Assistant Director of Charter School Research at Ball State University. She is a certified co-active coach, with additional expertise in trauma-informed care, having spent the last ten years working as an advocate for survivors of human sex trafficking. Mary has a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology from Ball State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Harvard University.

Melinda L. De La Cruz, Education Advocate at Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) discusses ECI (Early Childhood Intervention). The presentation will include:

  • A review of ECI laws and policies and procedures,
  • A review of transitioning from ECI to Special Education, and
  • A general review of special education and general DRTx services.

Special Guest Presenter: Melinda L. De La Cruz, Education Advocate, Disability Rights Texas

When you love a kid, you know important information about them – what works, what doesn’t, what they love/don’t love, how they are best supported in the classroom, on the bus, at the doctor’s office, or wherever. But who has time to hear and remember all that? Learn how to create a one-page description for that kid of info they will remember and use!

Special Guest Presenter: Laura G. Buckner, M.Ed., LPC, M.O.M., Program Mgr., Texas Center for Disability Studies, The University of Texas at Austin

The 88th Texas Legislature begins in January 2023 and runs until May 2023. State lawmakers will consider several topics that are important to students with disabilities. This presentation will review the session, including key issues and legislation that will be affecting students with disabilities in the upcoming school year.

Special Guest Presenter: Steven Aleman, Disability Rights Texas

Shiloh Carter, Senior Litigation Attorney at Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) reviews your child’s rights related to student discipline including informal removals, potential remedies, and advocating for evidence based positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS).

Special Guest Presenter: Shiloh Carter, Senior Litigation Attorney, Education Team, Disability Rights Texas

Kristin McGuire, Senior Director of Special Education Programs and Policy, Texas Education Agency, discusses parent questions and concerns related to the new school year and special education.

Special Guest Presenter: Kristin McGuire, Senior Director of Special Education Programs and Policy, Texas Education Agency

Webinar hosted by SPEDTex, Partners Resource Network, and the Region 10 Education Service Center

Kristin McGuire, Directora Principal de Programas y Políticas de Educación Especial, Agencia de Educación de Texas, se unirá a nosotros en un seminario web estatal para discutir las preguntas e inquietudes de los padres relacionadas con el nuevo año escolar y la educación especial. Será el miércoles 20 de septiembre de 2023, en inglés a las 12:15 hora central y en español a la 1:15 p.m. hora central.

Presentador invitados especiales: Kristin McGuire, Directora Principal de Programas y Políticas de Educación Especial, Agencia de Educación de Texas

Seminario web organizado por: SPEDTex, Centro de servicios educativos de la Región 10, Partners Resource Network

At the heart of effective partnerships is communication. This is especially important for families, teachers, administrators and service providers who are focused on helping students be successful. In this session, participants will learn tools and tips for engaging with school staff as parents, family members and advocates for their children.

Special Guest Presenter: Mary Baker-Boudissa, M.A. Educational Psychology Education Associate & Equity Specialist, PCG

You will learn what your rights are when you child is bullied. The presentation will cover warning signs, prevention, reporting, and how parents can use 504 and IDEA remedies to address bullying.

Special Guest Presenter: Colleen Potts, Disability Rights Texas (DRTx)

This session offers a perspective on how to observe a student’s writing patterns to help discern the area of writing weakness and offer strategies and practices that will increase the student’s interest, engagement and confidence in writing. We will explore Tier 1 instruction as well as intervention and accommodations that support struggling writers.

Special Guest Presenter: Nancy (Disterlic) Hannagan, M.A.T., CALT, LDT, Dyslexia Connects

Engaging in conflict is uncomfortable and often filled with tension. However, conflicting well offers opportunities for greater understanding and mutually beneficial outcomes. In this interactive session, we’ll cover resources to help build relationships between families and educators, resolution techniques for dealing with conflict, common pitfalls, and power dynamics present in conflict situations. Additionally, we’ll cover resources available from CADRE to help address conflict proactively, leading to better outcomes for students with disabilities.

Special Guest Presenter: Manny Guendulay, Executive Project Associate, Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE)

Kristin McGuire, Senior Director of Special Populations Policy, Reporting, and Technical Assistance at the Texas Education Agency, will be joining us for a statewide webinar to discuss House Bill 3928 related to dyslexia evaluation, identification, and instruction.

Special Guest Presenter: Kristin McGuire, Senior Director of Special Populations Policy, Reporting, and Technical Assistance at the Texas Education Agency (TEA)

Kristin McGuire, directora sénior de Políticas, Informes y Asistencia Técnica para Poblaciones Especiales de la Agencia de Educación de Texas, se unirá a nosotros en un seminario web a nivel estatal para analizar el Proyecto de ley de la Cámara de Representantes 3928 relacionado con la evaluación, identificación e instrucción de la dislexia.

