Professional Development News
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Response to Intervention (RTI Action Network launches new web site -
The site has resources on Response to Intervention (RTI), including information from noted RTI experts and research papers on the topic. Resources also include future professional development webinairs on RTI, stories from schools and parents related to RTI implementation challenges and learnings, and discussion blogs with RTI experts.
Its purpose is to support effective implementation of RTI by encouraging networking and bringing free resources to 'front-line' educators, parents, and school leaders.
The RTI Action Network Founding Partners are: National Education Association, America Federation of Teachers, International Reading Association, National Association of Elementary School Principals, National Association of School Psychologists, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Association of State Directors of Special Education.
New RTI resources available from NASDSE
The National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) has two new documents in its Response to Intervention (RtI) Blueprint series available for free download and/or purchase of print copies.
The two Blueprints, Response to Intervention Blueprints for Implementation: District Level and Response to Intervention Blueprints for Implementation: School Building Level, provide step-by-step implementation guidelines, resources and tips from RTI implementers with many years of experience. The Blueprints are intentionally designed to provide a framework around which RTI implementation can be built.
NASDSE’s early guides, including Response to Intervention: Policy Considerations and Implementation, have been used by NEA state affiliates and state departments of education and found to be well-researched and informative.
The Blueprints can be downloaded or print copies ordered for just $10 each plus a small shipping and handling fee. Please go to www.nasdse.org for more information. The final document in the series, the State Level Blueprint, will be available in the near future.
Professional Development/Human Rights Department staff available to help you
Your MEA dues support a team of experts on professional development and human rights issues.
The Professional Development and Human Rights Department is a resource for members on issues ranging from special education to No Child Left Behind to cultural competency.
MEA consultants provide presentations at no charge for members or serve as brokers to help you identify experts on a specific topic or in your geographic area. The staff also coordinates several MEA-sponsored conferences and workshops under the supervision of department director Joan Mapson.
Here’s a quick reference list to topics covered by the MEA Professional Development and Human Rights Department. Consultants may be reached at 800/292-1934.
MEA Professional Development and Human Rights Department Consultants
The Professional Development and Human Rights (PD/HR) staff may be contacted
at 800/292-1934 or 517/332-6551.
Joan Mapson, PD/HR Director
Judi Wiese , Secretary
Consultants
Contact Bob Harris for:
- Adequate Yearly Progress compliance issues
- Standards and benchmarks
- NEA grant projects
- Keys 2.0—a free NEA-created school-improvement program
Contact Mary Henson for:
- Diversity and cultural competency matters
- Internal/external conflict resolution
- Curriculum issues
- Minority programs
Contact Linda Keway for:
- Special education
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- Team-building skills
- Student self-esteem/character building program
Contact Carolyn Logan for:
- ESP Certification program
- ESP professional development, including math and reading instructional support
- School improvement
- No Child Left Behind Act
Associate Staff