Inclusion Resources

The Progress in the General Curriculum (PGC) Network, in collaboration with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) focused on all students with disabilities gaining access to and showing progress in the general curriculum. The PGC Network created resources to assist educators and administrators in developing appropriate IEPs for students with disabilities.  The Progress in the General Curriculum Network is no longer active.  The Inclusion in Texas Network will continue the work originally developed by the PGC network.   

New Resource

New Resource

The Inclusion in Texas Network will continue this work originally developed by the PGC Network.

  • Assistive Technology Internet Modules (ATIM): AT For School Age

    Assistive Technology Internet Modules (ATIM) is designed to provide high-quality information and professional development on assistive technology (AT). Each module guides the viewer  through case studies, instructional videos, pre- and post-assessments, a glossary, and much more. Module topics include: (1) AT Assessment Process in the School Environment; (2) AT Consideration in the IEP Process; (3) AT for Administrators; (4) AT Implementation; (5) AT Supports and Services in the IEP; (6) Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) / Speech-to-Text; and (7) Navigating Accessible Instructional Materials.

    Free, Viewer needs to create an account, Self-Paced, estimated completion 1 hour, Project of OCALI, Ohio

     

    National Center on Accessible Educational Materials: Making Everyday Curriculum Materials Accessible for All Learners Online Course

    This online course is focused on strategies to help improve the accessibility of the materials your students use for learning.  Module topics include: (1) Introduction to Accessible Educational Materials and Technologies; (2) How to Make Documents Accessible; (3) How to Locate Captioned Videos and Create Captions; (4) How to Find Specialized Formats of Print Materials;  and (5) How to Select Accessible Digital Materials.

    Free, Self-paced

     

    Texas Assistive Technology Network: Assistive Technology in Texas School Series

    The Assistive Technology in Texas Schools Series contains 10 online modules builds knowledge and skills in Assistive Technology (AT) service delivery at various levels. The content of each module directly supports the legal mandate of IDEA 2004 that requires that AT devices and services be provided to a student with disabilities if required as a part of the student’s Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).

    Free, Self-paced, TATN Network

     

    Texas Assistive Technology Network (TATN) Recorded Webinars

    The Texas Assistive Technology Network (TATN) has collaborated with other statewide organizations and national speakers to offer informative webinars centered around assistive technology.

    Free, have to download Blackboard Collaborate Launcher to view the recorded webinars

     

    Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Assistive Technology Video Collection

    This collection of videos guides the viewer through common barriers related to literacy, social, organization, and writing skills for individuals with ASD. Each video provides the viewer with information about the barriers, the AT assessment process, and case studies that highlight various ages, skill levels and potential AT solutions.

    Free, self-paced, Each video is 1 hour, Ohio

  • Introduction to Intensive Intervention

    The National Center on Intensive Intervention has developed this interactive self-paced module that:

    • defines intensive intervention and DBI; 
    • describes how intensive intervention fits within a tiered system such as MTSS, RTI, or PBIS; and
    • demonstrates how intensive intervention can provide a systemic process to deliver specialized instruction for students with disabilities. 
    Free, self-paced (average completion time: 45 minutes-1 hour)

     

    Intensive Intervention (Part 1): Using Data-Based Individualization To Intensify Instruction

    This online module overviews data-based individualization and provides information about adaptations for intensifying and individualizing instruction. 

    Free, self-paced (average completion time: 3 hours), Vanderbilt University, Tennessee

     

    Intensive Intervention (Part 2): Collecting and Analyzing Data for Data-Based Individualization

    This online module offers information on making data-based instructional decisions and provides strategies for collecting and analyzing progress monitoring and diagnostic assessment data in reading and math. 

    Free, self-paced (average completion time: 3 hours), Vanderbilt University, Tennessee

     

    Getting Ready to Implement Intensive Intervention: Infrastructure for Data-Based Individualization

    This training module is designed to introduce schools interested in implementing intensive intervention to the infrastructure needed to implement data-based individualization (DBI). The training module is organized for school leaders to facilitate with school teams. The module includes presentation slides with integrated activities and handouts to help teams determine their readiness and develop an action plan for implementation. 

    Free, downloadable materials to organize training module. 

     

    Introduction to Data-Based Individualization (DBI): Considerations for Implementation in Academics and Behavior

    This training module provides a rationale for intensive intervention and an overview of data-based individualization (DBI).  Two case studies, one academic and one behavioral, are used to illustrate the process and highlight considerations for implementation. The training module is organized for a knowledgeable professional to facilitate with professional staff. The module includes presentation slides with integrated activities and provides suggested activities to support the understanding and application of training content.

