picture: happy little boy with down syndrome   picture: young hispanic student   picture: little girl in wheelchair   picture: asian baby crawling   picture: little black girl smiling

graphic: CFPC logo

Providing parents of children with disabilities

with information, training, assistance, and support

                   

           

 

               

 

Public School/ Education Resources

A through N

 

(click here for Resources O through Z)

 

[Click here to download AdobeReader]

 

State Agencies Related to Special Education

[For a more complete listing of State Agencies, click on link above.]

 

Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services

Administers programs for students with disabilities and for gifted students. Additionally, the bureau coordinates student services throughout the state and participates in multiple inter-agency efforts designed to strengthen the quality and variety of services available to students with special needs.  http://www.fldoe.org/ese/

 

Class Size Reduction Amendment (2010)

In order to help each and every Floridian educate themselves about class size regulations and the proposed changes up for a vote in November, the Department has created a Class Size Resource web page.

http://www.fldoe.org/ClassSize/

 

Florida Statutes and State Board of Education Rules (Most Current - Revised 2007)

(Vol. I-B) Excerpts for Special Programs  [download pdf]   

http://www.fldoe.org/ese/rules/rulehome.asp

 

 

Other Resources Related to Education

A through N  (click here for O through Z)

 

10 Questions to Consider Pre-Evaluation [pdf]

 

AD/HD:  What Can Lead Kids to a Positive Future?

Despite optimism by professionals and researchers years ago that treating AD/HD in childhood would lead to improved outcome in adulthood, current research has not supported this perception.  Why not? What should parents and professionals be doing to ensure positive future outcome? Article from SchwabLearning.org

Link to website: http://www.schwablearning.org/articles.aspx?r=317   

 

After School Programs in the 21st Century
The latest Issues and Opportunities in Out-of-School Time Evaluation research brief draws on seminal research and evaluation studies to address two primary questions: (1) Does participation in after school programs make a difference, and if so, (2) what conditions are necessary to achieve positive results? The brief concludes with a set of questions to spur conversation about the evolving role of after school in efforts to expand time and opportunities for children and youth in the 21st century.
http://www.gse.harvard.edu/hfrp/projects/afterschool/resources/issuebrief10/index.html

 

Assistive Technology Funding Series Publication: The Public School's Special Education System as an Assistive Technology Funding Source: The Cutting Edge.  Although this booklet is published to reach a primary audience of attorneys and advocates who assist persons with disabilities who need AT to succeed in their public school experience, the publication should also be viewed as a comprehensive treatise on the rights of students with disabilities under the IDEA and section 504. [download pdf]

 

Bullying Prevention Resources Page

 

Clearinghouse Information Center - FL Department of Education

Provides parents, educators, and other Floridians with access to materials about exceptional student education, student services, juvenile justice education, early intervention, parent and professional partnerships, and many other topics. You may also access Florida statutes and Board of Education rules.  http://www.fldoe.org/ese

Deafblindness: Educational Service Guidelines offers state and local education agencies a framework from which meaningful, appropriate programming for students who are deafblind can be developed. These guidelines identify the knowledge and skills educators need to assist their students who are deafblind reach their full potential and become successful, contributing members of our society.  To download the guidelines or for more information go to:  http://www.perkins.org/resources/educational-publications/deafblindness-educational-service-guidelines/

 

Due Process Resources Page

Due Process resources can be difficult to locate, there just isn't a lot of information out there.  While they are not all Florida-specific, we have compiled here some of the more detailed resources we've been able to find. 

 

Disproportionality in Special Education

The disproportionate representation of racial and ethnic minorities in special education and the inequities in educational opportunities are among the most critical issues faced by the U.S. public school system in the past 30 years. A child's race and ethnicity significantly influence the child's probability of being misidentified, misclassified, and inappropriately placed in special education programs.  www.emstac.org (From home page, go to Resources, then Disproportionality.) Also see the Civil Rights Project at Harvard University:

http://www.civilrightsproject.harvard.edu/research/specialed/IDEA_paper02.php

 

Dispute Resolution:  FL DOE site

This site provides information on Dispute Resolution, Mediation, State Complaints, and Due Process.

http://www.fldoe.org/ese/resolution.asp

 

Eligibility Categories for IDEA

Listing of disabilities and conditions (with definitions) that qualify a child to receive services through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.      IDEA Categories [Word]     IDEA Categories [Adobe pdf]

 

Evaluation:  Independent Evaluations at District Expense Under I.D.E.A.

