Region 4 Education Service Center



Weekly Update 1.28.2016?TEA InformationRF Tracker Server Move and New URL(s) for School Finance reportsThe IT department at the Texas Education Agency will be moving RF Tracker to a new server on February 3-4, 2015. Reminder, to districts - the application will be closed on February 3-4, 2015. RF Tracker should be back on line on February 5, 2015.Please note that the web address for the summary of finance reports and payment ledger reports have changed. If you have bookmarked the old reports, you will want to update your bookmarks. The new links are below.Summary of Finances Report: Payment Ledger Report: High Cost Funds UpdateThe Average Per Pupil Expenditure (APPE) for Texas for 2015-16 is $9,273 which is actually higher than last year. This means that to qualify as a high-need student with a disability in the HCF eligibility application, the LEA will need to demonstrate it has spent at least $27,820 on special education and related services. The services also have to be provided as documented in the IEP.No changes were mentioned about timelines. As far as we know, timelines remain:Anticipated opening: MarchAnticipated closing: 1st Friday in AprilAward: No later than July 1Contact information: Jerry Klekotta, gklekotta@ or 713.744.6393New Resource Available: IDEA-B LEA MOE Compliance Review Process FlowchartA new resource is now available on the IDEA-B LEA Maintenance of Effort (MOE) page of the TEA website.The new resource is a flowchart that illustrates the steps of TEA’s MOE compliance review process. Its purpose is to provide LEAs with additional information regarding TEA’s method for reviewing the materials LEAs submit to comply with the MOE requirement under IDEA-B.The IDEA-B LEA Maintenance of Effort page includes links to a guidance handbook, budgeting resources, a calculation tool, and federal guidance.If you have additional questions regarding the MOE requirement, please email compliance@tea..TEA Site VisitsOne of the many free technical assistance supports Region 4 provides is guidance regarding TEA site visits. Typically we send a representative to the enrty and exit meetings, provide support for folder reviews, focus groups, and special eduation director interviews and summary. We can be involved as much or as little as you need. We are here to support you and expedite the process in the most efficient manner. This can be a very stressful time so if you need a little extra support, please let us know. If your district or charter has been selected for a TEA monitoring visit due to special education staging and you would like some assistance, please contact Jerry Klekotta.Contact Information: Jerry Klekotta, gklekotta@ or 713.744.6393Review of Children Receiving Supplemental Security Income, Title XVI PaymentsThe Texas Education Agency has been contacted by the Texas Disability Determination Services (DDS), a division of the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), regarding an upcoming review of children receiving Supplemental Security Income, Title XVI Payments. The following information and details were provided by Texas DDS and are being shared for your reference: In the coming year, the federal Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Texas Disability Determination Services (DDS) – a division of the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) – will be reviewing the increased number of cases of children currently receiving Supplemental Security Income, Title XVI payments.?This review will help ensure the integrity of SSA’s programs, as well as those provided by the State of Texas. ?In order to complete these reviews, the Texas DDS and other reviewing components will be sending an increased number of requests for school records.?Please be aware that these requests will originate from Austin, Dallas or the state of Arkansas and may be sent to your schools, as well as directly to parents.?The requests will include a release signed by the parent or guardian, and will ask for special education records, discipline reports, school testing and other information that can only be obtained from the local school or school district. It is imperative that these records, where available, are returned to the requestor before the current school year ends in May, 2016. Please be aware that a child’s teacher or counselor may be asked to complete a form about how the student functions in the classroom. This Teacher Questionnaire will be mailed to the child’s parent or guardian. The parent will provide it to the teacher(s). Please see the attached flyer providing additional information. The actual records requests will be sent later this year and will have the Disability Specialists’ names and direct numbers for any questions you may have.?We recognize the increase in the number of records requests, in turn, increases the demands on your limited resources. We very much appreciate your assistance.? If you have any questions about this review, please feel free to contact the Texas Disability Determination Services Professional Relations Unit at (512) 437-5151 or toll free at (800) 252-7009, ext. 5151.? Thank you for helping us to safeguard the integrity of SSA