Welcome to TTAC Connect, VDOE's Region 5 quarterly newsletter aimed to communicate resources, news + events!
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Early Childhood Special Education
Transition from Preschool to Kindergarten
When we think about transitioning our students from preschool to kindergarten, a familiar image comes to mind: the balloon toss game often played at summer camps and field days. In this game, the goal is to gently toss a balloon to your partner without letting it drop or pop. When we really want to succeed, we use strategies, moving carefully, paying attention, and playing with purpose.
That same thoughtful mindset should guide us when supporting young children through transitions. Like the balloon, our students are full of energy and potential, and they need care, attention, and intentional support to navigate change successfully. A smooth and meaningful transition doesn’t happen by accident, it requires planning, collaboration, and individualized strategies.
Below, you'll find resources designed to help you build effective, supportive transition plans for all of your students.
[Explore] Paving the Way to Kindergarten for Young Children with Disabilities
[Read] Collaborations, Connections, and Six Steps to Success
[Listen] The Odyssey: Parenting. Caregiving. Disability: Back to School Special
[Watch] One-Pager: Identity and Self-Awareness
[Check out from the Lending Library] DEC Recommended Practices Monograph Series No. 8: "Transition"
Transition
Career and Technical Education (CTE) plays a crucial role in empowering students with disabilities by providing them with essential skills and knowledge for successful careers. CTE programs offer hands-on learning experiences that also supports students to build confidence and competence in various fields. By focusing on real-world applications, CTE fosters autonomy and prepares students for the workforce. Additionally, CTE promotes inclusion, ensuring all students have access to valuable resources and support. Investing in CTE for students with disabilities not only enhances their outcomes, but also enriches our communities as a whole.
[Explore] Association for Career & Technical Education
[Read] Career and Technical Education & Secondary Students with Disabilities Quick Guide
[Read] Career and Technical Education’s 12 High-Quality Work-Based Learning Experiences
[Listen] Career and Technical Education with Luis Perez and Tracey Hall
[Watch] CTE for Students with Disabilities: A Framework for Understanding (CTE Series 1)
[Check out from the Lending Library] Pre-ETS: Pre-Employment Transition Solution: Focus on Work-Based Learning
Family Engagement
Family engagement is crucial in setting the foundation for a child's educational success. Research shows that when families are actively involved in their children's learning, students demonstrate increased motivation, better attendance, and higher academic achievement. Engaging families early fosters strong relationships between educators and parents, creating a supportive learning environment. By encouraging open communication and collaboration, schools can empower families to become partners in education. This involvement not only enhances children's learning experiences but also supports a sense of community, ensuring that every child has the support they need to thrive both academically and socially.
[Explore] Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC)
[Explore] Center for Family Involvement
[Explore] I’m Determined – Families
[Read] VDOE Critical Decision Points
[Watch & Listen] Relationship-Based Competencies to Support Family Engagement for All Early Childhood Professionals: An Overview
[Check out from Lending Library] "101 Ways to Create Real Family Engagement" by Steven M. Constantino
Self-Determination
[Explore] The new I'm Determined Center
We're excited to announce that I'm Determined has officially converted from a project to a center. The I'm Determined Center is now open and finalizing their new team! The Leadership Team consists of...
- Dr. John McNaught - Principal Investigator
- Dr. Joshua Pulos - Co-Principal Investigator
- Dr. Kendal Swartzentruber - Director
- Keli Bradbury - Associate Director of Implementation
- Jesse Rodriguez - Associate Director of Innovation
[Read] "I'm Determined Empowers Youth with Disabilities" - Article featured in Madison Magazine
[Listen] I'm Determined Youth Leader Alumnae - "Pathway to Success: Self-Determination" and "Pathway to Success: Self-Awareness and Reflection"
[Watch] 2025 International Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Conference - I'm Determined feature video
[Check out from Lending Library] "Here's My Book" by Michael Jacques
AT: The Best Teammate
Assistive technology has some incredible tools and options for individuals with disabilities, empowering them to tackle tasks they might find challenging without it. It is not just about high-tech wonders like laptops, environmental control devices, or electric wheelchairs. It also encompasses low-tech solutions such as pencil grips, schedules, and laminated communication boards.
Remember, assistive technology should be considered for ALL students with disabilities, no matter how they’re identified. Let’s celebrate the power of these tools and ensure every student has the opportunity to shine! Make sure you are considering it at EVERY IEP!
[Explore] Follow for ideas and information shared in bits and pieces @VDOEATnetwork on Instagram and Facebook
[Read] Myths and Facts Surrounding Assistive Technology Devices and Services
[Listen] HLP #19: Use Assistive and Instructional Technologies
[Watch] Virginia Assistive Technology, Tools, and Strategies (VATTS) Consideration Guide and Resources 2024-2025
Self-Paced and you get PD points too!
[Check out from the Lending Library] There are over 200 items in the Lending Library that are Assistive Technology! Resources and Devices are available for Check-Out. Spend some time using the keywords to see what all is available!
2025-2026 Application for Excellence in Co-Teaching Initiative Demonstration Sites
To enhance inclusive practices for students with disabilities in the Commonwealth, the Virginia Department of Education began the Excellence in Co-Teaching Initiative in 2014, identifying demonstration sites and developing a cohort of co-teachers and administrators who could share their skills with others across Virginia. More than 60 co-teaching teams in all regions of the state have participated in this project, which currently has nine active demonstration sites.
The VDOE is seeking to expand that cohort and requests that division leadership nominate co-teaching partners and their schools to become demonstration sites for the Excellence in Co-Teaching Initiative. Teams are sought who share responsibility for the achievement of all students, including students with disabilities in the general education classroom, and to facilitate the implementation of inclusive and research-based practices through active co-teaching, co-planning, and co-assessing.
