Louisiana State University Validated Practices Initiative

1. Louisiana State UniversityValidated Practices Initiative Louisiana CEC Super Conference April 25, 2006

2. Overview • Context • VPI Frame • Points of Interest • Website • Needs Assessment • Frameworks • Professional development • Implementation

3. Today’s Context • IDEA 1997 / 2004 • State of Louisiana Efforts to Promote Inclusive Education • Validated Practices Committee • State Performance Plan • LSU VPI

4. Validated Practices Initiative Inclusion is the understanding that schooling occurs in a unified system in which: (a) diversity is supported, expected, and valued; (b) high standards can be reached by all; and (c) life goals can become a reality through collaboration. Instructional Frameworks Support Frameworks Partnership Frameworks Literature review and working papers (focus on instructional practices and essential elements) (1.1 – 1.3) Support VPC (1.4, 1.6, 1.7) Establish interactive communication structures, i.e., website, Blackboard (1.4) Access surveys (2.1) Professional development framework (2.2) Dissemination framework (2.3) Implementation framework (2.4) Communication with SDE (3.1 – 3.2) Communication with other agencies (3.3) So What? VPI serves as a vehicle to develop coordinated, evidenced-based instructional, support, and partnership frameworks to facilitate improved educational outcomes for all students with disabilities in Louisiana. The numbers reflected in each box correlate to LSU’s Validated Practices proposal.

5. Inclusion • Defined as “the understanding that schooling occurs in a unified system in which: • Diversity is supported, expected, and valued; • High standards can be reached by all; and • Life goals can become a reality through collaboration.” • Friend (2005)

6. Website Address • www.validatedpractices.com

8. Articles & Research • Articles and research provide current information posted on the website. • This link has been updated regularly. • These documents eventually archived under Document Downloads link.

9. VPI’s VIP “School in the Spotlight” • Purpose - Acknowledge Schools and their inclusive practices - Allow schools to network - To nurture effective communication

10. VPI’s VIP “School in the Spotlight” • Components - School Demographics - VPI’s Interview Questions - Interviewee’s Answers - Picture

11. VPI’s VIP “School in the Spotlight” • Spotlights - Ten Schools and a Group of Social Workers (Amite Elementary, Hammond Eastside Primary, Dutchtown Middle School, Walker Elementary School, ChurchPoint High School, Pearl Watson Elementary School, Horseshoe Drive Elementary School, South Grant Elementary School, Linwood Middle School, Bethune Middle School and NASW social Workers) - Amite Elementary - E:\School Spotlights\AMITE ELEMENTARY VIP.pdf - Hammond Eastside Primary – E:\School Spotlights\Hammond eastside Primary School VIP.pdf - Horseshoe Drive Elementary – E:\School Spotlights\Horseshoe elementary VIP.pdf - Dutchtown Middle School – E:\School Spotlights\Dutchtown Middle School VIP-final.pdf - NASW Social Workers - E:\School Spotlights\Social Worker Spotlight.pdf

12. Discussion Boards • Discussion boards have been available for registered users. • The purpose has been to facilitate communication and collaboration around the following topics: • Instructional programs • School and Administrative Structure • Professional Development • Miscellaneous Topics • Discussion board involvement was announced through VPI email

13. Document Downloads • Document Downloads are available in PDF format. • This link includes: • Initiative documents • Best practices documents • PowerPoint presentations • Forms

14. Related Links • Related links include numerous state, federal, and international sites with brief descriptions of each agency. • Each link has been reviewed and is considered to provide relevant information. • Additional links were updated during the year.

15. Purpose of Needs Assessment • Gather data on perceptions of school building progress toward meeting achievement goals for students with disabilities

16. Shared Effort & Commitment Appreciation for diversity School structure Administrative support Range of services Professional development Parent / community involvement Inclusive School Climate Collaboration School as community Appreciation for diversity Supportive Classrooms Community of learners High expectations High levels of communication Essential Elements of Inclusive Schools Student Engagement Recognition of students’ strengths and needs Stimulating environment Organized structure Inclusive Instructional Programs Comprehensive Balanced Access to the core curriculum Differential instruction Ongoing assessment and monitoring Multi-level practices Accommodations Intensive instruction as needed

17. PD Framework • Draft Document • Directed at Principals and Administrators • Focus on Improving Classroom-Based Reading Instruction • Components Include: • Data-Based Decision Making • Systematic Assessment and Progress Monitoring • Implementation of Scientifically-Based Reading Research • Site-Based Mentoring / Coaching • Shared Decision Making • Curricular Improvement

18. Questions?