Page 1 I Tellai The Bridge Volume 11, Issue 2 March 6, 2009 Inside this issue: Page Pacific CIMAP Leadership Meeting 1 Pacific Project: Training Strands 4-5 Governor’s Early Childhood Summit 2 6 Summit Proceedings Booklet 6 Parent Mentor Training 7 Guam EDHI Grant Award Guam EHDI Presents at Nat’l Conference 8 NCHAM Training Birthing Center Features Guam EHDI 9 CMHI Closure Focus Group 10 System of Care Magazine Article DPHSS Public Awareness Campaign 11 CNMI Early Intervention Round Table CNMI SPED APR Review 12 Tri-Agency Conference 13 CNMI Early Intervention Family Forum 14-15 Transition Workshop 15 Palau PBIS Training 16 Family Support 360 Project Update PEPNet Data Collection Completed 17 Transit Drivers Complete Training AT Presentation 18 Yap Deaf Ed Visit FSM APR Technical Assistance Visit Accessible Parking Ad 19 Calendar of Events GSAT Fair 20 Pacific CIMAP Holds Leadership Team Meeting The Pacific Consortium for Instructional Materials Accessibility Project (Pacific CIMAP) held a meeting on February 19-20 at the University of Guam as a follow-up to the February 2008 Regional Project Leadership Team Meeting. Team members revisited the policy, procedures, and practice dialogue related to addressing the implementation and/or enhancement of each entity’s system for providing timely educational materials in appropriate accessible formats to students with disabilities who are eligible for services under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA). The leadership team is comprised of 43 participants, including the Chief State School Officers (Directors, Secretaries, Superintendent, Commissioner of Education), Special Education Directors, Curriculum Chiefs, and other key personnel) from the Pacific Basin entities of American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Guam, the Republic of Palau (ROP), and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). The meeting was facilitated by the Guam CEDDERS Pacific CIMAP Project Staff, project consultants, and technical assistance providers. Dr. Robert Underwood, President of the University of Guam, welcomed the participants, highlighting the important role the university plays in the education of our Pacific Island students. “Nowhere in the world can you find a better place to learn about our Pacific children than here at UOG. Relationships are important. UOG is uniquely positioned, responsible and responsive to unique issues. We are here, committed to the children we serve.” The two-day meeting focused on key questions. On Day One, June De Leon, Pacific CIMAP Project Director, reviewed the purpose, outcomes and agenda of the gathering (Why Are We Here?). Connie Guerrero, Pacific CIMAP Project Coordinator, and Marcelene Santos, Legal Consultant, gave an overview of National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS) requirements, the National Instructional Materials Accessibility Center (NIMAC) coordination and copy-right issues (What Is It All About?). Lisa Friendly, Director of Operations for Bookshare.org, demonstrated the access of instructional materials through Bookshare.org/NIMAC. Ruth Ziolkowski, President of Don Johnston, Inc., demonstrated how Read: Out Loud technology accesses reading materials in both print and audio formats for students with print disabilities as well as struggling readers (How Does It Work?). Donna McNear, Consultant, synthesized how all contributing elements of the project will make a difference for our kids. Day Two was a time to focus on "Where Are We?" Beginning with a conference call to the U.S. Dept. of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) Project Officer, Glinda Hill, in Washington, D.C., the entities shared stories on the impact of the learning being experienced. The conference call was followed by a brief update from each of the entities on their status, concerns, and next steps. Joseph Mendiola, Pacific CIMAP Data Coordinator, and Jonas Macapinlac, Pacific CIMAP Media Specialist, demonstrated an update on the web-based data collection and tracking system for managing NIMAS files and monitoring the download of books and educational materials in accessible formats. Mike Sharpe, External Project Evaluator, presented very positive outcomes based on evaluation results from the February 2008 and Summer 2008 activities. The meeting closed with a discussion on “What’s next?” with the group exploring possibilities and ways to sustain the project. In the meantime, project staff will continue to provide technical support to ensure on-going implementation and enhancement of systems for providing timely educational instructional materials in appropriate accessible formats. Photo with caption UOG Hosts Luncheon. UOG President Underwood hosted a luncheon on February 19 for the Pacific Chief State School Officers and the Honorable Churchill Edward, Lt. Governor, Pohnpei State. (Sitting, L-R) Dr. Nerissa Bretania-Shafer, Guam Superintendent of Education; Margaret Margou, Yap State (FSM) Director of Education; Biram Stege, Marshall Islands Secretary of Education; Dr. Rita Sablan, CNMI Commissioner of Education; (Standing, L-R) Joseph Villazon, Pohnpei State (FSM) Director of Education; Sofa Seumalo, American Samoa Special Assistant to the Director of Education; Dr. Robert Underwood, UOG President; Casiano Shoniber, FSM Secretary of Education; the Honorable Edward, Pohnpei State Lt. Governor; Sanfio Sony, Chuuk State (FSM) Director of Education; Emery Wenty, Palau Director of Education; Paul Hadik, Kosrae State (FSM) Director of Education; Dr. Patrick Leddy, Acting Dean, UOG School of Education. Page 2 Photos with captions: Ruth Ziolkowski, President of Don Johnston, Inc. demonstrates the Read: Out Loud Bookshare.org Version and other tools. Pacific CIMAP Group Shot. Participants and consultants took time during