CESA #1 FamilyEducator Link Newsletter: 11/08/13

National Parent Involvement Day is November 21, 2013. For ideas on how to celebrate family engagement in your school, visit http://www.projectappleseed.org/abc.html
This newsletter contains many free, local opportunities for families and educators to continue to work toward collaborative relationships and improve the outcomes for our students with disabilities. Please consider attending if you are able. Past newsletters can be found at: http://www.cesa1.k12.wi.us/programs/newsletter.cfm. If you learn of events or information that you would like to share with others, please contact Amy Elfner, WSPEI Family Engagement Coordinator, at aelfner@cesa1.k12.wi.us or 262-787-9500 ext. 9564.

Communication Options for Families

Options Available if You Have Questions or Disagree with a Decision of the School Families and schools have a "built-in" partnership with the child as the focus. This partnership will grow when families and school staff work together. Disagreements may happen, but working together improves your childs education. The Communication Options for Families document will help parents determine who they can talk to when questions and disagreements arise. The document is found on the CESA #1 SPED Parent Education Network webpage at: http://www.cesa1.k12.wi.us/programs/parent_Education_network.cfm

Find a District Family Engagement Liaison

Many school districts in the CESA #1 area have local parents trained to be a resource for families in their school District, they are referred to as District Family Engagement Liaisons (DFELs). A DEFL is a parent in your school district who has a child with a disability and has received training in the area of IEPs, Transition from high school to the adult world, and Communication. A DFEL can be a valuable resource and connection for parents and staff in a school district. A current list of CESA 1 area District Family Engagement Liaisons can be found at: http://www.cesa1.k12.wi.us/programs/parent_Education_network.cfm

WORKSHOPS, TRAININGS, WEBINARS & MEETINGS

CESA #1
http://www.cesa1.k12.wi.us

Nuts & Bolts of IEPs

Families DO need to understand the Individual Educational Program (IEP), the vehicle by which their son or daughter is entitled to services and supports through their school district. They need to understand how the IEP is structured, what rights and responsibilities all parties have, what they can do to work proactively in partnership with school staff, and finally, if they disagree with the school, what they can do to resolve the issue. Presented by Cheri Sylla & Amy Elfner, WSPEI Family Engagement Coordinators WHEN: November 14, 9:00 am-11:00 am OR 6:00 pm-8:00 pm WHERE: CESA 1, N25 W23131 Paul Rd, Pewaukee, WI Cost: FREE; Click HERE to register

Wisconsins Rule for SLD Eligibility FREE Presentation

On December 1, 2013 Wisconsins rule for SLD eligibility will go into effect for all local educational agencies. As this transition takes effect, parents and families may have questions. This session will focus on information regarding special education evaluation specific to Wisconsins eligibility for SLD; understanding of the relationship between RtI and SLD; resources available to help respond to family and community question about SLD. Educators, individuals supporting family and engagement and families are encouraged to attend. Presented by Paula Volpiansky, DPI Consultant and Kathy Laffin, Special Education Consultant WHEN: November 18, 2013; 9:00 AM-12:00 PM 11/08/13

WHERE: Participation may be in-person at CESA #1; N25 W23131Paul Rd, Pewaukee, WI OR remotely via Adobe Connect. Registration for this event is required. Please contact Holly Lauer at CESA1 @ workshops@cesa1.k12.wi.us or 262-7879500 x9532 for additional information. To register: Click Here

Wisconsin Mediation System FREE presentation

This presentation focuses on dispute resolution options available through the Wisconsin Special Education Mediation System (WSEMS). Early conflict resolution options available through WSEMS will be covered in the training. Use of informal meetings at the local, school district level will be emphasized as a good first step. Families, school district staff, individuals supporting family engagement and RSN are encouraged to attend. Presented by Nisan BarLev Special Education Director CESA #7 and Jan Serack, Wisconsin Facets WHEN: December 18, 9:00AM 11:00AM and 1:00PM 3:00PM WHERE: CESA #1, W25 W23131 Paul Rd, Pewaukee, WI Contact Kathy Flanagan at 262.787.9500, ext. 9537. To register: CLICK HERE

CESA #2 www.cesa2.org Motivating Children and Teens

Are you a parent or teacher who struggles to motivate your child or teenager? If you feel this way, then this presentation is for you! Parents, teachers and counselors will gain a better understanding of motivation and learn practical ways to bring about change. It will include techniques for helping children and teeangers cope with the fear of failure and to become contagious motivators. Featuring Dr. Mervin Langley of Clinical Psychology Associates. WHEN: November 12, 2013 5:30-7:30 PM WHERE: Karcher Middle School Library, 225 Robert Street, Burlington, WI Please Pre-Register! Contact Lori Radtke at 262-763-0180 X2217 orlradtke@basd.k12.wi.us.

