Parent Leadership Hub
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Wisconsin Personnel Development System (WPDS)

Parent Leadership Hub Weekly
E-Newsletter

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Parent Leadership Hub Weekly E-Newsletter for November 12, 2009

This week's update is provided by WSPEI and WI FACETS to share statewide information regarding parent leadership and family involvement. Please visit the Parent Leadership Hub web page of the SPDG website at http://www.wispdg.org/pl.html for the current and archived weekly updates and to find information on these topics:

The Parent Leadership Hub supports parents/family members, educators and other community partners to build capacity regarding meaningful family involvement. The Hub serves three primary purposes:
(1) To support parents of children with disabilities between birth and 26 years of age to participate as partners in the professional development activities of each of the other Statewide Initiatives as they design, deliver and support professional development experiences; and
(2) To facilitate opportunities for parents/family members to build leadership skills; and
(3) To provide Content Focused technical assistance concerning family involvement.

Please, direct any questions to the PL Hub Co-Facilitators:
Mary Skadahl, WSPEI Statewide Project Director at 715-829-8932 or marys@cesa12.k12.wi.us
Dawn Wians, WI FACETS SPDG Coordinator at 608-827-5234 or dwians@wifacets.org

Deadline for submitting contributions to each week's issue is Tuesday noon. For time sensitive training advertisements, the information should be sent a minimum of two weeks prior to the event date; ideally a month ahead of time. Material appropriate for the weekly newsletter include web links to sources of family involvement/parent leadership resources and advertisements for statewide trainings for parents, youth or parent/educator audiences (we don’t post research articles, reports or news opinion articles). Your submittal may not be in the final copy if it was in a previous weekly email, the event date has passed or the web link doesn’t work. Please, send submittals to phyllis@banbury.com

NOTE: Note: If you would like to receive this weekly update or if you would like to have your name removed from the distribution list, please contact Mary Skadahl or Dawn Wians.

'Just in Time Information' Now Available  

A new online repository of information is available for parents, youth and professionals who are searching for articles previously posted to the PL Hub Weekly E-Newsletters since October 2008. This repository of information will help the reader locate valuable information by topic, 'just in time'. Currently, there are web pages for 'Transition to Adult Life' and 'Family Involvement'. Future web pages will include 'Early Childhood' and 'School-Age Years'.

For our reader's convenience, all archived issues of the E-Newsletter will eventually be re-posted on the 'Just in Time Information' page of the PL Hub website. We hope this format will help our readers quickly access the resources they need, when they need them, and that it will be visited frequently. Additions are always welcome! To submit suggested resources and training products, simply follow the instructions and criteria provided in the introduction to each of the PL Hub Weekly Updates.

To visit the new 'Just in Time Information' web page go to: http://www.wispdg.org/pl/resources.html

 

