Thanks, Thoughts, and Learning Lots! | | |
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As the days grow shorter and the autumn air turns crisp, we’re stirring up something exciting for this festive season! November ushers in not just cooler temperatures but also fresh opportunities for growth and learning. Let’s embrace the beginning of this cozy season and discover new paths to success! This month, we’re sharing some new opportunities and resources to be thankful for:
- Fall in Love with Podcasts One-Pager
- ELEVATE Doctoral Fellowship Opportunity
- Four Research Opportunities (Two new ones!)
- Sooner Works & SPARK360° Applications
- Upcoming professional development
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Tune In to Our Podcast Picks for Engaged Learning
Discover podcasts that inspire and educate! Whether teaching self-determination or simply fueling curiosity, our curated list has something for every age. For younger students, check out 'Brains On!' or 'Story Pirates' for fun and learning combined. Teens can benefit from the motivational 'Tough Girl Podcast' and 'Teen Life Coach.' Educators and adults will find value in 'The LowDOWN Podcast' and 'Happier with Gretchen Rubin.' Dive into a world where listening meets learning and fall in love with podcasts this season!
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ELEVATE Transition: Equipping Learning, Empowering Vision, Achieving Transitions, & Engaging Families
This Doctoral Leadership Consortium program aims to develop scholars in the field of special education with expertise in transition services to enhance outcomes for students with disabilities using culturally responsive practices. The University Consortium includes the University of Oklahoma, University of Connecticut, University of Arkansas, University of Kansas, Sam Houston State University, and Ohio State University.
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Your Research Roadmap:
Two Exciting New Ventures & Two Ongoing Projects
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Educator Self-Efficacy Transition IEP
Self-Efficacy Scale (E-TISE)
Participate in evaluating the reliability and validity of the E-TISE. It will only take you 5-10 minutes to answer the 13 items (and demographic questions); your feedback will help to better understand the role of self-efficacy in educator transition planning.
Questions? Contact Dr. Mary Morningstar at mem28@pdx.edu
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Exploring Autism Support Programs in 4-Year Post-Secondary Institutions
The Director of SPARK360 is conducting a dissertation study exploring what and how supports and services are being offered at autism support programs at 4-year universities and colleges in the U.S. Participants will have the opportunity to receive an Amazon gift card upon completion.
Questions? Contact Angela Barbour at angela.barbour@ou.edu
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TAGG-Middle School Field Testing
Participate in the next step of field testing for the TAGG-Middle School assessment for students with mild-to-moderate disabilities and receive $30 per completed assessment set. Learn more about the field testing on our website.
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Employer Perspectives on Employability Skills
Complete this brief survey on employment skills among entry-level workers, focusing on individuals with and without disabilities, and enter to win one of ten $25 Amazon gift cards!
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Sooner Works and SPARK 360 | |
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Sooner Works at the University of Oklahoma is a comprehensive, four-year program for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities seeking a college experience. Participants live on campus, engage in regular and specialized courses, complete internships, and develop essential skills for independent living, integrated employment, and community involvement.
Applications for 2025-2026 are due February 1st!
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About SPARK360
SPARK360° is an Autism Support Program for college students at OU, which launched in Fall 2023, emphasizing support, partnership, advocacy, resources, and knowledge. The program provides full-circle support for participating students through academic planning, transition support, employment skills, independent living, and social development.
Spring 2025 Applications are due February 1st!
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Join us at the K20 Innovative Learning Insitute 2024! | |
The K20 Center's Innovative Learning Institute is an annual gathering of educators and leaders from across Oklahoma. This is an excellent opportunity for educators to learn about new technology and classroom strategies while networking with peers from across the state. Session strands include topics on collaboration and engagement, college and career readiness, technology integration, and strategies for student-centered learning. | | |
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Zarrow Summer Institute 2025
Dreaming of summer weather? So are we! Get ready for Zarrow Summer Institute 2025 on Tuesdays in June and July from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM CDT. Dive into dynamic sessions, hands-on workshops, and unbeatable networking. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, there's something here for you! Connect with peers, learn from top experts, and walk away with fresh insights to boost your skills and knowledge related to transition and self-determination skills.
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Meet Dr. Christopher Sanford
Dr. Sanford is a Zarrow Institute Senior Research Associate, joining in 2023 after nearly 20 years as an education researcher at SRI International. His professional experiences cover a wide range of areas within the field of education, including assessment development, education research focused on transition, and classroom instruction (as a middle school special education teacher). Dr. Sanford has been instrumental in the development and validation of the TAGG-A and TAGG-MS.
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