    Free, downloadable materials to organize training module. 

     

    Intensifying Interventions for Struggling Students through Data-Based Individualization in Academics

    This recorded webinar provides a foundational understanding and an overview of the data-based individualization process (DBI). Viewers will learn the essential components of the DBI process while relevant student examples in academics are modeled.  

    Free, self-paced, 52 minutes

     

    DBI Professional Learning Series

    This series of professional learning modules are designed to assist district or school teams involved in initial planning or implementation of data-based individualization (DBI) as a framework for providing intensive intervention in academics and behavior. The individual learning modules are targeted and  provide an overview of the DBI process and more in-depth exploration of the various components of DBI. The modules are designed to be delivered by a trained, knowledgeable professional. Presentation slides or videos, handouts, and a coaching guide with suggested coaching activities are provided.

     

    Introduction to Intensive Intervention in Reading

    This online module focuses on intensive intervention in reading and answers the questions, (1) why is intensive intervention in reading important? and (2) how does data-based individualization (DBI) apply to reading?

    Free, self-paced, Downloadable materials

     

    Intensive Interventions in Mathematics Course

    This online course contains 8 modules that provides viewers with an opportunity to extend their understanding of intensive instruction through in-depth exposure to Data Based Individualization (DBI) in mathematics, complete with exemplars from actual classroom teachers.

    Free, self-paced Downloadable materials, UCONN

  • Inclusion: Practices for Administrators

    This online training module introduces campus administrators to special education inclusive practices. Administrators will receive an overview of different inclusive support models such as Co-Teaching, Facilitated Support, In-Class Support, and Consultation. Case studies featuring inclusion practices and outcomes for students with disabilities are also provided.

    1 hour of time, Free, Course ID 72703

     

    The ARD Process - What Effective Administrators Need to Know

    This online course provides school administrators essential background and explanation of the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) process for students with disabilities. Explore the most effective strategies to implement before, during, and after an ARD meeting to ensure legal compliance. Learn best practice tips at each stage to improve communication and collaboration at campus meetings.

    2 hours of Credit, Free, Course ID 72704

     

    Sensitivity When Collaborating with Students with Disabilities and Families 2019-2020

    This self-paced course will review critical elements of sensitivity that will help educators collaborate with students with disabilities and their families. The module is organized into two sections, the Critical Elements of Sensitivity and Sensitivity in the Individualized Education Program process, that build on each other to provide a quality learning experience. The intended audience are educators who work with students with disabilities and their families, but other personnel, including parents, are welcome to participate.

    1 hour of time, Free, Course ID 71648

     

    Creating an Inclusive School Environment: A Model for School Leaders

    Through this self-paced online course, viewers will understand the concept of inclusion and why it is important, possess the knowledge required to lead the change to create an inclusive school environment, understand how to create a climate for inclusion, and recognize how to sustain an inclusive school environment.

    Free, self-paced, estimated completion time 2 hours, Vanderbilt University, Tennessee

  • Inclusion

    Creating an Inclusive School Environment: A Model for School Leaders

    Through this self-paced online course, viewers will understand the concept of inclusion and why it is important, possess the knowledge required to lead the change to create an inclusive school environment, understand how to create a climate for inclusion, and recognize how to sustain an inclusive school environment.

    Free, self-paced, estimated completion time 2 hours, Vanderbilt University, Tennessee

     

    Reading

    Instructional Strategies in Literacy: Phonemic Awareness

    This online module is designed to increase the viewer's knowledge and skills in current practices in the area of Literacy. Viewers will learn what phonemic awareness is, why it is important and how to improve their students' skills in this area. 

    Free, self-paced, Need to create an account, Virginia

     

    Introduction to Intensive Intervention in Reading

    This online module focuses on intensive intervention in reading and answers the questions, (1) why is intensive intervention in reading important? and (2) how does data-based individualization (DBI) apply to reading?

    Free, self-paced, Downloadable materials

     

    Qualitative Adaptations for Teaching Comprehension

    This online module provides strategies on how to adapt comprehension instruction to improve instructional modeling, provide practice opportunities, elicit frequent responses, and give effective feedback.

    Free, self-paced

     

    Qualitative Adaptations for Teaching Word Reading

    This online module provides strategies on how to adapt word reading instruction to improve instructional modeling, student practice, and approaches to giving feedback.

