Welcome to TTAC Connect, VDOE's Region 5 quarterly newsletter aimed to communicate resources, news + events!
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LITERACY
Using Read Alouds to Support Students’ Language Comprehension
While many educators realize the benefits of reading aloud to students of all ages, they may not fully understand how to transform an ordinary read aloud into a powerful instructional tool. Thoughtfully selected and intentionally planned read alouds provide opportunities to address all upper strands of Scarborough’s Reading Rope: background knowledge, vocabulary, language structures, verbal reasoning, and literacy knowledge. The resources listed below include practical tips, templates, and protocols for teachers to make read alouds central to language comprehension instruction across all subjects and all grades.
[Explore] VALUE Professional Learning Series: Oral Language and Vocabulary
[Read] "What are Teachers Reading and Why?: An Analysis of Elementary Read Aloud Titles and the Rationales Underlying Teachers’ Selections" - by Kristin Conradi Smith (William & Mary)
[Listen] Episode 167 - "All About Read-Alouds with [Dr.] Molly Ness" - Melissa and Lori Love Literacy Podcast
[Watch] "Make the Most of Your Read Alouds with Dr. Molly Ness" - from SoR-What I Should Have Learned in College
[Check out from the Lending Library] "Read Alouds for All Learners: A Comprehensive Plan for Every Subject Every Day" by Molly Ness
SELF-DETERMINATION
"Student-Led Individualized Education Programs: A Gateway to Self-Determination" by Dr. John McNaught, Dr. Daniel Biegun and Kendal Swartzentruber
The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of I’m Determined youth leaders with learning disability who have enrolled in higher education within 1 year of graduating high school to better understand if and how their experience participating in the I’m Determined project led to their participation in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings.
Virginia High-Leverage Practices Priority Survey
This survey aims to collect information from relevant stakeholders, such as principals, general and special education teachers, paraprofessionals, central-office administrators, and other service providers, about statewide needs regarding supporting struggling learners, including students with disabilities, across Virginia. The information from this survey will be used to support a state leadership team comprised of members from the Virginia Department of Education, state-funded partners, local educator preparation programs, local school divisions, local allied professional organizations, and the Collaboration for Effective Educator Development, Accountability and Reform (CEEDAR) Center (a national technical assistance center; https://ceedar.education.ufl.edu) to help determine priority and focus areas regarding High-Leverage Practices (HLPs) across Virginia (VA) for professional future development and training. These prioritized HLPs will help focus statewide educator preparation and professional development.
Click the survey link or scan the QR code below:
Job Opening at Region 6&7 TTAC
Project Coordinator Opening with TTAC at Radford University
The Virginia Department of Education’s Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTAC) at Radford University is seeking a qualified and experienced education professional to provide training and consultation related to the performance of students with disabilities in K-12 schools targeted for assistance. We are looking for a dynamic candidate who is interested in a work environment that affords ongoing personal learning opportunities, collaboration with colleagues, and an opportunity to influence inclusive educational practices. This is a grant-funded position, through the Virginia Department of Education. The RU TTAC team provides professional development and support designed to assist public schools in addressing accountability and improvement goals for students with disabilities in 33 school divisions in southwestern Virginia. This is a twelve-month position with a competitive salary commensurate with experience and educational credentials and an excellent state benefits package.
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 21: Dr. Temple Grandin at The Paramount Theater in Charlottesville
In “Great Minds Are Not All the Same,” Dr. Grandin discusses the importance of complementary skills of people who think in pictures, patterns or words. This includes visual thinkers like Temple Grandin who think in photo realistic pictures; visual spatial mathematical and pattern thinkers who are good at math; and verbal thinkers who think in word. She will also be discussing how to help neurodivergent people get into good careers and her book “Visual Thinking”.
Tickets + Event Details can be found here.
June 24-27: Special Education Teacher Support Academy (SETSA)
Registration for SETSA is now open. For more information, visit here.
June 2024: Content Teaching Academy (CTA)
Registration for June 2024 CTA is now open. For more information, visit here.
July-August 2024: Summer 2024 Communication Workshops
October 4: Pre-Service & Early Career SPED Conference
November 19-20: TechKnowledgy Conference 2024
The Virginia Department of Education’s Assistive Technology Network is planning the 2024 TechKnowledgy Conference in Harrisonburg, VA. The TechKnowledgy 2024 planning committee invites all interested persons to submit proposals to present during conference breakout sessions for Tuesday, November 19.
Call for Proposals are due by May 31. Visit here for more information + to submit a proposal.
Summer Book Study
"Read Alouds for All Learners: A Comprehensive Plan for Every Subject Every Day" by Dr. Molly Ness
Classroom read alouds build background knowledge and vocabulary while providing access to content. All students benefit from read-aloud experiences; however, children with dyslexia and language barriers depend on them to build comprehension skills until they can decode text. Book study participants will receive Read Alouds for All Learners: A Comprehensive Plan for Every Subject Every Day by Dr. Molly Ness, a planning template to guide and enhance read aloud lessons, and a variety of read aloud lesson plans. This asynchronous and self-paced summer book study is best suited to educators who work with Pre-K through middle school students.
Participants will receive a free copy of the book and 8 professional development hours upon completing a read aloud lesson to be shared. Limited to 75 participants.
HAPPY SUMMER FROM TTAC!
A note from Director Dr. John McNaught + the JMU TTAC Team:
I want to express my sincere gratitude for your dedication this year. Your commitment to high-quality instruction and inclusion has been inspiring. Special education teachers, your support for diverse learners is exceptional. General education teachers, your adaptability and collaboration ensure all students receive a quality education. Administrators, your leadership fosters a culture of excellence and inclusivity. Your collective efforts have created a nurturing community where every student thrives. Thank you for your tireless work and for making a difference in the lives of our students across Region 5.
Enjoy your summer break!
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!