education update
  
  

As fall approaches and our children settle into school, we know many of our families have mixed emotions about the transition to a new school year.   

 

You may feel relief that you are entering back into more of a scheduled and routine way of life while, at the same time, you may feel anxiety about the school-year ahead.  

 

Our children are transitioning into classrooms with new teachers, new classmates, and, for students entering kindergarten, middle school, or high school, they may be entering into entirely new buildings.

 

This feeling is more poignant for parents of children with special needs. When your child has significant communication and learning needs, the anxiety for parents of your child entering a new grade is felt much more acutely. 

  • Will my child's teacher understand their needs and have patience as we all adjust?
  • Will my child's teacher be supported by the principal as he/she gets to know my student and seeks out resources to support both their instruction and my child?
  • Will the other students make an effort to get to know my child and find out how (insert wonderful quality unique to your child here) they are?

The list of questions parents ask themselves could go on forever. Hopefully, by mid-September, you'll be able to look back and say, "Why was I so worried?"

 

In the meantime, it's that time of year for the MDSC to share again some "back to school" tips for parents based on the many September transitions that I experienced as a teacher. Hopefully these tips and resources will get you to the middle of September with a little less stress than before!

 

For teachers, the start of the year is crazy...

This is important for parents to know.  Both right before, and at the very beginning, teachers are working non-stop to prepare for the upcoming year. Many school systems only pay teachers for one day before the start of school, but it's important to know that most teachers have put in multiple hours over the summer to prepare. Despite hours of prep, there are always unanticipated issues at the beginning of the school year and it is impossible for teachers to juggle it all without something getting put on the back burner. So, keeping that in mind, if initial efforts at communication within the first couple of days are not immediately returned, don't let it put you off.  It is likely that your teachers have a very full plate and are not intentionally avoiding you.  Give it a couple of days, and if you don't hear anything, try again.  Odds are your teacher will appreciate a second chance.

 

Be transparent about the type of information you are looking for...

Teachers appreciate parents being real and transparent about the specific information that they are looking for.  If you would like a copy of your child's push in/pull out/specialists schedule, go right ahead and ask for it.  Know that the information may not be readily available, but put it out there.   It's ok to even ask for a rough timeline about when you can expect it. This is an honest question and it's ok to seek out information that will let you know when you can expect your child's year-long schedule to be implemented.

 

Be flexible about how you get the information...

Email, handwritten note, phone call...all of these represent "preferred" types of communication of teachers, depending upon their communication style. Some teachers make all their phone calls at 3 pm, where others are late night e-mailers. A few die-hards still others jot down handwritten notes to parents while the students are at gym or art.   If teachers are able to communicate in the manner in which they find most comfortable, odds are you will receive a response quicker. 

 

Be honest and up front about questions or concerns you have...

Make sure you let your teachers know right away if there is something going on that you are feeling uncomfortable with. Bringing these things up in an honest, non-confrontational way is the quickest way to resolve the issue, and let the teacher know that the relationship that you are trying to develop is one of trust, not one of suspicion.  

 

Share info from home that could support your child in the classroom...

It was a rough night. Your student is coming down with a cold.  Mom or Dad is traveling.  Getting out the door was hard this morning. All of these things affect your child, and giving your teachers the "heads-up" about these things can go a long way in supporting your child with having a successful day. When teachers know and understand that there may be some precipitating factors that could affect how your child may be able to "process" the many demands of the day, teachers will be able to appropriately plan for and respond to your child.

 

Stay connected to the MDSC...

We, here at the MDSC, want you to know that we want to continue to support you as you transition back to school. We are looking forward to continuing our webinar series and we are excited to meet with families from all over Massachusetts at our Regional Educational Workshop series. Following this letter, read on to find out all the different ways that you can stay connected to the MDSC and access resources and programs that may be supportive to your families.

 

We encourage families to reach out to us when you have questions or need advice throughout the school year. We will do everything we can do to connect you with resources to support you as you face challenges while navigating the ever-complex job of advocating for your child. 

 

Please feel free to call or email me at 781-221-0024 (x301) or [email protected] any time you have education related questions. 

 

Wishing you all the best as you get through these next few critical weeks of school transition.

 

Best Regards,


 


 

Mo Blazejewski

MDSC Education Director

Back-to-School Checklist
edwebinararchives
Seen Our Education Webinars?
If you weren't able to join our series of Educational Webinars live, no worries. All members can access the recordings on our YouTube page at no cost. There you can get information about the following topics:

 

Working Effectively With Your IEP Team - A Special Educator's Perspective

In this presentation, parents will hear the perspective of an experienced special education teacher about issues and questions that are commonly asked by families as they journey through the IEP development process and advocacy for their children.  Some topics to be discussed are related to the importance of crafting a powerful vision statement, supporting difficult behaviors, and advocating for effective home-school communication.

