MITTIN Memo 5.17.24

'Strengthening a Learner's Transition to Independence'

Welcome to the MITTIN Memo

We are excited to share two newly released modules - Choosing Appropriate Clothing and Taking Out the Trash Bins, designed and developed by our MITTIN Partner -- Great Lakes Reality Labs. Below you will find the module objectives and a story overview. In this issue, we are also highlighting the MITTIN research happening in Ionia Public Schools under the direction of Dr. James Nuse. It is so great to see the generalization of skills from the MITTIN resources to independent living activities.

We are sharing back the survey data for the questions posed in the March MITTIN Memo. It was great to hear from so many MITTIN users and what they believe would be most important priorities to develop in order to support their learners.

In closing, we would like to congratulate Dr. Dan Quinn on his leadership role with MWERA. We simply have the most amazing people working on MITTIN.

Best Regards,

Dr. Derek Cooley,

MITTIN Committee Chair

MITTIN Resource Priority - Survey Results

In our March edition of the MITTIN Memo, a survey was launched to collect input on future MITTIN resource priorities. We were excited to hear from so many users of our innovative and digital resources. Examining the data three themes emerged: professional learning -- PLCs and a MITTIN Conference; increased accessibility -- web-based access and iOS compatibility; and more MITTIN modules. We are now determining costs and availability.

We also had some wonderful comments included in our survey.

"Love teaching again with MITTIN modules"

"These are wonderful resources that my students absolutely love. Can you make more?"

"Fantastic tools for my classroom. Thank you!"

"Where can I find more hands on training for teachers?"

"MITTIN has the best tools ever!"

Thank you to everyone who shared their priorities and input.

Congratulations Dr. Daniel Quinn

MWERA President-Elect

For the next three years, Dr. Daniel Quinn will take on the top leadership roles for MidWestern Educational Research Association (MWERA). MWERA is a member of the Consortium of State and Regional Educational Research Associations (SRERA), and supports the American Educational Research Association (AERA). Dr. Quinn is the Chief Strategy Office at Public Policy Associates and supports the MITTIN project as a partner and member of our Leadership Team. Congratulations Dr. Quinn!

Ionia Public Schools / Michigan State University

MITTIN Research Collaboration

Dr. James Nuse, Director of Special Education for Ionia Public Schools (IPS) has been collaborating with Michigan State University Professor, Dr. Emily Bouck and her research team for the 2023-2024 school year. Approximately nine different IPS students have participated in exploring MITTIN resources through single case design studies examining the efficacy of the MITTIN project. These students who currently receive specialized instruction within self-contained classrooms for mild cognitive impairment and autism, were evaluated for needed life skills which correspond to the skill available with the MITTIN modules. This research has documented positive results in that students are experiencing over 90% independent accuracy after about five sessions. This work has resulted in three research manuscripts being submitted for peer review with rigorous scholarly journals. IPS continues to collaborate with Dr. Bouck and her research team to expand this work in order to contribute to the development of this emerging evidence base and students are enjoying to generalization of skills from the MITTIN digital resources to the home and community. Below you will see students generalizing the skill they have learned by safely making a grilled cheese sandwich after mastering the "Use a Stove" MITTIN module.

Just released... Our Newest Module Topics

Taking out the Bins

This module begins in a garage with trash bins that need to be taken out to the curb. Over the course of a week, the player will reference a calendar to check which days the trash and recycling trucks come for pickup. They will need to place the bins outside so that they are at the curb when the respective truck comes around. When the week is over, a report will inform the player of any mistakes they made, such as leaving a bin outside or missing a pickup day.

Steps:

1. Reference calendar for pickup days

2. Take trash/recycling bin to the curb

3. Bring trash/recycling back into the garage

4. Advance days as necessary

Choosing Appropriate Clothing

In this module, players will find themselves in a bedroom with a window showcasing the weather outside. Based on the conditions they see, they will need to put together an appropriate outfit. The module spans four days, each with its own unique set of conditions. Once they have selected an outfit for all four days, they will be shown a report that will reflect how they did and display any mistakes they made along the way.

Steps:

1. Select upper-body clothing

2. Select lower-body clothing

3. Select footwear

4. Select outerwear

5. Advance to the next day

6. Repeat steps 1-4 until all days are finished

MITTIN Committee Member Spotlight

Tiffany Wright

Tiffany Wright is the Director of Student Services for Waverly Community Schools and a MITTIN Committee Member. She joined the district in 2016. In this role she collaborates with school staff to meet the individual needs of all students. Specifically, she is the Title 9 coordinator, OCR officer, McKiney Vinto liason, 504 coordinator, and oversees all special education programming. Outside of her in-district work she also serves as the chair of the MAASE LEA CoP. In this role she facilitates collaboration among special education administrators of local districts across the state. Tiffany has a passion for ensuring that students receive research based strategies to give them access to all school activities and that students are learning in the least restrictive environment based on individual needs. This work has included many staff trainings to challenge teachers to think outside of the box regarding how to best serve students by focusing on each student’s individual strengths. Most recently, she collaborated with the early childhood team to create a full inclusion preschool program.

2024 MAASE Summer Institute

Click here for information on the MAASE Summer Institute Conference

MITTIN Implementation & Networking

Over the next few weeks you can find us connecting with parents, agencies and educators to strengthening a learner's transition to independence at:

Washtenaw ISD

May 8th & 15th, 2024

St. Clair County RESA

May 14th, 2024

MITTIN Professional Learning

Lansing, Michigan

June 14 -15, 2024

MAASE Summer Institute

Grand Traverse Resort

August 11-14, 2024

What is MITTIN?

MITTIN – MIchigan Transition To INdependence is a dynamic collection of modules and curricular resources which foster the development of independent living skills in the home and community. Designed to support special education transition-related instruction, these resources are free and available to all parents, schools, educators and learners in Michigan. MITTIN is a partnership of the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE), Michigan Council for Exceptional Children (MCEC), Great Lakes Reality Labs (GLRL) and Public Policy Associates (PPA). These resources can be found at: maase.org/mittin

Safety and Independence at Home

MITTIN currently has nine topics which focus on strengthening skills which promote safety and independence at home.

Change a Light Bulb
Clean Flat Surfaces
Clean the Bedroom
Put Away Groceries
Use a Microwave
Use an Oven
Use a Stove
Taking out the Trash Bins
Selecting Appropriate Clothing

Safety and Independence in the Community

MITTIN currently has four topics which focus on strengthening skills which promote safety and independence in the community.

Cross the Street
Shop for Groceries
Walk Through a Parking Lot
Use Self-Checkout

For more information, visit our website: maase.org/mittin