I Tellai The Bridge UOG Guam CEDDERS Newsletter September 4, 2009 Volume 11, Issue 4 Inside this issue: Page GSAT Conference 1-3 PAC6 Instruction & AA-AAS 4-5 CIMAP Institute 6-7 Micro Teacher Conference 8 Menhalom (PBIS) Activities 9 Project Håtsa PD Training 10-12 Model Child CareCreative Curriculum in Palau 13 Child Care Licensure Updates 14 PIRC Mentor Training 15 Guam Autism Team Commits 16 Guam Autism TeamSpeech Therapists Meet 17 Self Advocacy Yields Results 18 CMHI Conference PEC Presentation 19 Family Supports One Stop Center ADD Site Visit Calendar of Upcoming Events 20 Pages 1-3 15th Annual GSAT AT Conference Over 200 people experienced the world of assistive technology at the Guam System for Assistive Technology’s 15th Annual Assistive Technology Conference. The event took place on July 8 at the Westin Resort Hotel and was co-sponsored by Guam Legal Services Corporation and Guam Developmental Disabilities Council. This year’s theme “In the World, a Person; In a Person, a World: A.T. Unlocks it All!” is based on the idea that with assistive technology and services, individuals with disabilities can pursue an increasing range of opportunities to enhance their quality of life and achieve their dreams. The goal of the AT Conference was for individuals with disabilities, their families, and the entire island community to see the positive impact that assistive technology can have on their lives. Participants got just that as they had an array of presentations to choose from that showcased assistive technology in a variety of settings. Attendees in the education arena, such as parents, teachers, and related service personnel, were offered “A World of Inclusive Schools.” This session, presented by Anne Denham, an Assistive Technology Practitioner from the University of Kentucky, highlighted Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL is a research-based set of principles that promotes options and flexibility in the way instruction is delivered, the way students interact with materials and demonstrate their knowledge, and the way students are engaged in the learning process framework for designing curricula enables all individuals to gain knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for learning. Attendees learned about a wide array of assistive technology tools and strategies to reduce barriers to the curriculum while maintaining high achievement standards for all. “A World of Inclusive Schools” ended with a hands-on presentation by Jennifer Noxsel, a speech and language pathologist from the Ross Local Schools District in Hamilton, Ohio. She showed how assistive technology, specifically the Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS), can facilitate communicative success in the classroom. The session on “A World at Home,” included a short video created by GSAT and its advisory council members to demonstrate how daily living tasks, such as cooking, grooming, and bathing, can be made easier with assistive technology. As every person is guaranteed his or her civil rights, so too should people have the opportunity to worship and practice their faith. Unintentionally, worship services can keep individuals with disabilities from exercising this right when the structure of facilities and worship practices limit access. At this year’s conference, a breakout session titled, “A World of Faith,” offered an open forum to discuss these issues. The open forum, moderated by Deacon Larry Claros and his wife Evelyn, was held in an informal and relaxed environment. All faiths were invited to share what is being done within their organizations to accommodate their members with disabilities and to use this conference session as a learning opportunity to increase their awareness of the issues faced by persons with disabilities. Two of the conference sessions were devoted to “A World at Work.” First, the Department of Labor’s Theresa Camacho shared the employment services they offer for individuals with disabilities and an on-line job bank they created to help the residents of Guam find local jobs. Following, Carla Torres, GSAT’s assistive technology specialist, highlighted the many AT devices available to assist persons in the workplace overcome the challenges of their disabilities. Not having accessible transportation is an issue for many individuals with disabilities. Rudy Cabana, Guam Transit System Planner, spoke about options in “A World on the Road.” The morning half of the conference provided a wealth of good information, but the best was yet to come. After lunch, GSAT put on “A World of Fashion: Adaptive Clothing and A.T. Accessories.” Students from Professor Julia Fee’s University of Guam Special Education classes and members of the GSAT Advisory Council modeled clothing that provide comfort and ease of dressing. The audience got to see and hear how assistive technology accessories such as cellphone lanyards and wheelchair gloves can simplify and improve one’s quality of life. The fashion show proved that the maturing disability movement has resulted in emerging options of clothing and accessories that afford persons with disabilities dignity and independence and enhanced efficiency to caregivers. The finale of the show was young and vivacious Desirae Tyquiengco riding her Rifton Tricycle. This assistive technology device provides Desirae the exercise she needs to strengthen her muscles while she enjoys the fresh air and scenic view of the outdoors. While great information was being shared in the ballrooms, the walkways between the breakout sessions were filled with over 20 displays from public and private programs, which shared their products and services. Guma’ Mami put on a colorful and vibrant art display of masterpieces created by persons with disabilities. As one conference attendant commented, “booth presenters were diverse to meet the needs of individuals with special needs, parents and teachers. Presenters were motivated and provided a lot of information.” Another attendee remarked, “the speakers, vendors, organizers, and