lunch break for a group picture. Page 3 Photos with captions: Top Photos: Each entity provided an update on the status, concerns, and next steps for meeting the NIMAS requirements. Presenting for their entities were: (L-R) Helen Sengebau, Palau Special Education (SpEd) Coordinator, Suzanne Lizama, CNMI Acting SpEd Coordinator; Rudy Lokeijak, Marshal Islands SpEd Director; Christine Rosario, Guam AT Specialist; Donna Gurr, American Samoa Curriculum Chief; and Arthur Albert FSM SpEd Director. Bottom Photos: Entity leaders engage in the presentations and discussions during the 2-day leadership meeting. Leaders included (top, L-R) CNMI Commissioner Sablan and FSM leadership delegation led by Secretary Shoniber (seated front left). (Bottom, L-R) Palau Director Wenty with his leadership team and Marshall Islands Secretary Stege (seated at top), while CNMI Federal Monitor George Palican is seated in the front. Other participating entities not shown included leadership from American Samoa and Guam. Page 4 The PACIFIC Project, Pacific Assessment Consortium Implementing Fully Innovative Change, GSEG III: Regional “Cadre” Training Strands Guam CEDDERS facilitated the GSEG III: Regional “Cadre” Training Strands for 72 participants from the six Pacific entities of American Samoa, CNMI, FSM, Guam, Marshall Islands and Palau on February 16-18 on the University of Guam campus. The University of Kentucky’s Inclusive Large Scale Standards and Assessments (ILSSA) group provided two familiar consultants, Michael Burdge and Jean Clayton, to conduct training for two of the three strands. The purpose of the Regional “Cadre” Training was to provide intensive training for selected members of the Leadership Assessment Team (LAT) and Jurisdiction Implementation Team (JIT) to serve as the local cadre of their respective entities to support local capacity building for the full implementation of an alternate assessment based on alternate achievement standards (AA-AAS). The Training Strands ran concurrently on all 3 days, from 8:30am-5pm. Entity cadre members were assigned to and remained in the same Strand for the 3-day training schedule. Selection of entity cadre members for each Strand ensured the commitment by the selected member for the duration of the 3-year project period. For the duration of the project period, cadre members are expected to: (bulleted items) * Participate in all specialized regional and on-site training identified by the PACIFIC Project; * Implement specific tasks, to include technical assistance and training, that support local IEP teams with the identification of students requiring an AA-AAS; * Collaborate with other entity “cadre” members for the full implementation of an AA-AAS ; and * Report timely feedback and progress data to the PACIFIC Project staff on the content and process of fully implementing an AA-AAS-identified as specific tasks, including gathering and compiling data using the validity instruments. The PACIFIC Project continued the focus of capacity building for effecting meaningful changes in curriculum, instruction, and assessment for students with disabilities in the Pacific through the three strands shown on page 5. At the end of each day, all participants from the three strands met as a large group to debrief and share what they learned each day with the other members from their entity. Afterwards, the Special Education Coordinators from each entity debriefed again with the PACIFIC Project staff and consultants who answered questions of the groups. Photo with caption PAC6 Strand 1 Participants. As part of the PACIFIC Project, Guam CEDDERS facilitated a 3-day GSEG III: Regional “Cadre” Training for participants from each of the Pacific Assessment Consortium entities of American Samoa, CNMI, FSM, Guam, Marshall Islands and Palau. Jean Clayton, ILSSA, and June Quitugua, Guam CEDDERS, facilitated Strand 1: “Scoring and Standard Setting” for teams comprised of assessment specialists, curriculum specialists, special educator program staff and general education and special education teachers. (Front row, L-R) Pillar Ngiraswei, Lyliza Madris, Ramona Albert, Felice Camacho, Elizabeth Ribilyan, Jean Clayton, Wilma Hofschnieder-David, Lizelle Torres, Alpha Espina, Teikla Enos, Kim Pili, June Quitugua and Stanley Heine. (Back row, L-R) George Goounug, Mekioshy William, Margaret Geary, Godburg Poe, Arthur Albert, Miyai Keller, Ozimy Edward, Frank Horiuchi, Fitu Papu, & Barnabus Palsis. Page 5 GSEG III: Regional Training Strands cont’d from Page 4 Strand 1: Scoring and Standard Setting Lead Facilitators: Jean Clayton, ILSSA and June Quitugua, Guam CEDDERS Focus: To build each entity’s cadre of local support for facilitating the AA-AAS scoring process by interpreting rubrics, ensuring consistent scoring procedures, and understanding the use of performance level descriptors, and facilitating standard setting by gaining an understanding of critical components and planning for implementation. Photo with caption Strand 1: Teams from Guam (front) and RMI (back) discuss AA-AAS scoring and standard setting concepts. Strand 2: Implementing with Integrity Validity Instruments Lead Facilitators: Mike Burdge, ILSSA and Dr. Mary Spencer, UOG and June Quitugua, Guam CEDDERS Focus: To build each entity’s cadre of local support for implementing with integrity a set of tools designed to investigate important questions of consequential validity regarding intended and unintended consequences of alternate achievement standards assessments and the provision of access to the general curriculum. Developed by University of Kentucky’s National Alternate Assessment Center (NAAC), the purposeful gathering, compiling, and reporting of data through the use of these tools will provide each entity and the PACIFIC Project with information on the extent to which: (bulleted items) * Students are currently engaged in academic content curriculum and instruction; * Students continue to receive instruction in skills critical to participating in school or community contexts; * Instruction appropriately links to the student’s level of communication; and * Skills and services which enhance a student’s independent performance are considered part of a high quality instructional program. Photo with caption Strand 2: Mike Burdge, Strand 2 Facilitator, solicits feedback from a large group discussion. Strand 3: Developing Local Media Clips for Local Training Lead Facilitator: Jonas Macapinlac Focus: To build each entity’s cadre of local support for developing local media clips to complement the development of training modules designed for local IEP teams. The “who, what, why, and how” will be featured to show the process used by IEP teams to determine which students should be assessed based on alternate achievement standards. Strand 3 provided hands-on use of the PACIFIC Project-funded entity equipment and software. Photo with caption Strand 3: Jonas Macapinlac, Guam CEDDERS Media Specialist, trained regional teams in the production of local media clips using specialized digital video equipment and software. Page 6 Governor’s EC Summit 2 Keeps Momentum Up It was a Saturday before Christmas, yet, the room was filled with 40 stakeholder representatives committed to Early Childhood Education. The Governor’s Early Childhood Summit Part 2 was convened on December 20, 2008 at the Guam Westin Resort and Spa. While shopping and holiday preparations still needed to be done, child care providers, child-serving agency heads, medical practitioners, families, University of Guam representatives, public school representatives, Guam Community College representatives, representatives of the judicial system, and community leaders reviewed the outcomes of the first Governor’s Early Childhood Summit which was held on October 11. By the end of the morning, the groups agreed that Access to Health Care and Medical Home, Social Emotional and Mental Health, Early Care, Education and Child Care, and Parent Training and Family Involvement continued to be focus areas that would lead to strengthened supports and services for young children and their families. Further, the participants verified that accessibility, accountability, systemic collaboration, data, and training were aspects within each focus area that needed improvement. Looking forward to continuous collaboration, the stakeholders reiterated their commitment to strengthening Guam’s Comprehensive Early Childhood System by agreeing to participate in focus group meetings and future summits. Photo with caption EC Summit Facilitator. Dr. Aline Yamashita, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate, facilitated discussion during the December Governor’s Early Childhood Summit Part 2. Announcement: Summit Proceedings Booklet Available Summit Proceedings Booklet. The proceedings of the first Governor’s Early Childhood Summit were published by Guam CEDDERS in February. Included in the document are the opening and closing remarks of Early Childhood Researcher, Ross Thompson, Ph.D., and input and recommendations developed during the focus area discussions. To obtain a copy, contact Elaine Eclavea, Guam CEDDERS Initiative Area Coordinator, at elaine.eclavea@guamcedders.org. Page 7 Parent Mentors Complete Training on ALONG Curriculum As we all know, many of us have a natural inclination and preference where we learn best from people like us, our peers. The Guam Parent Information Resource Center (PIRC) is utilizing this theory by enlisting and training parents who will serve as mentors to other parents to help them refine their parenting skills. Following this model, ten parents completed 20 hours of training to learn various approaches to teach other parents. The Train-the-Trainer All Learning Opportunities Nurture Growth (ALONG) curriculum, developed through a collaborative effort between Guam CEDDERS and the Department of Public Health and Social Services, was used during this training that took place on January 5-9 at PIRC. Guam CEDDERS Mary Kidd, Training Associate, facilitated the training sessions which featured guided practice in implementing the strategies. A major goal of the training was to increase knowledge and understanding in child development, incorporating the latest research findings on brain development. Other goals focused on the importance of play, early literacy, social and emotional development, child observations, family communication and interpersonal skills, and implementation of standards in the Guam Early Learning Guidelines. Participants found the training to be: “very informative,” and “excellent for new or struggling parents.” For the next training session, the parents recommended that the language of the presentations be modified to better address the needs of second language learners; the time for more open discussion be extended, and a marketing campaign be initiated to help parents get more involved with their children. After completing this session, four participants who are designated as “parent mentors” are now ready to use their training skills. Fifteen parents have signed up for the next training session scheduled for March 23-27. Other sessions have also been calendared to take place on April 13-17 and July 13-17. Photo with caption ALONG Activity. (L-R) Patricia Tomlinson, Marie Wusstig, and Iosindo Fuppul participate in an activity during the ALONG training held on January 7. Photo with caption ALONG Training Participants (L-R) Armilynn Lujan, Pauline Camacho, Jesse Castro, and Joyce Flores take turns sharing children’s activities with action and meaning. Other participants not shown are Louise Camacho, Mary-Therese Edgerle, & Leone