How to Work Effectively With Your IEP Team: An MDSC Education Webinar 

 

MCAS-ALT - Demystifying the Portfolio

In this presentation, parents will learn about the process that a school based team goes through in order to create a student's alternate assessment portfolio.  We will look at the specific guidelines related to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks (Incorporating the Common Core Standards) and discuss how an assessment portfolio differs from a progress portfolio in the classroom. 

MCAS-Alt: Demystifying the Portfolio - An MDSC Education Webinar 


 

How to Plan NOW for Smiles in September - Springtime Strategies to Support a Smooth Fall Transition

Birds are chirping, trees are budding, flowers are blooming - and parents and teachers are ALREADY starting to think about September! Springtime means more than getting ready for summer - it's the time to reflect upon the past school year and plan for the year ahead.  This often means spring Annual Reviews for IEP's, but just as important is the plan for preparing children for their transition to the next grade.  

 

While there is no specific "formula for success" to make this happen with no bumps in the road,  there are several low-effort/high-leverage strategies that you and your team can implement in order to make this big transition go a little more smoothly.


 

 
RegionalWorkshops
MDSC Regional Workshops
Parents are well-aware of their role as an advocate for their child as they enter school.  However, any parent, even seasoned educators, will admit that the job is certainly not an easy one.  Going to IEP meetings can be intimidating.  Interpreting test scores and educational jargon can be overwhelming.  Even reviewing a proposed IEP can feel like a monumental task. 
 

Starting this fall, MDSC's Education Director Mo Blazejewski will be conducting regional workshops entitled, "Strengthening Your Voice on Your Child's IEP Team".  This workshop is designed to encourage participants to network and connect with other families in their region as a way of building a local support network of families who have shared interests and experiences. In addition, we will talk about strategies to support more effective communication between parents and the IEP team. 

 

Workshops are scheduled in the following regions

 

Haverhill

Tuesday, September 23, 2014 7-9 PM

Haverhill Public Library

99 Main Street

Haverhill, MA 01830

Register

 

Duxbury

Tuesday, September 30, 2014 7-9 PM

Duxbury Free Public Library

77 Alden Street

Duxbury, MA 02332

Register

 

Fitchburg

Wednesday, October 1, 2014 6:00-7:30 PM

Fitchburg Public Library

610 Main Street

Fitchburg, MA 01420

Register

 

Boston

Tuesday October 7, 2014 6:00-7:30 PM

Boston Public Library

Fields Corner Branch

1520 Dorchester Ave.

Dorchester, MA 02122

Register

 

Springfield

Thursday October 23, 2014 6:00-7:30 PM

Brightwood Branch Public Library

359 Plainfield Street

Springfield, MA 01107

Register

EducatorsForum
MDSC Educators Forum
Join hundreds of educators on Tuesday, Nov. 18 in Worcester at our 10th Annual Educator's Forum, where you will be treated to a full day of presentations by experts in the field of educating students with Down syndrome. A range of stimulating workshops will bring to life the best practices for educating students with Down syndrome in an inclusive classroom.

 

This year's Keynote Speaker is Dr. Bill Henderson, the recently retired principal of the O'Hearn School in Dorchester, MA (which has been renamed the William W. Henderson Elementary Inclusion School). Dr. Henderson is a disability advocate and author, most recently, of  "The Blind Advantage: How Going Blind Made me a Stronger Principal and how Including Children with Disabilities Made the School Better for Everyone."  

 

Topics for this year's Educator's Forum will cover:

  • Achieving Successful Inclusion:  Problem Solving breakout session with Bill Henderson
  • Behavior and Down Syndrome - Applications of Neuroscience
  • Augmentative Communication Tools - Bridging Access to the World Through Communication
  • Fostering Independence - Strategies for Paraprofessionals
  • Using the MCAS-Alt Resource Guide to Find Access Points into the Common Core Curriculum for all Learners
  • Advice From the Trenches - A Panel of Middle and High School Teachers Offer Advice on Successful Inclusion Strategies in the Upper Grades
  • Transition from School to Adult Life - Using the IEP to Create Success
  • Understanding the Cognitive Challenges for Students with Down Syndrome and the Impact that Early ABA Strategies and Discrete Trial Teaching can have on Learning Success
  • Promoting Strong Literacy Skills in Young Learners with Down Syndrome

Included in this year's program will be a hands-on, Educator Only session on utilizing the MCAS- Alt resource guide for developing accessible curriculum.  At this workshop, teachers will have the opportunity to look at their curriculum and network with other teachers around finding access points into the Common Core standards for students at their grade level.  

 

This year's breakout sessions will mirror the content of our soon-to-be-released comprehensive Educator's Manual, "Meaningful Inclusion for Students with Down Syndrome - A Resource Guide for Elementary Educators" (see below)

 

Registration will open next week... go here to register!  