Parent/Personnel Development Opportunities

  1. Self-Directed Supports Network Event in Wisconsin Dells
     December 3, 2009 from 9:30 am - 3:15 pm at Wilderness Resort, Wisconsin Dells
    Self-Directed Supports (SDS) within Family Care, IRIS and CIP are now supporting more than 5000 Wisconsin elders and citizens with disabilities and growing every day! Join Fredi-Ellen Bove, Division of Long-Term Care Deputy Administrator; Beth Wroblewski, Bureau of Long-Term Care Administrator and Monica Deignan, Managed Care Section Chief as they discuss the future of SDS in Wisconsin. John Agosta, Assistant Director of the Human Services Research Institute will share with us what is happening with SDS across North America.
    Participate in breakout sessions and apply SDS in your work and personal life. Plus, help create an exciting new SDS Network of citizens who rely upon long-term care, their families and those who work to support them to be in control of their lives. Register by clicking on or cutting and pasting this link into your web browser: http://tiny.cc/SDSNetwork
  2. AT Through the Lifespan Conference in Wisconsin Dells
     December 3-4, 2009 at the Glacier Canyon Lodge at the Wilderness in Wisconsin Dells, WI. Contact Cindy Nankee or Ralphe Pelkey at info@atacrosslifespan.org or go to http://attendee.atacrosslifespan.org/ for more information.
  3. WI FACETS December Trainings in Milwaukee
    December 19, 2009
    Community Resource & Holiday Celebration, Omatayo Group – WI FACETS Milwaukee, 10 am – 12 pm. For information call 414-374-4645, Sandra McFarland, smcfarland@wifacets.org
    Latino Autism Support Group & Holiday Celebration
    Support group for Spanish-speaking families who have children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Co-Sponsors: WI FACETS & Autism Society of SE WI
    Presenter: TBA Time: 10-12 p.m. 
    Location: El Core Centro, 611 W. National Ave, Room 320, Milwaukee
    Information: 414-374-4645 ext  124 Nelsinia Ramos or ext 131 Martha Lechuga; nramos@wifacets.org or mlechuga@wifacets.org.
    Holiday Celebration. Activities for children available
  4. Registration for the 7th Annual Wisconsin Transition Conference Now Open
    The 7th Annual Wisconsin Transition Conference will be held on Thursday, February 18, and Friday, February 19, 2010, at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells, WI. Pre-conference sectionals are being held on Wednesday, February 17, 2010

    Register by December 23, 2009 to receive the conference Early Bird Rate of $250 and pre-conference Early Bird Rate of $75. The registration rate after that date is $300 for the general conference and $100 for the pre-conference. One graduate credit is available through Viterbo University for full-time attendance at the conference at a cost of $250. If you are interested in earning one graduate credit, you can register at the conference

    Please call the Kalahari Resort at 1-877-525-2427 to make your lodging reservation. Be sure to mention that you are with the Wisconsin Transition Conference to receive the state rate. Register online today at: http://www.wsti.org/registration.general.php
    The conference brochure will be available soon at: http://www.wsti.org
  5. Save The Date: ASW 2010 Annual Conference in Green Bay
     Dates: March 18th – 20th Early Bird Deadline is November 25, 2009
    Keynotes: Paula Kluth, Ph.D., Temple Grandin, Ph.D. and Eric Courchesne, Ph.D.
    Early Bird registration materials and more information are on the ASW website, www.asw4autism.org.
  6. Parent Training in Milwaukee Public Schools
    A professional development session for parents and/or guardians will be offered on Wednesday, November 18, 2009, in the auditorium at Central Services, 5225 West Vliet Street, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Presenters from the Department of Parent and Student Services and the Division of Special Services will provide information and strategies available for families. The topics for this month’s presentation are as follows:
    • Three-choice Enrollment
    • Preparing for Testing
    • Literacy Strategies to Help Parents Support their Children with Special Needs at Home

    For more information contact the Department of Parent and Student Services, MPS, (414) 475-8467.
  7. Family Fun Nights in Milwaukee
    Alianza Latina Aplicando Soluciones (Latino Alliance Applying Solutions) offers
    Family Fun Nights at South Division High School from 4:30-6:30pm on the following Thursdays: November 12, January 21, February 25, March 25, April 29, and May 27. For more information or to subscribe to the e-newsletter, contact A.L.A.S. at (414) 643-0022 or alianza.latina07@yahoo.com.
  8. Parent to Parent of Wisconsin in Spanish
    Alianza Latina Aplicando Soluciones (A.L.A.S.) provides parent support to Latino parents of children with special needs through a one-to-one connection with a mentor parent who has similar experience and speaks Spanish. Training for parents who will like to become mentors will take place Thursday, December 10, 2009 at the A.L.A.S office from 9:00 a.m.to 1:00p.m. For more information call (414) 643-0022. Find Parent to Parent services in English at www.p2pwi.org . 