sponsors were well-organized. Presentations were very informative-I can apply (what I learned) as a 1st year Special Education teacher.” Overall, the conference was a great success as evidenced by the numbers in attendance and the rave reviews submitted on conference surveys. Next year, GSAT promises to bring more information and demonstrations of new technology to its 16th Annual Assistive Technology Conference planned for the spring of 2010. Stay tuned! Page 1 photo with caption: Carla Torres, Guam CEDDERS Assistive Technology Specialist, shares information on communication devices during the 15th Annual AT Conference held on July 8. Page 2 photos with captions: 2009 GSAT AT Conference. (Photos 1-3) (1) Desirae Tyquiengco models the Rifton Tricycle while her grandmother, Maggie Reyes, provides assistance. (2) Mark Taisipic and Karl Quitano, students in University of Guam Professor Julie Fee’s graduate class on “Including Children with Disabilities in the Regular Classroom,” model clothing with adaptive design which makes dressing fast and easy for the caregiver and painless for the wearer. (3) Evelyn Duenas, a GSAT Advisory Board member, models fashion accessories that assist her during her daily travels. Page 3 photos with captions: 2009 GSAT AT Conference. (Photos 4-7) Students from University of Guam Professor Julie Fee’s class and the GSAT Advisory Board model clothing that use various adaptive fasteners to maximize ease when dressing. Photo 8: Models gather for a curtain call at the end of the show. Models (UOG students unless otherwise noted) included: (L-R) Tanya Tanayan, Emiliana Limtiaco, Evelyn Duenas, GSAT Advisory Board member, Karl Quitano, Erika Arceo, Carlos Gumataotao, Justine Cruz, Mark Taisipic, Audie Unpingco, Tina Manglona, Juanita Sablan, Barbara Taijeron, Maricel Babasa, & Kathy Millhoff, GSAT Advisory Board member . Page 4 Strengthening the Connection between Instruction & AA-AAS Guam CEDDERS PACIFIC Project facilitated the GSEG III: 2009 Regional Assessment Institute, July 9-14, at the Guam Marriott Resort & Spa. The theme for this summer’s institute, “Strengthening the Connection between Classroom Instruction and AA-AAS for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities,” focused on improving local capacity for reporting and analyzing participation and performance data of students with significant cognitive disabilities on alternate assessments based on alternate academic achievement standards (AA-AAS). Determining which students should be assessed based on AAS, implementing “best practices” in providing appropriate academic instruction for students with significant cognitive disabilities, understanding the principles of universal design for learning, developing next steps for monitoring, and supporting the reporting and use of student data on AA-AAS were the focus of the Institute. Over 115 participants attended the sessions, which included 60 PACIFIC Project funded participants. The participants included entity cadre members from the February 2009 training, comprised of key stakeholders serving as the local technical cadre of support. Each entity was also asked to bring school teams, comprised of a school administrator, general education teacher, special education teacher, parent, and a related service provider, with the intention of planning for a student who has been identified to participate in the AA-AAS for SY 2009-2010. Participating school teams reviewed and planned for improving the teaching and learning dynamic for students with significant cognitive disabilities that included accessing the general curriculum, refining the curriculum, instruction and assessment triangle, and incorporating the principles of universal design for learning. The Institute also provided participants with afternoon breakout sessions which included Introduction to Boardmaker v.6, Levels of Communication, and Accessing the General Curriculum in Reading, Math and Science. Prior to the Institute, facilitators from Guam CEDDERS and Inclusive Large Scale Standards & Assessment (ILSSA) conducted a follow up session with entity cadre members selected from the February 2009 training to provide mentoring and guidance as they assume their role as the local technical cadre support. “Scoring and Standard Setting,” “Implementing with Integrity Validity Instruments,” and “Developing Media Clips for Local Training,” were the three content strands covered. Guam CEDDERS staff and ILSSA consultants will be conducting on-site visits this fall as a follow-up to this summer’s Institute. Photo with caption: Regional Special Education Directors/Liaisons posed with PACIFIC Project staff and consultants during the Assessment Institute. (Seated, L-R) University of Kentucky (Inclusive Large Scale Standards & Assessment) ILSSA Consultants Jennifer Noxsel, Anne Denham, Jean Clayton, & Michael Burdge. (Standing, L-R) June Quitugua, Guam CEDDERS Initiative Area Coordinator, Arthur Albert, FSM National Department of Education Chief of Special Services, Suzanne Lizama, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Acting Special Education Coordinator, Helen Sengebau, Palau Special Education Coordinator, Therese Crisostomo, Guam Special Education Projects Coordinator, Ruthiran Lokejak, Marshall Islands Special Education Director, Moe Vasasulli, American Samoa Special Education Director, & June De Leon, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director & PACIFIC Project Director. Photos on Page 5 show entity teams and consultants during the various training sessions. Page 5 Additional photo activities of FSM and CNMI, Guam, American Samoa, RMI, and Palau from the article on page 4: Page 6 Pacific CIMAP Conducts Braille Training for 38 Teacher Leaders A regional Braille training was held on July 27-31 at the College of Micronesia National campus, Palikir, Pohnpei State, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) in conjunction with the first Micronesia Teacher Education Conference (MTEC). In collaboration with the FSM National