 

 

educatorsmanual
MDSC Educators Manual

The MDSC's long awaited manual, Meaningful Inclusion for Students with Down Syndrome - a Resource Guide for Elementary Educators will soon be available.  Starting Monday (at the latest), we are accepting pre-orders and are anticipating copies being mailed in early Fall. 

 

This guide provides a comprehensive look at the complex learning profile of students with Down syndrome, as well as providing information around best practices and educational considerations that are based upon research-proven best practices. 

 

Next week, you will be able to click here to reserve your copy

 
   
LearningProgramWorkshops
MDSC/Learning Program 
Early Education Workshops
           mdsc logo transparent           

 

The Learning Program Boston and The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress are pleased  to offer a 6-part series of Down Syndrome Early Educational Workshops that will be hands-on, interactive and build upon each other in succession

 

This is for parents and caregivers of children with Down syndrome between the ages of 3-5 who are just beginning to show an interest in letters and numbers

 

Wednesday, Oct 8 - Understanding the Cognitive Profile & Expanding Vocabulary

Wednesday, Nov 5 - Teaching Whole Words

Wednesday, Dec 3 - Effective Teaching Sessions

Wednesday, Mar 4 - Review of Match, Select, Name/Working with Your IEP Team

Wednesday, Apr 1 - Colors & Shapes

Wednesday, May 6 - Pre-Number Concepts

 

Time:

7:00-8:30 p.m.

 

Location:

MDSC's offices at 20 Burlington Mall Road, Burlington, MAParticipants should plan to attend all 6 workshops for an
optimal learning experience

 

Fee:

$350 per family-
participants will be provided with all the information, tools and materials they will need to follow-through at home in-between sessions (A limited number of financial scholarships will be made available) 

 

For more information and to register, please contact Julie Messina, Learning Program Director at [email protected]

learningprogramonline
Learning Program Online

LP Online™ sessions for 2014- 2015

Over the past eleven years, the program has evolved into a national model for intervention.  Working with researchers, credentialed teachers, licensed therapists and professors, the program serves to model best practices for working with students with Down syndrome.  In its online version, direct instruction is provided to parents and professionals with an emphasis on language arts, math and strategies for supporting effective education.     

 

The following classes will be offered from September 2014 through June 2015:   

 

Class Descriptions:

 

LP Online Level 1 (Ages 3 - 7 years)

$200 for 10 month program ($20 mo.)  

LP Online Level 1 is for anyone new to the program with a child between 3 to 7 years.  This class will focus on building language arts and math skills to enhance learning at school and home.  Instruction is provided through live or recorded monthly Webex/online sessions.  Materials are available for free download from the LP Online Wiki and www.dsfoc.org. 

 

LP Online Level 2 (Ages 5 - 8 years) 

$200 for 10 month program ($20 mo.) 

LP Online Level 2 is for returning LP Online Level 1 students or anyone new to the program with a child between 5 and 8 years.  The activities in Level 2 build upon skills developed in Level 1.  This class will focus on higher-level literacy (spelling and comprehension) and math (operations, time and money) skills, as well as strategies for effective education at school and home.  Instruction is provided through live or recorded monthly Webex/online sessions.  Materials are available for free download from the LP Online Wiki and www.dsfoc.org. 

  

Additional information for your consideration: 

  • Enrollment in the program is limited and spaces will be filled on a first-come, first- served basis.  
  • Registration and payment must be received by September 10, 2014 for a guaranteed spot for the first session. 
  • Each online class will meet once a month from September 2014 through June 2015 for approximately 1.5 hours.
  • Tuition includes all instruction and materials with the exception of DSF number lines, which are an optional tool and can be purchased online at www.dsfoc.org.   

You can enroll in LP Online here. Email questions to [email protected]

TransitionResources
Wealth of Transition Resources

Parents of teenagers and young adults know that preparing their child for the transition into adulthood  adds on an entire layer of complexity to developing Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs) for students that take into consideration the programs and skills necessary for a successful transition into adulthood. It's important for families to be aware of the many layers of planning necessary in order to be fully prepared for this time.

 

New MDSC Web Pages

We have enhanced the resources on our website in order to connect you with the comprehensive information and resources that you need as you begin to support your child through the adolescent years into adulthood.  Be sure to check out the following Transition, Employment, Housing and Social/Recreational Resources  pages on our website:

MFOFC Full Life Ahead Series (in collaboration with MDSC) 

This fall, the MDSC will continue to partner with Mass Families Organizing for Change by hosting their monthly Full Life Ahead Workshop Series here at the MDSC office for families. 

