PaTTANpod

Be the 1: Kindness, awareness, and autism advocacy | PaTTANpod [S7 E2] Oct 23, 2024

Ben Hartranft joins PaTTANpod at the 2024 Pennsylvania Department of Education annual conference, where he was a featured speaker. As the president of Benergy1 Presentations, Ben advocates for autism awareness and acceptance by sharing his personal experiences. The episode also features Ben’s brother, Dan, and his parents, Sandy and Glenn, who share perspectives on navigating the complexities of autism as a family.

Youth engagement? YES, please! | PaTTANpod [S7 E1] Oct 07, 2024

Transitioning from youth into adulthood can be very challenging, especially for students with disabilities. Members of the PaTTAN Youth Engagement Specialist (YES) team join PaTTANpod to discuss the importance of engaging students in transition planning, as well as resources and support available from the YES team.

Click here for more episodes

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCkBP2csbOssi3rUsfM-yQT1DVGUihxg2

Also available in podcast format on iTunes and Google Play Music

iTunes

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pattanpod/id1436873041?mt=2

Google Play Music

https://play.google.com/music/m/Iwyth5xyq26f67f4qrzktutbxke?t=PaTTANpod

Natasha Fletcher, Youth Engagement Specialist

Natasha Fletcher is a Youth Engagement Specialist at PaTTAN East with over a decade of experience helping individuals with behavioral challenges and mental health concerns. Specializing in Behavioral Health management with youth Natasha uses that experience to advocate for individuals with disabilities along with providing the knowledge to expand and defend their rights while supporting self-advocacy. By focusing on the youth, she understands that no significant learning can occur without first building a significant relationship. Through lived experience as a child navigating the foster care system and an adult who struggles with ADHD herself currently, are reasons why she gets up in the morning and fight for those that are unable or have difficulties fighting for themselves.

Hayley Penn, Youth Engagement Specialist

Hayley Penn is a Youth Engagement Specialist for PaTTAN Central. She has a background in Behavioral Health and Psychology and many years of experience working with young people throughout her time as an employee at Montgomery County Intermediate Unit. As a Youth Engagement Specialist, her mission is to help provide a seamless transition for students with disabilities from high school to college or the workforce. Her goal is to advocate for support services that allow students to participate in competitive employment and higher education. She provides technical assistance and training as part of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and PATTAN.

Hunter Steintz, Youth Engagement Specialist

Hunter Steinitz, MDiv. (Master of Divinity) is a Youth Engagement Specialist with the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) in the West. Hunter is a self-advocate and speaker and brings her experience of living with a rare genetic skin condition. She has spent over a decade working with children and young adults through her church and disability communities and continues to connect and engage with those communities. Hunter's current areas of focus at PaTTAN include Secondary Transition, Employment, Family Engagement, and more.

Host

Sara Frey

Producer

John Ragsdale

Animation

Media Solutions

Special thank you to Pennsylvania Training and Technical

Assistance Network (PaTTAN), Pennsylvania Department of Education,

And Bureau of Special Education

Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net

NAC 2024 Family Strand and Children's Institute May 13, 2024

PaTTAN AI team would like to record a NAC 2024 Promo (commercial) for the upcoming conference to highlighting the session strands for Families and highlight Children's Institute

PaTTANpod NAC 2024 PROMO Session strands Apr 30, 2024

PaTTAN AI team would like to record a NAC 2024 Promo (commercial) for the upcoming conference to highlighting the session strands for Educators, Related Service Providers, BCBA.

HELIX Highlights: Cross-agency collaboration and learning | PaTTANpod [S6E18] Apr 04, 2024

To promote cross-department and cross-agency collaboration, HELIX, the annual conference celebrating high expectations for students with low-incidence disabilities, provided special opportunities and incentives for teams of attendees in 2023.

Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net

HELIX Highlights: Collaborating to support elementary students with disabilities | PaTTANpod [S6E17] Apr 04, 2024

To promote cross-department and cross-agency collaboration, HELIX, the annual conference celebrating high expectations for students with low-incidence disabilities, provided special opportunities and incentives for teams of attendees in 2023.

Sydney Evans and Stephanie Brennan describe their experiences at HELIX and the benefits of collaboration among classroom teachers and special education teachers and practitioners.

https://www.pattan.net/Training/Conferences/HELIX-Conference

Sydney Evans is a first grade teacher at Whitemarsh Elementary School in the Colonial School District. She attended the HELIX conference for the first time with her colleagues, Stephanie, Michaelle, and MT. She found this conference to be meaningful and informative even as a general education teacher due to having the opportunity to teach students with exceptionalities in my classroom setting. Sydney enjoyed having this experience and loved getting to meet new people and share new findings.

Stephanie has been a life skills teacher for more than 15 years. She is passionate about helping students achieve their highest level of autonomy and independence through collaboration and creative problem solving. Stephanie has led her district in inclusive practices and community engagement, running a student- staffed restaurant out of her classroom for 10 years. Areas of expertise include child and family advocacy, behavioral support strategies, and interprofessional practice.

Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net

HELIX Highlights: Self-reflection and collaboration | PaTTANpod [S6E16] Apr 04, 2024

To promote cross-department and cross-agency collaboration, HELIX, the annual conference celebrating high expectations for students with low-incidence disabilities, provided special opportunities and incentives for teams of attendees in 2023.

Michaelle Khatchadourian and Mary Therese (MT) Sabatino share how participating in HELIX supports self-reflection and collaboration.

https://www.pattan.net/Training/Conferences/HELIX-Conference

Michaelle has been an occupational therapist for 35 years. She owns her own business and has contracted with the district for 11 years providing a variety of related services. Michaelle’s areas of interest includes sensory integration, use of assistive technology to support function, and mentorship. Michaelle loves her job and enjoys learning and collaborating with all disciplines to support the students.

MT is a school-based speech, language pathologist who has been practicing in the field for over 15 years. She has special interests in the areas of language and literacy development, assistive technology, advocacy for families of children with disabilities, mentorship, and interprofessional practice. MT is active in the Pennsylvania Speech-Language Hearing Association (PSHA) and co-chair of the schools committee.

Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net

HELIX Highlights Co teaching English language learners with disabilities | PaTTANpod [S6E15] Apr 04, 2024

Rebecca Schillack and Kathleen Mease discuss how attending HELIX, the annual conference celebrating high expectations for students with low incidence disabilities, impacted their efforts to support English language learners with disabilities.

Rebecca and Kathleen attended the 2023 HELIX conference as part of a team from Bensalem Township School District through a conference program promoting cross-department and cross-agency collaboration.

HELIX conference: https://www.pattan.net/Training/Conferences/HELIX-Conference

Miss Schillack is a Special Education teacher at Bensalem Township School District teaching students, within the Life Skills program, Functional Language Arts and Reading Strategies. Miss Schillack has worked as a Special Education Teacher for the Bensalem Township School District for 15+ years. She co-teaches a class with Ms. Mease, the English Foundations' teacher at Bensalem High School. The class includes students that have English language needs in addition to their individual disabilities.

Kathleen Mease is an ELD teacher from Bensalem High School. She primarily teaches newcomer English Language Learners, but also co-teaches ELLs who are within the Life Skills program. She works closely with a Life Skills teacher to help these students with reading strategies.

Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net

HELIX Highlights Team based approaches for supporting English language learners | PaTTANpod [S6E14] Apr 04, 2024

To promote cross-department and cross-agency collaboration, HELIX, the annual conference celebrating high expectations for students with low-incidence disabilities, provided special opportunities and incentives for teams of attendees in 2023.

Shannon McMahon and Lorendana Martinez describe their experiences at HELIX and their ongoing efforts facilitating collaboration among Special Education and English Language Development educators and practitioners to support English language learners with disabilities.

HELIX conference: https://www.pattan.net/Training/Conferences/HELIX-Conference

Shannon McMahon is currently a Supervisor of Special Education for Bensalem Township School District. Mrs. McMahon has worked in the field of Special Eduction for over 25 years. This year Mrs. McMahon is working closely with the team at Bensalem High School in focusing on support for English Language Learners who have complex support needs.

Loredana Martinez, MS, CCC-SLP is a bilingual speech-language pathologist for the Bucks County Intermediate Unit .She holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Pennsylvania state licensure in Speech-Language Pathology, and Teacher of Speech and Language Impaired certification in Pennsylvania. Loredana has 32 years experience working in brain injury rehabilitation, acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, long-term care, and school-based settings. She has been a member of the BCIU’s Multilingual Learner team since 2007.

Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net

HELIX Highlights: Enhancing professional mentoring | PaTTANpod [S6E13] Apr 04, 2024

Missy Garber and Kathleen Lopez discuss how HELIX, the annual conference celebrating high expectations for students with low incidence disabilities, enhances ongoing collaboration among educators and practitioners involved in professional mentoring.

https://www.pattan.net/Training/Conferences/HELIX-Conference

Missy Garber, Ph.D. is an itinerant teacher of students with visual impairments with the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit in Norristown. She was formerly the Director of the Teacher of the Visually Impaired Preparation Program and Co-Director of the National Center for Leadership in Visual Impairment at Salus University where she currently serves on the Blindness and Low Vision Studies Advisory Board. She also serves on the Pennsylvania Advisory Committee on Education of Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired (PACES-BVI). Dr. Garber has published several peer-reviewed articles and textbook chapters and presented at regional and national conferences. In addition to PA certification as a TVI, Dr. Garber is a Utah-endorsed teacher of the deaf-blind. She is also the parent of a young adult who is blind.

Kathleen’s educational credentials include: a Master’s Degree in Education from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and a Dual Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Education for Special and Elementary Education from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. Also, she is a Certified Reading Specialist (K-12), Certified Elementary Educator (K-6), and Certified Special Educator of Visually Impaired (Birth-age 21).

Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net

HELIX Highlights Preparing for a career in educational interpretation | PaTTANpod [S6E12] Apr 04, 2024

Natalie Steltzer describes her ambitions to become an educational interpreter and experience providing American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation at HELIX, the annual conference celebrating high expectations for students with low incidence disabilities. Natalie attended the 2023 HELIX conference as part of the Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education’s Attract Prepare Retain (APR) initiative.

