Special Education

9:00–9:50 a.m.    Welcome and Keynote Presentation 

10:00–10:50 a.m. Workshop Session 1 

11:00–11:50 a.m. Workshop Session 2

Welcome and Keynote Presentation

(9:00–9:50 a.m.)

Supported Decision Making—Session 1   

(10:00–10:50 a.m.)

Recorded Presentation

Supported decision-making will be discussed as an alternative to guardianship. Practice, tips, and resources will be explained.

Level: All

Presenter: 

Ms. Megan Jones, Attorney, Disability Rights Maryland 

Strand: Parenting/Transition  

Resources: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PKEe9yj6oeZFSmxy6AljRHt8lEIOxsXk

Community Connections and Resilience Workshop for Families of Middle and High School Students—Session 1   

(10:00–10:50 a.m.)

Recorded Presentation

Level: Middle and High School

Presenter: 

Dr. Patricia Crain de Galarce,  Director of the Center for Inclusive and Special Education, Lesley University Graduate School of Education (GSOE),  Associate Dean GSOE

Strand: Parenting, Community

Resources: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EFL0Df7ng-K3MV9tWHtaRM3XFgX_XIVu

Understanding Alternate Learning Outcomes:  How Alternate Standards Align to Grade Level Curriculum—Session 1   

(10:00–10:50 a.m.)

Recorded Presentation

For parents/guardians of children on alternate learning outcomes, this session will break down the different parts of reading and discuss strategies that can be used to support your child’s reading development at home. We will look at the connections between reading instruction at school and supporting your reader at home. 

Level:  All

Presenters: 

Mrs. Kathleen S. Greenberg, teacher special education, Cabin John Middle School; 

Ms. Megan E. Sullivan, teacher, special education, DSES; and

Mrs. Anne Marie Tagliaferri, supervisor, Bridges, Department of Special Education Services (DSES).

Strand: Academic 

Resources: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rYc0jx3dQBcfDUG_YqOQaLBQDBe0NAJp

Positive Behavioral Strategies that Support Healthy Social-Emotional Development—Session 1   

(10:00–10:50 a.m.)

Recorded Presentation

Presenters: 

Ms. Laura Copp, parent educator, Deaf/Hard of Hearing/Vision Program; and

Ms. Kathleen M. Van de Poll, parent educator, Preschool Education Program

Strand: Social-Emotional

Resources:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/17llEQMGYlZY0mCo8rI1nlRIKPUoklQP2/view?usp=sharing

*In español: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UdKXJRPgKqfMrIMLx8r59Mi_L9pWNAcl/view?usp=sharing

Supporting your Child in Elementary Mathematics—Session 1  

(10:00–10:50 a.m.)

Recorded Presentation

This session will focus on elementary mathematics in MCPS, centering on students with disabilities. Participants will learn about the Eureka Math curriculum and the components and resources that are available to support families. This session will provide an opportunity for participants to ask questions and learn about ways to support their children at home in mathematics.

Level: Elementary

Presenter: 

Mrs. Sheila J. Berlinger, supervisor, Elementary Mathematics.

Strand: Academic 

Resources: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1XgFdjBz-K8bzfwtKVo-rlZlE6rw28kAm6iYX66Y9BQI/preview

https://watch.screencastify.com/v/AqQpAYbjDLkJN78VkJas

Maryland ABLE: A Financial Planning Tool for People with Disabilities and their Families—Session 2  

(11:00–11:50 a.m.)

Recorded Presentation

John Shatto from Maryland ABLE will share an overview of how ABLE accounts can help people with disabilities and their families to save and invest for the future without jeopardizing federal, state, and local benefits such as SSI and Medicaid. Families will learn about tax-advantaged savings and investment options as well as how to use the ABLE account to pay for qualified disability-related expenses. Join us to learn about the eligibility criteria, enrollment process, features of a Maryland ABLE account, and the account management process.

Level: All

Presenter: 

Mr. John Shatto, Maryland ABLE Ambassador, Service Development Facilitator, The Arc Montgomery County

Strand: Social-Emotional/Behavioral/Mental Health, Transition—College, Career, Community

Resources: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12da2AwuboDh8C6jBXoqNdBU1Qh1qDeSC

Dyslexia Explained—Session 2  

(11:00–11:50 a.m.)

Recorded Presentation

This session will explain the characteristics of dyslexia, the common misunderstandings about dyslexia, the challenges of meeting the needs of children with dyslexia, and the importance of early identification and intervention.  Common comorbid conditions will be identified as well as common strengths that are exhibited by people with this brain difference.  Emphasis will be placed on how students with dyslexia need opportunities in school to discover their talents and meet their potential across content.

Level: All

Presenter: 

Ms. Laura D. Hankins, Prekindergarten–Grade 12 Content Specialist, English Language Arts, English Language Arts/Reading, Office of Curriculum and Instruction Programs.

Strand: Academic/Social-Emotional/Behavioral/Mental Health

Resources: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M5xY7foAHK_C7y66h0_C3jlVMlUpCcD2

Strategies for Managing Challenging Behaviors—Session 2  

(11:00–11:50 a.m.)

Recorded Presentation

This session will provide an overview of various strategies and techniques to help parents support children who may demonstrate challenging behaviors.  This session will address ways to help encourage and support children to engage in more positive and productive behaviors.  This presentation is geared towards elementary-aged children.

Level: Elementary

Presenters: 

Mrs. Jodi A. Chesman, Instructional Specialist, DSES; and

Ms. Heather J. Strauss, Behavior Support Teacher, Social Emotional Special Education Services, DSES.

Strand: Behavior Management/Social Emotional Learning

Resources: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W_OUP7j8JYwIxLZYS7QOI14oNEDEH0-H

Cooperation Strategies for use in the Home—Session 2  

(11:00–11:50 a.m.)

Recorded Presentation

Noncompliance is one of the most pervasive problem behaviors in young children. This training will focus on strategies and skills that can be taught in the home setting by caregivers to increase cooperation.

Level: Prekindergarten/Elementary

Presenter: 

Ms. Dana C. Gillespie, Special Education Program Specialist, Autism Spectrum Disorders Services, DSES.

Strand: Social-Emotional Learning/Behavior 

Special Education Process Essentials—Session 2  

(11:00–11:50 a.m.)

Recorded Presentation

This session will provide information regarding the special education processes that are essential to parents/guardians.

Level: All

Presenters: 

Dr. Melissa A. Brunson, Special Education Area Supervisor, DSES;

Mrs. Kia Middleton-Murphy, Special Education Area Supervisor, DSES; and

Ms. Claudette R. Smith, Special Education Area Supervisor, DSES.

Strand: Special Education IEP Process 

Fostering Literacy with your Preschooler at Home—Session 2  

(11:00–11:50 a.m.)

Recorded Presentation

Parents will learn about the MCPS Preschool Literacy curriculum, review the developmental checklist for literacy development, and walk away with strategies to support literacy at home.

Level: Pre-K

Presenters: 

Mrs. Alisa H. Bell, teacher special education, Child Find/Early Childhood Disabilities Unit; and 

Ms. Whitnee Liverpool-Cummins, teacher special education, Child Find/Early Childhood Disabilities Unit 

Strand: Academic