Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA)

Federal law requires all students to participate in statewide assessments. While most students with disabilities will participate in the same assessment as their peers, Pennsylvania recognizes that about two percent of PA students with significant disabilities need an alternate form of assessment. This workshop teaches educators how to administer the PASA to students with significant disabilities. Topics addressed include selecting students for participation in the PASA, administration of the assessment, selecting appropriate levels of the assessment, scripting or videotaping, the scoring rubrics, and materials and environmental accommodations.

contact: Jane Brown
610-987-8539 ~ janbro@berksiu.org

Professional Development Seminars for Speech/Language Pathologists 

Providing speech/language support in Pennsylvania schools is a multidimensional profession. Numerous training options for speech/language professionals are provided throughout the school year which address current practices and priorities in the field. Topics include language processing, language and literacy, fluency, oral motor analysis, voice, collaboration with other professionals, legislative issues, etc.

Professional Development Seminars for Transition Coordinators and Administrators of Special Education

Pennsylvania school districts are required through federal and state law to provide transition planning for young adults with disabilities. Transition planning for high school students with disabilities is a focus on the future that brings about successful post-secondary education, employment, and independent living after high school. Various training options for new and experienced educators related to transition to adult life programs are offered throughout the year. Topics include assessment, developing, and implementing the IEP; post-secondary education and training outcomes; employment outcomes; community living; interagency collaboration; behavior and transition issues; legislative mandates; etc. 

Reading in the Content Areas 

As students progress throughout the school system, the reading demands become increasingly complex. This workshop provides the rationale for and strategies to improve comprehension of content area reading materials. Strategies that teachers can use before, during, and after reading assignments are presented.

Standards, PSSA, and the IEP 

Federal law requires all students to have access to the general education curriculum and to participate in statewide assessments. This workshop explores the PA Standards, writing IEP goals and objectives based on the PA Standards, allowable accommodations for the PSSA, and resources available to support high achievement on the PSSA.

contact: Jane Brown
610-987-8539 ~ janbro@berksiu.org

Transition to Adult Life Workshops

Transition planning is a federal and state mandate. Beginning at age 16 or younger if appropriate, all students must have transition addressed in their IEPs. Workshops are available on various topics related to implementing, planning, and evaluating transition programs. Topics include assessment, employment, post-secondary education, legislation issues, IDEA, community living, self-advocacy, interagency teaming, transition portfolios, curriculum, instruction, and job development and coaching.