From the Journal of Law and Education, April 2009.  [Adobe pdf document]

http://vlex.com/source/4158/issue_nbr/%2338%232

 

Families of Kids with Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Inc.

Supports child and teen mental health by empowering West Central Florida families through increased community awareness, stigma reduction programs, as well as training and education for family members. We passionately strive to involve the whole community in education, care and support programs to reduce stigma and increase self-confidence so all youth may openly be accepted and understood for who they are.  www.familiesofkids.org

 

Families Against Restraint and Seclusion

"This blog site and the work we are doing is dedicated to the many children who have lost their lives or been physically, mentally, and/or emotionally harmed by restraint, seclusion, and other abusive practices in public schools, and to the parents, family, and friends who love these children." 

National Site:  http://familiesagainstrestraintandseclusion.blogspot.com/

Florida Site:  http://floridafamiliesagainstrestraint.blogspot.com/

 

Family Cafe 2007 Questions & Answers Book

Every year The Family Cafe puts together a resource guide called the Questions & Answers Book. The idea behind this publication is to take actual questions from real families and pass them along to the state agencies that can answer them. The entire 2007 Questions & Answers Book is available online in pdf format, at the website, www.FamilyCafe.net. You can also view the Questions & Answers Book from every year since 2004 by visiting Family Cafe's online publication library.

 

Family Involvement Network of Educators (FINE)

A community of thousands of educators, practitioners, policymakers, and researchers dedicated to strengthening family–school–community partnerships. http://www.hfrp.org/

 

The Family Village

The Family Village is a web site for children and adults with disabilities, their families, and their friends and allies. Family Village brings together thousands of online resources in a organized, easy-to-use directory.   http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/

 

Family Web 2.0

Family Web offers parents tangible resources on the topics of education, inclusion, and advocacy that are rated by parents who have reviewed them together in family group meetings. These resources are not just links to other websites, but are downloadable/printable materials that are both usable and accessible. These “Consumer Reports” allow parents to save time and energy in researching the best and most appropriate resources for their son or daughter with a disability. Family Web also provides support in the form of videos and real life testimonials.

http://www.familyweb2.org/

 

Father Involvement

Over the past several years, many initiatives have been started to foster the positive involvement of fathers with their children.  The National Child Care Information Center (NCCIC), a program of the Administration for Children and Families, has produced a noteworthy list of organizations and resources that speak to a diverse population of men.  This website has loads of resources, articles, and links related to fathers and education.

http://nccic.org/poptopics/fatherinvolvement.html

 

Federation for the Blind 2009 Convention Highlights

Topics include Policies to Enhance Employment, Inclusion, Safety, and Productivity; The Value of a Coin, of a Communication System, and of a Class of Human Beings; Expanding Access to Digital Information for the Blind and much more!  http://www.nfb.org/nfb/National_Convention_Highlights.asp?SnID=679394514

 

Florida Center for Inclusive Communities (FCIC)

The FCIC is a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service or UCEDD.  FCIC focuses on research and evaluation, theory, policy, capacity building, and practice in the areas of: Community Supports, Early Childhood, Transition, Education, Employment, Health, Interdisciplinary Training, Public Policy, and Cultural Competence.  http://flfcic.fmhi.usf.edu/

 

Florida Association of Partners in Education (FAPE)

Non-profit professional organization dedicated to enhancing student learning by building and maintaining effective community and school partnerships.   www.flpie.net

 

Florida Father's Network

Involving fathers in the lives of children with disabilities.  Providing a forum for fathers to learn, voice their thoughts and network with other fathers.  http://www.flafathers.com/

 