Presentador invitados especiales: Kristin McGuire, Directora Principal de Programas y Políticas de Educación Especial, Agencia de Educación de Texas

This is a collabroative webinar between SPEDTex, the Texas Education Agency (TEA), and Partners Resource Network. The Texas SPED Support website hosts technical assistance resources related to special education topics. Did you know that some of these resources may be helpful for students and families in planning for the transition to adulthood? Webinar attendees will learn how to navigate Texas SPED Support and explore some of the featured resources related to transition planning.

Special Guest Presenter: Elizabeth Danner, Texas Education Agency

Webinar hosted by SPEDTex, Partners Resource Network, Region 10 Education Service Center

El sitio web de Texas SPED Support contiene recursos de asistencia técnica relacionados con temas de educación especial. ¿Sabía usted que algunos de estos recursos pueden ser útiles para los estudiantes y las familias en la planificación de la transición a la edad adulta? Los participantes del webinario aprenderán a navegar el sitio web, Texas SPED Support, y explorar algunos de los recursos destacados relacionados con la planificación de la transición.

Presentador invitados especiales: Elizabeth Danner, Agencia de Educación de Texas

Seminario web organizado por: SPEDTex, Centro de servicios educativos de la Región 10, Partners Resource Network

2022 Statewide and Collaborative Webinar Series

Parents with concerns about special education have processes available to assist them in addressing those concerns. Learn more about the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) new online special education complaint form. Additionally, TEA staff will be presenting on new rules related to special education due process hearings.

This webinar was a collaboration of Partners Resource Network and SPEDTex.

A successful IEP is the foundation for a future in the community and leading a life of one’s own choosing. If we are to improve outcomes for students receiving special education services, we must follow an IEP approach that respects the student’s goals to achieve his or her dreams. Student Led IEPs are an evidenced-based instructional practice that teaches students to become active participants in their IEP meetings with coaching. In this presentation, you will learn the benefits of student led IEPs and how to prepare students receiving special education services to take ownership of their learning, education, and future.

Special Guest Presenters: Ashley Ford, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, and Wendy Ward, Leadership and Advocacy Coordinator for The Arc of Texas

As Director of Public Policy & Advocacy for The Arc of Texas, Ashley Ford oversees public policy and advocacy activities, supports policies that improve the quality of life for Texans with IDD and specializes in policy affecting community services and support and competitive integrated employment. It is Ashley’s passion to bring the experiences of people with IDD to the table, and she is inspired as an ally and advocate by the ways she witnesses the strength of the boots on the ground in her work. In addition to her major contributions to the mission of The Arc of Texas, Ashley enjoys spending time with her goldendoodle, Shiner, and exploring the beauty and wonders of the Texas Hill Country with her family. Ashley’s hometown is Paris, Texas.

As Leadership and Advocacy Coordinator, Wendy Ward manages The Arc of Texas Partners in Disability Leadership program and focuses on inclusive education policy. She is inspired by the mission of The Arc of Texas to promote, protect, and advocate for the human rights and self-determination of Texans with IDD. Wendy enjoys working with colleagues in the IDD field who are stewards of the disability rights movement and change agents that continuously strive to enhance systems and supports for people with IDD and their families. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, she loves spending time with her family, hanging out with her dog Gizmo, cooking, and doing yoga.

Scott W.T. McNamara, Ph.D., University of New Hampshire, discusses adapted physical education (APE) and why it is important for students with disabilities to receive APE services. In addition, we will review some of the major federal laws that define and mandate APE, how to effectively advocate for APE services, and how assistive technology can positively impact APE services.

Special Guest Presenter: Scott W.T. McNamara, Ph.D., University of New Hampshire
Dr. Scott McNamara is an assistant professor at the University of New Hampshire who teaches physical education and adapted physical education (APE) courses. Dr. McNamara has developed the “What’s New in APE” podcast which provides insight into the profession through interviews with panels of APE professionals. The podcast provides easily accessible updates and best practices regarding the APE profession. Dr. McNamara received his Ph.D. from Texas Woman’s University, and his research interests include: improving awareness of the importance of APE, podcasting, educational leadership, and best practices for the dissemination of knowledge pertinent to APE.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, technology use has become required for work, education, healthcare, leisure activities, and maintaining social relationships. For individuals with disabilities, and their families, this has presented challenges that have ranged from maintaining online safety, to creating digital boundaries with others, using netiquette (etiquette of the internet) skills, and having mastery in skills needed for independent technology use. This webinar will use an interactive case study approach to provide strategies that can be used to promote independence and safety for individuals with disabilities when engaging in virtual connections.

