Spring - Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

A Publication of KYCEC
Spring 2014
KY Council for Exceptional Children
CEC Conference —Philadelphia : Representa tive Assembly
KYCEC President Pam Matlock represented the organization at the 2014 CEC Representative Assembly and YES I CAN!
awards in Philadelphia. The Representative Assembly is the advisory body of CEC.
It brings the perspectives of the membership from each state to the work of the
Council, and plays a key role in communication between the units and CEC about
issues, policies, priorities and activities
related to the field of special education
and related services. It assists in examining the impact of these issues on children
with special needs and those who work
CEC President Christy Chambers and KYCEC
with them.
President, Pam Matlock, at the CEC YES I CAN!
KYCEC Representation at the National CEC Conference in Philadelphia!!
KYCEC Representation at the 2014 CEC
Convention in Philadelphia included; board
members, teachers,
members-at-large and
WKU students.
KYCEC Logo HERE
Things to Do this
Summer!!
1. Remember to visit
KYCEC website over the
summer for updates on
pending legislation.
2. Watch for ecommunications with CEC
updates.
3. Join our Facebook members.
4. As a member of CEC,
you are the voice and vision of special education.
CEC is interested in your
suggestions & concerns
about services, privileges,
& benefits. Contact them
at 888-232-7733 or
service@cec.sped.org
Inside this issue:
President’s Message
2
Mini-Grant Update
3
YES I CAN Winners!
4
What’s Going on at KYCEC
5
KYCCBD News
6
National CEC
7
KYSCECC Student News
8
Board Members
9
KY Council for Exceptional Children
Page 2
Message from the KYCEC President Pam Matlock
My grandmother was always a
wise woman. She frequently advised me that “the older you get,
the faster time goes!” I am definitely older, and time has certainly flown this year.
It has been my privilege to have
served as KYCEC President.
Our KYCEC is a stellar model of
collaboration across the state and
country with many people, departments, and agencies, who advocate for those with disabilities.
As the “voice of special education
in the state of Kentucky,”
KYCEC represents us all, and
represents us very well!
The purpose of this article is to
ask and encourage you to take a
more active role in your organization. We have much to be proud
of beginning with two National
Yes I Can winners, who were recognized in Philadelphia. Our Executive Board members represent
us geographically across the state
as university professors, directors
of special education, experts on
regional co-ops, special educators,
retired special educators, and even
special educators who are themselves parents of students with disabilities. Because of their varied
backgrounds, a plethora of expertise
is involved in all discussions and
decisions. Please consider joining
us in these conversations. If you
are interested in taking a leadership
role on the board or being involved
in committee activities, please contact any one of the Board members.
Our continued effectiveness is dependent on new leadership from
within.
Another source of tremendous pride
in KYCEC is our collaborative state
special education conference held in
Louisville each November. It is
the best in the country! Please consider both joining us for the conference and presenting a session. The
Call for Proposals is out for Fall
Conference 2014. You can visit our
website for details or contact Carrie
Bearden, Conference Coordinator
(carriebbbearden@gmail.com). We
definitely value sessions from our
practitioners in the field.
Finally, please share with your colleagues the benefits of belonging to
CEC and KYCEC. The professional journals are informative and useful in the classroom. The networking and professional growth opportunities at state and national conferences are rejuvenating. We are
advocates for you at the local, state
and national levels, and our CAN
updates come right to your computer.
If the cost of joining has kept you
away in the past, please take a look at
the new tier arrangement which goes
into effect this summer. You can
choose the tier that best meets your
needs. There is even a category that
has annual dues of approximately $60
dollars. At any cost, CEC and
KYCEC is a bargain.
In closing, thank you for the opportunity to serve KYCEC as your President. Thanks to the outstanding
Board members who volunteer their
time freely. A special thanks to our
students and their families who keep
our passions alive. If you have any
questions or concerns, please feel free
to contact me or any of the Board
members. Have a wonderful summer.