Rohr. Page 8 FUNDED AGAIN: Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Receives Grant Award for 2009-2011 Guam CEDDERS received notification from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration that Guam’s Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Project was awarded funding for another three years. The new grant entitled, Guam EHDI Phase III: Reducing the Loss to Follow-up Project, will ensure that all infants and their families have access to early hearing screening, evaluation, and intervention services with the focus on reducing the number of infant loss to follow-up between 1) hospital and outpatient screening before one month of age; 2) outpatient screening and audiological diagnosis before three (3) months of age; and 3) diagnosis and entry into an early intervention program before six (6) months of age. As noted in the graph below, during the period from 2006 to 2008, the Guam EHDI Project screened 98% of all babies born at Guam Memorial Hospital Authority (GMHA) and Sagua’ Mañagu (SM), Guam Birthing Center. The new grant aims to have similar percentages for children requiring follow-up testing. For more information on the Guam EHDI project, please link to the Guam EHDI website at http://www.guamehdi.com or call Elaine Eclavea, Project Coordinator at 735-2466. Hearing Screening Table with of Totals and Percentages for 2006 to 2008 Total Births for 2006: 2909 Total Screened for 2006: 2855 Percentage Screened for 2006: 98 Total Births for 2007: 3007 Total Screened for 2006: 1964 Percentage Screened for 2006: 99 Total Births for 2008: 3017 Total Screened for 2006: 2962 Percentage Screened for 2006: 98 Guam EHDI Project Presents at National Conference Photo with caption Guam EHDI Project. Guam EHDI staff attended the Pacific Meeting held in conjunction with the National EHDI Conference in Dallas, Texas on March 10-12. Elaine Eclavea, Guam CEDDERS Initiative Area Coordinator and Guam EHDI Project Coordinator, conducted a presentation on the progress of the Guam project and provided strategies to other Pacific entities that are starting their EHDI projects. (L-R) Victoria Ritter, Guam EHDI Screening Technician; Dr. Velma Sablan, EHDI Evaluator; Irene Forsman, Health Resources and Services Administration, Maternal Child Health, EHDI Project Officer; Elaine Eclavea; John Eichwald, Centers for Disease Control EHDI Team Member; & Joseph “JJ” Mendiola, Guam EHDI Data Coordinator. Page 9 NCHAM Consultant Provides Training to Parents & GEIS Staff The Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (Guam EHDI) Project, in partnership with the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM) sponsored two events during the month of February. Both events featured guest presenter, Ms. Kim Aeillo, CCC-A, Audiologist, and Technical Assistance Consultant from NCHAM. The first activity was training for GPSS (Guam Public School System) Guam Early Intervention (GEIS) staff on February 19 which focused on “Strategies for Working with Families of Young Children with Hearing Loss.” The second Guam EHDI-sponsored event was a “Parent Night” for families with children receiving services from GEIS (Part C GPSS) on February 26. During this meeting, leaders of the Guam EHDI Family Support Group and the Guam’s Positive Parents Together shared the purpose of their organizations and invited the ten parents in attendance to become members or be involved in their groups. The highlight of the event was a special presentation conducted by Ms. Aeillo, who spoke on the topic of “Take Time ~ Take Turns: Communication Tips for Your Child’s Speech, Language and Hearing Development”. The importance of early identification and intervention were stressed with discussion on various types of hearing tests and hearing loss, developmental milestones in the area of speech and language, and fun strategies to maximize hearing abilities and promote communication skills. After her presentation, parents had the opportunity to ask Ms. Aeillo questions regarding their children’s hearing and speech development. Photo with caption GEIS Training. Kim Aeillo, audiological consultant from the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM), conducts training entitled “Take Time ~ Take Turns: Communication Tips for Your Child’s Speech, Language, and Hearing Development” for the Guam Early Intervention System staff on February 19. Birthing Center Magazine Features Guam EHDI Services The Guam Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (Guam EHDI) Program was recently featured in the March issue of Mañagu the quarterly magazine produced by Guam’s first and only birthing center, Sagua' Mañagu (Birthing Center). Featured in the article is Shawna-Lyn Rosario and her mother, Desiree Bautista (shown at left). Shawna, who was born at Sagua' Mañagu, had her initial hearing performed shortly after birth. Through follow-up evaluations, it was determined that she had a hearing loss and was referred for support services coordinated by Guam Early Intervention System (GEIS). Page 10 Children’s Mental Health Initiative (CMHI) Evaluation Project Conducts Closure Focus Groups with Caregivers For over 6 years, Guam CEDDERS CMHI Evaluation Project has implemented the national and local evaluation components for I Famagu’on-ta, Guam’s System of Care for children and youth with serious emotional and behavioral disorders. As part of the national evaluation, caregivers of children and youth who are eligible for services from I Famagu’on-ta are invited to participate in the Longitudinal Child and Family Outcome and Service Experience studies. Those who agree to participate are interviewed by Guam CEDDERS CMHI Evaluation Team upon entry into the program and then every 6 months for up to 36 months. The interviews are comprehensive and typically take two or more