Department of Education (NDOE), the training was facilitated by the Pacific Consortium for Instructional Materials Accessibility Project (Pacific CIMAP). The regional Braille training was offered as a specific strand during the MTEC “Bridging Writing Gaps: The Missing Links from Early Childhood Education to College.” The training was designed for Jurisdiction Implementation Team (JIT) members who participated in the Pacific CIMAP Summer 2008 Institute and teachers/specialists who work directly with children who are blind and require brailled materials. Thirty-eight JIT members, teachers, and specialists from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, the Marshall Islands, Palau, and the FSM states of Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Chuuk attended. The training provided professional development in the use of braille/tactile accessible formats as a follow-up from the Pacific CIMAP Summer 2008 Institute and on-site visits, which also emphasized the use of the assistive technology for children who are blind, such as the Jot-a-Dot, BrailleNote, VoiceNote, and Mountbatten . The training focused on increasing knowledge and skills in tactile formats, use of the blind “technology tool box,” integrating tools with effective instructional strategies, and service delivery strategies for braille/tactile formats. Guam CEDDERS staffers June DeLeon, Connie Guerrero, Mary Kidd, Jonas Macapinlac, JJ Mendiola, and Dee Palomo teamed up to coordinate the training that brought in the expertise of the following consultants: Donna McNear, Pacific CIMAP Vision Specialist from Rum River Special Education Cooperative, Minnesota; Dominic Gagliano, Vice President of Blindness Sales for HumanWare; and Dave Wilkinson, Blindness Product Specialist A highlight of the training was having the teachers observe two students who are blind, ages 3 and 5, interact with the Jot-a-Dot, Mountbatten and other instructional materials such as a brailled story book and embossed graphics. Observing and interacting with the children convinced the participants that children at such a young age can and should begin learning to use Braille. See Photos on pages 7-8. Photo with caption: Braille Regional Training. The Federated States of Micronesia National Department of Education (NDOE) expressed appreciation to regional Braille training consultants by presenting them with local handicrafts. (L-R) June DeLeon, Guam CEDDERS Pacific CIMAP Director; Donna McNear, CIMAP Lead Consultant; Dominic Galiano, Humanware Vice President; Arthur Albert, FSM NDOE Chief of Special Services Division; Dave Wilkinson, Humanware Product Specialist; Miyai Keller, FSM NDOE Special Education Data and Assessment Coordinator; Connie Guerrero, Guam CEDDERS Pacific CIMAP Coordinator; & Kuliano Raymond, FSM NDOE Secondary Transition Specialist. Page 7 Full page photo with caption: Alexson Manuel, 5 years old, (center) demonstrates reading a brailled book with his teachers from Pohnpei, (L-R) Rileen Santos, Related Services Assistant, Roddy Robert, VI Teacher, and Jayleen Anson, Early Childhood Teacher, during the July 30 Pacific CIMAP Training Session in Pohnpei, FSM. Page 8 CIMAP Training Participants Use New Skills Photos of activities with captions: (Photo #1) Pacific CIMAP Regional Braille Training Teacher Leaders, July 27-31, 2009. (Photo #2) Kosrae Team members work together to feed paper into the Mountbatten. (L-R) Shrue Kephas, Meriam Waguk, & Lugo Skilling. (Photo #3) Guam Team member Christine Rosario (L) observes Dave Wilkinson demonstrate the Jot-A-Dot. (Photo #4) Chuuk Team members set up the Mountbatten Brailler. Team members include: Phillipa Bisalen, Laverne Salle, Santino Musahara, & Jacklyn Jack (not shown). Photo #5) CNMI Team members Jerry Diaz (L) assists teammate Jacob Villagomez as he uses the Jot-A-Dot to Braille his name. (Photo #6) The Palau Team uses the Mountbatten to Braille their local story. Team members include: (L-R) Wanbe Mesubed, Tsungiko Renguul, Regina Imetengel, & Noral Renguul. Page 9 Guam CEDDERS Participates in Micro Teacher Conference The FSM National Department of Education and the College of Micronesia sponsored the first Micronesia Teachers Education Conference (MTEC) on July 27-31 at the College of Micronesia National Campus in Palikir, Pohnpei. Over 300 participants from the FSM, Guam, Palau, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Republic of the Marshall Islands attended the five-day conference. The theme of the conference, “Bridging Gaps in Writing: Unified Solutions to The Missing Links from ECE to COM-FSM,” evokes the FSM’s collective vision toward collaboration, contributions, commitment to, and recognition of the diversity of talents and abilities among students and teachers across the FSM. Throughout the week, Guam CEDDERS staff participated in the conference, conducting various presentations that reflected the conference theme. Mary Kidd, conducted two sessions for early childhood participants on “The Creative Curriculum Approach for Early Childhood.” This session provided participants with the latest research on literacy development and highlighted the seven components of literacy. Connie Guerrero (shown in photo above, standing) also presented two sessions on the “Student Writing Workshop” providing participants with strategies that enhance student writing skills and involving them in actual writing and evaluation of written work. “Strengthening the Connection between Classroom Instruction and AA-AAS for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities” was the session presented by the FSM Leadership Assessment Team (Karlina Henry, Lisa Allen, Barney Palsis and Miyai Keller) and June Quitugua. This presentation offered best practices for providing appropriate academic instruction critical for ensuring improved results for students with significant cognitive disabilities taking an AA-AAS. Guam CEDDERS is looking forward to participating in the next Micronesia-Teachers Education Conference to be held in Kosrae in 2010. Photos