Special Guest Presenter: Dr. Mary Jo Krile, Ph.D., Eastern Kentucky University
Dr. Mary Jo Krile, Ph.D, is an assistant professor of Special Education at Eastern Kentucky University. She has over 10 years of experience in teaching students with disabilities in the public K-12 and postsecondary settings, including teaching digital literacy to young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Dr. Krile’s research is dedicated to promoting social media use and safety, as well as digital literacy skills, for individuals with disabilities.

If you have questions about our statewide or collaborative webinar series, please contact Chelsea Rivas at crivasprn@gmail.com

Karmel Mister Willis, Disability Rights Texas, discusses the harsh discipline practices often utilized to address behavioral issues for students with disabilities. We explore the specific protections afforded students with disabilities relative to behavioral incidents and any discipline imposed on students.

Resources:

Special Guest Presenter: Karmel Mister Willis, Special Projects Attorney, Disability Rights Texas
Karmel Willis joined Disability Rights Texas as a Special Projects Attorney with the Education Team in September 2019. She is responsible for providing legal advice and representation to families regarding the services and treatment of students with disabilities in public schools. Much of her work has focused on the negative impact of policing in schools, especially on children of color and children with disabilities. Prior to joining the team at Disability Rights Texas, she was the Vice President and Managing Attorney at the Montgomery County Women’s Center providing legal advice and representation to victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault in family law matters, including protective orders, divorce, and custody, with an emphasis on cases with an immediate safety concern. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Mississippi and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Louisiana State University. When not providing services to clients, she enjoys spending time with her family and volunteering at her church.

House Bill (HB) 4545 recently passed in the 87th Texas Legislative session and went into effect in June 2021. HB 4545 amended state accelerated instruction requirements for Texas students based on the results of their state assessment, STAAR. Join us to learn more about HB 4545 as our presenters, Jacob Klett and Colby Self from Texas Education Agency, provide answers to some frequently asked questions.

Special Guest Presenters: Jacob Klett and Colby Self, Texas Education Agency

This webinar is a collaboration between SPEDTex, Partners Resource Network, and Region 10 Education Service Center.

El proyecto de ley de la Cámara de Representantes (HB) 4545 se aprobó recientemente en la 87ª sesión legislativa de Texas y entró en vigor en junio de 2021. La HB 4545 modificó los requisitos estatales de instrucción acelerada para los estudiantes de Texas en función de los resultados de su evaluación estatal, STAAR. Únase a nosotros para aprender más sobre HB 4545 mientras nuestros presentadores, Jacob Klett y Colby Self de la Agencia de Educación de Texas, brindan respuestas a algunas preguntas frecuentes.

Seminario web organizado por: SPEDTex, Centro de servicios educativos de la Región 10, Partners Resource Network

Presentadores invitados especiales: Jacob Klett y Colby Self de la Agencia de Educación de Texas

Independent Education Evaluations (IEE) are traditionally an underused parent resource and can be extremely helpful in many situations. This presentation will cover:

  • What is an IEE?
  • How do I know if I need an IEE?
  • How do I ask for an IEE?
  • What if a district denies my request for an IEE?
  • The IEE is done, now what?

Special Guest Presenter: Colleen Potts, Disability Rights Texas

The Autism Supplement is meant to be a positive part of an ARD meeting and an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This webinar session will look at each section of the autism supplement and offer simple and effective ways to have constructive conversations during an ARD meeting, and how to make better decisions for each individual child.

Special Guest Presenter: Layne Pethick, Ph.D., Region 10 Education Service Center, and the Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training (TSLAT)

Justin Porter Ed.D., Associate Commissioner, Special Populations Programs and Policy, Texas Education Agency, will be joining us for a statewide webinar to discuss parent questions and concerns related to the new school year and special education.

Special Guest Presenter: Justin Porter Ed.D., Associate Commissioner, Special Populations Programs and Policy, Texas Education Agency

Webinar hosted by SPEDTex, Partners Resource Network, Region 10 Education Service Center

Justin Porter Ed.D., Comisionado Asociado, Programas y Políticas de Poblaciones Especiales, de la Agencia de Educación de Texas, se unirá a nosotros en un seminario web a nivel estatal para discutir las preguntas e inquietudes de los padres relacionadas con el nuevo año escolar y educación especial.