hours to complete, with questions about the family’s economic and living situation, child and family risk factors, the child’s emotional and behavioral problems, school performance, youth delinquency and involvement in the juvenile justice system, and substance abuse. Information collected from families during these interviews is entered into a web-based system, aggregated with data from other System of Care sites across the U.S. and used to determine the impact of similar programs on the lives of children and families. To date, 167 families on Guam have been interviewed for these studies and many are completing their final, 36 month follow-up interviews. On January 27 and 29, the CMHI Evaluation Team conducted its second set of closure focus groups for caregivers who had completed their 36 month interviews. Through a combination of fun and informative activities, 16 caregivers learned ways to manage stress, received information about how their participation in the evaluation has helped to leverage funding and support for children’s mental health, were provided resources to access assistance, and identified positive coping strategies. Caregivers also completed a survey about their experience with Guam CEDDERS CMHI Evaluation Project. Results of the survey indicate high levels of satisfaction with all aspects of the evaluation process including: scheduling and location of interviews, stipends and gas coupons, quality of relationship with the Interviewers, confidentiality, and usefulness of participating in the evaluation. At the conclusion of the closure focus groups, caregivers were presented with certificates of completion, information packets, and a gift of a calamansi lemon plant, symbolizing positive growth and strengths of children and families who have been served by I Famagu’on-ta. SOC Article in Guahan Magazine Project I Famagu’on-ta was featured in an article appearing in the January issue of Guahan Magazine, a local monthly magazine. The article highlights the experience of Esther Santos, who accessed the services of the program as a teen and how it impacted her life. Currently a student at the University of Guam, Ms. Santos shares how the support from her “wrap coordinator” has made a big difference in her life. Also cited in the article were the role and findings of the Guam CEDDERS Evaluation Team, headed by Bonnie Brandt, which includes Mariles Benavente, Keith Villaluna, Lolita Leon Guerrero, Elaine Roberto, and Jessica Camacho. To read the complete article by freelance writer Jayne Flores, go to www.guahanmagazine.com. Photo with caption Project I Famagu-on-ta Feature. Esther Santos, a University of Guam student, talks about her positive experience with Project I Famagu’on-ta in the January issue of Guåhan Magazine. Page 10 DPHSS Sponsors Public Awareness Campaign In collaboration with the Guam Department of Public Health & Social Services, Guam CEDDERS coordinated a campaign to promote awareness of strategies to enhance positive social and emotional development in young children. The campaign included the production of posters (shown below), television and radio ads. In addition to disseminating the posters to various child-servicing agencies, including child care centers, medical clinics, the hospital, and schools, the posters were converted into slides that were shown at various movie theatres prior to and immediately following the showing of feature films. A brochure on “Bonding” was also made available in English, Chamorro, Chuukese, and Tagalog. Two 30-second videos were produced to compliment the posters and were aired on three commercial television stations, eight cable channels and the local public broadcasting station. Two 30-second radio ads were also produced and aired on six radio stations. Pictures of five posters listed below Bonding - Nurture It! Curiosity - Encourage It! Exploration – Explore It! Self-Esteem - Build It! Poster of key elements to look for when deciding where to place your little ones for quality child care. Research shows high quality child care during the first five years influences lifelong success. Look for these key elements when deciding your little ones for child care. 1. Safe and healthy enviroment 2. Positive and nurturing adult and child relationships 3. Lower number of children per staff 4. Staff who are knowledgeable and trained in early childhood development 5. Planned activities that nurture children’s healthy growth and development Page 12 CNMI Early Intervention Program Hosts Round Table Discussion on Public Awareness and Child Find Facilitated by Guam CEDDERS, 13 interagency members and early intervention program staff from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) participated in a 3-hour round table discussion to provide input and recommendations on public awareness strategies that would have the potential to increase the number of children referred for early intervention services. Elaine Eclavea, Health, Wellness, and Prevention Initiative Area Coordinator, provided information on research studies which recommend characteristics for tailoring print materials to improve Child Find and outreach strategies for physicians, health care providers, community members, families, and other primary referral services. As a result of the meeting, the Child Find committee will develop an action plan to include evidence-based practices/strategies recommended by researcher Carl Dunst. Below are Guidelines for Improving Child Find Practices: (bulleted items) * Planning * Identify and know your referral sources * Prepare a clear message * Prepare a concise brochure * The messenger matters * Implementation * Planning for the visit * Making the visit * Repeat and reinforce the message * Ask how you can be helpful * Follow-up * Acknowledge any and all referrals * Keep the primary