Wisconsin Statewide Parent-Educator Initiative

www.wspei.org Phone Webinar FREE Postsecondary Transition Plan (PTP) Dec. 11, 9:00AM-Noon For more information about registration contact WSPEI - (877)844-4925

Parents in Partnership/Youth in Partnership with Parents for Empowerment Trainings

Parents In Partnership is a Leadership Development Opportunity for Parents of Children with Disabilities PIP is a statewide program in which a group of parents and other caregivers meet together five times during the year to: share their family stories, challenges, joys and triumphs of raising their children. At PIP participants will learn about community and statewide resources for children with disabilities; explore issues around health, education, policy making, legislation, inclusion, self-determination, family well-being, and IDEA Special Education Law Registration is now open! For 2013-2014 date and location information, or to register, visit: www.wspei.org or Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction website: http://sped.dpi.wi.gov/sped_par_partn._

Wisconsin DPI
http://dpi.wi.gov

Special Education Public Forum

Please join us at the annual public forum held by the State Superintendents Council on Special Education. The purpose for this forum is to gather input on the successes and challenges of special education from Wisconsin families, school administrators, educators, community representatives, and others. Information gathered will be used by the council in advising the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) on matters affecting the education of Wisconsins children and youth with disabilities. The council is receptive to hearing about any topic upon which people may choose to comment. WHEN: Monday, November 18th, 5:00 to 6:30 PM WHERE: Madison Marriott West, Salons A-D (1313 John Q. Hammons Drive (Middleton, Wisconsin); 608/831-2000. 11/08/13

DPI launches WISEdash Public Portal

Wisconsin parents, community members, and educators have a new public reporting tool to discover all types of data about Wisconsin schools and districts. WISEdash is a data portal that uses "dashboards," or visual collections of graphs and tables, to provide multi-year education data about Wisconsin schools. WISEdash stands for Wisconsin Information System for Education Dashboard. Viewers can find detailed information about state, district, and school statistics and trends on student achievement, attendance, and enrollment; rates of graduation rates, student discipline; and information on school staffing, finance, and courses. Links to national data sources are also available. User guides and a quick video on the WISEdash homepage help get new users started: http://wisedash.dpi.wi.gov/.

Frequently Asked Questions about Making SLD Eligibility Decisions, updated

The updated document, Frequently Asked Questions about Making SLD Eligibility Decisions, has been posted at http://sped.dpi.wi.gov/sped_ld. In anticipation of the upcoming sunset on the significant discrepancy criterion, we are updating the SLD Technical Guide for Eligibility Determination and the SLD criteria checklists and forms. We will let you know when these are available

What You Need to Know About the Common Core State Standards
http://commoncore.dpi.wi.gov/what-you-need-know-about-common-core

Elmbrook Schools Transition Network

The Elmbrook Family Transition Network was established as a means for families to gather together to learn about resources and network with each other on topics related to the transition of students with special needs out of the school system. Questions regarding this network should be directed to Megan Rindal, Transition Coordinator, rindalm@elmbrookschools.org or (414) 587-5982. Meetings for the rest of the year will take place at 6:00pm at the Elmbrook Central Administrative Offices Board Room at 13780 Hope St., Brookfield Wednesday, November 20th- Postsecondary Transition Plan (PTP) web overview by Megan Rindal Wednesday, December 18th- Tentative topic: Housing supports and options in Waukesha County Wednesday, January 15th- Panel of local students who access support services at colleges, along with some local college providers who work with students with disabilities Wednesday, February 19th- Employment panel with DVR and local employment support service providers Wednesday, March 19th- Guardianships/Trusts- (Meeting in room 173 at CAO, not Board Room)

Parents United www.parentsunitedwi.org

Parents United is a consortium of Waukesha County school districts that have joined together in providing high quality speakers on a wide variety of educational topics. Open to parents and professionals, the programs are developed based on input from the Special Education and Pupil Services directors from the sixteen districts. For a complete listing of the 2013-2014 programs, please visit the website above. Daytime Programs 9:00 11:30 a.m. All daytime programs to be held on Wednesdays at Country Springs Hotel & Conference Center, 2810 Golf Road, Pewaukee, WI unless otherwise stated November 13, 2013: Anxiety & Its Effects on School Performance School Attendance Phobias Physical & Psychological Issues Presented by: William Schacht, MS, LCSW, Tracy Pritzl, PsyD, BCBA-D, Performance Enhancement Health Services, S.C.