It’s easy to stay informed. Visit our website for professional updates and opportunities for you and your
classroom needs.
www.kycec.org
Watch for
e-communications with
CEC updates. Join our
Facebook members.
Page 3
Spring 2014
Mini—Grant Updates
KY CEC is pleased to announce that three mini-grants have been awarded since January 2014 to the
following recipients.
Elizabeth McLaren
Stephanie Lee
Lori Fitzgerald/Christina Delk
Associate Professor,
Central KY Head Start
Vanhoose Education Center
Morehead State University
$650 mini-grant
Jefferson County Schools
Kentucky Division for Early
Childhood
The funds will be used to provide the teaching staff of Central Kentucky Community Action
Council Head Start with training
opportunities that enhance
their knowledge and skills when
educating exceptional children.
This grant will enable six classroom teachers to attend a two
day summer institute provided
by Central Kentucky Special Education Cooperatives.
$650 mini-grant
$650 mini-grant
This mini-grant will help pay
for a portion of the travel and
stipend for four presenters at
a one-day conference focusing
on identification of and intervention for young children
with autism. This conference
will be a professional development opportunity for early
interventionists, early childhood special education teachers, administrators, consultants, families, college students, and community members who are interested in
learning more about diagnosis
and intervention for young
children with autism or other
autism spectrum disorders.
NOTE: A partial mini grant in
the amount of $250 is remaining. Any KY CEC member interested in applying for this mini
grant should complete the form
on the KY CEC website and submit to Debbie Samples, MiniGrant chair as soon as possible.
The mini-grant will help offset
the cost of bringing the author
ofBuilding Skills for Success for
Students with Hearing Loss,
Karen Anderson, Ph.D., to deliver a keynote speech and
presentation specifically to
teachers in the field of Deaf
and Hard of Hearing. Dr. Karen
Anderson's presence as a
speaker would directly impact
instructional practices of teachers of Deaf and Hard of Hearing
students and thus, directly impact the learning of deaf and
hard of hearing students across
the state.
KYCEC Welcomes Kathy Maciel, Vice-President
Kathy Maciel, with 24 years of experience in the field of education in several states, has spent majority of years teaching students with intellectual and emotional/behavioral disabilities. In addition
to her bachelor’s and Master’s in regular and special education, she is National Board Certified as
an Exceptional Needs Specialist.
As an Instructional Specialist at Green River Region Educational Cooperative, Kathy provides
training, technical assistance and instructional coaching for member districts in the areas of Positive
Behavioral interventions, Emotional/Behavior Disorders and Classroom Management. She is also
certified as a Culture Facilitator and serves as Co-Leader of the Regional Autism Cadre. She
serves on the Regional Interagency Council while collaborating with other agencies to address issues relating to mental and behavioral health. She has been a CEC member for many years and has
held several offices at the state and local level.
Page 4
KY Council for Exceptional Children
Council for Exceptional Children 2014 YES I CAN Award Winners!
Kentucky National CEC Yes I Can Award
Winners!
Kentucky Yes I Can! National Award Winners,
Kevin Bailey (Louisville), Zebulon Risen
(Greensburg) and CEC 2014-2015 CEC President
Robin Brewer.
Kevin Bailey, 19 of Louisville, Kentucky
and Zebulon Risen, 15 of Green County,
Kentucky were honored at the CEC 2014
Convention Expo in Philadelphia, PA on
April 11, 2014. Kevin Bailey was awarded in the Academics category and
Zebulon Risen was awarded in the Arts
category. These deserving young men
were presented their awards by Christy
Chambers, Immediate Past President
and Robin Brewer, President of the CEC.
Many family members, friends, and CEC
attendees were present to cheer them
on! Kentucky is recognized for sending
our State winners on to the National level. We have a strong reputation for supporting our students in this program.
You can read the amazing stories of all
of the Yes I Can Award recipients by visiting www.cec.sped.org/YesICan.