referral source informed * Personalize the feedback * Provide feedback in a timely manner * Make regularly scheduled follow-up visits (Taken from TRACE Practice Guide, Volume I, Number 3: Improving Outreach to Primary Referral Sources by Carl J. Dunst) Photo with caption Interagency Round Table Discussion. Nurses and allied health professionals provide their input during the Round Table discussion facilitated by Guam CEDDERS staff on February 25 in Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. CNMI Special Education Program Reviews APR The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Special Education Program held a meeting with special education teachers and Case Study Team (CST) Managers from Saipan, Rota, and Tinian on Thursday, February 26, to review the CNMI IDEA Part B 2007-2008 Annual Performance Report (APR) submitted to the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs on February 1. The meeting, facilitated by Guam CEDDERS’ Elaine Eclavea and June De Leon, included a review and discussion on the CNMI’s performance on the 20 APR indicator measures, with a focus on Indicator 11, the 60-day evaluation timeline requirement. The 45 participating teachers and case managers were asked to review the standard operating procedures and steps from CST, to referral, to evaluation, to eligibility, and to Individualized Education Program (IEP). At the end of the meeting, a commitment was made to reconvene to continue the review of CNMI’s performance for Indicator 11 and determine how to improve the system for meeting the 60-day evaluation time-line requirement. Page 13 Full page advertisement: 2009 Tri-Agency Conference Transitions: Roles, Rules, and Realities A Conference for Parents of Children with Disabilities in Middle School and High School 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday March 20-21, 2009, Westin Resort Guam For more information, contact: Guam System of Assistive Technology (GSAT), Tel: 735-2490 Fax: 735-2491, Email: carla.torres@guamcedders.org Page 14 “YOUR CHILD YOUR STAR” CNMI Early Intervention Family Forum Focuses on Child Outcomes Forty-eight family members of the 25 infants and toddlers with disabilities, who receive early intervention services and supports on Saipan, Rota, and Tinian, participated in a February 25 evening forum on Child Outcomes held at the Saipan PIC Resort. Facilitated by Guam CEDDERS Elaine Eclavea and June De Leon, the forum engaged families in sharing their examples of the three Child Outcomes and providing suggestions for how the early intervention program can share the information with other families and the community. The forum began with the CNMI early intervention program staff presenting a slide show entitled “Your Child ...Your Star!” that featured action photos to music of CNMI’s young children, supported families, and early intervention providers. After viewing the heartwarming, moving and expressive slide show, family members shared additional examples of what their child does to demonstrate the three Child Outcomes. Some of the examples shared included their child being able to walk to Mom, singing a favorite song, showing how to use a phone, and playing with others. Family members also shared how services and supports (e.g., early intervention program, doctors) have helped them to experience “benefit,” such as teaching the family how to communicate with their child through the use of sign language and a picture board. The last activity of the evening was reviewing the draft brochure and flyer developed by the CNMI early intervention program staff to share information about why and how the three Child Outcomes were being measured. With the consensus being to use a brochure format, the families also suggested edits such as adding data and statistical content to encourage and attract families and community members to call for more information. Family members agreed that the brochure needed to make people want to learn more about the three Child Outcomes being measured and the early intervention program. The evening forum closed with a photo collage of all the young children featured in the slide show “Your Child ...Your Star!” reminding everyone of all the BRIGHT STARS eager to show how they have grown, developed, and shined with “benefit” experienced from receiving services and support - OUTCOMES! Photo with caption Saipan Families. Family members from Saipan represented the largest group during the CNMI Family Forum held on February 25. Page 15 “YOUR CHILD YOUR STAR” cont’d. Photos with caption: Tinian Families. Family members from Tinian made the trip to Saipan to attend the Family Forum on February 25. Rota Families. Rota family members were also able to participate in the February 25 Parent Forum held on Saipan. Guam Hosts Transition Workshop Photo with caption WRRC Transition Workshop. Consultants from the Western Regional Resource Center (WRRC) were recently on Guam to conduct a workshop on Transition. Dr. Ed O’Leary and Penny Church were the principle presenters for this workshop. One hundred participants from the Guam Public School System, the Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, the Marshall Islands, and Palau attended the 2-day event, with a third day set aside for the Guam participants. (Standing, L-R) Anne Cummings; Stacy Morgan, Consulting Resource Teacher; Gilbert Mangosong, Science Teacher; Penny Church, WRRC; (seated, L-R) Dr. Ed O’Leary, WRRC; and Emily Meno, Okkodo High School Assistant Principal. Page 16 Palau PBIS Training: “Reward Direction, Not Perfection” As Richard Lavoie, national expert on Learning Disabilities, stated in his DVD, Learning Disabilities and Discipline: When the Chips Are Down...Strategies for Improving Children's Behavior, students need to be reinforced every step along the way as they