The Making Waves eNewsletter header uses blue print on a white background and identifies that the eNewsletter is published by the National Center on Severe and Sensory Disabilities at the University of Northern Colorado. The National Center’s logo is composed of two opposing sets of waves, representing sound and light waves, and signifying synergy and collaboration.

Issue 3, Volume 1

June, 2008

IN THIS ISSUE:

·         Mark Your Calendars!

§  2008 Research in the Rockies Summit

·         Scheduled Online University Courses for 2008

§  Phaedrus

§  Course Development Proposals

·         NCSSD Resources

§  Graduation and Enrollment Survey

§  Caseload Study

§  Dissertations in Severe and Sensory Disabilities

§  NCSSD Job Bank

 

Mark Your Calendars!

 

2008 Research in the Rockies Summit  - is scheduled for October 15-18, 2008, in Denver, Colorado. Included in this year's Summit will be training in the use of the SEELS and NLTS2 data bases. We will also be offering an SPSS refresher session prior to the SEELS and NLTS2 training. Summit information, call for posters and registration materials are available at http://www.unco.edu/ncssd/research/research.shtml

 

Scheduled Online University Course for 2008

 

Phaedrus - One of the recurring challenges facing teachers today is making the transition from classroom to online. In Phaedrus, we help teachers successfully learn how to use the newest tools and techniques to create effective, engaging, and accessible educational experiences. If interested in enrolling, call Extended Studies at the University of Northern Colorado at 1-800-232-1749 or contact nathan.lowell@unco.edu.

 

Course Development Proposals - NCSSD strives to build the capacity of special educators working in the fields of severe and sensory disabilities. NCSSD has strong partnerships with the University of Northern Colorado’s Office of Extended Studies (OES) and highly talented faculty in the severe and sensory disability areas. This enables us to develop and offer on-line high quality online courses for professional development across the United States. If you see a strong need for a course or would like to collaborate in the creation or offerings of a course, please Dr. Laurie MacDonald at laurie.macdonald@unco.edu.

 

NCSSD Resources

Graduation and Enrollment Survey

Since its inception, NCSSD has strived to contribute to a deeper understanding about the state of personnel preparation in the field of blindness and visual impairment. The Graduation and Enrollment Survey contributes to Goal 3 of the National Agenda for the Education of Children and Youth with Visual Impairments, Including those with Multiple Disabilities.  The survey collects and maintains an accurate count of the number of new professionals who are enrolled in personnel preparation programs for working with children and young adults who are blind or visually impaired.  The survey also collects the number of graduates produced annually across the country. This data is valuable for grant writing, publications, and to support policy reform. To access the Graduation and Enrollment Survey results, please visit…. http://www.unco.edu/ncssd/research/ncssd_research.shtml.

 

Caseload Study

The purpose of this study has been comprehensively examine and describe caseload sizes, caseload configurations, and associated variables for teachers serving students with severe and sensory disabilities within the State of Colorado. The data gathered in this study allows us to explore how the caseloads of special educators of children with severe and/or sensory disabilities compare to the caseloads of high-incidence special educators and to class sizes of general educators. This data also enables us to explore how students with severe and sensory disabilities are distributed in relation to teachers with different licensures, and in relation to different service models. Three years of results for the Caseload study are now available at http://www.unco.edu/ncssd/research/ncssd_research.shtml.

 

Dissertations in Severe and Sensory Disabilities

Dissertations provide the opportunity to become informed about research trends and emerging leaders. A list of dissertations in areas of visual impairment, deaf and hard of hearing, and severe disabilities is available from 1996-2008.

 

·         Deaf and Hard of Hearing -
 http://www.unco.edu/ncssd/research/dissertations_dhh.shtml

·         Visual Impairments -
http://www.unco.edu/ncssd/research/dissertations_bvi.shtml

·         Significant Support Needs -
 http://www.unco.edu/ncssd/research/dissertations_ssn.shtml

 

NCSSD Job Bank

For individuals seeking positions as administrators, educators, or related service personnel in the severe and sensory disability fields, NCSSD hosts a Job Bank at http://cebsapp01.unco.edu/jobs/.  

 

Employers may email employment announcements to Lorae Blum at lorae.blum@unco.edu, or mail them to:

 

The National Center on Severe and Sensory Disabilities
University of Northern Colorado
Campus Box 146
Greeley, CO 80639