PaTTAN Deaf and Hard of Hearing Initiative: https://www.pattan.net/Disabilities/Deaf-and-Hard-of-Hearing HELIX Conference: https://www.pattan.net/Training/Conferences/HELIX-Conference

Natalie is a Junior majoring in American Sign Language and English Interpreting and minoring in Early Childhood Education at Mount Aloysius College. She is working towards becoming an educational interpreter.

Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net

HELIX Highlights Aspiring ASL and English Interpreters | PaTTANpod [S6E11] Apr 04, 2024

Daisy Wishard and Marlee Stake share their experiences as first-time attendees and student interpreters at HELIX, the annual conference celebrating high expectations for students with low incidence disabilities. Serving as student interpreters allowed them to practice their American Sign Language(ASL) interpretation skills in a real-world setting while contributing to the accessibility of the conference.

PaTTAN Deaf and Hard of Hearing Initiative: https://www.pattan.net/Disabilities/Deaf-and-Hard-of-Hearing HELIX Conference: https://www.pattan.net/Training/Conferences/HELIX-Conference

Daisy Wishard is a junior at Mount Aloysius college majoring in American Sign Language and English Interpreting. Her passion for wanting to be in the Interpreting field came about at a very young age. Her upbringing as a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), has allowed her to be exposed to Deaf culture and the Deaf community. Daisy has been given the opportunity to interpret for her parents out in public which has deeply rooted a strong passion of wanting to become fully educated and improve her skills to work in the Interpreting field as a Certified Interpreter.

Marlee Stake is a senior in the American Sign Language and English Interpreting Program at Mount Aloysius College. After graduating in the Spring, she plans on focusing on community interpreting, with a strong interest in medical interpreting.

Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net

HELIX Highlights Supporting Students who are Deafblind – Part 2 | PaTTANpod [S6E10] Apr 04, 2024

In this segment of a two-part episode, Rachel Collins and Hilary Collins share perspectives from HELIX 2023, the annual conference celebrating high expectations for students with low incidence disabilities. Rachel and Hilary also discuss resources available to educators and practitioners who support students who are Deafblind.

Texas DeafBlind Project: txdeafblindproject.org PaTTAN Deaf-Blind Initiative: https://www.pattan.net/Disabilities/Deaf-Blind HELIX Conference: https://www.pattan.net/Training/Conferences/HELIX-Conference

Rachel began her career as a teacher of the deaf/hard of hearing in 1998. She quickly fell into deafblind education and served as a self-contained teacher for students who are deafblind for 10 years and as an itinerant teacher of students who are deafblind for 12 years after that. She joined the Texas Deafblind Project in 2022 and is currently one of the Deafblind Education Consultants on the team.

Hillary Keys is the Early Childhood Deafblind Education Consultant for the Texas Deafblind Project. She has worked as a classroom teacher, itinerant TVI/TDB, and Deafblind Specialist at a regional and statewide level. She is passionate about finding the best ways for children, especially those with complex needs, to interact, play, and experience joy. While she has diverse educational interests, Active Learning approach and early childhood development and learning are areas of strength. Hillary is the past chair of the Multiple Disabilities and Deafblindness Division of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of Blind and Visually Impaired (AERBVI) and was also recognized by Texas AER with an award for her work in Active Learning.

Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net

HELIX Highlights Supporting Students who are Deafblind – Part 1 | PaTTANpod [S6E9] Apr 04, 2024

In this segment of a two-part episode, Deafblind education consultant Kaycee Bennett shares about her experience attending and presenting at HELIX, the annual conference celebrating high expectations for students with low incidence disabilities.

Deafblind education consultant Kaycee Bennett shares about her experience attending and presenting at HELIX, the annual conference celebrating high expectations for students with low incidence disabilities.

Texas DeafBlind Project: txdeafblindproject.org PaTTAN Deaf-Blind Initiative: https://www.pattan.net/Disabilities/Deaf-Blind HELIX Conference: https://www.pattan.net/Training/Conferences/HELIX-Conference

Kaycee Bennett is a certified teacher of students who are deaf or hard of hearing and also has a graduate certificate and master’s degree in deafblind education from Texas Tech University. She worked as a classroom teacher and an itinerant teacher for 10 years before joining The Texas Deafblind Project in 2019. Kaycee is one of the authors of the publication The Essential Tools of the Trade for Teachers of Students who are Deafblind.

Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net

National Autism Conference 2024 STEM Camp Mar 27, 2024

Overview of STEM Camp will be highlighted in promo

National Autism Conference 2024 | PaTTANpod Jan 24, 2024

The National Autism Conference offers the opportunity for educators, parents/caregivers, and students to collectively learn from national and international professionals in the field in addition to local leaders making a difference in our schools for students with autism.

Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net

Technology, creativity & empathy | PaTTANpod [S6E8] Dec 21, 2023

Nicole Jackson joins PaTTANpod at the 2023 CSforAllPA Summit to discuss her nontraditional professional journey in computer science (CS) and STEM, the relationship between technology and creativity, applications of cognitive science in technology leadership, and the role of empathy in efforts to close equity gaps in education.