    Free, self-paced

     

    National Center on Improving Literacy's Phonological & Phonemic Awareness Toolkit

    The Phonological & Phonemic Awareness Toolkit helps teachers and families understand the difference between phonemic and phonological awareness and how to support a child's development of these important reading skills. The toolkit includes online tutorials, instructional videos, and supporting materials.

    Free, downloadable materials

     

     

    National Center on Improving Literacy's Alphabetic Principles & Phonics Toolkit

    The Alphabetic Principles & Phonics Toolkit helps teachers and families understand what the alphabetic principle and phonics are and how to support a child's development of these important reading skills. The toolkit includes online tutorials, instructional videos, expert advice, and supporting materials.

    Free, downloadable materials

     

     

    Texas Adolescent Literacy Academy Instructional Videos for Middle School Teachers

    This video series demonstrates research-based instructional reading strategies in middle school classrooms. Topics include:

    • Generating Questions (Comprehension)
    • Fluency Instruction
    • Morphemic Analysis (Vocabulary)
    • Syllable Structure (Decoding)
    • Summarization
    • Main Idea (Comprehension)
    • Anticipation-Reaction Guides (Comprehension)
    • Frayer Model (Vocabulary)
    • Explicit Instruction

    Free, University of Texas at Austin

     

    Using Research to Inform Literacy Instruction: Do Children Learn to Read Naturally?

    This online module addresses the question, “I think that learning to read is like learning to speak. It's developed through a process that all children naturally go through. Isn't this correct?” This online module addresses this question detailing how research should inform the practice of what planning for and providing effective literacy instruction should look like.

    Free, 31 minutes, University of Texas at Austin

     

    Using Research to Inform Literacy Instruction: How Should We Teach Students to Read Unknown Words?

    This online module responds to questions educators frequently ask when planning for and providing effective literacy instruction. The intent of the online module is to address the research behind the questions to inform literacy instruction. The module answers the questions: (1) Should I teach students to use semantics and syntax to read words they don’t know? (2) Should I teach students to guess a word based on pictures, context, and/or the first letter of the word? (3) When a student struggles with the alphabetic principle, should the student practice reading decodable texts, leveled/predictable texts, or both?

    Free, 36 minutes, University of Texas at Austin

     

    Phonological Awareness: Research-Based Practices

    This online module provides research-based methods for developing students’ phonological awareness from prekindergarten through the early elementary grades.

    Free, 36 minutes, University of Texas at Austin

     

    Math

    Supporting Mathematics Intervention in Elementary School

    This collection of training modules are designed for elementary school leaders, teachers, interventionists and instructional coaches to build their capacity to students who require intervention in mathematics. Training module topics include: (1) Basic Facts and Computations: Building Fluency and Conceptual Understanding; (2) Early Numeracy Intervention (Grades 1 and 2); (3) Focus on Counting and Place-Value Concepts; and (4) Fraction Concepts and Procedures.

    Free, self-paced, Downloadable materials

     

    Supporting Mathematics Intervention in Middle School

    This collection of training modules are designed for middle school leaders, teachers, interventionists and instructional coaches to build their capacity to students who require intervention in mathematics. Training module topics include: (1) Basic Facts and Computations. Building Fluency and Conceptual Understanding; (2) Connecting Intervention and Core Instruction. Instructional Strategies to Bridge Skills that Lead to Success; (3) Mathematics Word Problem Solving in late Elementary and Middle School. Evidence-based Strategies and Approaches for Teaching Problem Solving; and (4) Using Academic Progress Monitoring for Individualized Instructional Planning and Goal Setting in Mathematics. 

    Free, self-paced, Downloadable materials

     

    Mathematics Strategies to Support Intensifying Interventions

    The instructional videos, lessons, activities and examples in this training series are organized around six mathematics skill areas that are aligned to college– and career-ready standards. They incorporate several instructional principles that may help intensify and individualize mathematics instruction to assist teachers working with students who have difficulty with mathematics, including students receiving special education services. Math skills include: (1) Number Sense Counting; (2) Basic Facts; (3) Place Value Concepts; (4) Place Value Computation; (5) Fractions as Numbers; and (6) Computation of Fractions.

    Free, self-paced, Downloadable materials

  • Weaving the UDL Framework with Specially Designed Instruction: A Beautiful Tapestry

    This recorded webinar discusses how Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) work together for student success. Viewers will understand that SDI is more than accommodations, identify the commonalities of SDI and UDL, and explain the importance of the planning process incorporating UDL and SDI.  