Seminario web organizado por: SPEDTex, Partners Resource Network, Centro de servicios educativos de la Región 10

This webinar is for parents seeking a better understanding of the difficulties children may experience in learning to write. In the first part of the presentation, we distinguish three forms of dysgraphia: 1) difficulty learning to spell; 2) difficulty with the motor aspects of writing, leading to slow, effortful writing that often borders on illegible; and 3) difficulty with composition—that is, difficulty in organizing and expressing thoughts coherently in writing. These forms of dysgraphia may or may not occur together, and may or may not be associated with reading difficulty. In the second part of the presentation, we look in greater detail at spelling difficulties. We describe the cognitive processes required for spelling, and the knowledge these processes draw upon. Difficulty learning any of the required knowledge or processes will lead to impaired spelling, with the specific form of difficulty depending upon what knowledge or processes are affected. Using examples from our research, we show how the underlying problem can be identified from indicators such as the types of spelling errors a child makes. Finally, we consider implications of this framework for helping children (and adults) with dysgraphia.

Special Guest Presenters:

Michael McCloskey, Professor of Cognitive Science, Johns Hopkins University
Brenda Rapp, Professor of Cognitive Science, Johns Hopkins University

About our presenters: Michael McCloskey is a Professor of Cognitive Science at Johns Hopkins University. Prof. McCloskey received his Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology from Princeton University in 1978, and joined the Johns Hopkins faculty at that time.  He has been studying dysgraphia in adults and children for 30 years, and recently co-edited the book Developmental Dysgraphia with Prof. Brenda Rapp. Prof. McCloskey is the author of the book Visual reflections: A Perceptual Deficit and its Implications, and has published over 100 journal articles on a variety of topics. He has also served at the National Science Foundation as director of the Human Cognition and Perception Program, and chair of the Knowledge and Distributed Intelligence Program.

Brenda Rapp is a Professor of Cognitive Science at Johns Hopkins University.  She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education at the University of Maryland, and worked for a number of years as a Special Education teacher with both English and Spanish-speaking children with reading and spelling difficulties.  She earned her Ph.D. in Psychology at Johns Hopkins University in 1990 and joined the faculty in 1994. Her research for the past 30 years has focused on understanding the cognitive and neural processes involved in reading and spelling in both adults and children, publishing over 125 journal articles.  She co-edited the book Developmental Dysgraphia with Prof. Michael McCloskey.  She has served on various editorial boards, the governing boards of the Academy of Aphasia and the Society for the Neurobiology of Language and is currently co-editor-in-chief of the journal Cogntiive Neuropsychology.

In this webinar, parents will have an opportunity to learn about ideas and techniques to support their child’s mental behavioral health using preventative best practices. These techniques will help parents to avoid behavioral challenges before they occur. The session will include an opportunity for questions and answers at the conclusion.

Special Guest Presenter: Keya Saleh, Licensed Specialist School Psychology (LSSP), Region 10 Education Service Center

This webinar is a collaboration of SPEDTex, Partners Resource Network, and Region 10 Education Service Center. The transition from high school to adult life can be an exciting time for students and their families. Planning for this transition can also bring questions and concerns about your child’s future. Families play a very important role in the transition from school to adulthood. This webinar will review resources on the Texas Transition website that are designed to help families participate effectively in the transition planning process.

Special Guest Presenter: Elizabeth Danner, Texas Education Agency

Seminario web organizado por SPEDTex, Centro de servicios educativos de la Región 10, Partners Resource Network. La transición de la escuela secundaria a la vida adulta puede ser un momento emocionante para los estudiantes y sus familias. La planificación de esta transición también puede generar preguntas e inquietudes sobre el futuro de su hijo. Las familias juegan un papel muy importante en la transición de la escuela a la edad adulta. Este seminario web revisará los recursos en el sitio web de Transición de Texas que están diseñados para ayudar a las familias a participar de manera efectiva en el proceso de planificación de la transición.

Presentadores invitados especiales: Elizabeth Danner de la Agencia de Educación de Texas

This webinar will introduce and describe a framework for identifying college and career readiness for students with disabilities (Lombardi et al., 2022). This session will emphasize examples of evidence-based practices within classrooms, schools and communities to support postschool outcomes associated with: employment, postsecondary education, and community participation/independent living. The CCR framework targets transition supports that occur through access to general education settings and strategies to implement inclusive supports.