Click here for more episodes

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCkBP2csbOssi3rUsfM-yQT1DVGUihxg2

Also available in podcast format on iTunes and Google Play Music

iTunes

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pattanpod/id1436873041?mt=2

Google Play Music

https://play.google.com/music/m/Iwyth5xyq26f67f4qrzktutbxke?t=PaTTANpod

Nicole Jackson is a technical leader with more than a decade of experience in product software engineering. She combines her background and love of user experience, economics, systems, and analytical thinking to the development of eloquent, scalable solutions to complex problems in a multitude of spaces, including social equity, healthcare, and higher education. Currently, Nicole serves as the Head of Digital Transformation at Catalyst.org, a global nonprofit supported by many of the world’s most powerful CEOs and leading companies to help build workplaces that work for women. Nicole is also a nationally recognized contributor to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education. She is a National Science and Technologies Medals Foundation mentor to two Howard University STEM students, and an ambassador for the Association for Advancement of Sciences IF/THEN Initiative, which brings together high-profile women in STEM to serve as role models for middle school girls.

Resources:

https://www.pattan.net/Supports/STEM/computer-science; https://www.education.pa.gov/Documents/Teachers-Administrators/Certification%20Preparation%20Programs/Framework%20Guidelines%20and%20Rubrics/Culturally-Relevant%20and%20Sustaining%20Education%20Program%20Framework%20Guidelines.pdf;

Host

Sara Frey

Producer

John Ragsdale

Technical Support

Michael Esposito

Production Assistant

Lisa Smith

PaTTAN Leadership Team

Angela Kirby

Chris Cherny

Sergio Anaya

Corey Dickey

Joel Wehr

Animation

Media Solutions

Special thank you to Pennsylvania Training and Technical

Assistance Network (PaTTAN), Pennsylvania Department of Education,

And Bureau of Special Education

Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net

CSinPA Student Spotlight: Neha Shukla |PaTTANpod [S6E7] Nov 28, 2023

Neha Shukla joins PaTTANpod at the 2023 CSforAllPA Summit to discuss her experiences in computer science (CS) and STEM, the capacity for everyone to create positive change with technology, and ways educators and parents can empower students to be problem-solvers.

Click here for more episodes

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCkBP2csbOssi3rUsfM-yQT1DVGUihxg2

Also available in podcast format on iTunes and Google Play Music

iTunes

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pattanpod/id1436873041?mt=2

Google Play Music

https://play.google.com/music/m/Iwyth5xyq26f67f4qrzktutbxke?t=PaTTANpod

Neha Shukla is an 18-year old serial inventor, social entrepreneur, bestselling author, and AI ethicist passionate about developing technology to create positive change. She has created innovative solutions like the SixFeetApart wearable social-distancing device and the PA Homeless Guide app to address critical issues. Neha runs global STEM, community impact, and climate innovation workshops to inspire the next generation of youth problem-solvers, and released her bestselling debut book "Innovation for Everyone: Solving Real-World Problems with STEM” to further encourage youth innovation. Neha also champions AI ethics as the Chair of the World Economic Forum's Generation AI Youth Council and advocates for climate justice and youth engagement in STEM.

Host

Sara Frey

Producer

John Ragsdale

Animation

Media Solutions

Special thank you to Pennsylvania Training and Technical

Assistance Network (PaTTAN), Pennsylvania Department of Education,

And Bureau of Special Education

Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net

Prevention before crisis: Creating a safe and supportive learning environment |PaTTANpod [S6E6] Nov 15, 2023

A safe and supportive learning environment is crucial for students’ development and success. Educators and school leaders can be proactive about student behavior by implementing

evidence-based practices to provide positive reinforcement, teach and maintain appropriate behaviors, and adapt instruction as needed. Behavior analysts Dr. Paulie Gavoni and Anika Costa join PaTTANpod to discuss the science of student behavior and prevention and intervention strategies that support a safe and supportive learning environment.

https://www.pattan.net/Multi-Tiered-System-of-Support/Behavior; https://linqapp.com/paul_gavoni?r=link;

Click here for more episodes

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCkBP2csbOssi3rUsfM-yQT1DVGUihxg2

Also available in podcast format on iTunes and Google Play Music

iTunes

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pattanpod/id1436873041?mt=2

Google Play Music

https://play.google.com/music/m/Iwyth5xyq26f67f4qrzktutbxke?t=PaTTANpod

(1) Dr. Paul Gavoni is a behavior analyst who is passionate about applying and sharing Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) strategies with an international audience. He loves to inspire and help leaders establish positive and engaging environments across industries to bring out the best in those they serve using the science of human behavior. A Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY best-selling author, he is co-host of the Crisis in Education Podcast, Thoughts & Rants of a Behavior Scientist, and is also an active Board Member of the Opioid Awareness Foundation and The World Behavior Analysis Day Alliance. Beyond his work in education and human services, Dr. Gavoni is a former Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion and highly respected striking coach in combat sports. Coach Paulie has been featured in the books Beast: Blood, Struggle, and Dreams at the Heart of Mixed Martial Arts and A Fighter’s Way. He was also a featured fighter in FX’s highest-rated reality show at the time, The Toughman, and most recently in the Lifetime reality series, Leave it to Geege.