with captions: The FSM Leadership Assessment Team and Guam CEDDERS presented at the 1st Annual Micronesian Educators Conference on Strengthening the Connection between Classroom Instruction and AA-AAS for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities. (L-R) Miyai Keller, FSM NDOE; June Quitugua, Guam CEDDERS; Lisa Allen, Pohnpei DOE; & Carlina Henry, Pohnpei DOE. (Not shown: Barney Palsis, Kosrae, DOE.) Mary Kidd, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate, conducted two sessions for early childhood participants on “The Creative Curriculum Approach for Early Childhood. Page 10 Håtsa Hosts 3rd District-wide Professional Development Activity Back in August 2006, teams from the Guam Department of Education embarked on a journey to learn how to “do laundry” under the guidance of Dr. Patricia Roy and Dr. Parker McMullen, consultants from the National Staff Development Council (NSDC). For the next three years, the teams from the elementary, middle, and high schools continued to increase their knowledge and refine their skills in “doing laundry.” Why the focus on doing laundry? Using the analogy shared by Dr. McMullen in the first summer, the school teams have been learning how professional development is like doing the laundry. It should be continuous, on-going, done during the day for the most part (instead of at midnight), and focused on outcomes. As Pat and Parker have promoted over the past three years, delivering professional development should have the same characteristics. It should be continuous, on-going, occurring during the work day, and focused on outcomes. In this case, the outcome is student learning. As experts in the field, Pat and Parker have shared their knowledge and expertise in the delivery of effective, powerful, and job-embedded (part of the work day) professional development. For the past three years, these teams have participated in summer training directly related to the implementation of the National Staff Development Council (NSDC) standards that focus on teacher learning that enhances student learning. Through Team Storyboards, HistoMaps, and School Professional Development Plans, the participants have increased their knowledge, attitudes, skills, attributes, and behaviors (KASABS) through powerful professional development. The Department of Education schools, through professional development activities facilitated by Project Håtsa, Guam’s Teacher Quality Enhancement Grant, have made great strides in improving professional development so that it focuses on impacting student learning. It’s time to celebrate and reflect. However, just like doing the laundry, there is no end to it. Comments By Håtsa Workshop Participants (bulleted items) * Enjoyed the conference immensely. I will miss the sharing of new ideas, networking, and collaborating with other schools. Hopefully, the ending of Project Håtsa does not mean the end of greater things yet to come. Thanks for all your hard work! It was very much appreciated. * On behalf of the teachers at Upi & SSHS, thank you & your staff for the great support & guidance that have impacted a positive difference for our schools for now & the future. With much appreciation for all the hard work & difference you all have made for the district! * Thank you for everything you have done. You and everyone at the HATSA office have made a difference in the lives of our students in GDOE. I hope that our department will continue to instill the vision you worked for. * The impact of the project has produced a degree of focus with what we do at our schools. Thanks to your team for carrying out this project and providing models, tools, and frameworks to keep us striving for excellence. We appreciate you all! Photo with caption: Untalan Middle School applied to and was selected by the National Staff Development Council as one of the 40 schools chosen nationwide to participate in the “Learning School Alliance” Project. As part of the Alliance, the school will be receiving on-going technical assistance via webinars and summer conferences on providing effective professional development for Untalan staff. (L-R) Bernadeth Gumataotao, Dexter Fullo, Dr. Nieves Flores, Naomi Taitingfong, Shera Carter, Marcia Matir, & Heather Waltz. Also shown at right is Vicky Cruz from Astumbo Elementary School. Page 11 Photos with captions: Passing the “Håtsa Baton” (Photos 1 & 2) (L-R) Dr. Nieves Flores, Project Director, walks through the steps of “passing the baton” as Dr. Arlene Unpingco, Deputy Superintendent for Schools, physically hands it over to Dr. Nerissa Underwood, Superintendent. (Photo 3) Consultants Dr. Parker McMullen and Dr. Patricia Roy congratulate workshop participants for their “buy-in” and sustained efforts in promoting “job-embedded professional development.” (Photo 4) Dr. Underwood presents a Certificate of Appreciation to First Lady Joann Camacho for her strong support of Project Håtsa initiatives. (Bottom Photo) Key members of the Project Håtsa Team include (L-R) June Timpe, Connie Guerrero, Cathy Cardenas, Dr. Helen Whippy, Dr. Nerissa Underwood, First Lady Joann Camacho, Doreen Pereda, George Pereda, Dr. Nieves Flores, Dr. Aline Yamashita, & Vince Leon Guerrero. Page 12 3 New Centers Selected for Model Child Care Program Six of nine Model Child Care Program training modules have been completed by twenty-six participants from Kiddy Land Child Care & Learning Center, Little One’s Child Care Center, and Precious One’s Child Care & Learning Center. In addition to the training, technical assistance site visits continue to be made as the Infant Toddler and Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales are implemented. Photo with caption: Staff from Precious One’s Child Care Learning Center present an energizer activity during training held for centers selected to be part of the Model Child Care Program sponsored by the Department of Public Health & Social Services and facilitated by Guam CEDDERS. Bulleted text in colored box: Training Modules 1. Overview of the Guam Early