work towards reaching the target behavior. This was one of many strategies shared by Nieves Flores, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate, during a 4-day training provided to the Republic of Palau Special Education staff. The staff included special education teachers, consulting resource teachers, early childhood teachers, and a speech therapist. The first part of the training focused on proactive strategies to prevent classroom behaviors through effective classroom management. This included, but not limited to, setting up an effective learning environment, delivering effective lessons, and implementing consequences for positive and unacceptable behaviors. The second half of the training addressed conducting functional behavior assessments (FBAs) and developing positive behavior invention support (PBIS) plans. Both are known to be best practices in dealing with students with severe behavior problems. To supplement face-to-face training, Dr. Flores observed three high school special education teachers and provided feedback on their classroom management skills. Follow-up sessions will be conducted on-line throughout the rest of the school year and on-site during the summer. Text in colored box: List of training participants: Nora Abraham Lovey Alfonso Dana Antipas Sandaria Fritz Katherine Hindenberg Regina Imetengel Delina Kebekol Theofina Michael Shirley Nakamura Victoria Nestor Katsumi Ngirchokebai Jennifer Ngwal Huzie Orak Nora Reguul Joyce Remarui Gwendolynn Rengiil Esther Rengulbai Vania Ringang Sara Ruberio Helen Sengebau Begonia Tewid Atanacia Ubedei Gweendian Williams Photo with caption Republic of Palau Special Ed Staff. Dr. Nieves Flores, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate, (standing, front row) conducted a training session on strategies to improve student behavior for teachers in Palau’s Ministry of Education on February 9-12. Page 17 Guam’s Family Support 360 Project for Military Families Gets Off the Ground With the hiring of the full-time navigator and the part-time clinical staff, Guam’s Family Support 360 Project for Military Families got off the ground in December with a meeting with the Navy’s points of contact, Commander Maureen Chase, Deputy, Fleet & Family Readiness, and Barbara Askey, Navy School Liaison. Other connections included meetings with the point of contact for the National Guard, the Joint Service Family Support Network, and the Naval Hospital. In addition, the project held its first Advisory Council meeting on February 17 at the Parent Information Resource Center with 11 of the 17 members attending the meeting. To create awareness of the project, Project Director Nieves Flores and full-time Family Navigator, Evelyn Claros, attended the first meeting of the Joint Service Family Support Network on February 5, 2009. A presentation was made of the project goals and objectives. In addition, Roberta Harris, the Regional Community Support Coordinator for the Pacific for the Joint Service Family Support Network, made a courtesy visit with Anthony Ooka, the Guam Coordinator, and Nancy Kuper, the State Family Readiness Assistant for the Guam National Guard (see picture at right). Ms. Claros attended the “Welcome To Guam Orientation – WTGO” on Thursday, February 26, 2009 at Naval Station. The orientation is focused on providing first time comers to Guam an orientation about what is available on and off bases. The orientation provided information from education for the enlisted to their family members, financial management opportunities, housing, as well as the beauty of our island’s beaches and natural resources. Photo with caption Family Support 360 Project. Stakeholders pose after a visit with Roberta Harris and Anthony T. Ooka from the Joint Family Support Network on January 28. (L-R) Evelyn Claros, Senior Family Navigator, Guam’s Family Support 360 for Military Families; Dr. Nieves Flores, Project Director, Guam’s Family Support 360 for Military Families; Roberta Harris, Regional Community Support Coordinator for the Pacific, Joint Service Family Support Network; Dr. Heidi San Nicolas, Director, Guam CEDDERS; Anthony T. Ooka, Guam/CNMI Community Support Coordinator, Joint Service Family Support Network; & Nancy T. Kuper, State Family Readiness Assistant, Guam National Guard. Data Collection Completed for PEPNet Needs Assessment Photos with caption Data collection completed. The collection of information on services currently available to secondary students and adults in the region who are deaf or hard of hearing was completed in January. (Far left photo) Maria Dungawin, audiometrist from Chuuk, and (left photo), Pohnpei State personnel (L-R) Dusty Mendiola, Joysleen Daniel, Juleen Manuel, and Henry Phillip, Special Education Coordinator met with Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director on identifying and prioritizing training needs for personnel who work with the deaf/hard of hearing population. The first series of training is scheduled to take place during the week of May 10-15 on Guam and Saipan. Page 18 Transit Drivers Complete Passenger Assistance Training Transit Drivers Complete Training. Thirty-nine transit personnel received certificates of successful completion of “Passenger Assistance Training for Transit Personnel” on March 3 during a luncheon ceremony held at Kloppenberg Enterprises, Inc. (KEI). Operators and dispatchers were congratulated by Ginger Porter, Guam CEDDERS Initiative Area Coordinator who conducted the training, the managers of the contracted providers, the Department of Administration, Deputy Director, and Senator A.B. Palacios. Photos with caption Additional Transit Drivers Complete Training. (Top right photo, L-R, Foreground) Evelyn Duenas, Transportation Commis-sion Vice President; Teddy Saguilla; Therese Aguon; Tony