- 2019 Early Childhood Special Education Orientation
- Registration for the Annual VTPBIS Forum is Now Open
- Adverse Effect Documentation Required for 2019
- Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Survey Summary 2018-2019
- Watch for Signs of Youth Vaping-related Illness
- Regional Instructional Coaching Networked Improvement Communities: Professional Learning Opportunity
- Courtesy Posts
2019 Early Childhood Special Education Orientation
Audience: New Early Childhood Special Educators, Related Service Staff, Directors of Student Support/Special Education with 0-3 years of experience in their position and/or the field.
The Agency of Education Early Education team is hosting a free ECSE training Monday, Sept. 23, 2019 from 8:15 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Vermont AOE, Room 304, 219 North Main Street, Barre, VT. The following topics will be covered: Federal and State Rules, least restrictive environment, early childhood outcomes, evaluation and IEP process forms, and transitions (Part C to Part B and Part B 619 to Kindergarten). There is limited capacity for this free orientation. Deadline to register for the ECSE Orientation is Friday, Sept. 20, 2019.
Contact: Katie McCarthy at katie.mccarthy@vermont.gov
Registration for the Annual VTPBIS Forum is Now Open
Audience: VTPBIS School Leadership Teams, administrators, VTPBIS school and SU/SD coordinators, school staff. Any interested in learning about PBIS for implementation in their schools.
The Annual VTPBIS Forum will be held on Oct. 10, 2019, at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel. This is a great opportunity for schools interested in exploring PBIS to learn more about it and the process for implementation. It’s also a great forum for existing VTPBIS schools to learn and share more about sustainability and evidence-based practices. VTPBIS Annual Acknowledgements will be presented and there will be opportunities to network with other schools.
Contact: Anne Dubie at anne.dubie@uvm.edu or (802) 656-5775
Adverse Effect Documentation Required for 2019
Audience: Special Education Administrators
Please remember that on or before Dec. 15, 2019, each special education administrator is required to submit signed documentation that all special educators in their supervisory union have been trained in the area of adverse effect. If you do not have any new special education staff, please complete the form with this notation on the first line. Submissions are used in special education monitoring activities and should be sent to AOE.SpecialEd@vermont.gov. Criteria, training and resources for determining an adverse effect can be found on the special education resources page.
Contact: Amy Murphy at (802) 479-1145 or AOE.SpecialEd@vermont.gov
Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Survey Summary 2018-2019
Audience: Superintendents, Principals
The Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Survey Summary 2018-2019 provides an analysis and evaluation of the data reported in the annual survey by all VT K-12 (294) public school principals. This data will inform the Secretary of Education of the status of each school’s multi-tiered system of supports and the funding sources used to provide supports to students. In addition, the data will be used by the VTmtss Team to determine the professional learning opportunities, technical assistance and resources needed to support SUs/SDs in their implementation of a tiered system of supports.
Contact: Nancy Hellen at nancy.hellen@vermont.gov
Watch for Signs of Youth Vaping-related Illness
Audience: All
As of Sept. 6, 2019, the CDC reports more than 450 possible cases of lung illness associated with the use of e-cigarette products in 33 states and one U.S. territory. Five deaths have been confirmed. Patients – including teens – have reported symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, fever or weight loss. Students who are known to use vape products and exhibit any of these symptoms should be referred to their healthcare provider. All students should be encouraged not to start vaping. Students who currently vape should be advised to seek cessation support at 802quits.org or talk with their healthcare provider about the risks. Educators and parents can learn facts about youth vaping and tobacco use at CounterBalancevt.com. Additional information and resources available online.
Contact: Annie Ward at annie.ward@vermont.gov
Regional Instructional Coaching Networked Improvement Communities: Professional Learning Opportunity
Audience: Superintendents, Principals, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Directors
The Vermont Agency of Education (AOE) is inviting instructional coaches from Vermont schools to participate in a two-year Instructional Coaching Networked Improvement Community (IC NIC). 2019–2020 The goal of the first year of the IC NIC is twofold: use improvement science to define the role of the Instructional Coach in Vermont schools and to identify and test a change idea using the AOE Impact Plan. 2020–2021 The goal is to create an Instructional Coach Toolkit that contains the necessary resources to support an instructional coach in their practice. The IC NIC will be offered in four Vermont regions. Learn more about this professional learning opportunity and register online.
Contact: Susan Yesalonia at susan.yesalonia@vermont.gov or (802) 479-1284
Courtesy Posts
The views, opinions and resources shared in this section of the WFM are solely those of the original contributors. The Agency of Education does not endorse the views expressed by these contributors and reserves the right to refuse submissions. Questions related to any of these resources should be directed to the organizations, people and opportunities as shared.
League of Innovative Schools Fall In-State Meeting
The League of Innovative Schools (LIS) in Vermont is pleased to invite you to Harwood Union High School on Oct. 3, 2019, for a day of learning and discussion around the intersection of Vermont’s Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (VTmtss), Act 173 and personalized learning. We'll hear from Tom Faris from the Agency of Education (AOE) and practitioners from the field who will share practices and insights to help strengthen your own systems of support for all students. You do not have to be an LIS member to participate in this session. If you are interested, please register online.