The learning objectives for the webinar are:
1. Increase knowledge of preparing youth with disabilities to be college and career ready.
2. Identify evidence-based secondary and transition practices for classrooms, schools and communities

Special Guest Presenters:

  • Dr. Mary Morningstar, Portland State University
  • Dr. Allison Lombardi, University of Connecticut

2021 Statewide and Collaborative Webinar Series

Special Guest Presenter: Leslie Alvarez, Staff Attorney at Disability Rights Texas, Equal Justice Works Fellow sponsored by the Texas Access to Justice Foundation

Leslie Alvarez, Disability Rights Texas, discusses the transition process from ECI to special education. Attendees will also get an overview of special education and what to expect from their local school once their child has been identified by the school. Helpful advocacy tips and special education rights will also be covered.

This webinar is a collaboration between Partners Resource Network and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities.

Resources from the Transition from Early Childhood Intervention to Special Education webinar:

 

Steven Aleman of Disability Rights Texas, discusses the 87th Texas Legislature, which begins in January 2021 and runs until May 2021. This year state lawmakers will consider several topics that are important to students with disabilities.

Preview of Special Education Issues Before 87th Legislature | January 26, 2021

This webinar will preview the session, including the public participation procedures considering the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents and students will learn about key issues and how they can play an important role in the legislative process.

  • PowerPoint for Preview of Special Education Issues Before 87th Legislature
  • Recording of the webinar: Preview of Special Education Issues Before 87th Legislature

Dustin Rynders, Disability Rights Texas, provides an overview of key parental rights in special education including and practical tips on how to protect their child’s interest. The presentation will include identification, evaluation, ARD procedures, placement and discipline protections.

Resources from the webinar:

Knowledge is Power! What You Need to Know About Special Education

Multi-Agency Collaborative Webinar Series with Partners Resource Network, Disability Rights Texas, West Texas A&M University – Center for Learning Disabilities, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services – Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD), and Region 10 ESC

Do you want to become an effective advocate for your child with a disability so that you can make a difference in his/her education? This webinar series can help! We’ve put together a multi-agency collaborative series to help you build your knowledge of: parental rights under IDEA, required contents of the IEP, monitoring progress towards IEP goals, effective communication skills, and options for resolving disputes.

You do not need to feel powerless or frustrated about any issues your child may be having in school. You DO have power as a parent and can be an effective advocate for your child

Mental Health is an important topic in todays’ atmosphere. 1 in 10 children and young people have issues with managing their mental health. The presentation by Dr. Malvika Behl focuses on the effects of having a learning disability on the mental health of children and young people. Also included are practical techniques that parents can use to help their children manage their feelings and emotions.

This webinar is part of a collaborative series between Partners Resource Network and the Center for Learning Disabilities at West Texas A&M University.

Resources from the Effects of Learning Difficulties on the Mental Health of Children webinar:

  • PowerPoint for Effects of Learning Difficulties on the Mental Health of Children

Dr. Malvika Behl is an LPC-Associate (TX) and licensed School Counselor (OH). Dr. Behl is an Assistant Professor at West Texas A&M University and has been working closely with the Center for Learning Disability and the Parent Resource Network. She has been working with parents of children with disability through individual and group counseling session. She has experience in counseling adults and children.

Steven Aleman of Disability Rights Texas, gives a mid-session the 87th Texas Legislature, which began in January 2021 and runs until May 2021. This year state lawmakers will consider several topics that are important to students with disabilities.

Resources from this webinar:

  • Recording of the Mid-Session Update on Special Education Issues before the 87th Texas Legislature webinar
  • PowerPoint for the Mid-Session Update on Special Education Issues before the 87th Texas Legislature webinar

Presented by Dr. Justin Porter, State Director of Special Education, Texas Education Agency (TEA), and Dr. Edward O’Neill, Director of Special Education Projects & Strategy, TEA

Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) are on-line accounts for eligible parents/caregivers of students with significant and complex disabilities that have been impacted by COVID-19 school closures. SSES on-line accounts can be used to obtain special educational resources and supplies and/or services such as additional speech therapy or other specific services.

Link to the recording coming soon!

Justin Porter Ed.D., Director Estatal de Educación Especial, analiza los Servicios de Educación Especial Suplementarios, incluyendo la elegibilidad y el proceso de la aplicación.

Los Servicios Suplementarios de Educación Especial (SSES) son cuentas en línea para padres / cuidadores elegibles de estudiantes con discapacidades significativas y complejas que han sido impactadas por el cierre de escuelas COVID-19. Las cuentas en línea de SSES se pueden usar para obtener recursos y suministros educativos especiales y / o servicios como terapia del habla adicional u otros servicios específicos.