Quintanilla; Paul Rabago; Shawn Wolford; Doug Racelis, Senator A.B. Palacios; Teofilo Patague; Alberto Fejeran; Esabel Pangelinan; Greg Taitague; Vincent Salas. (Back row, L-R) Norio Nakajima, Micronesian Hospitality, Inc. (MHI), Manager; Travis Kloppenberg, KEI General Manager; Shuichi Kanamori, Guam Sanko Transportation Manager; Joseph C. Manibusan, DOA Deputy Director; Robert Quinata; Kirino Yoichi; Wesly Ersin; Benito Santos; Larry Nelson; Kevin Torres; Eugene de Guzman. Bottom Right Photo, (L-R) Joseph Manibusan, Deputy Director, DOA; Angel Dacanay; Ginger Porter, Guam CEDDERS Trainer; Norio Nakajima, MHI Manager; Joaquin Taisague; Agustin Sanchez; Mark Baskas; Senator A.B. Palacios; Travis Kloppenberg, KEI General Manager; Jesus Duenas; Evelyn Duenas, Transportation Commission Vice President; Respy Hidalgo; Clarissa Pocaigue; Jackie Aquino; Felipe Babauta; & Shuichi Kanamori, Guam Sanko Transportation Manager. GCC Ed Students Visit Assistive Tech Center Photo with caption GCC Class Presentation. Carla Torres, Guam CEDDERS Assistive Technology Specialist (standing, right) recently conducted a lecture and demonstration on assistive technology for Guam Community College students enrolled in Dr. Claire Camacho’s (standing, left) Introduction to Education classes on March 4 at the Guam System for Assistive Technology (GSAT) Center. Page 19 Yap Deaf Ed Staff Visits Guam Photo with caption Deaf Education Meeting. Through facilitation provided by Guam CEDDERS, personnel from the Yap State Department of Education’s Deaf Education Program visited the Guam Public School Systems’ Deaf/Hard of Hearing Program on February 9-13. Tim Bigelow and Mary Labruuth were able to observe students in the pre-school, elementary, middle, and high school classes during their stay. During the exit meeting (L-R) Mr. Bigelow and Ms. Labruuth; May Camacho, Assistant Superintendent for Special Education, Guam; and Terrie Fejarang, Guam CEDDERS. Accessible Parking Ads Get Free Airtime Photo with caption Accessible Parking Awareness Ads. Increasing public awareness about accessible parking is an on-going effort. During the months of December and January, Guam CEDDERS was able to obtain free airtime on two local stations and several cable TV channels to run two 30-second video ads with the message that accessible parking is for qualified people with disabilities. In a clip taken from one of the TV ads, Roland Taimanglo, is shown taking apart his wheelchair as he is about to enter his car. FSM Receives Annual Performance Report TA Photo with caption Chuuk Working Session. Guam CEDDERS provided technical assistance to the Federated States of Micronesia National Government and individual states to assist in the development of their Annual Performance Report due to the Office of Special Education Programs on February 2. Pictured above (L-R) on January 28 are Harvey Fritz, Technology Coordinator, Steve Marcus, Acting Special Education Coordinator, and Elaine Eclavea, Guam CEDDERS Initiative Area Coordinator. Page 20 Calendar of Upcoming Events March 2009 Mar 2-4-USF Annual Research Conference on Children’s Mental Health Mar 6-Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council meeting, GSAT Training Center, 3:30 PM Mar 7-10-National EHDI Conference, TX Mar 10-UOG Charter Day Mar 13-Wheelchair Securement Training, GSAT Training Center Mar 20-21-Tri-Agency Transition Conference, Westin Resort Guam Mar 23-27-ALONG Parent Training, Guam PIRC Conference Room, 8 AM-12 PM Mar 25-26-NASW Conference, Hilton Resort Mar 28-GSAT AT Fair, Guam Premier Outlet (GPO), 10 am-3 pm Mar 30-31-Telework Training, GSAT Training Center Mar 31-Guam CEDDERS Poster Session for UOG Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC) Visit April 2009 Apr 13-17-ALONG Parent Training, Guam PIRC Conference Room, 8 AM-12 PM Apr 20-24-Train-the-Trainer, GELG, Guam PIRC Conference Room, J&G Commercial Building, 8 AM-12 PM May 2009 May 4-5-PACRIM Conference, HI May 8-Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day May 10-PEPNet Meeting for Parents, GSAT Training Center May 11-12-PEPNet Training, CNMI May 13-14-PEPNet Training, Guam, GSAT Training Center, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM May 15-PEPNet Training for Post Secondary Support Services Personnel, GSAT Training Center, 8:30 AM-12 PM Advertisement 14th Annual GSAT Assistive Technology Fair “In a World a Person, in a Person a World: A.T. Unlocks it All!” Guam Premiere Outlets Saturday March 28, 2009 10a.m. – 3p.m. Featuring: Assistive Technology Vendors & Service Providers Prizes and Giveaways For more reasonable accommodations please call GSAT atleast 72 hours prior to the event at 735-2490(v), 735-2491(TDD,TTY), 734-8378 (Fax) University of Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, & Service (Guam CEDDERS) Newsletter Guam CEDDERS Office of Academic & Student Affairs University of Guam, UOG Station Mangilao, Guam 96923 Phone: (671) 735-2480/1 Fax: (671) 734-5709 TTY: (671) 734-6531 Email: heidi.sannicolas@guamcedders.org I Tellai is a quarterly publication of Guam CEDDERS. Director: Heidi San Nicolas, Ph.D. Editors: Terrie Fejarang, June De Leon, & Ginger Porter Layout & Design: Margaret Johnson This issue of I Tellai was made possible by contributions from the following Guam CEDDERS staff members: Bonnie Brandt, Liz Borja, Evelyn Claros, June De Leon, Elaine Eclavea, Nieves Flores, Terrie Fejarang, Mary Kidd, Jonas Macapinlac, Joseph Mendiola, Ginger Porter, June Quitugua, Carla Torres, & Aline Yamashita. Alternative formats (e.g. Braille, large print, or audio) of I Tellai will be made available upon request. Please contact Margaret Johnson at (671) 735-2477 (v), (671) 734-6531 (TTY), or (671) 734-5709 (fax) for more information. The University of Guam is an equal opportunity employer and provider.