** Check out MIDCDD Position Statement on CRITICAL SHORTAGE below
Assessments & Accommodations
Committee Messages
Communication Chair: Amanda Hopkins
The top resource for all speech language pathologists should be the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). You can access a multitude of resources at www.asha.org . Below you will find a handful of resources to support your assessment needs:
  1. Resources for School-Based SLPs (https://www.asha.org/SLP/schools/Resources-for-school-based-SLPs/) This is a vast resource for finding relevant information directly related to SLPs working in the schools
  2. Assessment and Evaluation of Speech Language Disorders in Schools https://www.asha.org/SLP/Assessment-and-Evaluation-of-Speech-Language-Disorders-in-Schools/ ASHA practice policy documents, research/EBP, and resources
  3. Common Core State Standards: A Resource for SLPs https://www.asha.org/SLP/schools/Common-Core-State-Standards/ A resource specifically geared towards SLPs to help you navigate connecting speech and language goals to the common core
  4. ASHA Practice Portal https://www.asha.org/practice-portal/ This website is designed to help facilitate clinical decisions and increase practice efficiency. It provides a multitude of resources.
  5. ASHA Evidence Maps https://www.asha.org/Evidence-Maps/ This website will help you find the latest evidence about a particular topic or diagnosis. 
PAPERWORK!!
Assessments mean more paperwork and more time spent on the computer. One way to make report writing quicker is to have a template for each test you give. This allows you to type in the relevant information for your particular student, but you wont have to retype all of the standard information. Check out Home Speech Home ( https://www.home-speech-home.com/speech-therapy-test-descriptions.html) for a list of test descriptions. 
Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing Chair: Pamela Cross
Assessments are the data that drive our Individual Education Plan (IEP) and assisting in developing accommodations are key in not only supporting our students, but to support the classroom teachers and support the parents.  
I would like to bring the law to the forefront as well. The following resources you may find helpful.
Karen Anderson

MDE-LIO
https://mdelio.org/deaf-hard-of-hearing/laws-rules-regulations  In this link you will find the information to the law.

National Association of the Deaf

Perkins School for the Blind

Resource Materials and Technology Center for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing
Accommodations/Modifications
Multiple Exceptionalities Chair: Megan Chmura
Many professionals would argue that setting high expectations for all types of students will benefit them greatly as they progress through school and life. I would agree. However, setting students up with appropriate assessments and accommodations will only help them to excel. When choosing accommodations, it is important to recognize that the accommodation is being made so that the student can fully and equally participate in the assessments .
State & District Assessments

Michigan has a variety of State and District Assessments. Since all students are so different, especially those with Multiple Exceptionalities, it is important not to limit yourself to a set list. If you are thinking about any student in particular, review any of the following documents so that you are able to successfully craft accommodations for assessments that are most appropriate.


Accommodations
There are multiple resources with accommodation suggestions. Check out these for complete lists:
The FOUR main categories when looking at accommodations.

Timing/ Scheduling Accommodations
Setting Accommodations
Presentation Accommodations
Response Accommodations

What's New?
POSITION STATEMENT
Critical Shortage of School Professionals: Solutions to Support Students with Varying Modes of Communication
School professionals at critical shortage levels in State of Michigan, state supports currently available, and additional supports for their local districts/counties to consider in the future.
** ACTION NEEDED **
2019 Board Nominations

( win you a day at 2019 MCEC Conference by submission-see below)
Do you know

an outstanding representative for students; a professional leader; a colleague who has inspired you with their passion?



MiDCDD will be accepting nominations between
December 20, 2018 - January 31, 2019
for the following 2019-2021 Board Member Positions:

President Elect
Treasurer
Secretary

New positions take effect July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2021 .
Nominations DO NOT need to be a current MCEC MiDCDD members to be nominated however will need to become a member by June 30, 2019
New Board Members announced during the MiDCDD Membership Meeting held Friday, March 8th at the 79th Annual MCEC Conference.
FREE Day at the MCEC Conference in March, 2019
Look for your opportunity to win
one full day at the
2019 79th Annual MCEC Conference
in Grand Rapids,Michigan.

You will the have a choice between
Thursday, March 7th OR
Friday, March 8th.

To qualify
you only need to submit a nomination for a future
MiDCDD Board Member.



Survey coming to you in December, 2018.
Drawing winner announced February 1, 2019
What's for Sale?
$12 shipping included
MiDCDD is closing out stock to make way for new. These utility bags are handy for itinerant staff, support staff, teachers who move class to class or regular toiletries. Fill these pockets with supplies you need such as classroom, hearing aid maintenance, student reinforcements, etc. (size: H 5.5"x L 10.5" x W 4"; opened H 21"). ") Bags come in red and blue.

Send check made out to: Michigan CEC
Michigan DCDD
14462 Stratford Court
Shelby Township, MI 48315

** With your check please include bag color(s), name, address, phone number and email contacts .
**Proceeds go to high school senior scholarship and professional learning funds
still growing
Virtual Professional Field Trip
Ever wonder, " What are they doing in their district/county? " Ever wish you could spend some time visiting different programs or teachers?

So do we!!
MiDCDD has a way
to make that happen!

What Would This Look Like?
A Tour of your school(s), Classroom(s) and/or Program
A special instructional lesson
Exciting event "in your neck of the woods"
Sharing a teaching strategy/tool from your tool box
Just a few examples...

How long does the clip have to be?
5 minutes or longer

How will this be shared?
Via the Michigan CEC Youtube Channel slated to MiDCDD Members

We look forward to learning about/from you! Contact us at  michigandcdd@gmail.com
This is a new year.
A new beginning.
And things will change.
-Taylor Swift