Alternate Assessment
Assistive Technology
Early Learning and School Readiness
Family Services
Culturally Responsive Practices
School Improvement Services
Professional Development Opportunities
Alternate Assessment
Alternate assessment is required for students who have IEPs and are unable to participate in either State or local assessments. State Support Team Region 11 offers professional development and follow up activities for districts throughout the school year regarding alternate assessment. Information dissemination and technical assistance is provided to families regarding any questions related to alternate assessment and Ohio Department of Education's statewide assessments.
For more information contact:
DeAnna Horstmeier, Ph.D,
Consultant
614.573.1568
deanna_horstmeier@coserrc.org
Cindy Pennington, M.A.,
Consultant
614.573.1586
cindy_pennington@coserrc.org
Assistive Technology Consultation
State Support Team Region 11 offers technical assistance and training on the use of assistive technology that will assist students with disabilities in accessing the general curriculum. SST staff members are available to help evaluate the appropriateness and effectiveness of various assistive technology applications and to provide information on training or other technical needs.
SST staff are available to school personnel and parents to provide consultation and technical assistance relating to assistive technology.
SST staff can assist in providing a framework for problem identification, solution generation/selection, and formulating an action plan for students with assistive technology needs.
Additional Assistive Technology Services include:
- Short-term loan of assistive technology software, switches and devices to school personnel and families in Central Ohio.
- Assistive technology professional development opportunities throughout the school year.
Links
- AT Device Collection
- Assistive Technology Links
- OCALI
For more information about any of these services contact:
Greg Wilson, M.A. CCC/A
Communication/Audiology/Coordinator
614.573.1591
greg_wilson@coserrc.org
Early Learning and School Readiness
State Support Team Region 11 (SST11) provides current information on services for children with disabilities ages birth through age 8, through professional development, technical assistance and information dissemination.
Early Learning and School Readiness Services include:
- Technical assistance to districts and families of children with disabilities on issues related to the early learning content standards and the delivery of special education services.
- Information and materials related to the education and development of young children with disabilities ages 3 through 8.
- Professional development opportunities for preschool intervention specialists, public preschool, ELI and Head Start staff.
- Coordination of interagency procedures to transition young children with disabilities into preschool programs and/or other appropriate services.
Resources
Ohio Department of Education: Office of Early Learning & School Readiness
This link contains resources for administrators, teachers and families related to the educational needs of young children.
Early Learning Quality Network (Qnet)
This link offers information on how to earn continuing education credits & optional university credits for all early education staff, teachers and administrators.
Offerings include training designed to support Pre-K Institute for Reading Intervention (SIRI), Ohio's Early Learning
Content Standards and the Preschool Literacy CORE curriculum. Check often for new training opportunities.
For more information about these services contact:
Helene Stacho, M.A.
Coordinator
614.573.1561
helene_stacho@coserrc.org
State Support Team Region 11 (SST11) promotes strong family/educator partnerships to enhance the school success of children with disabilities. SST11 offers information on issues which impact families of children with disabilities through learning opportunities, technical assistance, consultation, and meetings.
A Family Services consultant works collaboratively with Central Ohio school districts, parent mentors, agencies and other groups to provide support and information to families of children with disabilities. The consultant also serves as a liaison between families and school district personnel to foster positive family/educator collaboration and teamwork. Information related to the delivery of special education services and related issues of interest to families are available upon request.
For more information about these services contact:
Joe Farry, M.A.
Consultant
614.573.1569
joe_farry@coserrc.org
Advocacy/Communication Skills
Parents as Advocates
An advocate is defined as "one who pleads another's cause." As a parent of a child with special needs, you will probably
be the first and the most influential advocate for your child. Advocacy should be a positive process that ensures the
child's rights are protected, supports appropriate programs, and identifies and implements positive changes.
Steps to become your child's best advocate:
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Become knowledgeable. You don't have to memorize federal and state laws or know everything about your child's
disability, but you do need to be aware and know enough to ask questions. -
Know what is best for your child and family. What is your vision for your child’s future? What are her strengths, needs, interests, and current supports?
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Understand how your local school district operates, including school culture and how decisions are made.
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Choose your battles wisely. Constantly arguing technicalities may lead to wasted time and can damage important relationships.
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Identify the problem(s). Keep records, document phone calls or emails, meetings, assessment information, and educational records/academic progress.
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Address only the problem.
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Provide possible solutions.
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Be clear, calm, and direct when speaking. Put things in writing when possible; listen; take time to think, and have clear ideas.
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Be a team player. Channel your energy toward building partnerships with SST11 professionals in order to strategize solutions that best serve your child.
Family Resource Directory in the Central Ohio Area
The Family Resource Directory is designed to provide resources to families in the Central Ohio region. Various agencies,
programs, schools and other services can be found in the Family Resource Directory. Information is added and updated
periodically.
Purpose
The State Support Team Region 11 Parent Mentor Network is one link in the cooperative effort among SST11, school
districts, County Boards of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, State schools and Joint Vocational
schools in the Central Ohio region.
Goals
The goals of the Parent Mentor Network are to:
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Provide information to the SST11 staff and Executive Committee related to family concerns.
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Provide a forum for families to exchange information and to study various topics relating to the education of their children.
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Provide information and training to family representatives to enable them to facilitate effective communication between families and educators.
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Assist SST11 in planning learning opportunities for families.
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Promote the principles and practices needed to develop partnerships between families and schools.
Member Roles and Responsibilities
The State Support Team Region 11 Parent Mentor Network was established to serve as a framework for parent-educator
partnerships. Parent Mentor members are employees of their school district to serve as liaisons between school districts
and families.
For more information about the Parent Mentor in your district contact:
Joe Farry, M.A.
Consultant
614.573.1569
joe_farry@coserrc.org
State Support Team Region 11 (SST11) provides assistance with continuous improvement planning, focused monitoring, compliance issues, state and federal regulations regarding No Child Left Behind Act 2001 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA 2004) to school districts, agencies and families.
Professional Development Opportunities
Under Construction.