A student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is one of the most critical components to educating a child with learning differences. The IEP should serve as the road map and guide for education decision making. Yet, IEPs are often misunderstood and missing vital pieces necessary for student success. During this session, Dr. Michelle Simmons from West Texas A& M University’s Center for Learning Disabilities provides a general overview of the components of an IEP, discuss relevant education policy as it relates to IEP development in Texas, and equip parents with valuable information to better understand their child’s IEP.

Resources from the webinar:

  • Recording for What Should be in My Child’s IEP? An Overview of the Required Components of an IEP 
  • PowerPoint for What Should be in My Child’s IEP? An Overview of the Required Components of an IEP 

During this webinar, we discuss strategies for resolving conflicts with your child’s school including which school or district personnel you can contact for information to help resolve or address various issues. Keith Swink and Michelle Rosales from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) will provide tips on special education dispute resolution processes, including what issues State Written Complaints can be used to resolve and what some of those resolutions might look like.

Resources, such as the PowerPoint and recording of the webinar, coming soon!

Únase a nosotros el mientras discutimos estrategias para resolver conflictos con la escuela de su hijo, incluyendo a qué escuela o personal del distrito puede comunicarse para obtener información que ayude a resolver o abordar varios problemas. Keith Swink y Michelle Rosales de la Agencia de Educación de Texas (TEA, por sus siglas en inglés) brindarán consejos sobre los procesos de resolución de disputas de educación especial, incluidos los problemas que se pueden usar para resolver las quejas escritas del estado y cómo podrían verse algunas de esas resoluciones.

ALL children have strengths and should be valued for who they are, regardless of their differences. Dr. Frank Goode of West Texas A&M University, discusses how strengths and interests can be identified through both the formal evaluation process and by informal means, and how to develop IEPs that build on individual strengths and interests, rather than focusing on weaknesses and needs.

This webinar is part of a collaborative series between Partners Resource Network and the Center for Learning Disabilities at West Texas A&M University.

Resources from the webinar:

  • Recording of the Your Child is Strong: Capitalizing on a Child’s Abilities webinar

Angel Crawford, de Disability Rights Texas, presentará la perspectiva general de los derechos claves de los padres en educación especial y dará consejos prácticos sobre cómo proteger los intereses de nuestros hijos.

La presentación incluirá la identificación, evaluación, procedimientos del ARD, ubicación y protecciones disciplinarias.

Your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) outlines the services and supports your child will receive. Once this program is set in motion, how do you monitor how well is it working and the progress your child is making? Gather tips and strategies that can help you have meaningful involvement in your child’s IEP implementation as you collaborate with your child’s school throughout the year.

Resources from the webinar:

  • PowerPoint for IEP Implementation & Monitoring Tips for Parents

Dr. Brenda L. Barrio, University of North Texas, and Sandye Cox, Region 10 ESC, outline crucial skills necessary for post-secondary success for students with disabilities and share resources for both students and their families.

Links to PowerPoint and recording of the webinar will be posted soon.

La Dra. Brenda L. Barrio, Universidad del Norte de Texas, y Sandye Cox, Región 10 ESC, describen las habilidades cruciales necesarias para el éxito postsecundario de los estudiantes con discapacidades y comparten recursos para tanto los estudiantes como sus familias.

A Full Individual Evaluation (FIE) serves as the foundation to initiating student support services in an education setting. At times the process of requesting, and understanding an evaluation can be challenging for students and families, further complicated by developing a plan to support students based on evaluation data. During this webinar, Dr. Michelle Simmons from West Texas A&M University’s Center for Learning Disabilities will provide an overview of critical education policy as it relates to evaluation and ARD meeting processes in Texas, and equip parents with helpful tips to successfully collaborate with student support team meeting members during the evaluation and IEP development processes. Topics covering dyslexia assessment and intervention services will be specifically addressed.

This webinar is part of a collaborative series between Partners Resource Network and the Center for Learning Disabilities at West Texas A&M University.

Dr. Michelle Simmons is the Lanna Hatton Professor of Learning Disabilities, Director for the Center for Learning Disabilities, and an Assistant Professor of special education in the Department of Education at West Texas A&M University. At WTAMU, Dr. Simmons teaches undergraduate special educator preparation courses and graduate educational diagnostic courses.

Resources from the webinar:

  • Recording of the IEP Planning: Tips for a Positive Evaluation and Student Support Meeting Experience webinar

Learn how to survive a dyslexia diagnosis by listening to one family’s shared experience. As a parent with a struggling child, Puff Niegos dealt with the emotions of her son’s learning disability, learned to navigate a complex education system and developed ways to balance her son’s needs with the needs of her family. As a student with dyslexia, Matthew Niegos learned to overcome classroom obstacles using assistive technologies, discipline, communication and humor. Let this team share the tips and tricks they used to help a struggling family achieve academic success.