and State programs.TETNs on Reimbursement Training for High Risk Grantees Designated by TEA – DATE CHANGEThe following High Risk Reimbursement Training TETNs will provide guidance to high risk grantees expending federal grants administered by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) whom have been placed on a payment by reimbursement basis. Training will include guidance on the specific condition reimbursement process and detailed requirements for the reimbursement of grant expenditures. These TETNs will be provided by TEA and are open for districts and charters to register and attend at Region 4. Click on the link below to register. If your district is a videoconferencing network member, you may be able to attend this meeting in your district. Contact your district videoconferencing coordinator, or the Region 4 videoconferencing team at vcsupport@.Target Audience: High Risk Grantees designated by TEA TETN for Federal/State Programs - High Risk Reimbursement TrainingAttend this TETN session to learn about updates in federal/state programs. Hear from Texas Education Agency staff about issues such as completing funding applications, securing TEASE designation and certification for the eGrants system, and receiving updates on program or performance requirements.Session ID: 1218309 Schedule: Feb 3, 2016 Feb 5, 20169:00 AM - 12:00 PMRegion 4 ESC – TETN, 7145 West Tidwell, Houston, 77092TETN for Federal/State Programs - High Risk Reimbursement TrainingAttend this TETN session to learn about updates in federal/state programs. Hear from Texas Education Agency staff about issues such as completing funding applications, securing TEASE designation and certification for the eGrants system, and receiving updates on program or performance requirements.Session ID: 1218302 Schedule: Feb 17, 2016 Feb 18, 20169:00 AM - 12:00 PMRegion 4 ESC – TETN, 7145 West Tidwell, Houston, 77092The TETN host is Tammy Michels, tammy.michels@tea., 512-463-9918. If you have questions, contact Dr. Edna Forté, Accountability & Leadership Solutions, Federal & State Programs at 713.744.6358 or edna.forte@. For Your InformationState Parks and Historic Sites with Wheelchair-Accessible FacilitiesWalkers of all ages and abilities are invited to try Texas' trails system. For a list of wheelchair and stroller accessible trails, visit the page on wheelchair accessibility. Brazos Bend State Park - The Interpretive trail, Visitor Center and Exhibits, and trail to fishing pier are wheelchair accessible. The Creekfield Lake Nature Trail is an accessible nature trail and the interpretive exhibit pilot project was the first of its kind for the department (1995) and was designed with the assistance of the greater Houston area disabled community in partnership with The George Foundation, Fort Bend County, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The trail is fully paved and takes visitor on a .5 mile loop of an outstanding wetland area. Exciting features along this trail include a series of interpretive panels with tactile bronzes of wetland wildlife, and an accessible boardwalk and observation deck for wildlife viewing, rest areas with shaded benches, and an audio-described tour (available for checkout from the park headquarters). The "Habitats and Niches" exhibit includes an unusual "hands-on" alligator discovery area, a tactile model of the park, and an open-captioned orientation video for visitors with hearing impairments.Bastrop State Park - The Park has several wheelchair accessible campsites, cabins, group facilities, and picnic sites, as well as fishing access.From the IRS: Five Easy Ways to Spot a Scam Phone Call and Other UpdatesThe IRS continues to warn the public to be alert for telephone scams and offers five tell-tale warning signs to tip you off if you get such a call. These callers claim to be with the IRS. The scammers often demand money to pay taxes. Some may try to con you by saying that you’re due a refund. The refund is a fake lure so you’ll give them your banking or other private financial information. Any one of these five things is a sign of a scam. The IRS does not:Call you to demand immediate payment. Demand that you pay taxes without giving you the chance to question or appeal.Require you to use a certain payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card.Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.Threaten to bring in local police or other law-enforcement to have you arrested for not paying.For more information or what to do, click to . The IRS reminds taxpayers thatit issues 90 percent of refunds in less than 21 days. the best way to check on a refund is through the “Where’s My Refund?” tool at or the IRS2Go phone app. the use of e-file and direct deposit is the fastest and safest way to file an accurate return and receive a tax refund. four out of five tax returns are expected to be filed electronically, with a similar proportion of refunds issued through direct deposit. the IRS Free File program offers free brand-name software to about 100 million individuals and families with incomes of $62,000 or less. seventy percent of the nation’s taxpayers are eligible for IRS Free File.Inclusion Works! Conference 