News You Can Use

SST3 Updates, Resources, & Supports

November 2025 | Issue 42

Hello and Welcome!

Welcome to the SST3 newsletter! Each quarter, SST3 will share updates, educational topics that might be of interest to you, and upcoming professional development. We encourage you to review this information, share it with others, and visit our website for additional information. We also would appreciate learning of topics that would support your work.

Director's Message

Greetings!

As the academic year settles into full swing, our organization remains committed to supporting students, educators, and families through impactful job-embedded professional learning and coaching in the implementation of evidence-based instructional practices and intervention strategies to strengthen educational outcomes across Cuyahoga County—from early learning initiatives to postsecondary pathways.

Within this newsletter, you’ll find highlights and updates from within our county and from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and the Ohio Department of Children and Youth about current educational initiatives, upcoming events and dates, as well as new resources for families and educators.

Whether you're a teacher, administrator, parent, or advocate, we hope this newsletter provides valuable insight into the progress being made—and the work still ahead. Thank you for being part of a county-wide effort to ensure every learner has the tools and support they need to succeed.

With appreciation,

Michele Gaski

State Support Director for Region 3 (Cuyahoga County)

Improving Communicative Competence

Dr. Jacqui Kearns, Dr. Judy Page, and other guests will present a 7-part series, Communicative Competence, for the 2025-2026 year. See the flyer below for more details about the series. All sessions will be virtually from 4:00 to 5:00 pm (ET). To register, click here.

The series includes the following topics:

11/13/2025

The Communication Classroom

1/15/2026

Communication Partner Superheroes

2/19/2026

Communication Impacting Factors for Children with Motor and Sensory Integration

3/19/2026

Communication Impacting Factors for Children with Visual Impairment

4/16/2026

Communication Impacting Factors for Children with Hearing Impairment

Supporting Communicative Competence

NEWS YOU CAN USE

PBIS Online Learning Modules

New PBIS Tier 2 and Classroom Modules Now Available

As schools continue to strengthen PBIS implementation, the first three PBIS Tier 2 and Classroom Modules are now ready for use! These modules provide practical strategies for supporting students who need additional behavioral supports and for creating effective classroom systems.

Schools can continue these modules using the Teams section, allowing participants to progress at their own pace while staying aligned as a team. Group leaders can track progress and facilitate discussions to reinforce learning and application.

Access the new modules, along with the full library of Tier 1 and Early Childhood PBIS Modules, at ohiopbis.org. For guidance on planning or facilitating these modules with your team, reach out to your SST or ESC consultant.

Literacy in Action Network

Join our Literacy in Action Network to stay ahead in today’s ever-changing educational climate. These monthly virtual sessions provide a space to explore how districts are navigating ODEW updates, share best practices, and engage in collaborative discussions on implementing Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to strengthen literacy outcomes.

Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center - Family Leaders for Ohio Schools Academy

The Family Leaders for Ohio Schools Academy is a leadership program designed for parents and caregivers of children enrolled in K-12 Ohio public schools. Participants in this program connect with other parent leaders, build leadership skills, and learn how to work with local school leaders to address a need in their school community. This is a powerful opportunity to increase your knowledge of the education system, lead, and help shape positive change for all students.

Now accepting applications for 2026!

Spotlight on Ohio’s Plan for K–12 Mathematics

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce has released a suite of resources to support the implementation of Ohio’s Plan for K–12 Mathematics. These tools are designed to help educators and leaders align instruction with the state’s vision for high-quality math learning.

Math Plan Overview

Math Plan Overview video link (length: 16:46)
Ohio's Plan for K-12 Mathematics Overview (slide deck)
Ohio's Plan for K-12 Mathematics: Discussion Guide
Ohio's Plan for K-12 Mathematics webpage

Promoting Peer-Mediated Intervention in Early Childhood

According to a recent Crane study, Promoting Early Engagement, Relationships, and Socialization (PEERS), a peer-mediated intervention, improved children’s behavioral control and task performance.

Although language skills showed only minor improvements, pragmatic-language skills did improve significantly along with task orientation and assertiveness. This may be the tool you are strategy you are looking for your Early Childhood Tier II PBIS toolbox.

Job Coach/Skills Trainer Project Grant Funds Available!

The Department of Education and Workforce is pleased to announce a Fiscal Year 2026 opportunity to increase the number and capacity of job coaches who serve Ohio’s students with disabilities ages 14- 21 participating in work experiences. Specifically, the Department will offer Secondary Transition Enhancement Funds to build the capacity of new or current school personnel who are or will be acting as a job coach for a student with a disability while the student is working on a job site.

Funds cannot be used for career coaching, career advising, work-based learning coordination or other related roles.

Funding will be available for up to 50 Ohio educational agencies as defined in Ohio Administrative Code 3301-51-01 (B) (18) and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the 50 slots are filled.

Applications must be submitted here.

Applications are due by 5:00 PM, Friday, Nov 14, 2025

Questions? Contact Amy.Szymanski@education.ohio.gov

Our Moral Imperative:

To ensure equitable access and achievement for all students, State Support Team 3 partners with districts and community schools to support inclusive leadership and collaborative teams in the implementation of an effective

Multi-Tiered System of Support.

Belief Statement:

We believe that ALL children/students have the right to belong, learn, and thrive in

proactive, integrated, and rigorous learning environments.

Visit our website