(2) Anika Costa is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst with over two decades of experience as a classroom teacher, adjunct faculty, trainer, coach, supervisor, mentor, and consultant in education and behavioral science. She became board certified in 2010 after earning a post-graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Stony Brook University, a M.S. in Education from C.W. Post University in 2002, and a B.S. in Communicative Sciences at the University of Central Florida in 1997. Anika is the founder and president of The Operant Teacher, LLC, a behavior analytic consulting firm offering training, coaching, and instructional design services to individuals, groups, and organizations across educational, private, and community-based agencies. She is also co-authored two best-selling books, QUICK Responses for Reducing Misbehavior and Suspensions: A Behavioral Toolbox for Classroom and School Leaders, and QUICK Wins! Using Behavior Science to Accelerate and Sustain School Improvement. Anika is passionate about disseminating behavior science; Anika is the United States Ambassador for the World Behavior Analysis Day Alliance (WBADA) and is a member of the Development Committee for the B.F. Skinner Foundation.

Host

Sara Frey

Producer

John Ragsdale

Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net

CS Spotlights: Empowering D/HH Students with Computer Science |PaTTANpod [S6E4] Oct 30, 2023

This episode is part of a series recorded on location at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology during the 2023 BUILD FLY CODE Live!, a special event for schools involved in a PaTTAN computer science (CS) professional learning program using drone technology.

Lori Blantz and Janice Beitzel reflect on their professional growth in CS education and discuss strategies for engaging students with disabilities in CS learning.

Other episodes in this series:

"CS Spotlights: Integrating Computer Science into Special Education Classes"

"CS Spotlights: Student Perspectives on Computer Science"

For additional information about engaging students with disabilities in K-12 CS education, visit PaTTANpod episode S5E19:Training and Consultation to Implement Computer Science (Youtube) and the CSinPA toolkits (PaTTAN website).

https://youtu.be/XxSp97Bb3mY https://www.pattan.net/Supports/STEM/computer-science

Click here for more episodes

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCkBP2csbOssi3rUsfM-yQT1DVGUihxg2

Also available in podcast format on iTunes and Google Play Music

iTunes

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pattanpod/id1436873041?mt=2

Google Play Music

https://play.google.com/music/m/Iwyth5xyq26f67f4qrzktutbxke?t=PaTTANpod

Lori Blantz, Supervisor of Child Accounting and ECSES STEM and Instructional Technology Support, Lancaster Lebanon IU13

Lori Blantz has worked at IU13 for 17 years and in Special Education for 34 years. Lori trains and coaches the Lancaster Lebanon IU3 Special Education staff on using STEM and Instructional Technology tools in the classrooms to support and instruct students. Lori has always had a passion for computer science and works with her teachers to explore ways to incorporate CS skills in the classroom daily.

Janice Beitzel, Teacher of the Deaf/HH, Lancaster-Lebanon IU13

Janice graduated from Bloomsburg University with bachelor’s degrees in Early Childhood and Elementary Education with a concentration in Deaf Education in 2003. She received her master’s degree in Deaf Education in 2005 and has taught students who are Deaf/HH for 18 years, mostly at the high school level. She received the Annie Sullivan Award from IU13 in 2018 and was nominated as a Keystones Technology Innovator in 2023. She has engaged her students in STEM projects, such as the Governor’s STEM Challenge and Build|Fly|Code.

Host

Sara Frey

Producer

John Ragsdale

Animation

Media Solutions

Special thank you to Pennsylvania Training and Technical

Assistance Network (PaTTAN), Pennsylvania Department of Education,

And Bureau of Special Education

Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net

CS Spotlights: Student Perspectives on Computer Science |PaTTANpod [S6E3] Oct 30, 2023

This episode is part of a series recorded on location at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology during the 2023 BUILD FLY CODE Live!, a special event for schools involved in a PaTTAN computer science (CS) professional learning program using drone technology.

Octorara Area students DJ Mewhort and Aidan Smith join PaTTANpod to discuss why CS is important for all students and why it is especially meaningful to them.

Their teacher, Kimberly Boyd shares perspectives on CS learning in “CS Spotlights: Integrating Computer Science into Special Education Classes.”

For additional information about engaging students with disabilities in K-12 CS education, visit PaTTANpod episode S5E19:Training and Consultation to Implement Computer Science (Youtube) and the CSinPA toolkits (PaTTAN website).

https://youtu.be/XxSp97Bb3mY https://www.pattan.net/Supports/STEM/computer-science

Click here for more episodes

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCkBP2csbOssi3rUsfM-yQT1DVGUihxg2

Also available in podcast format on iTunes and Google Play Music

iTunes

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pattanpod/id1436873041?mt=2

Google Play Music

https://play.google.com/music/m/Iwyth5xyq26f67f4qrzktutbxke?t=PaTTANpod

DJ Mewhort, Student, Octorara Area School District

DJ Mewhort is a 10th grade student at Octorara JSHS in the Octorara Area School District where he enjoys classes with coding and experiments. Coding is his favorite part of incorporating drones into lessons. DJ is also active in Track and Field and Boy Scouts. After graduating, he is interested in being a game developer.

