Welcome to TTAC Connect, VDOE's Region 5 quarterly newsletter aimed to communicate resources, news + events!
LITERACY
Reading comprehension is the ultimate goal of literacy instruction and relies on complex processes and the mastery of many sub-skills. Understanding what the latest scientifically-based research reveals about comprehension allows educators to improve instructional practices and assessment of students’ reading comprehension. Use the resources below to learn more about reading comprehension.
[Explore] VALUE Professional Learning Series: Comprehension Virginia Literacy Partnership
[Read] “The Science of Reading Comprehension Instruction” - Nell K. Duke, Alessandra E. Ward, P. David Pearson
[Listen] Episode 146 - "Reading Comprehension is Not a Skill with Robert Pondiscio" - Melissa and Lori Love Literacy Podcast
[Watch] Reading Comprehension Round Table with Dr. Timothy Shanahan, Dr. Nell Duke, Dr. Hugh Catts, Dr. Mitchell Brookins, and Dr. Jennifer Buckingham - Pedagogy Non-Grata
[Check out from the Lending Library] "The Reading Comprehension Blueprint: Helping Students Make Meaning from Text" - Nancy Hennesy
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT
Engaging families throughout the entire year is important for student success. Engagement occurs in a variety forms. Here are three things to consider when engaging families:
- Provide time and space for family input.
- Collaborate with families in ways that account for and utilize student strengths and interests.
- Create points of engagement that are informal and fun, not only academic in nature.
Watch this short animated video about making connections between home + school!
SELF-DETERMINATION
Sometimes teaching students the difference between a preference and a need is a difficult task. A preference is something that a person likes to do, favors doing, or would rather do over something else. A need is an aspect of life that is necessary, required, and essential to healthy living. Listen to Youth Leaders from the I’m Determined Project talk about preferences and needs in the following videos. Then talk with your students about how they would categorize their preferences and needs.
UPCOMING EVENTS
December 14: Navigating the AAC Roadmap Webinar
This session will explore the new AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) Tab on the VDOE Assistive Technology Network website. We will take participants through the process from consideration to implementation of AAC systems to support students with communication needs.
More Event Details + Registration can be found here.
March 1: Next TTAC Connect Newsletter
We will be sending out the TTAC Connect quarterly so keep an eye out for our next Newsletter on March 1!
June 11-13: I'm Determined's Youth + Family Summit 2024
SAVE THE DATE - Registration will open in early 2024 + will be on the I'm Determined's website here!
June 24-27: Special Education Teacher Support Academy (SETSA)
SAVE THE DATE - Registration will open in Spring 2024!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM TTAC!
A note from Director Dr. John McNaught + the JMU TTAC Team:
As the holiday season unfolds, it's essential to extend heartfelt wishes to the unsung heroes in our educational realm—those dedicated teachers who tirelessly work with students with disabilities. In this season of joy and gratitude, we express our deepest appreciation for their unwavering commitment and hard work. These educators embody the true spirit of inclusivity, fostering environments where every student, regardless of their unique challenges, can thrive and learn. Their passion and dedication illuminate the path to a brighter future for those who need it most. To all the teachers who champion inclusivity and make a profound impact on the lives of students with disabilities, we wish you a joyous holiday season filled with well-deserved rest, rejuvenation, and the warmth of appreciation for the remarkable difference you make in the world. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and the gift of education you share so selflessly. Happy holidays!
JMU + TTAC will be closed from December 19, 2023 - January 1, 2024 for Winter Break. We will return on January 2, 2024 excited to support + assist you in the New Year!
STAY CONNECTED WITH US!
We're here to support you! To submit a Request for Service, click below.
If you would like to reach out to us with any questions, concerns or additional resources, please visit us online at www.ttacjmu.org, email us at region_5_ttac@jmu.edu or give us a call at 540-568-6746.
This newsletter has been brought to you by the VDOE Region 5 TTAC Team. Thank you for reading!