Have you missed receiving our monthly lists of new T/TAC William and Mary Library Book Suggestions? [Read more…]
“Families and Schools – Perfect Partners for Student Success”
Governor Terrance R. McAuliffe,
Superintendent of Public Instruction, Steven R. Staples
and the Virginia Department of Education recognize
November 2017 as Family Involvement Month
in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The importance of parental involvement in schools is well documented. Over 30 years of research shows that one of the most effective ways to increase student achievement is for parents to be actively involved in the education of their children.
November 2017 is
Family Involvement Month in Schools
The Virginia Department of Education is committed to improving parent and family involvement for all students including students with disabilities. We believe that families and schools are perfect partners for student success.
Check out the following links for resources:
- Center for Family Involvement
- Department of Defense: Special Needs Parent Tool Kit – Birth to 18
- Guidance for Military Families with Students in Special Education
- National Standards, Goals, and Indicators for Family School Partnerships
- Parent Education Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) and PEATC Family Involvement Calendar
- Successful Innovations
- Tips and Strategies for Increasing Parent and Family Involvement in Virginia Schools
- Title I – Parent Involvement
- US Department of Education: Family and Community Engagement
- Virginia Family Special Education Connection
- Virginia PTA
Kara McCulloch Welcome
T/TAC W&M is pleased to welcome our newest project specialist, Kara McCulloch, to our staff. Kara brings 17 years of educational experience to our T/TAC team, having served in various positions at the school, division, and regional levels including: Special Education Teacher, Instructional Specialist, and Program Specialist at the Radford University and VCU Training and Technical Assistance Centers. She received her B.S. in Psychology and Child and Family Studies from Greensboro College and her M.S. in Special Education from Radford University. Kara’s areas of expertise include: classroom/behavior management, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, inclusive practices for students with disabilities, self-determination, collaboration, co-teaching, and instructional coaching. [Read more…]
William & Mary Summer 2017 Special Education Courses
Summer 2017 Special Education Courses
Research finds that educators who continue their professional development improve their skills
and enjoy teaching/leading more! Come learn with us! [Read more…]
Incentive to Start on the Path of Becoming a Special Educator
This summer Radford University and the Virginia Department of Education are excited to offer 100 promising individuals an incentive to start on the path to becoming a special educator. Individuals recommended by a school district will have the opportunity to take EDSP 651 Diverse Learners and the Special Education Process as a five-week online course in Summer I (5/14/17-6/16/17) or Summer II (6/2/17-7/28/17). [Read more…]
Apply Now: I’m Determined Youth and Parent Summit

Co-Teaching Demonstration Sites in Regions 2 and 3
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has identified 35 co-teaching demonstration sites throughout the commonwealth in the Excellence in Co-Teaching Initiative. There are eight demonstration sites locally in Superintendents Regions 2 and 3 (see Table 1). These model sites provide opportunities for co-teaching partners across the state to observe effective co-teaching. The sites highlight research-based inclusive practices to meet the needs of all students within the general education classroom. At each model site, the co-teaching teams share with visitors co-planning, co-instructing, and co-assessing practices that have helped their students succeed.
For more information about the Excellence in Co-Teaching Initiative, or to arrange a visit to a model site near you, please contact Donni Perry or Shelley Littleton, at T/TAC, College of William & Mary. Co-Teaching and Inclusive Practices materials are available on the VDOE website and at Real Co-Teachers of Virginia at T/TAC Online.
T/TAC W&M New Project Specialists
T/TAC W&M is pleased to welcome three new Project Specialists to T/TAC W&M—LaShauna Britt, Shelley Littleton, and Daria Lorio-Barsten. [Read more…]
T/TAC W&M Resources
Especially for New Special Education Teachers!
The Training and Technical Assistance Center (T/TAC) at the College of William and Mary welcomes you to your new position as a special educator! [Read more…]
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