Aidan Smin, Student, Octorara Area School District

Aidan Smith is a 10th grade student at Octorara Area Senior High in Octorara Area School District. His favorite classes are Art Major 1 and Graphic Design. He also enjoys building and coding drones in Mrs. Boyd’s class. Outside of school, Aidan is active in church and karate. After graduating, he is interested in going into art college and studying concept art.

Host

Sara Frey

Producer

John Ragsdale

Animation

Media Solutions

Special thank you to Pennsylvania Training and Technical

Assistance Network (PaTTAN), Pennsylvania Department of Education,

And Bureau of Special Education

Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net

CS Spotlights: Integrating Computer Science into Special Education Classes | PaTTANpod [S6E2] Oct 30, 2023

This episode is part of a series recorded on location at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology during the 2023 BUILD FLY CODE Live!, a special event for schools involved in a PaTTAN computer science (CS) professional learning program using drone technology.

Special education teachers Kimberly Boyd and Meaghan Stolnis reflect on their professional growth in CS education and discuss strategies for engaging students with disabilities in CS learning.

Students in Ms. Boyd’s join PaTTANpod in “CS Spotlights: Student Perspectives on Computer Science.”

For additional information about engaging students with disabilities in K-12 CS education, visit PaTTANpod episode S5E19:Training and Consultation to Implement Computer Science (Youtube) and the CSinPA toolkits (PaTTAN website).

https://youtu.be/XxSp97Bb3mY https://www.pattan.net/Supports/STEM/computer-science

Click here for more episodes

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCkBP2csbOssi3rUsfM-yQT1DVGUihxg2

Also available in podcast format on iTunes and Google Play Music

iTunes

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pattanpod/id1436873041?mt=2

Google Play Music

https://play.google.com/music/m/Iwyth5xyq26f67f4qrzktutbxke?t=PaTTANpod

Lori Blantz and Janice Beitzel reflect on their professional growth in CS education and discuss strategies for engaging students with disabilities in CS learning.

Other episodes in this series:

"CS Spotlights: Integrating Computer Science into Special Education Classes"

"CS Spotlights: Student Perspectives on Computer Science"

For additional information about engaging students with disabilities in K-12 CS education, visit PaTTANpod episode S5E19:Training and Consultation to Implement Computer Science (Youtube) and the CSinPA toolkits (PaTTAN website).

Kimberly Boyd, Autism Support Teacher, Octorara Area School District

Kimberly Boyd is an Autism Support Teacher (grades 10-12) at Octorara Junior Senior High School. Mrs. Boyd has been teaching for 11 years. She started integrating computer science in her classroom last year when she saw a high student interest in technology and future career interests. It is also really fun to incorporate computer science with social-emotional lessons. Mrs. Boyd is also a proud mom of two girls, ages 4 and 1.

Meaghan Stolnis – Life Skills Teacher – West Chester Area School District)

Meaghan is a passionate special educator who strives to meaningfully include her students in engaging content. She has worked with students of varying ability levels over the course of 15 years. In addition, she is the advisor of the Best Buddies program at Peirce Middle School

Host

Sara Frey

Producer

John Ragsdale

Animation

Media Solutions

Special thank you to Pennsylvania Training and Technical

Assistance Network (PaTTAN), Pennsylvania Department of Education,

And Bureau of Special Education

Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net

Developing educational plans for students who are deaf or hard of hearing | PaTTANpod [S6E2] Oct 16, 2023

PA ECC-DHH: A tool for developing educational plans for students who are deaf or hard of hearing

The Pennsylvania Expanded Core Curriculum for Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (ECC-DHH) is a resource for developing educational plans for a students who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Pennsylvania ECC-DHH, patterned after the Iowa ECC-DHH, addresses specialized needs that are not covered in the general education curriculum. Barbara Chubb, who led the team that developed the Pennsylvania ECC-DHH joins PaTTANpod to discuss how educators, school leaders, and parents can use the resource to support students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

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PaTTAN DHoH initiative: https://www.pattan.net/Disabilities/Deaf-and-Hard-of-Hearing 2023-24 webinar series on the communication pland and PA-ECC: https://www.pattan.net/events/Webinar/course-3212/events/session-38470/

Barb is recognized for her extensive knowledge about and experience re: educating students who are deaf or hard of hearing and for her endless commitment to supporting the professionals who serve these students. With more than 40 years of experience as a teacher, administrator, and innovator, Barb continues to lead multiple professional efforts designed to improve educational practices and learning outcomes for students. Her most recent efforts include revitalizing PA’s grassroots professional organization for teachers of students who are deaf or hard of hearing (PESDHH), heading PA’s team in revising the Expanded Core Curriculum (PA ECC-DHH, patterned after the Iowa ECC), and working with IEP teams to understand how “access to the general curriculum” is assessed and improved for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Barb’s passion for teachers and their roles in creating student success is obvious every time she engages with colleagues in the field. However, if you by chance find her relaxing, she will be engaging with her granddaughters, building websites for new entrepreneurs, dabbling in real estate, or heading to Broadway to take in a theater performance.

