Upcoming Trainings

Studies show that children perform better at school, have fewer absences and behavioral concerns, and graduate at higher rates when families are engaged. Serving on Groups is a nationally recognized leadership tool that empowers family members to actively and fully participate in decision-making groups, such as their child’s IEP team, school advisory council or other government councils. Sections 7 and 8 provide helpful tools for staying organized while participating in a group as well as discuss important skills, such as facilitation and conflict management, to succeed as a family representative.

Presenter:

Jan Serak is the Director of Serak Consulting Services, LLC, where she contracts with nonprofit organizations to provide Board training, interim nonprofit management, curriculum development, and other services. Prior to her retirement, she was the founder and CEO of WI FACETS. She was also a founder and the Parent Partner of the WI Special Education Mediation System. Jan has served on many Boards, including National PLACE, Autism Society of America, Autism Society of SE WI, and Autism Society of WI; the Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE). She also served on the WI State Superintendent’s Council on Exceptional Education, WI Governor’s Read to Lead Task Force, OSEP State Advisory Panel, Quality Education Coalition, and the National Center for Deaf-Blindness Advisory Board. Jan received her M.A. in Educational Psychology and Dispute Resolution from Marquette University. She is the parent of two adult sons, one of whom has autism.

Learning Objectives:

Learn how to find out about the role of a family representative on a group.

Learn skills for staying organized and informed while serving on a group.

Learn how to best represent other families’ perspectives when serving on a group.

Gain skills to facilitate and suggestions for handling conflict while serving on a group.

Descripción:

Este seminario web está diseñado para ayudar a familias de jóvenes con discapacidades a entender cómo prepararse para el primer empleo. Se hablará sobre cómo identificar intereses, crear un resumé, practicar entrevistas, entender las acomodaciones en el trabajo y cómo apoyar a sus hijos para que tengan éxito en el mundo laboral.

Presentadora:

Nathaly Silva especialista bilingüe en WI FACETS. Soy mama de un niño con una discapacidad, él tiene Autismo y es no verbal y se lo difícil que puede ser navegar la educación especial por eso pienso que aprender lo más que se pueda sobre la condición de sus hijos y sobre la educación especial puede ayudar mucho para ser un mejor defensor de sus hijos

Objetivos de aprendizaje:

1. Aprender cómo apoyar a los jóvenes con discapacidades a prepararse para buscar y mantener un empleo.
2. Conocer estrategias prácticas para desarrollar destrezas sociales, planificar una carrera y crear un resumé.
3. Entender la importancia de las acomodaciones razonables y cómo usarlas en el lugar de trabajo.

Description:

School districts are reporting an increase in “prescriptions” for Special Education coming from medical professionals.  While medical information and diagnoses can be helpful. it does not automatically result in a student qualifying for an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Families and educators will become familiar with how medical information can be used and what impact it may have on the evaluation and IEP development process.

Presenter:

Eva Kubinski has been a consultant at DPI for almost 25 years.  She is responsible for multiple areas, including being responsible for supporting American Indian students with disabilities, and is the consultant for Other Health Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury and Orthopedic Impairment. She also reviews Special Education Teacher and Director education preparation programs at the college, university and other levels.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will understand what to do and what can be done when a medical professional prescribes Special Education.

Participants will understand how medical information is used in the evaluation process.

Participants will have access to guidance developed by the Special Education Team at DPI regarding medical information and directives.

This webinar has been pre-recorded. We will not have the ability to take questions during this webinar. If you have any questions about the webinar or your individual special education journey, please call our office at (414) 374-4645.

After the annual Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting, changes can be made to the IEP in certain situations.  This module of the IEP Series covers: what reasons could be for revising a child’s IEP, who can request the revision, making changes to an IEP without an IEP meeting, and consideration of Extended School Year services (what they are and what determines if a child needs them).

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to identify reasons for revising a child’s IEP, including who can request a revision.

Participants will be able to recognize when IEP revisions can be made with or without an IEP meeting.

Participants will be able to relate when and how the need for ESY services is determined and written in the IEP.

Presenter:

Ann Zielke is the Parent Training and Information Center Trainer for WI FACETS. As a parent who understands firsthand the complexity of navigating the special education system in Wisconsin, she is passionate about the importance of accessible and informative parent education and training. She is a fierce advocate for her daughter and all children with disabilities and she looks forward to serving families across the state with WI FACETS.

Presenters will provide an overview of Act 20 and how it relates to special education. Session content will include a review of web-based resources and frequently asked questions related to Act 20 as well as discussion of options for providing reading instruction to students with IEPs and personal reading plan.

Presenters:

Rose Kilmurray has worked in education for 18 years as a special education teacher, administrator, and education consultant. Rose holds a BS in Special Education (UW–Eau Claire), an MS with an emphasis on literacy (UW–Stout), and an Ed.D. in Educational Sustainability (UW–Stevens Point). She trains and presents on topics including UDL, special education systems, accessible education materials, reading instruction, and social emotional learning. Rose serves as the DPI liaison to the Wisconsin Council for Exceptional Children. She is a facilitator for Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity (SEED) and has conducted SEED trainings in collaboration with CESA 10 and the Ho-Chunk Nation

Sharon Madsen currently works as a School Administration Consultant at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Prior to working for the department, she taught both a general education and special education for 14 years. Sharon also works as an adjunct Instructor for Carroll University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Elementary Education from William Paterson University. Sharon received a Master’s Degree in Special Education from UW Whitewater. In her spare time, she enjoys practicing yoga, painting, drawing, and spending time with her family and friends.

Learning Objectives:

Become familiar with web-based resources related to Act 20.

Understand who can provide reading instruction for a student with an IEP and PRP.

Become familiar with frequently asked questions for Act 20 and students with IEPs.