Learning Guidelines 2 & 3 Overview of the Creative Curriculum & Implementation of the Developmental Continuum Assessment Toolkit for Infants, Toddlers & Twos, and for Ages 3 to 5 4 Progress and Outcomes Reporting Tool (CC- PORT) and Intentional Teaching 5 Cultural & Individual Diversity 6 ADA, Disability Awareness & Program Modifications Creative Curriculum Training in Palau Twelve Head Start Coordinators and Teachers and two Special Education teachers completed a 30-hour training on Effective Strategies for Including Preschoolers with Disabilities in Community Settings through the Implementation of the Creative Curriculum for Preschool at the Republic of Palau’s Ministry of Education, from July 20-24. A participant needs assessment survey conducted on the first day, served as a guide to increase the knowledge and skills of participants in planning, implementing, and evaluating the use of the Creative Curriculum Developmental Assessment Toolkit for Preschool. Facilitated by Guam CEDDERS, Mary Kidd and Elaine Eclavea provided an overview of the (1) Creative Curriculum’s goals and objectives; (2) observation process; (3) the developmental continuum assessment; (4) the progress and outcomes reporting tool (CC- PORT); (5) planning the learning environment with strategies to implement appropriate activities; (6) support for gathering relevant measures for determining child outcomes, including data from the Creative Curriculum Assessment component; and seven (7) parent interviews. Further, at the request of participants, Ms. Eclavea provided three Early Bird sessions on specific topical areas related to the previous day’s session for clarification and additional information. The next steps are for Ms. Eclavea to provide technical assistance on data analysis and reporting of child outcomes, including development of an Early Childhood Outcomes (ECO) product, showing data collection and analysis. Photo with caption: Elaine Eclavea, Guam CEDDERS Initiative Area Coordinator (top left) discusses strategies and data with participants during training on the Creative Curriculum ® held in the Republic of Palau. Page 12 Work Continues on Child Care Facilities Licensure Collaboration, team work, cooperation, and partnership - all were resonating during an August 14 work session that involved child care center directors and assistant directors, Department of Public Health & Social Services Child Care Licensing staff, Guam CEDDERS staff, and Guam Department of Education (GDOE) Head Start staff – all members of the Licensure Subcommittee for updating the Rules and Regulations for Licensed Child Care Facilities (also known as the Standards for Licensed Child Care Facilities). Along with special guests from the CNMI Child Care Licensing staff, the members engaged in group work that involved a new proposed approach to aligning licensing requirements with a professional growth and development process. In addition, the new process streamlines the licensing standards into the five Professional Development Standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The five NAEYC standards are endorsed in Guam’s Plan for Professional Development for early childhood educators, a component of the Proposed Rules and Regulations for Licensed Child Care Facilities. Dr. Aline Yamashita led the group by presenting a new framework that would give child care centers professional growth opportunities when going through their routine licensing monitoring inspections. Ross White, owner of Kiddy Land Play & Learn Center, current Model Child Care Center Program participant, gave great testimony that he is an advocate and believes in the importance of continued professional growth and development. He further stated that this process and work is GREAT and he is glad to see that Guam is working towards improving the child care industry. However, he strongly expressed that GREAT COMMITMENT AND SUPPORT, including financial, is needed by the government to support child care centers to implement such a process. He cited that 35 states currently get government funding to support child care provider professional growth and development through incentives, such as, stipends for attending and completing trainings and classes. He noted that Guam needs to move in this direction as well, to help support child care centers and ensure implementation of this process is achievable and successful. Although still a work in progress, this proposed framework is a great step in responding positively to child care center inspections. Photos with captions: Licensure Working Session. (L-R) Gloria Baguino (Little Ones Child Care Center), Rose White (Kiddy Land Child Care Center), Ross White (Kiddy Land Child Care Center), Lizzy Borja (Guam CEDDERS), & Sr. Kathy Bromwell (Maria Artero Catholic Pre-School and Kindergarten). Licensure Working Session. (L-R) Angie Duenas, Tender Shepherd Child Care Center; Aline Yamashita, Guam CEDDERS; Tricia Henricksen, First Step Early Childhood Education Center; (background) Julia & Joaquin Rivera, My School Child Development Center. Page 14 PIRC Parent Mentors Become GELG Trainers Ten parents spent 20 hours at the Guam Parent Information Resource Center from June 22-26, to review a parent training curriculum that will be used to assist families in their implementation of the Guam Early Learning Guidelines (GELG) for Birth to 36 Months and for Ages Three to Five. Based on the foundations of early childhood research and knowledge of age appropriate behaviors, including individual needs, the GELG trainers will be sharing hands-on activities that families can find right in their home and surrounding environment, using their creative minds and hands. Photos with captions: (Top Left Photo) Training completers are (front row, L-R) Patricia Tomlinson, Iosindo Fuppul, & Mary Therese Edgerle. (second row, L-R) Sue Williams, Pauline Camacho, Marie Wusstig, Laura Taisapic, & Zama Martinez. (back row, L-R) Mary Kidd, Louise Camacho, & Michelle Nadler. (Bottom Left Photo) Mary Kidd, (standing) Guam