Host

Sara Frey

Producer

John Ragsdale

Technical Support

Michael Esposito

Production Assistance

Lisa Smith

PaTTAN Leadership Team

Angela Kirby

Chris Cherny

Corey Dickey

Animation

Media Solutions

Special thank you to

Pennsylvania Training and Technical

Assistance Network (PaTTAN),

Pennsylvania Department of Education,

and Bureau of Special Education

Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net

On the road to victory with CS |PaTTANpod [S6E1] Oct 02, 2023

Computer science (CS) and data science are closely related fields. Data science, represented by the concept "data and analysis" is one of five key concepts in K-12 computer science (CS) education. Andrew Kromer shares about his experiences with data science and CS, and ideas for broadening participation in K-12 CS.

Mentoring students in the Governor’s STEM Competition - Part 3 Jun 05, 2023

Held annually since 2014, the Governor’s STEM competition challenges student teams to research, design, and present a project that can improve the lives of Pennsylvanians. As part of a three-part series, joining PaTTANpod to share their perspectives on the competition is Pennridge School District teacher and STEM competition advisor, Melissa O’Brien.

Mentoring students in the Governor’s STEM Competition - Part 2 Jun 05, 2023

Held annually since 2014, the Governor’s STEM competition challenges student teams to research, design, and present a project that can improve the lives of Pennsylvanians. As part of a three-part series, joining PaTTANpod to share their perspectives on the competition is East Stroudsburg High School North teacher and STEM competition advisor, Jacqueline Edelbaum.

Mentoring students in the Governor’s STEM Competition - Part 1 Jun 05, 2023

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Administrators Voice- Leading a team of Educators to the shape the future May 23, 2023

This episode will highlight the story of one building administrator who is committed to attracting and retaining staff through building strong relationships, positive school climate and culture through collaboration and teaming. In addition, this episode will highlight servant leadership and dedication to providing comprehensive mentorship and supervision for all staff. This episode will also focus on staff retention and why the staff working with these buildings leaders chose to stay in the field of education.

Administrators Voice- Building a Team of Instructional Leaders May 23, 2023

This episode will highlight the story of two different building administrators who are committed to attracting and retaining staff through building strong relationships, positive school climate and culture through collaboration and teaming. In addition, this episode will highlight servant leadership and dedication to providing comprehensive mentorship and supervision for all staff. This episode will also focus on staff retention and why the staff working with these buildings leaders chose to stay in the field of education.

Evidence Based Practices- All in May 02, 2023

This video will highlight the story of a paraprofessional's journey to becoming a certified Special Education teacher within a school district.

Paraprofessional to teacher within a school district May 02, 2023

This video will highlight the story of a paraprofessional's journey to becoming a certified Special Education teacher within a school district.

Determination, dreams Apr 17, 2023

Ground-breaking musician and co-founder of the Deaf Professional Arts Network (D-PAN), Sean Forbes joins PaTTANpod to discuss how determination and persistence help shape dreams into achievable goals.

Training and Consultation to Implement Computer Science TACTICS Apr 10, 2023

Training and Consultation (TaC) services support LEAs by providing professional development, technical assistance, and consultation regarding Pennsylvania's special education initiatives. PaTTAN's Training and Consultation to Implement Computer Science (TACTICS) team is a voluntary program for TaC who want to grow their capacity as leaders in Pennsylvania's computer science (CSinPA) education initiatives. Joining PaTTANpod to discuss how TaC support CSinPA are Tom Esposito from Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 and Lauren Walker from Chester County Intermediate Unit.

MTSS Literacy: Tier 3 Triumphs | PaTTANpod Feb 27, 2023

Pennsylvania’s multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) is a comprehensive school improvement framework that includes a continuum of evidence-based academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports to meet the needs of all students, including students with disabilities. Joining PaTTANpod to share a success story about Tier 2 supports in literacy are Shelley West from Shaler Area School District and Laura Miller from AIU3.

Accessible instructional materials: Considerations for educators Feb 14, 2023

PaTTAN is the home of the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s AIM Center, which produces Braille, large print, and formatted PDF materials for eligible school-aged students. Joining PaTTANpod to discuss the importance of accessible instructional materials and accessible educational materials is Dr. David Bateman from Shippensburg University.

Prioritizing access for all learners with AIM Feb 14, 2023

PaTTAN is the home of the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s AIM Center, which produces Braille, large print, and formatted PDF materials for eligible school-aged students. Accessible instructional materials play a crucial role in ensuring all students have equitable learning opportunities. Joining PaTTANpod to discuss the importance of prioritizing access for all students is David DeNotaris.

Operationalizing Cultural Navigation Feb 06, 2023

A previous episode of PaTTANpod explores cultural navigation, a model for providing linguistically and culturally relevant support to English Learners and their families. Operationalizing cultural navigation requires collaboration among multiple LEA and community partners. Erin Conahan, Mark Simms, and Loice Byler join PaTTANpod to discuss how school and district leaders play a crucial role in the implementation of cultural navigation in the School District of Lancaster.