 

A Full Life Ahead is a series of monthly workshops for parents and guardians of young adults with a disability focusing on transition, employment, housing, friendships and other topics that will lead to interdependent, full lives in the community for young adults with disabilities."

 

Register today for the first workshop, "Creating a Home for your Loved One... Combining Personal Resources and Government Benefits," scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, 2014. RSVP to Adrienne Szafranski at [email protected]

 

Be sure to check out their website for additional information and locations across the state.

 

Arc of Massachusetts Transition Conference

The MDSC is pleased to sponsor The Arc of Massachusetts' statewide transition conference on September 20 at Holy Cross College's Hogan Center in Worcester. The conference is titled, "Transition from School to Adult Life: Creating a Vision for the Future".  This full-day conference has been specially planned for families of children with disabilities between the ages of 14 and 22 who are transitioning from school into the adult world.  Click here for more information and to register! 


Other Fall Transition Conferences
  • 'Building a Home', a statewide conference offered by Mass Families Organizing for Change, September 27, 2014, DCU Center, Worcester. More...
  • Mass Advocates Standing Strong 17th Annual Conference 'Diversity', October 18, 2014, Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel, Marlborough. More... 
  • 'Transition Matters' hosted by Youth on the Move, a program of the Institute for Community Inclusion at UMASS Boston, October 29, 2014, Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel, Marlborough. More.. 
  • 'Raise the Bar: HIRE!', Work Without Limits 2nd Annual Conference, October 30 and 31, 2014, Four Points by Sheraton, Norwood. More... 
  •  

    Advocates in Motion

    Teen & Adult Services Director Colleen Endres and other MDSC staff have been busy working on plans for another great year for our AIM: Teen and Young Adult Program for youth with Down syndrome ages 13 to 22. This year, they will be focusing on what it means to be healthy and AIM High! Each participant will be encouraged to set a goal for himself or herself, and they will track their progress as a group in reaching new milestones! Along the way, they will learn skills and tools that will help them to live full, healthy, Real Lives. 

     

    It's not too late to join... See here for important resources and information on how to get connected to the AIM program. You can access the registration and waiver form here. We look forward to seeing you!

    BuddyWalkRegister
    Involve Your School 
    in an MDSC Buddy Walk

    It's that time of year again! As kids head back to school, families across the MDSC community mark their calendars to participate in our Buddy Walk program.  This fall, we have two Buddy Walks - the Buddy Walk and Harvest Fair on September 21 in Uxbridge, MA and the Buddy Walk and Family Festival in Wakefield, MA on October 12. 

     

    Funds raised through the Buddy Walk support vital and dynamic MDSC programs such as First Call, AIM, and programming supporting school-aged families such as the Regional Educational Meetings and Webinar Series.

     

    Most importantly, the MDSC's Buddy Walks create awareness in our community about promoting acceptance and inclusion of our loved ones with Down syndrome?  What better way to spread this message than by inviting your school community to join your Buddy Walk team? 

     

    Here are some tips to get your school community involved. 

    • Talk to your child's principal and teacher - October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.  This is a great time of year for teachers to be educating their students about individual differences.  Encouraging community participation in the Buddy Walk is a great way for other students to be empowered to advocate for one of their classmates!
    • Post the information to your school's list serve, Facebook page, Twitter feed or school newsletter. 
    • Reach out to the parents of your student's classmates.  Drop-off and pick-up are terrific times to mention to other families that you'd love for them to participate on your child's Buddy Walk team.  Asking parents to spread the word to other families is a great way to get the information out there!
    • Please contact Mo Blazejewski ([email protected]) if you have any additional questions about getting your school community involved! 

    We look forward to seeing you all at one of our Buddy Walks this Fall! 

     

    EdSurvey
    MDSC Education Survey

    Help us expand our support for families of school-aged children (3-22).  Many of you indicated in our 2013 membership survey that you would like more support and resources for families of school aged children. It is because of this feedback that we are reaching out to you today. 

     

    As family members of children with Down syndrome, you all have so much information and support to give based upon your individual experiences. Many new MDSC families can benefit from your experience with local programs and resources that your family has found beneficial. 

     

    Our first step is to ask you to participate in this survey to share your knowledge about the most helpful resources in your community.

     

    Please take a few minutes to connect to this Survey Monkey link and provide us with your insight and information that will help us strengthen our database of resources for other members.

     

    We appreciate the time that it takes to complete a survey.  We are confident that the information you provide will go a long way towards strengthening our database of information and programming for you and other families.  Thanks so much for participating! 

     

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    Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress
    781-221-0024
    [email protected]
    http://www.mdsc.org
    For the past three decades, the MDSC has worked to ensure that all individuals in Massachusetts with Down syndrome are valued, included, and given every opportunity to pursue fulfilling lives. The MDSC offers a broad array of programs to serve people with Down syndrome and their families.
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