CEDDERS Training Associate, provides feedback to parent mentors (seated, L-R) Patricia Tomlinson, Marie Wusstig, & Louise Camacho, as they complete an assignment. Standing in the background is Zama Martinez. PIRC Parent Mentors Conduct ALONG Training Under the guidance of Mary Kidd, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate, three parent mentors from the Guam Parent Information Resource Center (PIRC) conducted training for 10 parents in July, using the All Learning Opportunities Nurture Growth (ALONG) curriculum. The curriculum, developed by Guam CEDDERS in partnership with the Department of Public Health & Social Services, has four modules: (1) Moving ALONG—child development, health, and safety; (2) Playing ALONG—developmental domains and the importance of play; (3) Reading ALONG—early language and literacy; and (4) Getting ALONG—understanding and addressing challenging behaviors. Each participant demonstrated how they applied the information covered at the completion of each module. Activities included: homemade family books, edible playdough, imaginative stories told in a diorama, dress up dramatic play, and “homemade shakers” using recycled plastic bottles with colorful contents. Visit Guam PIRC’s website at www.guampirc.org, or call 477-7472, to sign up for the next sessions scheduled for October 19-23. Photo with caption: ALONG participants. (Standing, L-R) Iosindo Fuppul, Parent Mentors; Mary Cruz; Louise Camacho, Parent Mentor; Naomi Benavente; Juanete Cruz; Shawnee Salas; Christina San Nicolas; Eufemia Local; Rose Borja; (front row, L-R) Marie Wustig, Parent Mentor; Jane William; Kintaro Makininta, & Rosinda Naputi. Page 15 Menhalom Trains School Personnel on PBIS Strategies Fifty Guam Department of Education (GDOE) administrators, teachers, counselors and other middle school personnel were trained as trainers in Positive Action, the character education curriculum selected for Project Menhalom. Dr. Carol Allred, the program developer, and her colleague, Lora Mink, facilitated a three-day training on June 10–12 to prepare for the implementation of Positive Action in the upcoming 2009-2010 school year. Participants reviewed and practiced using the materials purchased by Guam CEDDERS, including Teacher’s Kits for Grades 6, 7, & 8, Counselor Kits, and Principal’s or School Climate Kits. Future trainers also practiced their introduction of the curriculum to their colleagues. Guam CEDDERS staff, including Dr. Nieves Flores, Bonnie Brandt, and Rosemarie Camacho, were also trained as trainers and will conduct a “Booster Training” for selected Positive Action Trainers once GDOE receives the kits that will be used in the middle schools. The Booster Training will emphasize the use of Positive Action as a tool to strengthen the schools’ Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Systems, Project Menhalom’s primary focus. Schools will also be encouraged to review their School-Wide Information System (SWIS) data to determine problem behaviors that should be targeted. For example, if disrespect in the classroom is identified as the most frequent problem behavior, Positive Action character education lessons on “Respect” can be used as one way to emphasize the school-wide expectation “Be Respectful.” Another Menhalom activity took place on July 22-25. Jean Nakasato, Educational Specialist from the Hawaii Department of Education, taught a class on Enabling Effective Classroom Systems. Eighteen participants enrolled in the three-credit graduate course titled Classroom Management Using Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), facilitated by Dr. Nieves Flores from Guam CEDDERS. Ms. Nakasato has been involved with PBIS in the state of Hawaii for over 10 years and serves as the state’s primary PBIS coordinator. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience in overcoming challenges to implementing PBIS and ensuring that systems and practices are culturally relevant to Pacific Islanders. Guam CEDDERS, through Project Menhalom, sponsored Ms. Nakasato’s visit, and the participation of members from the GDOE’s School Climate Cadres for middle schools. Remaining slots were filled by non-cadre members, as well as teachers from one public and one private high school. Participants will continue to meet with Dr. Flores through December and will demonstrate implementation of the strategies. Photos with captions: Jean Nakasato, Educational Specialist from the Hawaii Department of Education provides instruction on “Enabling Effective Classroom Systems” on July 22-25. Dr. Carol Allred conducted training to prepare participating schools for the implementation of Positive Action during School Year 2009-10. Page 16 Guam Commits to Act Early Campaign Learn the Signs. Act Early. In 2004, the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD), Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched a campaign “to reach out and educate parents, health care professionals, and child care providers about the developmental milestones and the importance of early identification and intervention for children with signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related disabilities.” The US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Admin-istration (HRSA), Maternal Child Health Bureau (MCHB) reinforced this campaign through the implementation of the Combating Autism Act (CAA) Initiative. In collaboration with NCBDDD and HRSA/MCHB, the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) was tasked with facilitating a series of Act Early Regional Summits to build upon the 2004 Learn the Signs Act Early campaign and CAA Initiative through the engagement of all stakeholders to create state-level actionable plans and priorities for the early identification, assessment, and provision of services and coordination across all important sectors, with the outcome to increase each state/entity capacity to address the demands for evidence-based practices for children with ASD and related disabilities. On June 8-9, the Act Early Regional