Each year, the TASH Conference strengthens the disability field by connecting attendees to innovative information and resources, facilitating connections between stakeholders within the disability movement, and helping attendees reignite their passion for an inclusive world. This year’s conference theme, “Gateway to Equity,” explores inclusive communities, schools, and workplaces that support people with disabilities, including those with complex support needs, in living a fair, just, and balanced life. Return to TASH website.
Two states Kentucky and Florida will highlight Statewide Professional Development Initiatives focused on improving communication outcomes for students who need communication support. Discussion will include professional development models such as professional learning communities, coaching, technical assistance via teleconference, asynchronous learning modules as well as teacher and student outcomes through these statewide initiatives. Participants will discuss the features of high quality professional development including professional learning communities, team problem solving, expert team coaching, and the use of student data to inform instruction. Participants will identify statewide strategies that increase teacher knowledge and skills in improving communication for students who need communication supports. At the end of this session, participants will identify statewide strategies for improving teacher skills and student outcomes in Communication. Participants will discuss the features of high quality professional development including professional learning communities, team problem solving, expert team coaching, and the use of student data to inform instruction. Identify data and training resources to monitor improvement in communication strategies at the classroom, district, region and state level. Participants will review the NCSC Communication Tool Kit series of Professional Development Modules. Participants will identify tools for collecting data on communication outcomes for teachers and students.