The VDOE and the Training and Technical Assistance Centers will provide training, technical assistance, and support for each demonstration site. Participating schools will receive a $5,000 sub-grant for use in supporting the achievement of students with disabilities, and each co-teaching partner will receive a $2,500 stipend for their participation. Funding (subgrants for materials, supplies, and teacher stipends) per co-teaching team will not exceed $10,000.
The VDOE will select participants through a competitive application review process. Co-teaching teams and administrators should work together to complete the Excellence in Co-Teaching 2025-2026 Application.
Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on May 23, 2025. Applications will be competitively reviewed, and all applicants will be notified of their status by June 6, 2025. If selected, additional information will be provided to the teams about the professional development that is required during the summer.
For more information or questions concerning this professional development opportunity, contact Dwana Cooper, Coordinator of Specially Designed Instruction, at Dwana.Cooper@doe.virginia.gov or (804) 750-8693.
UPCOMING EVENTS
June 23-27 | Content Teaching Academy (CTA)
The Content Teaching Academy (CTA) is a professional development program for in-service teachers hosted on the campus of JMU each summer. The CTA offers targeted and sustained professional learning on a variety of topics (see below for this summer's Academies). Our Academies offer high-quality professional development that includes in-depth studies across a range of content areas. In addition, each component of the CTA is designed to engage participants in critical dialogues of practice with instructional sessions conducted by scholars and master teachers who understand the challenges associated with today's classrooms.
June 23-26 | Special Education Teacher Support Academy (SETSA)
July 28 - 31 | Seventh Cohort of Journey into Teaching Academy
The Virginia Department of Education Department of Special Populations is announcing its seventh cohort of the Journey into Teaching Academy. The Academy is a yearlong professional development initiative for teachers completing their second year of teaching by the end of the 2024-2025 school year (SY) and entering their third year of teaching during the 2025-2026 SY as a provisionally licensed special education teacher.
In Virginia, special education is considered the number one critical shortage area for teachers. The Journey into Teaching Academy is designed as a program to provide teacher support beyond mentorship to enhance the retention, as well as the overall performance of provisionally licensed special education teachers.
This year-long initiative will begin with a four-day, in-person workshop from July 28, 2025 - July 31, 2025, in the Greater Richmond region. Each workshop day will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude by 4 p.m.; working breakfast and lunch will be provided. Subsequent Saturday academy workshop dates will be provided at a later date.
The Journey into Teaching Academy is designed to be a competitive application process. Priority will be given to teachers from school divisions that have been identified by the VDOE. Selected participants will receive a $2,000 stipend for successful completion of the Academy and any other relevant activities. Approximately 25 participants will be selected for this cohort.
The selection process requires completion of the 2025-2026 Journey into Teaching Application and a letter of recommendation from the applicant’s school administrator. All candidates must:
- have successfully completed or will complete two years of successful teaching as documented in an administrator’s recommendation and/or evaluation;
- hold an active, provisional Virginia teaching license;
- be actively engaged in taking coursework to satisfy licensure requirements;
- be continuing their contract with their current school division for the 2025-2026 SY; and
- complete and submit the Journey into Teaching Academy Teacher Application and provide a letter of recommendation from the applicant’s school administrator.
Completed applications and recommendations are due to VDOE by May 22, 2025. A committee will review the applications and select participants based on the above criteria. The applicants selected will reflect a balanced division representation based on the number of applicants. Once applications are reviewed, notification and information on upcoming events will be sent via email to the selected participants. Applicants who are not chosen for this cohort will be notified by May 29, 2025.
For questions regarding this academy, contact Dwana Cooper, Coordinator for Specially Designed Instruction, at Dwana.Cooper@doe.virginia.gov or (804) 750-8693; or Dr. Zenia Burnett, Director of Instructional Services, at Zenia.Burnett@doe.virginia.gov or (804) 750-8666.
COMING SOON - Transition Bootcamp: Back to Basics
Are you a new K-12 practitioner or someone new to the transition field? Join TTAC at JMU’s professional development series – Transition Bootcamp: Back to Basics. This PD series is designed to boost your expertise and effectiveness in the area of transition! This program offers a more in-depth review of transition than the Region 5’s Transition Community of Practice. The Transition Bootcamp will consist of monthly meetings online via Zoom for 90 minutes with an in-person kick-off and end of bootcamp event in September and May. This PD series will also include individual/school team activities in-between meetings to develop skills, knowledge, and your schools' resources around transition. If you participate in all sessions, you will earn hours towards your licensure and get reimbursed for a substitute teacher at the end of the year to attend the last in-person event.
- Who: Practitioners with 0-3 years experience in education and/or those new to the field of transition transitioning to this field.
- When: Once a month from September to April for 90 minutes via Zoom with an in-person event in September and April.
- What: We will cover key areas including an overview of transition, transition assessment, measurable post-secondary goals, integration into core curriculum, community engagement, career technical education, and more.
Registration is coming soon so be on the lookout over the summer! Don't miss this chance to deepen your knowledge and make a significant impact in your students' transition planning!
HAPPY SUMMER FROM TTAC!
A note from Director Dr. John McNaught + the JMU TTAC Team:
As we close out another school year, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each of you—our dedicated educators and administrators—for your unwavering commitment to high-quality instruction and inclusive educational opportunities. Your tireless efforts ensure that every student, regardless of ability, is seen, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive. Through challenges and changes, you continue to lead with heart, advocate with passion, and teach with excellence. The impact of your work reaches far beyond the classroom and shapes a more inclusive future for all. Thank you for the difference you make every single day. Wishing you a restful and well-deserved summer break—you’ve earned it.
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!