MITTIN Memo 8.11.23

'Strengthening a Learner's Transition to Independence'

Welcome to the MITTIN Memo

Just this past week I was able to see the MITTIN booth and a presentation about MITTIN at the MAASE Summer Institute. It was fantastic! This was also an opportunity for over 770 educators from around the State of Michigan to learn about MITTIN. It was exciting to see districts, ISD and community agencies asking for implementation support and professional development to launch MITTIN resources with their teachers and students. If you are interested in learning more about MITTIN and how it can support your learner's transition to independence, visit our website: mittin.org .

Best Regards,

Dr. Derek Cooley,

MITTIN Committee Chair

Historic Education Funding

On Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at Suttons Bay High School, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and key leaders from all around the State of Michigan including MITTIN's own Abby Cypher, MAASE Executive Director and Dr. Derek Cooley, Godwin Heights Special Educator Director and MITTIN Committee Chair gathered for the signing of the State School Aid Budget. Thank you for all you do to support students.

MITTIN & MCEC @ MAASE Summer Institute

MITTIN kicked-off the 23-24 school year connecting with over 770 educators at the MAASE Summer Institute on August 6-9th, at the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme, Michigan. As you can see from the picture above, we are fortunate to not only to have MCEC as a partner in the MITTIN work -- they are also our booth neighbor at conferences. It is such a wonderful way to collaboratively support teachers and students.

For four days, MCEC & MITTIN were able to connect with special educators from around Michigan, having them experience and learn more about MITTIN resources, professional learning opportunitites, and also give us feedback on how to better connect and share this work. Thank you to - Dr. Lois Vaughan-Hussain, Ann Walton, Jenn Smith, Ashleigh Moro, Jenna Kogut and Richard Gregory - the amazing presenters and booth facilitators who continue to strengthen this work in support of student learning. We so appreciate you and all you do for kids and MITTIN.

Congratulations are in order!

Dr. Daniel Quinn has joined management as he has been promoted to the position of Chief Strategy Officer at Public Policy Associates (PPA). We are fortunate that he will continue to be part of our MITTIN Leadership Team.

Congratulations Dan!

Newly released MITTIN One-Touch Modules

On July 31, 2023, our amazing designers at Great Lakes Reality Labs released our newest redesigned one-touch modules. 'Use an Oven' and 'Change a Lightbulb' are now available along with all of MITTIN topics and can be found on STEAM, the Google Play Store or can be downloaded via a zip file at mittin.org.

Use an Oven

When the learner begins the module, they will find themselves in the kitchen. They will be baking a frozen pizza using the oven. The module will track their progress and provide feedback on their performance based on the specified task analysis and grading criteria.

Instructional Steps Include:

Wash hands prior to handling food.
Review the instructions on the pizza box.
Preheart oven to 400 degrees
Following instructions, remove pizza from the box and place the pizza on the baking sheet.
Put on oven glove.
Place the pizza in the oven and shut the oven door.
As the directions specify, bake pizza for 18-25 minutes.
Using the oven glove, take the pizza out of the oven.
Turn off the oven.
Close the oven door.

Change a Light Bulb

When the learner begins the module, they will find themselves in a living room. They will be tasked with replacing a burnt out light bulb. The module will track their progress and provide feedback on their performance based on the specified task analysis and grading criteria.

Instructional Steps Include:

Unplug the cord to make sure there is no electricity to the lamp.
Remove the lamp shade.
Remove the burnt out light blub.
Throw away the old light bulb.
Install the new light bulb.
Replace the lamp shade.

MITTIN Partners

Michigan Association of Administration of Special Education (MAASE), Michigan Council for Exceptional Children (MCEC), Great Lakes Reality Labs (GLRL) and Public Policy Associates (PPA) are the four partner organizations which create MITTIN. Each partner brings unique skills to this work and when put together, creates an extraordinary collaboration. Over the next four MITTIN Memos, we will be highlighting a member from each partner organization who serves on the MITTIN Leadership Team.

MITTIN Leadership Team Member Spotlight

Abby Cypher

Ms. Abby Cypher is the Executive Director of the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE), a subdivision of the International Council for Administrators of Special Education (CASE). She has been a part of the MAASE organization since 2006, serving in various leadership roles including Chair of the Legislative Action Committee and Developing Leaders, as well as Board member and Past-President. Ms. Cypher spent fifteen years of her career as a special education administrator and was a school psychologist prior to that. She earned her BA from Michigan State University and her Master’s and Specialist in School Psychology from Central Michigan University. She earned her Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential through ASAE, the Center for Association Leadership. Her mission is to remove obstacles for educators so that they can do good work on behalf of the students they serve.

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 for 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: mittin.org

Safety and Independence at Home

MITTIN currently has seven 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

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: mittin.org