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December 5, 2013, AUTISM, INSIDE OUT Sam Does VideoOne Mans Story Sam Rogers and Kate McGinnity will co-present how Sam uses video to explain his supports and train his staff. The benefit of the presentation is relevant for parents, educators, individuals with autism and all who interact with and care about people with autism. By attending this presentation, you will learn the following:*Innovative personalized strategies applicable in home, school & work setting;*Personalized perspective of autism;*Variety of strategies for the student or individual with autism; * A chance to ask questions and problem solve WHEN: Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. Program: 9:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. WHERE: Richard T Anderson Auditorium, WCTC Campus, Pewaukee ***THIS PROGRAM REQUIRES ADVANCED REGISTRATION BY NOVEMEBER 28, 2013! Please email: ediesott1950@zoho.com if interested in attending. CO-SPONSORED BY WCTC. $10 CASH DONATION WILL BE COLLECTED AT THE DOOR FROM ATTENDEES WHO DO NOT RESIDE/WORK IN A PARENTS UNITED SCHOOL DISTRICT.

WI FACETS www.wifacets.org
Registration is required for all workshops. Contact Sandra McFarland: 877-374-0511 or smcfarland@wifacets.org. Requests for any special accommodations must be made at least two weeks before the event. WI FACETS-sponsored workshops are free. Some stipends may be available to parents to help support their attendance at WI FACETSsponsored workshops (to help with child-care, transportation).

FREE Telephone Workshops

11/2 Volunteer Parent Leader Annual Conference (By Invitation), Location TBA 11/4 WI Special Education Mediation System & Dispute Resolution Options, 7-8pm 11/6 What to Do If You Suspect Your Child is Abused, 12-1pm 11/7 Programa de Educacin Individualizado (IEP) Parte II, 12-1pm. 11/9 WI FACETS REGIONAL CONFERENCE, Madison 11/11 Opening Doors to Transition, 12-1pm 11/12 Skills for Effective Parent Advocacy, 7-8pm 11/13 Getting Assistive Technology in the IEP, 12-1pm 11/16 WI Special Education Mediation System & Dispute Resolution, 11am-12pm, Milwaukee Support Group, Autism Support Group Meeting, 12-1:30pm WI FACETS Office, Milwaukee 11/19-20 State Superintendents Conference on Special Education & Pupil Services Leadership, Madison 11/21 Working for Change: Using the Power of a Personal Story, 7-8pm 11/23 Grupo de Autismo: Celebracin de Accin de Gracias, 10am-12pm. Oficina de WI FACETS, Milwaukee

Parents Place www.ppacinc.org

Parents Place is a family resource center for families with children ages 0-18. Parenting is a tough job and a tremendous responsibility. All families can benefit from sound parenting information and support. Registration required for all classes: www.ppacinc.org
The Perfect Storm on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 from 6:00-7:30pm Parent/Teen Relations: Understanding Your Teens Anger on Tuesdays, December 3 & 10, 2013 from 5:30-7:00pm Effective Discipline for the Challenging Child on Mondays, December 2-23, 2013 from 6:00-7:30pm New Ideas for Parenting Children & Adolescents with ADHD/ADD on Tuesdays, December 3-17, 2013 from 5:30-7:30pm

Community Care, Inc. www.communitycareinc.org Important Information for You About Self Directed Supports
Make plans now to join us for a free seminar especially created for young people with disabilities who are transitioning out of high school, their families and those that work with them. Youll learn how you can use Self Directed Supports and 11/08/13

work with Managed Care Organizations to meet your long term care needs and reach your daily living goals. This seminar is presented by Community Care, Inc. in partnership with the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities. Topics well cover include: What are Self Directed Supports? What kinds of Self Directed Supports are available? How do you plan and budget using Self Directed Supports? How do you hire employees? How can Self Directed Supports work for you? WHEN: November 19, 2013, 6:00 PM 7:30 PM WHERE: Southwest Public Library , Large Activity Room; 7979 38th Avenue, Kenosha WI 53142 RSVP today by replying via e-mail to: karen.buono@communitycareinc.org or By phone at: (262) 484-5083

IndependenceFirst www.independencefirst.org New Directions: Ozaukee County Support Group for People with Disabilities.
Coordinator-in-charge: Leah Simmons, Lead ILS Coordinator, (414) 937-5913 or lsimmons@independencefirst.org When: Meets the 1st Friday of the Month; October 4, November 1, December 6, 10:00-11:00 AM Where: Family Enrichment Center, Conference Room E, 885 Badger Circle, Grafton, WI 53024