Trainings on the Web

  1. Online Transition Short Courses from the U of Kansas
    The University of Kansas is offering 5 online transition short courses designed to provide novice and veteran education professionals the tools and collaboration necessary to improve transition planning and services for students with disabilities. Each course includes four weeklong sessions with research-based articles, websites, videos, and discussions. For more information go to http://transitioncoalition.org/transition/section.php?pageId=49

Phone Workshops

  1. WI FACETS Phone Trainings for December
    December 3, 2009, Transition I: Preparing for Life After High School, Phone Workshop 7-8 pm,
    December 8, 2009, Transition II Age: Appropriate Assessments, Phone Workshop Series, 12 – 1 pm
    Toll-free call to participate, Information: 1-877-374-0511; smcfarland@wifacets.org
    Register 1 week in advance. Workshop materials & call-in information will be mailed,
    December 15, 2009, IEP’s Part I, Phone Workshop Series, 7-8 pm
    December 18, 2009, IEP’s Part II, Phone Workshop Series, 12-1 pm
    Presenter is Charlotte Price, WI FACETS
    Location: Telephone – Toll-free call to participate
    Information:877-374-0511; smcfarland@wifacets.org
    Register 1 week in advance. Workshop materials & call-in information will be mailed.

 

Family Involvement Resources

  1. Helping Students Navigate The Path To College: What High Schools Can Do
    This new practice guide from The What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) recommends five specific steps that educators, administrators and policy makers can take, beginning in 9th grade, as well as the research evidence that supports these recommendations. It targets high schools and school districts, and focuses on effective practices that prepare students academically for college, assist them in completing the steps to college entry, and improve their likelihood of enrolling in college. A project of the U.S. Department of Education, the WWC is a source of scientific evidence for what works in education. The practice guide can be found at http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/pdf/practiceguides/h
    igher_ed_pg_091509.pd    f
  2. In Spanish: Getting Ready For Postsecondary Education?
    The U.S. Department of Education offers Preparacion Para La Educacion Postsecundaria Para Los Estudiantes Con Discapacidades: Conozca Sus Derechos Y Responsabilidades (Students With Disabilities Preparing For Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities). http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/transition-sp.html?exp=3
  3. Beyond Consequences Website
    This website will introduce you to Heather Forbes LCSW and her love based strategies for dealing with challenging and severe behaviors. She is the co-author with Bryan Post of the book Beyond Consequences, Logic, and Control. Although the model and the book grew out of attachment issues related to adoption, the strategies, philosophy, and operating principles are useful to challenging behaviors in any context. Free materials are available at http://www.beyondconsequences.com/articles.html
  4. Child Care Information Center
     This website is for the parent looking for assistance in finding quality child care. Included are written materials for parents that are free. A list of hot topics serves to keep parents informed on timely issues.
    www.dpi.wi.gov/ccic/
  5. Parenting Counts Website
    This website is organized around developmental stages that children go through including baby, toddler, and preschool. Under each stage a variety of resources and information is provided. www.parentingcounts.org
  6. A Place of our Own Website
    Learn about brain development from Dr. Bruce Perry, a researcher and teacher on brain development and its application in learning. The site also provides links as well as downloadable material in and introductory course on brain development. www.aplaceofourown.org
  7. Wrights Law Website
    This website addresses special education law and advocacy for disability by offering many free articles, advocacy advice, links, and a training calendar. www.wrightslaw.com
  8. New IRIS Module: Functional Behavior Assessmentshttp://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/fba/chalcycle.htm
    The newest training module from the IRIS Center explores the basic principles of behavior and the importance of discovering the reasons that students engage in problem behavior. The steps to conducting a functional behavioral assessment and developing a behavior plan are described.
  9. Going to College Website
    This new website contains information about living college life with a disability. It is designed for high school students. The site provides video clips, activities, and resources that can help them get a head start in planning for college. Video interviews with college students with disabilities offer a way to hear firsthand from students with disabilities who have been successful. Modules include activities that will help students explore more about themselves, learn what to expect from college, and equip them with important considerations and tasks to complete when planning for college. Visit this new website at http://www.going-to-college.org/

DISCLAIMER
Inclusion of information in this e-mail does not constitute an endorsement by the Wisconsin Statewide Parent-Educator Initiative, Wisconsin FACETS, the Department of Public Instruction, the U.S. Department of Education, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.