    Free, 30 minutes, Ohio

    FREE Online Professional Development 

    Universal Design for Learning 

     

    Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework that offers an approach to designing a learning environment that considers the wide range of learner variability.  The five UDL online modules provide professional development for educators who want to learn about and implement the UDL framework. 

    Participants have 30 days to complete each module and can receive up to 30 CPEs if they complete all five modules (6 CPEs per module).  To register, click on the module title below or go to the ESC-Region 4 professional development webpage.  

    UDL Module 1: Universal Design for Learning Overview 
    In this module, you will gain an understanding of the need for UDL in today’s classrooms. You will be introduced to the key vocabulary, foundational concepts, and perspective needed to fully grasp the complexity and significance of the UDL Framework. 

    UDL Module 2: The UDL Framework
    In this module, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the UDL framework, including its structure, curricular components, and the research behind it. You will understand the alignment between the 3-brain networks for learning and the three UDL guiding principles.

    UDL Module 3: The Engagement Principle
    In this module, you will take a deep dive into the UDL principle of Multiple Means of Engagement and the associated checkpoints. Through scenarios, examples, and activities, you will explore sample lesson plans and apply your understanding of how and when to utilize the UDL strategies associated with this principle.

    UDL Module 4: Multiple Means of Representation
    In this module, you will take a deep dive into the UDL principle of Multiple Means of Representation and the associated checkpoints. Through scenarios, examples and activities, you will explore sample lesson plans and apply your understanding of how and when to utilize the UDL strategies associated with this principle.

    UDL Module 5:  Multiple Means of Action and Representation 
    In this module, you will take a deep dive into the UDL principle of Multiple Means of Action and Expression and the associated checkpoints. Through scenarios, examples, and activities, you will explore sample lesson plans and apply your understanding of how and when to utilize the UDL strategies associated with this principle. 

    Universal Design for Learning: Creating a Learning Environment that Challenges and Engages All Students

    This self-paced learning module examines the three principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and discusses how to apply these principles to the four curricular components: goals, instructional materials, instructional methods, and assessments. 

    Free, self-paced (average 2.5 hours), Vanderbilt University, Tennessee.  Create an account to receive a certificate for completed modules.  

     

    OCALI Universal Design for Learning Webinar Series

    OCALI's Universal Design for Learning Center has produced 15 recorded webinars that focus on the principles of Universal Design for Learning to help remove barriers to learning through purposeful planning that leads to meaningful instruction for all students.  

    Free, webinars are 25-30 minutes each, Ohio State University & Department of Education, Ohio.  Some of OCALI's professional development opportunities offer certificates of completion.  

     

    CEEDAR: Universal Design for Learning Course Enhancement Module

    Viewers will develop a deep understanding of how to design instruction, environments, and assessment using the principles and guidelines that make up the Universal Design for Learning framework.  

    Free, self-paced, University of Florida

     

    Universally Designed Leadership: A Transfer of Power

    This recorded webinar is intended for instructional leaders and discusses the challenges of implementing UDL and the strategies needed to create a more inclusive, equitable, and effective learning environment  by putting the UDL framework into practice system-wide.

    Free, 59 minutes

     

    Elevating Co-Teaching Through UDL

    Join Elizabeth Stein in this recorded webinar, author of Elevating Co-Teaching Through UDL, as she discusses how Universal Design for Learning can transform and enhance the learning process for every learner in the room, including co-teachers!
    Elizabeth will guide the viewer to look beyond the traditional co-teaching models and learn new strategies that can take your practice to the next level with the UDL framework.

    Free, 59 minutes

     

    UDL NOW! Applying Universal Design for Learning in Today’s Classrooms

    Join Katie Novak in this recorded webinar, author of UDL Now! as she discusses and guides the viewer to learn about the importance of involving students in the design and delivery of their instruction, supported by practical tools and strategies to help you begin applying these concepts immediately.

    Free, 59 minutes

This list of accessibility tools is intended to be used as a reference for educators and families. It describes tools that align with accommodations that may be included in some Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Section 504 Accommodation Plans, and/or linguistic accommodations for English learners. This is not an exhaustive list of accommodations or support tools; it is simply a list of free high leverage tools.

 

  • Project Managers, Inclusion in Texas Network

    Cara Wyly
    (210) 370-5413

    Bianca Cole
    (210) 370-5452