CONFERENCES
2013 Across the Lifespan Conference
We are excited to announce the new collaboration that has formed to bring Wisconsin the exciting concept of Co Conferencing. Wistech, WI-AHEAD, and the Department of Health Services have joined together to bring you one conference, one location, one exhibit hall, 40+ educational sessions and workshops with hundreds of networking opportunities. Attendees, presenters and exhibitors will all benefit from our collaboration. As the title implies, Across the Lifespan targets all age groups. This includes PK-12, post secondary education, adulthood and seniors. Our attendees represent the fields of assistive technology, education, case management, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology and rehabilitation counselors. Students of these professions, consumers and family members also make up a fair share of our attendees. When: November 14 & 15 Where: Glacier Canyon Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells, WI. Cost: Registration fee to attend the conference is $75.00. Visit: http://www.atacrosslifespan.org/ to register

11th Annual Wisconsin Transition Conference, February 19-21, 2014; Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells, WI
Now Accepting Parent and Youth Scholarship Applications! The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has again provided scholarship monies for parents of an individual with a disability and transition age youth with a disability to attend the conference this year! Scholarships will cover: PreConference Registration Fees and Lunch. Recipients will choose one session (see options below). Conference Registration Fees and Lunch (breakfasts and afternoon snack are included). Hotel, travel and other meal expenses are the responsibility of the recipient. Only one person per application. Each person must have an email address. Applications will remain open until November 27, 2013. The scholarship applications can be accessed HERE

Wisconsin Educational Services Program Deaf and Hard of Hearing Save the Date: WESP-DHH Annual Statewide Family Conference
In addition to the great workshops and networking at the conference, everyone can "renew, re-energize, and relax" with a variety of fun and relaxing adults-only and family friendly activities. Our keynote speaker, Tina Childress, was an inspiration to the professionals last year - we know you'll love her message for families this year. For more information, go to: http://www.wesp-dhh.wi.gov/wesp/fc_flyer_save_the_date_2014.cfm. 11/08/13

For a downloadable "Save the Date" flyer (you can help us to spread the word!), go to: http://www.wespdhh.wi.gov/events/outreach/PCFC2014/pc2014_save_the_date.pdf WHEN: March 7-9, 2014 WHERE: Olympia Resort and Conference Center in Oconomowoc

WEBSITES, Online RESOURCES AND ORGANIZATIONS

Pacer Center, Champions for Children with Disabilities http://www.pacer.org/
Promotion of Healthy Relationships and Sexuality for Individuals with Disabilities This FREE fact sheet promotes healthy relationships and debunks myths about sexuality in relation to individuals with disabilities. It provides background information, facts, and resources, and also discusses solutions and promising steps in promoting healthy sexuality for individuals with disabilities. Published by the Minnesota Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Program (MN LEND) at the Institute on Community Integration (ICI) at the University of Minnesota. Available on the Web at http://lend.umn.edu/docs/LEND-FACT-sexuality.pdf

Wrightslaw www.wrightslaw.com Frequently Asked Questions about IEPs

http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/iep.disputes.popup.htm

The CADRE Caucus

http://www.directionservice.org/cadre News from the Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE) The Caucus periodically updates you on new features and resources found at the CADRE website and in the world of special education conflict resolution. Working Together: Building Improved Communication: Included are short videos, a study guide and related resources on Listening Skills, Understanding Positions & Interests, and a module titled, The Tale of Two Conversations, which was developed in collaboration with the Office for Dispute Resolution in Pennsylvania. http://www.directionservice.org/cadre/modulemap.cfm Effective IEPs, Tested Tips: This brief document offers suggestions for convening successful IEP meetings. It includes preparation tips for parents and educators : http://www.directionservice.org/cadre/testedtips.cfm Steps to Success, Communicating with your Childs School: This brief publication offers specific communication skills that may be helpful to parents as they develop and maintain partnerships with their child's school: http://www.directionservice.org/cadre/success.cfm Educating Our Children Together: This brochure offers specific communication skills that may be helpful to parents as they develop and maintain partnerships with their child's school.: http://www.directionservice.org/cadre/EducatingOurChildren_01.cfm A current listing of resources, helpful websites and local organization information is available on the CESA #1 Family Engagement website: http://www.cesa1.k12.wi.us/programs/program_resources.cfm The CESA #1 Parent Educator Link Newsletter is published approximately monthly. CESA #1 is not a legal agency and cannot provide legal advice or legal representation. We do not endorse any treatments, providers, or product information in this newsletter. As with any program for your child, parents are encouraged to thoroughly check out references when enrolling their child in any program. Any information contained in this newsletter is not intended as legal advice but only for informational purposes. Submissions from parents and professionals are welcomed. Questions regarding any information in this newsletter can be directed to: Amy Elfner CESA #1 WSPEI Family Engagement Coordinator 262-787-9500 ext. 9564 or aelfner@cesa1.k12.wi.us 11/08/13