Summit held in Sacramento, California hosted over 100 key stakeholders from the western states and territories of American Samoa, Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The 2-day event brought together parents, educators, health professionals, and child care providers from the early intervention and early childhood community for the purpose of enhancing relationships and collaboration among these key stakeholders and providing a forum to share information and insights on the opportunities, challenges, and barriers for families who have children with ASD and related disabilities in the identification, assessment, diagnosis and intervention areas. In organizing the Summit, AUCD tapped on the University Centers on Disabilities network, which included Guam CEDDERS, to assist in organizing each state/entity team membership to include a University Center on Disabilities administrator. Guam CEDDERS was therefore a member of the Guam Team with representatives from the Guam Department of Education (GDOE): Guam Early Intervention Services (GEIS), Special Education Preschool Services, Head Start Program, and Autism Services; Public Health, Parent Information Resource Center (PIRC), and Autism Community Together (ACT). With the preparation activities and engagement in the 2-day event, the Guam Team developed an actionable plan identifying resources, activities, outputs, short-term outcomes, and long-term outcomes that would lead to an overall desired impact to be seen on Guam in 7-10 years. For a copy of Guam’s plan and other information and presentations shared during the June 2009 Act Early Regional Summit please visit www.aucd.org (select the Learn the Signs. Act Early. logo). Text in colored box: Guam’s Impact Statement “Children who may be at risk for ASD, other related developmental disabilities (DD), and social emotional disabilities, will be screened and identified early and receive the necessary services by healthcare, childcare, and education providers who are knowledgeable about ASD and other DD.” Photo with caption: Guam Team shared the ACT TV commercial as part of Guam’s “state-of-the-state” presentation during the June 2009 Act Early Summit in Sacramento. Guam Team members included: Evelyn Claros, ACT; Ann Marie Cruz, PIRC; Arlene Cura , GDOE Head Start Program; June De Leon, Guam CEDDERS; Laura Taisipic, GDOE GEIS; Lydia Tenorio, Public Health; Cathy Tydingco, GDOE Special Education Preschool; & Paula Ulloa, GDOE Autism Services. Page 17 Photos with captions: Guam Act Early Team Guam’s Act Early Team met with Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) conference facilitators, (L-R) Sue Lin, Dr. Lulu Wang, Cathy Tydingco, Paula Ulloa, Lydia Tenorio, Arlene Cura, Laura Taisipic, Evelyn Claros, June De Leon, & Ann Marie Cruz. See story on page 16. SLPs Connect with AT Communication Specialists An evening gathering for local speech-language pathologists was held on July 13 featuring Jennifer Noxsel, M.S., SLP-CCC, School-Based Speech Pathologist from Ohio, and Anne Denham, Ed.S., ATP, AT Specialist from University of Kentucky. Held at the Guam Marriott Resort in conjunction with the Pacific Assessment Consortium (PAC6) activities, Ms. Noxsel and Ms. Denham facilitated a peer-to-peer conversation with Guam and CNMI speech pathologists on guiding the development of communication skills of students with significant cognitive disabilities. Attending the session were (photo above): (Sitting, L-R) Liz Napoli, Jennifer, Anne, and F. Glenn Lujan. (Standing, L-R) Andre Artero, Pat Leon Guerrero, Bernice Cepeda, Richard Tumanda, Sybil Crisostomo, Daniel Domaoal, Rowena Dimla, Laura Bucknell (from CNMI), Lisa Eclavea, & Joseph Sanz. Not Shown: Stephanie Bamba and Melanie Arciaga. Page 18 Self Advocacy Training Yields Results As a new Self Advocacy training session approaches, past participants continue to reap the benefits of their advocacy efforts within the com-munity. Using assertive, non-threatening requests, participants found that formalizing their needs in writing or with personal meetings, along with providing suggestions for remedy or accommodations, they got results. Some of these results include: (bulleted items) * All accessible seats in Tango Theaters now have drink cup holders. * Employees of Tango Theaters are now aware of using people first language. * Large print menus are available at Tango Theater snack bars. * Movie schedules are available on line for easy access by individuals with low to no vision. * Old Hagåtña Grill is educated in improving entrance and restroom access. * Participant independently made an accommodation request to university professor. * Participants initiated meetings with Vocational Rehabilitation counselors to request action on trial work settings and accessible transportation for training and employment. Self advocacy works! Empowered by their own voices, the idea surfaced to initiate a rating system to publicly acknowledge businesses which demonstrate good accessibility. Tango Theaters is the first recipient of this award. Another Self Advocacy training session begins on September 19. Photo with caption: Guam CMHI Stakeholders Attend National Conference 2009 System of Care Community Training. Project I Famagu’on-ta participated in a poster session held during the System of Care Community Training held in Anaheim, California on July 28 – 31. Guam representatives (L-R) Dr. David Shimizu, Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse (DMHSA) Director; Elaine Eclavea, Guam CEDDERS Initiative Area Coordinator; Annie Unpingco, DMHSA, I Famagu'on-ta Principal Investigator; Bonnie Brandt, Guam CEDDERS Children’s Mental Health Initiative (CMHI) Lead Evaluator; and the Honorable Judge Arthur Barcinas, Superior Court of Guam, attended the training. Not shown: Keith Villaluna, Guam CEDDERS Data Coordinator. Page 19 Photos with captions: GSEG Team Presents At PEC Conference Members of the Pacific Assessment Consortium (PAC6) Team conducted 8 concurrent sessions during the Pacific Educational