Stress Shuts Down Neural Plasticity

Check out this video from i-Pathways on Brain Science and the Adult Learner. So much valuable information in less than 10 minutes! Thanks to Nance Heuer-Evans for sharing. Of course we see the effects in our adult ed students. Her final point, stress shuts down neural plasticity hit me as I thought about the stress for all of us in the last few months. I know I have seen this in my own brain. Recognizing the results of stress as we see it in ourselves will hopefully help us consider how to alter offerings to best meet the needs of our students. Nance shares key takeaways in her video. Check out Brain Science and the Adult Learner here.

Differentiated Assessment:
Learner-Centered Options to Maximize Understanding and Success

Thursday, June 18th, 2:00-3:00 pm

Presenter: Sarah Goldammer

Are you giving your students authentic opportunities to demonstrate what they know? Are you using real world and real work options to assess your students understanding? You’re differentiating instruction, but are you also differentiating your assessments? Experience some proven learner-centered approaches, gather ideas to use next class period, learn more virtual options, and have some fun with your fellow educators!

Click here to access archived webinar

Foundations of Special Learning Needs - May Group

Thanks to the group who met virtually this morning in an effort to learn news approaches to learner-centered instruction! I look forward to your posts as you reflect on the possible ways the 10-minute interview can enhance instruction. Let me know the tweaks you plan to make this valuable tool work with your specific students. Also, please let me know one idea to implement UDL into your classroom.

You all rock!

Universal Design for Learning Webinar Series

Join ICSPS and the experts from CAST as we explore Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Since its founding in 1984, the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) has seeded and grown the field of Universal Design for Learning through creative research and development, strategic partnerships, teacher preparation and support, and international outreach. Four Part Webinar Series

May 6 Webinar 1: Introduction to UDL Participants will understand the UDL Core Concepts – The theory and research behind this instructional frame. May 8 Webinar 2: UDL in Practice Participants will learn how to design using a UDL lens and the UDL Guidelines. They will also practice identifying UDL in Practice. May 13 Webinar 3: UDL in a Virtual Platform Participants will learn how to leverage UDL to create flexible remote lessons. May 15 Webinar 4: UDL in CTE Participants will discuss instructional design particular to CTE and how UDL can inform some of these designs.

Each webinar has a separate registration form. Each webinar will start at 1:00 PM. Each webinar will be recorded. Each webinar recording and materials can be found on the ICSPS website.  REGISTER TODAY FOR EACH WEBINAR

Foundations of Special Learning Needs

Thanks to the group who met virtually this morning in an effort to learn news approaches to learner-centered instruction! I look forward to your posts as you reflect on the possible ways the 10-minute interview can enhance instruction. Also, let me know the tweaks you plan to make this valuable tool work with your specific students.

You all rock!

Strategies to Support Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often thrive in a routine environment and can struggle with unexpected changes to their schedules. As we adjust to coping with the unknown and navigating school closures, abrupt changes in daily routine, loss of connections with teachers and friends, and distance learning, individuals with ASD may need additional support to process and adapt to the many changes. This webinar will overview support strategies designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with ASD during this period of uncertainty.

Click here to register

Advice from IDEA, Illinois Digital Educators Alliance, During this Pandemic

There have been no clear directives on serving those with disabilities from a distance in this challenging time, however,the Illinois IDEA, (Illinois Digital Educators Alliance) provided some solid advice in their webinar on April 8th - ensure you are providing a good faith effort and document this effort.

This sounds basic, but I think it's a solid guiding principle for us in Adult Education. If you would like to view their webinar, click here.

Scroll down for additional resources to provide access for your students.