Matthew Niegos is dyslexic. Nevertheless, he is a graduate of Rhodes College and SMU’s Dedman School of Law. As the in-house attorney for the Western Group of Companies, he continues to use learning techniques and assistive technologies to manage his disability.

Puff Niegos is a mother of two children. She is a CPA and an Academic Language Therapist. Inspired by her son’s struggles, Puff and her family founded the West Texas A&M University Center for Learning Disabilities. The center continues to be a free resource for students, parents and educators in the Texas Panhandle.

Resources from the webinar:

  • Recording of the It’s a Family Affair – Tips, Tricks and Survival Strategies webinar

This engaging session will provide information and strategies for parents to communicate their perspectives, preferences, and concerns before, during, and after the ARD meeting.

Special Guest Presenter: Dr. Shauntā L. Singer, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services, Texas A&M University

Resources from this webinar:

  • Recording of the Being an Active Member of the Team! webinar

Special guest presenter: Erin Kaszynski, M.Ed., LPC, of North Texas Behavioral Health Authority and Region 10 ESC Consultant

Resilience means that in the face of adversity or challenges we can still thrive. As parents, helping our children learn skills that build resilience can help them get better at overcoming obstacles as well as learn how to handle stress and adjust to change. In this webinar, our presenter, Erin Kaszynski, M.Ed., LPC, will share practical tips to help you support resiliency development in your child while creating awareness about how you react and respond.

This webinar was a collaboration between Partners Resource Network, Region 10 ESC, and SPEDTex.

Resources from the webinar:

  • Recording for 10 Tips for Fostering Resiliency in Anxious Children coming soon

Parents will learn more about deciding when to “disagree” at an ARD meeting and about their options for resolving disputes or concerns about their child’s education. The presenter will provide a practical comparison of facilitated ARDs, TEA complaints, mediation, due process, Office of Civil Rights (OCR) Complaints, district level grievances, and professional ethics complaints.

Presented by Dustin Rynders, Disability Rights Texas

Resources from this webinar:

  • Recording of the Should I File a Complaint? If so, Which Kind? webinar

Los padres aprenderán más sobre cuándo estar en desacuerdo en una reunión de ARD y sobre sus opciones para resolver disputas o problemas sobre la educación de sus hijos. La presentadora comparará de manera práctica las reuniones de ARD facilitadas, las quejas a la TEA, la mediación, el debido proceso, las quejas a la Oficina de Derechos Civiles (OCR), las quejas a nivel del distrito y las quejas de ética profesional.

Invitada especial Angel Crawford, de Disability Rights Texas

Steven Aleman of Disability Rights Texas, reviews the 87th Texas Legislature, which ran from January 2021 and runs until May 2021. This year state lawmakers will consider several topics that are important to students with disabilities.

Resources from this webinar:

  • Recording of the Review of the 87th Texas Legislature webinar

The return to face-to-face school can be scary and uncertain.  Join us on August 17 at 12:15 p.m. CT as Dr. Wes Dotson discusses simple tips for using routines and schedules to help ease the transition back to the classroom. The focus will be on establishing predictability and structure through things a family can control. There will be opportunities for questions and discussion throughout.

Guest Presenter: Dr. Wes Dotson, Associate Professor, Department of Special Education & Director of Applied Behavioral Intervention Services, Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Missouri

If you have questions about our statewide or collaborative webinar series, please contact Chelsea Rivas at crivasprn@gmail.com.

About our presenter: Dr. Wes Dotson is an Associate Professor in the Special Education Department in the College of Education and the Director of Applied Behavioral Intervention Services at the Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders. After earning his Ph.D. in Behavioral Psychology in 2010 from the University of Kansas, he spent ten years at Texas Tech University and the Burkhart Center for Autism before coming to Columbia. He has been a BCBA since 2008. He has spent over 19 years in special education and clinical practice, working with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities of all ages across school, clinic, home, community, and residential treatment settings.

Layne Pethick shares effective brain booster activities and practices that parents can do at home to build their children’s brains so they can be ready for the challenges ahead. These brain activities and practices are research-based to develop the areas of the brain needed for social-emotional competencies, behavior regulation, and academic success. The information and ideas that will be shared are great for children of all ages and adults too!

This webinar is a collaborative project of the School, Family, and Community Engagement Initiative with SPEDTex, Partners Resource Network, and Region 10 Education Service Center.

