Interested in receiving the most up-to-date information about State and Federal guidelines, strengthening collaboration and feeling more confident leading PPT meetings both virtually and in-person?

The Connecticut Planning and Placement Team Leadership Institute (PPTLI) is funded by the Connecticut State Department of Education, Special Education Bureau, and hosted in partnership with the Connecticut State Education Resource Center (SERC). The Institute is designed to equip special educational team leaders with tools to foster family and community engagement and improve student outcomes by facilitating team meetings that meet legal requirements, foster positive school/parent partnerships, and result in high quality special education programming.

During 2020-21, the Institute will provide up to 120 participants from districts across Connecticut with a year of courses and technical assistance that foster their ability to lead Individualized Education Plan (IEP) teams in the development of educational plans that reflect the individual needs of students.

Participants will learn to:

• facilitate team meetings;
• create and write clear and effective IEPs;
• foster positive relationships with parents;
• partner with district leaders to identify and implement a capstone project that addresses a needed change or enhancement in practice; and 
• develop support networks to foster the implementation of best practices in the education of students with special needs. 

There are no required courses for teachers who are licensed in special education that explicitly address facilitation, mediation, understanding the law and compliance, or collaborative problem solving. This year-long, rich experience will build these competencies and increase the effectiveness of participants in this role. 

This is a state-wide initiative and practices are designed to support compliance with state and federal special education regulations.

The PPTLI model will consist of multiple courses and activities, offering face-to-face sessions and online learning, a variety of assignments, coaching, and communities of practice, ending with a capstone project.

During the 2020-21 year, each cohort will participate in the following activities:

• a 3-day face-to-face summer retreat 
• a fall term consisting of 3 face-to-face and 2 online modules 
• a spring term consisting of 2 face-to-face and 2 online modules

Audience

This Institute is designed for educators who serve as a PPT chair leading PPTs in the state of Connecticut. This includes but is not limited to: Special Education Teachers, Building Level Administrators, Related Service Personnel, Special Education Directors, or others filling the role of PPT Chairperson.

The State Education Resource Center (SERC) is organizing the development of an African American/Black and Puerto Rican/Latino Course of Studies and is looking for input from the following stakeholders:

• Students currently enrolled in middle school and high school;
• Parents/Guardians of currently enrolled middle and high school students;
• Educators/Teachers; and
• District and School Administrators/Curriculum Coordinators.

YOUR INPUT IS CRITICAL!

WHAT?
We would like to hear your thoughts and ideas. SERC invites you to join one of our community conversations/focus groups which will:
» Review the legislation for this course of studies (P.A. 19-12), and
» Gather your ideas and input on the topics you believe are most important to be included.

WHY?
To inform the development of a statewide, model curriculum that is representative of multiple perspectives.

WHEN/WHERE?
Participation will take place via online meetings at 1:30pm or 3:00pm. Please select and join the session that is the most convenient for you.

• Monday, April 20 at 3:00pm
• Tuesday, April 21 at 3:00pm
• Wednesday, April 22 at 1:30pm
• Thursday, April 23 at 3:00pm
• Friday, April 24 at 1:30pm

Information/Requests? For additional information, please contact Wanda Guzman at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Option: If you are unable to participate and interested in providing input, please complete the Focus Group Survey using the following link: http://sgiz.mobi/s3/PA-19-12-Focus-Group-Questions.

The Connecticut State Department of Education has made a new Support Series for Families available now. Topics include:

• Social Emotional Support for Students
• Supporting Students with Special Needs
• English Learners and Continuation of Education
• Early Childhood

For more information: Connecticut State Department of Education Professional Support Series for Families