Texas Statewide Leadership For Autism Training Resources for ALL! Cindy O Toole, ESC Region 13
Evidence-Based Practices in Action Cyndi O Toole, MA, BCBA Program Manager Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training Texas saw a 10.3% increase from 2012-2013 to 2013-14 in the number of students with autism (6-21), from 40,141 to 44,276. Texas saw a 12.5% increase from 2013-2014 to 2014-15 in the number of students with autism (6-21), from 44,276 to 49,799. 14-15 NCEC eligibilities = 5,274 Increase the number of educators in the state of Texas who are skilled in the implementation of EBPs for students with ASD. Build capacity in districts across the state of Texas. Provide examples and models for professional development for educators across the state of Texas. Provide quality professional development across the state that allows educators to have access to consistent information regarding EBPs. 1
EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICES The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, which reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, calls for the use of "scientifically-based research" as the foundation for many education programs and for classroom instruction. Scientifically-Based Research, US Department of Education http://www2.ed.gov/nclb/ methods/whatworks/research/index.html IDEA 2004 Regulations, aligned the definition of "scientifically-based research" with NCLB. There are multiple references to scientificallybased instructional practices and research-based intervention including: In describing permissible uses of federal funds, IDEA 2004 includes providing professional development to special and regular education teachers who teach children with disabilities based on scientificallybased research to improve educational instruction. (Section 1411(e) (2)(C)(xi)). and The child s IEP must include a statement of the special education and related services and supplementary aids and services, based on peer reviewed research to the extent practicable to be provided to the child. (Section 1414(d)(1)(A)(i)(IV)). 2
Texas Administrative Code 89.1055(e) (Commissioner s Rule Related to Autism and also known as the Autism Supplement) For students eligible under 89.1040(c)(1) of this title (relating to Eligibility Criteria), the strategies described in this subsection must be considered, based on peer-reviewed, research-based educational programming practices to the extent practicable and, when needed, addressed in the IEP. Is the use of EBPs a requirement for teachers? YES! 3
Educators who have 30-45 minutes for professional development EBP Webinars Strategies for Working with Students with Autism in the General Education Setting Educators who can spend a day on professional development Online Learning Library Texas Autism Resource Guide for Effective Teaching Educators who need to know now and are short on time Autism Circuit Toolkit Video Gallery 4
Additional Resources Autism Circuit LiveBinder Autism Circuit Pinterest Board Additional Learning Opportunities Autism Circuit Evidence Based Practices Cohort Have you ever watched a child who has no way of communicating other than temper throwing to figure out a way to communicate and you just cry when a strategy works? I literally had tears rolling down my face when I watched him be successful in communicating his wants using this system. Yes, we are just starting, but I get excited each day when it is time for one of our sessions using this system with him. I am so very thankful for the help from our "experts." It truly does take a village to raise a child! Suzanne McGuire 5
I feel that being a member of this autism circuit has empowered me. I can and have used these strategies in my classroom with confidence and have had much success. I feel assured and understand that there is much to be said about using research based strategies. They have turned my classroom into a successful learning environment. I am able to focus more on academics where before, it seemed like all of my energy was focused on behaviors. Renee Johnson, Cohort 1 I have really enjoyed this group and have learned more than I can say. I find myself using the techniques all the time and researching to find out more or how to relate to my students better. Thank you so much for putting this program together! Terri Neitsch, Region 13, Cohort 2 6
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WHERE? www.txautism.net WHERE? www.autismcircuit.net Questions? Cyndi O Toole Program Manager 512-919-5180 cyndi.otoole@esc13.txed.net 8