All New in Special Education
(added 12/01/11)
Vermont Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Annual Report:
One hundred three schools in 42 supervisory unions/districts throughout Vermont are engaged in various stages of training and implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. This annual report highlights some encouraging statistics regarding the effectiveness of VT PBIS. To read more click here. Click here for a link to VFN Parent Guide for PBIS
(added 9/28/11)
New Early Intervention Regulations Released
The U.S. Department of Education released the final regulations for the Early Intervention Program under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These final regulations will help improve services and outcomes for America’s infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. Part C is a program administered by states that serves infants and toddlers through age 2 with developmental delays or who have diagnosed physical or mental conditions with high probabilities of resulting in developmental delays. In Vermont we refer to this program as Children’s Integrated Services-Early Intervention. To read more, click here.
Click here to see the final Part C regulations.
Click here for a printer friendly PDF of the final Part C regulations.
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New Memo from the Vermont Department of Education regarding Technical Education and students with disabilities:
The purpose of this memo from the Vermont Department of Education is to clarify the role of Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams for students who are eligible for special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). What follows is a set of guidelines that the Vermont Department of Education recommends high schools and Career Technical Education Centers follow, to promote successful participation in technical education, for students eligible for special education under the IDEA.
Click here to read a PDF of the memo.
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(added 6/21/11)
Navigating Special Education Webinar (Click on the link to hear the recording)
Presenter: Christine Kilpatrick, Director Family Support, Vermont Family Network
This Webinar covered the special education process including; Evaluation, Individual Education Plan (IEP), Discipline Process for students with IEP’s, Parent’s Rights and how to disagree.
Time: 1 hour
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(added 4/20/11)
New rule on the use of restraint and seclusion in schools passed by Vermont State Board of Education!
The State Board of Education passed this new rule (Rule 4500) on February 15th, 2011. It will go into effect on August 15, 2011.
Schools will have until September 30, 2011 to meet the training requirements of this new rule. The Vermont Department of Education is currently creating a list of recommended training programs as well as sample report forms for meeting the reporting requirements in the rule. If your child has been restrained or secluded at school and you have questions or concerns and would like more information/or if you have questions about this new rule please call Vermont Family Network and ask to speak with someone in Family Support. 1-800-800-4005
Link to State Board Rule 4500, The Use of Restraint and Seclusion in Vermont Schools
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(added 4/20/11)
Vermont Department of Education (VTDOE) has now posted translated versions of the parent’s rights in special education on their website!
Parents’ Rights in Special Education: Procedural Safeguards Notice
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires schools to provide parents of a child with a disability with a notice containing a full explanation of the procedural safeguards available under the IDEA and Vermont Department of Education Special Education regulations. This information is now provided in the following languages:
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New Fact Sheet on Different Teaching Tools!
(added 2/25/11)
Check out our new Fact Sheet: Teaching Designed so All Students Can Learn
This fact sheet describes three teaching tools to individualize learning for all students—differentiated instruction, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and instructional accommodations. Teachers may use one or all of these methods in the classroom, depending on the needs of their students.