2016Only a few weeks left until the Inclusion Works! Conference in Houston, Texas at the Royal Sonesta Hotel on February 8-9, 2016. ?This year hosts many distinguished speakers and sessions including:?Michale Yudin, US Department of Education -?. Paula Kluth,?. Lee Ann Jung,??"State of the State of Special Education”?Moderated by Ross Ramsey, The Texas Tribune,? Here to access more information about Inclusion Works!Please join us by registering at the following link: IW Registration ?We look forward to an educational and interactive two days! ?See you there!Region 4 Upcoming Professional DevelopmentCoping with Autism and Anxiety: Strategies to Support Students in the ClassroomJoin this professional development session to learn more about the impact of mild to severe anxiety on students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). During this session, participants will gain information about 1) indicators of anxiety, 2) assessment tools, 3) interventions that decrease anxiety and enhance self-management, and 4) tips for addressing anxiety in the classroom. Videotaped examples will be used to demonstrate the strategies.Session ID: 1156334 Dates: February 4, 2016Time: 9:00 – 4:00Fee: $45 Contact information: Cathy Williams, cathy.williams@, 713.744.6801Transition Planning to Meet the Unique Needs of Students with AutismAttend this session to learn how the unique needs of students with high-functioning and low-functioning autism impact the transition planning process. In this session, participants will 1) gain understanding of both federal and state legislation relating to transition and autism, 2) explore the strengths and needs of students with high-functioning and low-functioning autism, and 3) apply knowledge by practicing transition planning for students with autism through the use of case studies.Session ID: 1143589 Dates: February 10, 2016Time: 9:00 – 4:00Fee: $45 Contact information: Karen Pepkin, KPepkin@, 713.744.4470; Cathy Williams, cathy.williams@, 713.744.6801The Teacher and Paraprofessional Team: Enhancing Communication and InstructionExplore practical strategies for improving communication, problem solving, and team performance. Topics to be addressed include leadership, team personalities, the team building process, time management strategies, and effective communication. Session ID: 1201005Date: 2/17/16Time: 8:30a.m. – 3:30p.mLocation: MCC 104Fee: $45Co-Teaching: Taking Your Practices to the Next Level (Dr. Wendy Murawski)Join Dr. Wendy Murawski, a nationally recognized expert on co-teaching and learn to expand your effective co-teach practices to produce greater instructional intensity in your co-teach classrooms than if only one teacher were present. Discover ways to incorporate and utilize common planning for co-teachers that will enhance units, lessons, instruction, and overall classroom management to increase your student's performance. Session and materials costs are partially funded through state or federal grantsSession ID: 1177227Date: 2/28/16Time: 8:30a.m. – 3:30p.mLocation: Crown Plaza - BrookhollowFee: $45Ethics for Licensed Specialists in School PsychologyExamine ethical situations that commonly occur for individuals providing psychological services in the school setting. This session will review relevant rules of practice, ethical standards, and legal implications. Session and materials costs are partially funded through state or federal grants. Session ID: 1172257Date: February 26, 2016Time: 8:30a.m. – 11:30a.m.Location: Region 4Fee $30Contact: Kara Zwolinski at kara.zwolinski@ or 713-744-6562Issues in Cultural Diversity for the LSSPAttend this session to consider and discuss current issues in cultural diversity as it relates to the field of school psychology. This session will satisfy the annual requirement for 3 hours of cultural diversity training that is required by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. Session ID: 1172264Date: February 26, 2016Time: 12:30p.m. – 3:30p.m.Location: Region 4Fee $30Contact: Kara Zwolinski at kara.zwolinski@ or 713-744-6562Special Education Webinar – Visual Impairment Evaluations, Part 2Emphasis in this session will be on identifying other eligibilities. Participants will develop skills in determining other conditions that may be impacting educational progress. Specific topics addressed will include presence of specific learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, emotional disturbance, and autism spectrum disorders. In addition, instructional strategies for these groups will also be discussed.Session ID: 1176099Date: March 1, 2016Time: 10:00a.m. – 12:00p.m.Location: onlineFee $20Contact: Kara Zwolinski at kara.zwolinski@ or 713-744-6562Incorporating Core Vocabulary to Promote Academic Progress: Getting to the Core of Core VocabularyIncrease understanding of core vocabulary and how it is used in functional activities to develop communication, increase appropriate behavior and promote academic progress.Session ID: 1207388Date: March 23, 2016Time: 9:00a.m. – 3:30p.m.Location: Region 4 ESC - MCC 105Fee $45Contact: Shannon Paige at shannon.paige@ or 713-744-6377 ................
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