Conference (PEC) held at the University of Guam, July 15-17. Topical areas included “The 4-Step Process: An Instructional Design for Providing Access to the General Curriculum for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities;” “Universal Design for Learning (UDL);” and “The PAC6 Journey, Inclusive Schools, and Collaboration.” PAC6 members who presented included: PAC6 University of Kentucky Consultants Mike Burdge, Jean Clayton, and Anne Denham; Guam Team comprised of Terese Crisostomo and Ellen Flores; Yap Team comprised of Dorothy En, Marita Anefal, and Elizabeth Ribilyan; CNMI member Suzanne Lizama; and Guam CEDDERS Team comprised of June De Leon and June Quitugua. During one of the presentations, Mike Burdge describes the education planning flow from Standards, Curriculum, and Assessment to lesson planning and instructional strategies. ADD Official Visits Guam The Guam Developmental Disabilities Network, comprised of the Guam Developmental Disabilities Council, Guam Legal Services, and Guam CEDDERS, had the rare opportunity to host a visit by Ophelia McLain, Administration on Developmental Disabilities Program Analyst, on June 15. Ms. McLain’s visit tied in with a site review of the Navigator’s Compass Project, Guam’s Family Supports 360 Program (see page 16). Guam DD Network activities and Work Plan were reviewed during the visit, which included Faith McCormick, ADD Acting Commissioner, via teleconference. Above Photo, (L-R): Manuel Cruz, Executive Director, Guam DD Council, Hank Parker, Director, Guam Legal Services, & Dr. Heidi San Nicolas, Director, Guam CEDDERS. Family Support 360 Opens One Stop Center The Family Support 360 Project for Military Families opened its One Stop Center in August. The Center is located in House 22, Dean Circle, University of Guam. Page 20 Advisory Council Elects New Officers for 2009-2010 New Advisory Council officers were elected during the June 5 Guam CEDDERS Advisory Council meeting. Voted to be Chairperson for the 2009-2010 term was Marlon Molinas. Marlon also serves as the Chairperson for Special Olympics. Elected Vice Chairperson was Cecilia “Lee” Cruz. Attending the June meeting were (front row, L-R) Marlon and Tom Manglona. (Back row, L-R) Marie Taitague, Hank Parker, Director, Guam Legal Services, Evelyn Claros, Parent, & Manuel Cruz, Executive Director, Guam Developmental Disabilities Council. Calendar of Upcoming Events September 2009 * Sep 2-Project Tinituhon Strategic Management Team Quarterly Meeting, Guam Marriott Resort, 11 am-1pm * Sep 5-Guam PIRC Training-”Time Management at Home”, Price Elementary School, Mangilao, 9-11am * Sep 8-Project Tinituhon Focus Group Meeting, Guam PIRC Conference Room, 9-11 am * Sep 7-10—FSM National SPP/APR Committee Meeting, Pohnpei, FSM * Sep 12- GSAT & Guam Developmental Disabilities Council Bowling Bash, Central Lanes, 10 am-2pm * Sep 12-Guam PIRC Training-”Discipline-Positive & Productive”, Inarajan Middle School, 9-11am * Sep 14-19—On-Site TA, Inclusive Practices, Palau * Sep 15-16-Children’s Mental Health Evaluation Summit, Guam Hilton Resort & Spa, 8 am-5pm * Sep 17-19- Guam’s 2nd Regional Systems of Care Conference, Guam Hyatt Resort, 8 am-5pm * Sep 19-Model Child Care Module 8 Training, Guam Marriott Resort, 8 am-1:30 pm * Sep 19-Self Advocacy Training, GSAT Center, Hs 19, 8:30 am-1:30 pm * Sep 19-Guam PIRC Training-”Multiple Intelligences Through the Ages”, Talofofo Elementary School, 9-11am * Sep 21-26—On-Site TA, Accommodations Training, Palau * Sep 23-Guam Early Learning Council Quarterly Meeting, 9-11 am, Governor’s Conference Room, Adelup * Sep 24-Certified Passenger Assistance Training, GSAT Center, Hs 19, 9-11:30am * Sep 24-Guam Part C Parent Forum, Time & Venue TBA * Sep 24-360° Family Support for Military Families Advisory Board Meeting, 4-5pm, Hs 19 & 22 Dean Circle * Sep 26-Guam PIRC Training-”Homework at Home”, D.L. Perez Elementary School, Yigo, 9-11am * Sep 26-Model Child Care Module 9 Training, Guam Marriott Resort, 8 am-1:30 pm * Sep 28-30—Belau Early Child Outcomes TA Visit, Palau * Sep 29-Certified Passenger Assistance Training, GSAT Center, Hs 19, 9-11:30am October 2009 * Oct 3-Self Advocacy Training, GSAT Training Center, 8:30 am-1:30 pm * Oct 3-Guam PIRC Training-”Shifts”, Tamuning Elementary School, 9-11am * Oct 5-8 - Pacific CIMAP Follow-Up Visit, Chuuk, FSM * Oct 5-8 - FSM PAC6 On-Site TA Visit, Pohnpei * Oct 6-Certified Passenger Assistance Training, GSAT Training Center, Hs 19, 9-11:30am * Oct 8-Certified Passenger Assistance Training, GSAT Training Center, Hs 19, 9-11:30am * Oct 9-12 - Pacific CIMAP Follow Up Visit, Marshalls * Oct 9-14 - PAC6 Follow Up Visit, Marshall Islands * Oct 10-Guam PIRC Training-”Special Education ABCs”, Guam PIRC Conference Room, Hagåtña, 9-11am * Oct 13-15 - DAC TA Visit, Guam * Oct 15 - Certified Passenger Assistance Training, GSAT Training Center, Hs 19, 9-11:30am * Oct 15-On-Site Project Tinituhon—Social Emotional * Oct 19-23-ALONG Training, Guam PIRC Conference Room, 9-11am * Oct 20-Certified Passenger Assistance Training, GSAT Training Center, Hs 19, 9-11:30am * Oct 20-GSAT Executive Committee and Advisory Council Meeting, Hs 19 Dean Circle, 4pm * Oct 24-Guam PIRC Training-”Young Adults with Special Needs: Beyond High School”, LAGU FAST Conference, Call Guam PIRC at 477-7472 or Guam CEDDERS at 735-2363 for time and venue * Oct 24-Guam PIRC Training-”Partnering with Schools”, Agana Heights Elem School, 9-11am November 2009 * Nov 7-Power of Play & Annual Parent Conference, “All Eyes on Five,” Tamuning Elementary School, 9-11am * Nov 16-20-FSM National OSEP Verification Visit * Nov 27-TENTATIVE Family Information Fair-”All Eyes On Five”, Time & Venue TBA 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, Rosemarie Camacho, June De Leon, Terrie Fejarang, Nieves Flores, Connie Guererro, Mary Kidd, Jonas Macapinlac, Ginger Porter, June Quitugua, Carla Torres, & Aline Yamashita. Alternative formats (e.g. Braille, large print, or audio tapes) 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.