Florida Kids

Your kids can learn about Florida's cultures, settlement, and facts about our great state.  This site can provide you with knowledge to help with your Florida projects and assignments. You can learn about Florida's people from 12,000 years ago to the present, people of all cultures who have made our state their home. You can also find out Florida's state symbols like the state bird or the state song. http://dhr.dos.state.fl.us/kids/

 

Florida - Kids Miami Dade

Beautiful and fun site for kids.  Learn about Miami Dade County, get homework help, learn about nature and the sea, play fun games and more. http://kids.miamidade.gov/

 

Florida's Positive Behavior Support Project

This project is designed to support teachers, administrators, related services personnel, family members, and outside agency personnel in building district-wide capacity to address challenging behavior exhibited by students in regular and special education programs.

Website:  www.flpbs.fmhi.usf.edu

 

Florida Statutes and State Board of Education Rules

  Excerpts for Special Programs:       http://www.fldoe.org/ese/pdf/1b-stats.pdf         

 

Fostering Self-Esteem and Resiliency in Kids with AD/HD and Learning Disabilities

Loads of resources and articles from SchwabLearning.org. 

http://www.schwablearning.org/resources.aspx?g=2&s=2

 

FYI Transition

A new resource from the FL DD Council, FYI Transition is a new website designed principally for families - parents and students - to teach them about transition and employment.  While it is still a work in progress, there are links to stories about students and their jobs and information on transition planning. It also has a discussion board and the availability of on-line courses.

www.fyitransition.com

 

A Guide for Transition to Adulthood (for students on the Autism Spectrum)

Downloadable on the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) website.  Also available:  A Parent's Guide to Autism and An Educator's Guide to Autismhttp://www.researchautism.org/resources/reading/index.asp

 

Healthcare Transitions Resources

The mission of the Health Care Transition Initiative at the University of Florida is to increase awareness of, gain knowledge about, and promote cooperative efforts to improve the process transitioning from child-centered (pediatric) to adult oriented health care. Our vision is to improve the transition process for all adolescents and young adults, although our current efforts focus on those with disabilities and special health care needs.

http://hctransitions.ichp.edu/

 

IDEA 2004 Parent Guide 

User-friendly guide created by the National Center on Learning Disabilities (NCLD.) 

download pdf        link to NCLD website

 

IDEA Partnership

The IDEA Partnership is a national organization dedicated to improving outcomes for students and youth with disabilities by joining state agencies and stakeholders through shared work and learning.  The IDEA Partnership is devoted to stimulating new ways for stakeholders- administrators, service providers, family members, policymakers, and other interested individuals – to work together on issues related to IDEA 2004 that are shared across states and districts; across roles and relationships.  To accomplish this goal, the IDEA Partnership provides opportunities for stakeholders to move beyond information and build shared meaning; to go beyond dissemination to joint understanding and action.www.ideapartnership.org/

 

IDEA - Section 504:  Basic Similarities and Differences

From Wrightslaw.  This article will familiarize parents with why and how Section 504 impacts the education of children with disabilities; illustrate some of the differences between Section 504 and IDEA; and provide a basic explanation of "how Section 504 works."  http://www.wrightslaw.com/advoc/articles/504_IDEA_Rosenfeld.html

 

IDEA - Section 504 Flow Chart       Word    Adobe pdf

 

Individualized Education Program/ I.E.P. - OSEP Topical Brief on IDEA Regulations [10/4/06]

The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) under the Federal Department of Education is responsible for administering IDEA through policy development and monitoring in each state.  download pdf

 

I.E.P Team Meetings and Changes to the I.E.P. - OSEP Topical Brief on IDEA Regulations [10/4/06]

The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) under the Federal Department of Education is responsible for administering IDEA through policy development and monitoring in each state.  download pdf

 

IRIS Online Dictionary

This glossary of terms related to the field of special education has been fully updated with new definitions and now includes a cross-referencing feature that makes the resource easier to use and more informative than ever. To get started using the IRIS Online Dictionary, go to http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/onlinedictionary.html

or visit the IRIS Resource Locator http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/resources.html

and click on the dictionary icon.

