What's New? #2

What is VTPBiS? Positive Behavior Supports
Vermont Family Network (VFN) works with the Vermont Department of Education to bring families information about Positive Behavioral Support (VTPBiS) and the many benefits for children and schools. VTPBiS is a decision making framework that guides selection, integration, and implementation of the best evidence based academic and behavioral practices for improving academic and behavioral outcomes. The guide provides information for parents about VTPBiS, with specific examples of how parents and families can participate in this process. VTPBiS is being implemented in several Vermont schools, to varying degrees; from awareness and readiness levels to full implementation that includes school wide planning, to small group interventions, to individual plans. For questions about this document, contact Christine Kilpatrick at 1-800-800-4005 x206.

Booklet for parents from VFN: VTPBiS Guide for Parents

Positive Behavior Supports (VTPBiS)- A powerpoint presentation for Parents: How can I get involved?

Click here to take survey

Vermont Family Network (VFN) is working in partnership with the Vermont Department of Education, through the BEST team and the State Improvement Grant, to reach out and connect with families around the VTPBiS initiatives happening in their schools. VFN is available, and would love an opportunity to present a VTPBiS workshop for parents at your school. VFN”s presentations are free-of-charge, information-packed, and family-friendly!! Please give Christine Kilpatrick, Director of Family Support at VFN a call at 1-800-800-4005 x206 if you would like to schedule a workshop.

What's New? #3

What is Response to Intervention?
Vermont Family Network (VFN) works with the Vermont Department of Education to bring families information about Response to Intervention (RtI) and its potential benefits for children and schools. RtI is a general education process of instruction, assessment, and intervention that holds great promise for more effectively and efficiently addressing the needs of all learners in our schools. Through early identification of students at risk, RtI can increase student success and decrease the number of students identified with specific learning disabilities in need of special education. In Vermont, RtI is currently being implemented in an increasing number of schools. The guide provides information for parents about RtI, with specific examples of how Response to Intervention is being implemented in Vermont. For questions about this document, contact Christine Kilpatrick at 1-800-800-4005 x206 or Kathleen Kilbourne x244.

New booklet for parents from VFN: RtI Guide for Parents

For more information visit http://www.rti4success.org/
What do parents need to know? What is RTI the ABC's of RTI

What's New? #4

There are significant changes to IDEA regarding parental rights, representation by non attorneys at due process hearings and State authority to govern representation by non-attorneys at due process hearings.

There are also new forms for parents regarding revoking consent. For information on the new forms go to: education.vermont.gov/new/html/pgm_sped/forms.html

For additional information: Here is a parent’s guide to these revisions developed by the Statewide Parents Advocacy Network from NJ for additional information and guidance to these changes.

What's New? #5

Evidence-based Practices in Secondary Transition Users Guide (at www.ideapartnership.org)
  This Users Guide was developed by an IDEA Partnership* cross-stakeholder group of practitioners and Technical Assistance Center personnel to provide efficient access to and use of research and materials located on the National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center website.
  These tools reference educational practices and specific strategies supported by rigorous educational research which have yielded evidence of positive results for students. Included are a glossary of terms and a PowerPoint with presenter information also various materials regarding transition research synthesis, lesson plan starters, and professional development resources.
  Go to www.ideapartnership.org and click on the Guide under Partnership User Guides on the right side of the home page.
*The IDEA Partnership is a collaboration of more than fifty-five national organizations and technical assistance providers at national, state, and local levels. The Partnership is dedicated to improving outcomes for students and youth with disabilities by joining state agencies and stakeholders through shared work and learning.

Q & A on Discipline Procedures: idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/%2Croot%2Cdynamic%2CQaCorner%2C7%2C

Q & A on Disproportionality: idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/%2Croot%2Cdynamic%2CQaCorner%2C9%2C

Q & A on Secondary Transition: idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/%2Croot%2Cdynamic%2CQaCorner%2C10%2C