Guest Presenter: Layne Pethick Ph.D., Behavior Consultant and Autism Specialist, Region 10 ESC

Durante este seminario web, Layne Pethick compartirá actividades y prácticas efectivas para estimular el cerebro que los padres pueden hacer en casa para desarrollar el cerebro de sus hijos para que puedan estar preparados para los desafíos que se avecinan. Estas actividades y prácticas cerebrales se basan en la investigación para desarrollar las áreas del cerebro necesarias para las competencias socioemocionales, la regulación del comportamiento y el éxito académico. ¡La información y las ideas que se compartirán son excelentes para niños de todas las edades y también para adultos!

Seminario web organizado por: SPEDTex, Partners Resource Network, Centro de servicios educativos de la Región 10

Presentadores invitados especiales: Layne Pethick Ph.D., Consultora de Comportamiento y Especialista en Autismo, Región 10 ESC

Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT) can be a very important part of your child’s education. Join us on September 14 at 12:15 p.m. CT, as Lisa Lightner, A Day in Your Shoes, shares information on what AT/AAC is, how to know if your child qualifies for it in their Individualized Education Program (IEP), and how to ask for it from the IEP Team.

Special guest presenter: Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate

About our presenter: Lisa Lightner has been advocating for marginalized families since 2010. Her award-winning blog, ADayInOurShoes.com, has been read by millions of parents across the globe and offers insightful and practical tips for advocating for your child’s IEP and getting your team to yes. Due to the pandemic and lack of in-person IEP meetings, Lightner has launched an online advocacy training program for parents called Don’t IEP Alone Academy. Lisa lives in suburban Philadelphia with her husband, two sons and two dogs.

Justin Porter Ed.D., State Director of Special Education, Texas Education Agency, discusses parent questions and concerns related to the new school year and special education.

This webinar is a collaborative project of the School, Family, and Community Engagement Initiative with SPEDTex, Partners Resource Network, and Region 10 Education Service Center.

Resources from this webinar:

  • Recording of the Special Education Updates with Dr. Justin Porter webinar

Justin Porter Ed.D., Director Estatal de Educación Especial, de la Agencia de Educación de Texas, se unirá a nosotros en un seminario web a nivel estatal para discutir las preguntas e inquietudes de los padres relacionadas con el nuevo año escolar y la educación especial.

Seminario web organizado por: SPEDTex, Partners Resource Network, Centro de servicios educativos de la Región 10

Diana Nadeau, Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE), takes a deep dive into the root of conflict to bring better support to those concerned with the transition into in-person schooling after a difficult year of distance learning and social isolation. Getting to the root of conflict allows us the spaciousness we need to experience more compassion and collaboration even during difficult conversations.

Guest Presenter: Diana Nadeau, Dispute Resolution and Training Specialist at CADRE, Professional Mediator, and Family Support Specialist

Social Skills are a crucial part of everyone’s lives. Join us on October 19 at 12:15 p.m. CT, as Brandi Timmons, MEd, discusses the importance of teaching social skills, what to focus on when teaching social skills to your child, and specific strategies for teaching social skills.

Guest Presenter: Brandi Timmons, MEd, BCBA, LBA, Educational Consultant

This interactive presentation will feature ways technology solutions can be used to foster, facilitate, and further support the transition process for educators, families, and the individuals we are seeking to serve in efforts to navigate the challenges of the transition process. Participants will receive tips, strategies, and tools to apply to their daily needs.

Guest Presenter: Sean J. Smith, Ph.D., Department of Special Education, University of Kansas

About our presenter: Sean J. Smith, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas. Dr. Smith’s research interest focuses on innovations and technology solutions to support struggling learners and those with disabilities, particularly interventions aligned with the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Framework. Sean has authored over 100 books and articles, given hundreds of scholarly presentations both nationally and internationally, and serves on various boards for journals, organizations, and parent groups focused on enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities.

On Thursday, November 18, 2021, presenters from the Texas Education Agency discussed updates to the Dyslexia Handbook: Procedures Concerning Dyslexia and Related Disorders.

Acompáñanos este jueves 18 de noviembre de 2021 a discutir con invitados especiales de la Agencia de Educación de Texas los cambios más recientes al Manual sobre la Dislexia: Procedimientos sobre la Dislexia y Desórdenes Relacionados.

Statewide Team

Kristina Henning
Director of Statewide Services

Chelsea Rivas
Support Specialist

Stephanie McLoughlin
Training & Evaluation Specialist

Chuck Noe
Education Specialist

Zachary Hidalgo
Technology Specialist

Marggiana Antunez
Translation Specialist