 

John M. McKay Scholarship Program for Students with Disabilities
A school choice program of the Florida Department of Education for students with special needs.
Toll Free Parent Hotline: 1-800-447-1636  http://www.opportunityschools.org/

 

K12 Academics

K12 Academics has established itself in the education community by creating influential and valuable information for teachers, students, parents & districts officials involved in the K-12 education system.  Lots of resources on lots of different topics.  http://www.k12academics.com/

 

Kids.gov

U.S. government interagency Kids' Portal. This site was developed and is maintained by the Federal Citizen Information Center. It provides links to Federal kids' sites along with some of the best kids' sites from other organizations all grouped by subject. Your kids will explore, learn, and have fun !  www.kids.gov

 

Major Areas of Interest

New Florida DOE requirements for students entering 9th grade concerning selection of electives and major areas of interest.  From presentation by the FL Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services. 

It's A Major Opportunity! [pdf]

 

Mathematics and Science Department / FL DOE

Resource for students, parents, and teachers. 

http://www.fldoestem.org/center13.aspx

 

Matthew Cohen Publications

Illinois attorney well known for his work in special education law and extensive experience in health care and mental health law.  Mr. Cohen is affiliated with many organizations including; National CHADD, Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA), Friends of Special Education, Stepping Out (support organization for young adults with learning disabilities), Ed-Law, LD Online, Children's Behavioral Alliance. 

http://www.monahan-cohen.com   (Go to "Publications & Articles from left navigation bar)

 

Media Wise

Kids from preschool through high school are laying building blocks for success in school and life. They include self-discipline, the ability to delay gratification, perseverance, imagination, and respect. Study after study shows that poor media habits undermine every single one of these building blocks. Instead of being given the tools and experiences they need to succeed, more and more kids are shaped by a media culture that promotes more, easy, fast, fun, violence and disrespect.  www.mediafamily.org

 

Military K-12 Partners

MilitaryK12Partners offers resources, like Special Education Modules, to assist schools that serve military families. Students at the Center, an educational resource that provides information on important policies, procedures and best practices is also located on the site, as well as links to many resources developed by other government and non-government agencies.  http://militaryk12partners.dodea.edu

 

National Association of Parents with Children in Special Education (NAPCSE)

Extensive resource library of sites and topics that have been identified by special education teachers as being the most relevant issues faced in the field (i.e. setting up your classroom, classroom management, assistive technology, high stakes testing, IEP development, learning styles assessment, terminology).  http://www.napcse.org/resources/categories.php

 

National Center for Culturally Responsive Educational Systems (NCCRESt)

A project funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs, provides technical assistance and professional development to close the achievement gap between students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and their peers, and reduce inappropriate referrals to special education. The project targets improvements in culturally responsive practices, early intervention, literacy, and positive behavioral supports.  Includes resources for addressing disproportionality in special education.

www.nccrest.org

 

Needs Assessment Students Age 17-21 with Significant Disabilities (2003) (Online Training) 

On-Campus Outreach, an OSEP funded outreach project at the University of Maryland has created an online training module on Needs Assessment for Students with Significant Disabilities. http://www.education.umd.edu/oco/oco_training_modules/

 

No Child Left Behind: Determining Appropriate Assessment Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Assessment accommodations help people with learning disabilities display their skills accurately on examinations. No Child Left Behind: Determining Appropriate Assessment Accommodations tells teachers how to test the true knowledge of their students. Don't test their ability to write quickly if you want to see their science skills! Parents, these pointers will help you assure that your children are tested fairly. See the Accommodations and Modifications section for more information.  From LD Online: www.ldonline.org

 

(click here for Resources O through Z)

 

We are continuing to add information to this portion of the website.  If you would like to suggest an article, resource, helpful website or publication, please e-mail candace@cflparents.org

 

 

 

By Location   For Parents    For Students    ListServs  ◊  e-Newsletter

Bulletin Board/Chat  ◊  Resources  ◊  Organizations  ◊  State Agencies   

 

 

Hit Counter

 

 

 

By Location   For Parents    For Students    ListServs  ◊  e-Newsletter

Bulletin Board/Chat  ◊  Resources  ◊  Organizations  ◊  State Agencies