Contact: Don Weafer at dweafer@greatschoolspartnership.org or (207) 773-0505
Sept 17 Info Session on TAP's 8-month Path to Licensure at Champlain College
Champlain College's Teacher Apprenticeship Program supports career changers and those already working in the education field to earn a Level I Vermont teaching license for $12,000. We will hold our next info session on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2019, from 6 - 7 p.m. at 175 Lakeside Ave, Burlington. Visit the Teacher Apprenticeship Program website to RSVP and to access the TAP application and FAQ's. A new cohort will begin in December 2019 with seminars, followed by full-time student teaching through the spring 2020 semester.
Contact: Caitlin Hollister at chollister@champlain.edu or (802) 283-6657
Funding Opportunity: Upgrade your Diesel Fleet, Including Buses, Maintenance Equipment and More
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is offering an incentive to replace or retrofit of older school buses (even if you contract out transportation services), tractors and other diesel vehicles/equipment. Funds available through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) are making it possible for up to 25%-45% of the costs to be reimbursed for the replacement of older diesel vehicles and equipment and up to 100% of the costs to retrofit diesel vehicles with exhaust controls or retrofit diesel vehicles with idle reduction technologies. The objective of the program is to help reduce diesel emissions and children's exposure to diesel exhaust. For more information or to apply, please view the Request for Proposals on the Vermont Business Registry website.
Contact: Maria Davies at maria.davies@vermont.gov or (802) 622-4022
Registration Open for Rowland Foundation Conference
Registration is now open for annual Rowland Foundation conference at UVM on Oct. 23, 2019. The theme for this year’s conference is "Seeing the Racial Water" with keynote speaker, Robin DiAngelo, author of the best selling book, White Fragility. While the Rowland Foundation has recently hosted several conferences on equity, social justice and embracing individual differences, this year’s theme is perhaps the most topical to date given the climate in our country. For all registration information and a list of workshops to be offered, visit the Rowland Foundation website. For all school leaders and teachers.
Contact: Marge Malko at margemalko@gmail.com or (802) 824-6400
Cultivating Pathways to Sustainability for 2019-2020
Shelburne Farms, UP for Learning and Vermont Learning for the Future are excited to announce the 4th annual gathering of Cultivating Pathways to Sustainability for the 2019-2020 school year. This statewide effort connects educators and students through a range of sustainability topics and projects. We welcome school teams of six to 10 students and an adult to register and begin a year-long journey with us. The events are free for school teams, lunch and snack included. Register for the High School Focused Day - Oct. 8, 2019. Register for the Middle Level Focused Day - Oct. 10, 2019.
Contact: Jen Cirillo at jcirillo@shelburnefarms.org
Cultivating Pathways to Sustainability Professional Learning Opportunity
New this year - A yearlong professional learning opportunity for educators is being offered for Cultivating Pathways to Sustainability. Professional development hours or three graduate credits through Southern New Hampshire University can be earned. If you're interested, please fill out this form. We will hold an informational session to learn more about this yearlong educator cohort on Sept. 18, from 4-6 p.m. at Shelburne Farms.
Contact: Lindsey Halman at lindsey@upforlearning.org
From Vision to Practice: Governing and Leading for Student Success
The Vermont School Boards Association (VSBA) and Vermont Superintendents Association (VSA) are hosting their annual fall conference -- From Vision to Practice: Governing and Leading for Student Success. The conference is at Lake Morey Resort in Fairlee, VT on Nov. 7 and 8, 2019. Participants will acquire strategies and tools from national experts and Vermont colleagues intended to help communities design a vision for student success, and most importantly, a plan to achieve that vision. The program will feature a prominent keynote -- Valerie Greenhill of EdLeader21. Workshops will cover timely topics of interest to district leaders, including proficiency-based learning, student voice, school facilities planning and trends in higher education. All current and aspiring education leaders are welcome to attend. The cost of the 2-day conference is $175 per person if the registration is received before close of business Oct. 7, 2019. Registration available online.
Contact: Susan Holson at sholson@vtvsba.org or (802) 223-3580
Vermont Back-to-School Celebration Hosted by the Vermont Superintendents Association
Please join us on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019 from 3:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Williston Central School Cafeteria for a reception to celebrate the start of school! Enjoy speakers, performances, and conversations with school administrators, teachers, legislators and more! An RSVP is not necessary, but helpful. All are welcome to join us! Please RSVP here if you know if you will or won't be able to attend.
Contact: Chelsea Myers at cmyers@vtvsa.org
Puppets in Education: Children’s Mental Health Programming
Vermont Family Network's Puppets in Education has three slots left for Children's Mental Health Programming thanks to Vermont Department of Mental Health. Our Children's Mental Health programs are Feelings for grades PreK-2 and ADHD for grades 3-4. These pair well with Bully Prevention, Cultural Diversity or Abuse Awareness. Each paired program has a workshop for grades 5-8. The cost to schools is only $400 for the full day (up to five presentations), as the grant will fund the rest of the cost. If this is cost prohibitive we can work together to find donor support for the remaining balance. These programs have made a huge impact in VT, NY, MA and NH.
