Communicating with Pictures for Students with Special Needs

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Researchers Lori Frost and Andy Bondy, noted that traditional communication techniques, including speech imitation, sign language, and picture point systems, relied on the teacher to initiate social interactions and none focused on teaching students to initiate interactions.

Based on these observations, Frost and Bondy created a functional means of communication for individuals with a variety of communication challenges.

The learning system is used to rapidly teach communication skills to those with limited functional speech. Region 7ESC is offering the training in Kilgore this fall, and participants will learn how to implement the six phases of the program, Picture Exchange Communication System (PEC).

Educators will learn the system attributes, through presenter demonstrations, video examples, and role-play.

Share this information and flyer with the Special Education staff (teachers, diagnosticians, speech therapists, autism team, etc.) and parents of children with disabilities.

PECS Basic – 2-day Training is coming to Region 7 ESC on November 13-14, 2014. Cost: $150 for Region 7 ESC districts. For more information, contact Donna Holt, dholt@esc7.net, Phone: (903) 988-6896

The Un-Conference for Family & Community Engagement

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• Are you tired of the same old professional development models?
• Have your ideas for engaging parents and community run dry?  
• Have you ever wanted to try an UN-Conference?  
• Do you have ideas or questions about how to get parents involved?

If you answered, YES, then come to the R7 Un-Conference for Family & Community Engagement 

~ A free conference for administrators, teachers, parents, community partners and anyone interested in bridging the communication lines between family, community and public schools.

~ LUNCH & BOOKS INCLUDED

~ Region 7 ESC, Kilgore, TX on
Tuesday, September 30, 2014. 8:30 - 3:30

REGISTER YOURSELF - and YOUR WHOLE TEAM:

https://misweb.esc7.net/mis/sess1.asp?type=DATE&sessNum=045690 


The R7 Un-Conference for Family and Community Engagement, an education conference like no other, will be held at Region 7 ESC on Tuesday, September 30, 2014. The structure of the conference is very informal, with attendees signing up to run sessions first thing in the morning.

The conference is free for the first 150 people who register... and offers a double benefit:
1) learn a new way to offer engaging professional development, and
2) walk away with some tried and true ideas to use in the future.

An Un-Conference, in the Edcamp style, is:

• a gathering of people who want to share and learn in an open environment; and 
• a conversational event featuring discussions, demos and interactions between participants. 

The first conversation of the morning is the only event pre-scheduled, and it will be led by a mother and anthropologist, Dr. Sharon Washington. Her compelling story and ideas for how to make meaningful connections will jump start the day for an energizing experience for all involved.

The focus for the entire day is solely on conversations about how to partner with our parents and members of our community. Attendees will come from all over the region and will include classroom teachers, administrators, instructional coaches, counselors and school board members. Time is designated for attendees to gather informally to share ideas as well as a variety of sessions for them to attend, run by their colleagues and fellow educators.

This event is completely free, thanks to grant funding. Registration is online via Region 7ESC, #045690 - September 30, 2014:
https://misweb.esc7.net/mis/sess1.asp?type=DATE&sessNum=045690 

For more information by email, contact:
Vickie Echols, Region 7 ESC                              
vechols@esc7.net                                                

By Phone: Call Tricia (903) 988-6906