Socially just practices and student outcomes Jan 23, 2023

Culturally-Relevant and Sustaining (CR-SE) Education ensures equity for all students and seeks to eliminate systemic institutional racial and cultural barriers that inhibit the success of all students, particularly those who have been historically underrepresented. School psychologist Dr. Charles Barrett joins PaTTANpod to explore socially just practices as a component of CRSE.

Improving educator perseverance Jan 23, 2023

A positive school climate helps increase educator perseverance and retention. In alignment with Pennsylvania’s dedication to attracting, preparing, and retaining practitioners in education, specifically in special education, Dr. Alison Mellott joins PaTTANpod to discuss school and personal strategies to build positive environments and increase educators perseverance.

Positive school culture for educators Jan 23, 2023

School climate is a key factor in social, emotional, and academic outcomes for students, but what about their teachers? In alignment with Pennsylvania’s dedication to attracting, preparing, and retaining practitioners in education, specifically in special education, Dr. Salome Thomas-El, better known as “Principal El,” joins PaTTANpod to discuss the relationship between school culture and teacher retention.

Difference Makers: Teachers of Students Who are Blind or Visually Impaired Jan 10, 2023

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In alignment with Pennsylvania’s dedication to Attracting, Preparing, and Retaining practitioners in education, specifically in special education, joining PaTTANpod are Amanda Whelan from Bucks County Intermediate Unit, Scott Burfield from Central Intermediate Unit 10, and Holly Russell from the Western Pa School for Blind Children.

Difference Makers: Certified Mobility and Orientation Specialists Jan 10, 2023

Certified orientation and mobility specialists have a unique role in supporting students who are blind or visually impaired. Orientation and mobility specialists address orientation and travel needs of students not only in the school setting, but at home, and in the community, too.

In alignment with Pennsylvania’s dedication to Attracting, Preparing, and Retaining practitioners in education, specifically in special education, joining PaTTANpod are certified orientation and mobility specialists (COMS) Autumn Booths, Melissa Kenderes, and Jessica Madden.

AT Your Service: The Crucial Role of Assistive Technology (AT) Specialists Jan 10, 2023

a wide range of devices, as well as services to support the selection, acquisition, and use of AT devices. AT consultants play a crucial role in these services.

Are you familiar with Short Term Loan? Dec 12, 2022

The Short Term Loan (STL) Program at PaTTAN provides local education agencies (LEAs) with devices to assess the assistive technology (AT) needs of students with disabilities. AT kit categories include: augmentative and alternative communication, blindness/visual impairment, computer access, deaf/hard of hearing/deafblind, switch access/environmental access, and technology for print/reading/writing support. In this episode, Beth Christopher, Greg Gerhart, and Mike Onofrey provide an overview of the Short Term Loan program and tips for LEAs.

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PaTTAN educational consultant, Maria Ronneburger, and IU13 community education supervisor, Joshua McManness, joined PaTTANpod to discuss how the Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13’s team of cultural navigators works with the School District of Lancaster and local community to build partnerships that empower students and their families. Isobel Benites and Jalilah Yacoub shared what cultural navigation means to their families. IU13 cultural navigators, Ahmadullah Falzi, Jeremy Rhoads, and Sunila Safi provided a glimpse into their role and efforts.

The Field of School Psychology: A Student's Perspective Nov 07, 2022

The Dynamic Role of the Paraprofessional Oct 17, 2022

There are many roles individuals play in a school setting. Each one carries a heavy responsibility for ensuring the welfare of our students – physically, emotionally, and academically.

A dynamic role in the school setting is that of a paraprofessional.

In alignment with Pennsylvania’s dedication to Attracting, Preparing, and Retaining practitioners in education, specifically in special education, Christine Moon, educational consultant from PaTTAN West / state lead for the APR pillar at the state level, Tammy Adams, Special Education Supervisor for the West Allegheny School District and Renee Patterson, a paraprofessional in West Allegheny School District joined PaTTANpod to discuss the dynamic role of paraprofessionals.

The Benefits of Career and Technical Education for Students with Disabilities Oct 03, 2022

There is not a one-size fits all postsecondary path for every students, so it is critical for them to be prepared for success on whatever path they take after graduating.

Career and Technical Education in Pennsylvania offers students the opportunity to develop critical skills through a combination of classes and hands-on learning experiences, which allow them to apply academics to real-world problems.

Joining PaTTANpod is the Director of the Bureau of Special Education, Carole Clancy and Lee Burket, Director of Career and Technical Education at the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Working with Family Agencies to Improve Family School Partnerships Part II | PaTTANpod [S5E3] Sep 19, 2022

Part II of this series, additional agencies are highlighted for networking students and families to the resources available to them.

Working with Family Agencies to Improve Family School Partnerships Part I | PaTTANpod [S5E2] Sep 19, 2022

Effective partnerships that support students and the overall school improvement process, that’s what we are all seeking. In this two-part series, we focus our attention on the many networks available for families and caregivers and how each of these organizations and agencies help us to build stronger family-school partnerships.

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