Webcast Details

 This webcast is the second in a two-part discussion of inclusion.  Part 1, "Inclusion:  What is it and who is it for?" addressed the self-imposed limits we often place on inclusive education in schools and introduced the Program Matrix, a tool for discovering how IEPs can be implemented in inclusive classrooms for a broad range of students.   This webcast will continue to address expanding the concept of inclusion beyond just physical presence in a general education classroom.  To be successful, inclusive special education services must address social interactions, relationships, and meaningful participation and progress in both the general curriculum and IEP goals.  Two new tools will be introduced:  one for addressing functional skills instruction within the inclusive setting (Functional Skills for a Self Determined Future) and one for integrating instruction in Virginia Aligned Standards of Learning (for students on VAAP assessment) into general curriculum academic instruction (Planning Chart for ASOL Instruction). 

Presenter:  Cyndi Pitonyak brings with her to ACE over 30 years of experience as a special educator.  She has teaching experience at both elementary and secondary levels in inclusive, self-contained and residential settings, as well as special education administration experience at the school and district level.  Cyndi has been invited to testify before the United States Senate HELP Committee and interviewed by ProPublica and National Public Radio regarding her work in inclusive education.  She has provided technical assistance and training to school divisions nationally and internationally and has taught at the college level in undergraduate and graduate level special education teacher preparation programs.