Contact: Karen Sharpwolf at karen.sharpwolf@vtfn.org or (802) 876-5313 x24
Professional Learning for Arts Educators: Learn, Share and Plan at Shelburne Museum
Arts educators (art, music, media arts, theater, dance) will gather to learn, share and plan alongside one another in both workshop and breakout work sessions. The day will begin with shared learning on the topic of the educator’s role in supporting equity literacy in the arts room and an orientation to the Vermont Arts Learning Target Bank. Then participants will engage in collaborative work time based on shared needs. Topics include, but are not limited to, curriculum design, teacher resource share, building proficiency scales, rubrics, performance assessments and team time. Participants will be invited to sign up for work sessions upon registration, as well as explore the museum grounds and galleries. Time will be provided for whole group learning, discussion and collaborative work time in breakout groups. Teams are welcome and encouraged. Registration is now open, at no cost, and limited to 40 K-12 Arts educators. Facilitated by Emily Titterton and Mollie Davis. Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, 8:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Pizzagalli Center for Education at the Shelburne Museum, Shelburne, VT.
Contact: Mollie Davis at mdavis@shelburnemuseum.org
Space Available: VMI Course-Mathematics as a Second Language
There are a few spots open in the Vermont Mathematics Initiative (VMI) course, Mathematics as a Second Language (MSL), which will be held in the Windsor Central Supervisory Union (WCSU) beginning with a full day class on Sept. 25, 2019. MSL is the signature course of the VMI, supporting teachers in building a solid conceptual understanding of the operations of arithmetic, and of the interrelationships among arithmetic, algebra and geometry. More information about this opportunity can be found on the VMI website.
Contact: Judi Laird at (802) 274-0436 or judi@vmimathematics.com
Call for Proposals: Vermont Alliance for the Social Studies Annual Fall Conference
The Vermont Alliance for the Social Studies will be hosting its annual fall conference at the Burlington Hilton on Friday, Nov. 8, 2019. Proposals for breakout presentations can be submitted through the conference page.
Contact: Curtis Hier at chier@svuvt.org or (802) 265-4966 x2425
Professional Development: Supporting Children through Trauma, Poverty, and Adversity
Registration is open for Supporting Children through Trauma, Poverty and Adversity, a professional development course by the Stern Center for Language and Learning. In this 45-hour course, participants will gain an understanding of adverse childhood experiences and their impact on physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Participants will establish a framework for developing social and emotional learning competencies in their students. Registration due by Oct. 4, 2019.
Contact: SJ White at swhite@sterncenter.org or (802) 878-2332 x320
Title: VSAC's Annual Financial Aid Training moves to September and October
To support the October FAFSA application date, VSAC’s annual fall financial aid training for high school counselors and agency professionals will provide the latest financial aid updates on FAFSA and filing resources, Vermont grants, and scholarships—along with updates on key VSAC initiatives to help students, families, and professionals. Choose from one of three dates: Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019; Monday, Sept. 23, 2019; or Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019. View the details and register online.
Contact: Sabina Haskell at haskell@vsac.org
Course: The Critical Nature of Picture Books in Elementary Classroom
Participants in this course will engage as a community of learners and readers while exploring the children's literature featured within the 2019-2020 Red Clover Book Award, examine the role that children's literature plays in an elementary school classroom and library, and evaluate the effectiveness of instructional methods using children's literature across the curriculum. Participants will receive a copy of each of this year's Red Clover Books as part of the class. Wednesdays, Sept. 18-Dec. 4, 2019, 4-7 p.m. at Thatcher Brook Primary School Library. Credits through Castleton University. More information and a link to the registration form online.
Contact: Juliette Longchamp at jlongchamp@vtnea.org
Umatter Suicide Prevetnion Awareness Training of Trainers
The Center for Health and Learning is offering Umatter Suicide Prevention Awareness Training of Trainers for community members, health care and school professionals who what to raise awareness about suicide prevention. Attendees will learn to help others identify signs and symptoms of suicide, risk and protective factors, when and how to refer for more help, and how to access resources. Trainer’s Manual, scripted notes, handouts and all materials needed to carry out a workshop are included in this training.
Contact: Catherine Diduk at info@healthandlearning.org or (802) 254-6590
Early Childhood STEM Professional Development Opportunity
Just Playing Around: Teaching STEM Through Inquiry, Exploration and Play is a four day workshop series with a variety of presenters (participants may take each session individually or register for multiple sessions). Participants may also choose a 3-credit graduate course option taught by Loree Silvis. This series uses the concept of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as play; children are engaged in asking questions, making discoveries, experimenting, working with others, and working toward proficiency in the VELS, NGSS and CCSS standards. The series begins on September 26, 2019 in South Burlington Vermont.
Contact: Julie Medose at julie.medose@vthec.org or (802) 738-2447
VPA Workshop: The Together Leader
The Vermont Principals' Association is offering "The Together Leader" a workshop on Sept. 26, 2019, in Burlington. More information and registration available online.
Contact: Mike McRaith at mmcraith@vpaonline.org