Learn more about the National CEC 2014 YES
I CAN! winners at CEC.org
Page 5
KY Council for Exceptional Children
What’s Going on at KYCEC…...
NOMINATIONS are Open for the
Kentucky Teacher of the Year!
The Kentucky Department of Education and Kentucky CEC work together annually to select a Special Education Teacher of the Year. The field is
narrowed to three (3) nominees who receive observational site-visits, and the honor is awarded during the Awards Luncheon at the annual Exceptional Children’s Conference.
If you know a teacher who is just phenomenal, talk
with your district Director of Special Education
about nominating them for the Kentucky Teacher
of the Year award! Each district is allowed to
nominate one individual from their district. All
nominations go through the Director of Special
Education. The nominee does not have to be a
member of KYCEC. Think about a very deserving
teacher, and get the process started!
NOMINATIONS are Open for an
Outstanding College or University
Student CEC Member of the Year!!
KYCEC is also accepting nominations for an outstanding college or university student CEC member. Our Student CEC members work hard at
their schools to become a special education teacher, work with community events, and raise awareness of student disabilities. If you know an outstanding student, nominate them!
The nomination forms for both of these
awards are online at www.kycec.org under
KYCEC News.
Follow us on Twitter
@KyCEC Membership
We are currently accepting proposals for presentations until June 30, 2014.
Submit your proposals through this link at Google Docs. You will receive an
automatic response when your proposal is submitted. You will be notified or
your acceptance to present in August.
SAVE THE DATE!!!
Make Plans Now for the
Kentucky Exceptional Children’s
Conference!
The 49th Annual Kentucky Exceptional Children’s Conference will
be held November 23, 24, 25,
2104, at the Galt House Hotel in
Louisville, and we are looking
forward to having another great
conference!
We will have the following Strands which include the
topic areas of Evidence Based Practices, College & Career Readiness, Legal/Compliance, and PGES.
•
Behavior
•
College & Career Readiness
•
Early Childhood
•
Evidence Based Practices
By content or disability areas
•
Leadership
•
Legal/Compliance
•
PGES: KDE is responsible for this strand
Engaging the Potential!
Page 6
KY Council for Exceptional
Disability All-Star Day
Despite the gloomy skies outside the doors of Simon
Kenton High School the morning of May 10 th, sounds
of cheering, laughter, and excitement could be heard
bellowing out of Simon Kenton’s gymnasium and echoing down its hallways. This Saturday morning was different than most Saturday mornings. It was Simon
Kenton’s long-awaited All-Star Day Event.
For the last 8 months, Ms. Arnold’s peer tutors and fellow Special Education staff, Ms. Mann and Ms. Feinhauer, planned a one day event to reach out to Kenton
County’s middle schools, high schools, and adults with
disabilities as part of a service-learning project. After
countless meetings and hours of preparation, the planning team secured over 150 volunteers, donations of
food, games, and prizes. The goal of the All-Star Day
event was simple; have fun spending time with peers of
all abilities.
Participants and high school student mentors were
grouped to form team competitions. After the torch was
lit during the opening ceremonies, the teams competed
in games such as soccer bocce, basketball, running,
bowling, and softball. Ryle High School’s Cheerleaders provided added encouragement for each team.
Throughout the lunch break, participants and mentors
tried their luck at the carnival games. They also enjoyed
face painting, balloon animals, popcorn, and shaved ice.
During the closing ceremonies, each participant came
forward to be recognized. The crowd erupted into thunderous applause as the Grizzlies Team received their 1 st
place medals!
KYCCBD Board Gets an Update on Kentucky’s
School-Based Behavioral Health Screening
Initiative
At a recent KYCCBD meeting, board members received
an overview of the significant changes happening within
the behavioral health system that impact our students
with emotional and behavioral challenges. One of the
most exciting initiatives discussed is a partnership between KDE and the Kentucky Division of Behavioral
Health to implement behavioral health screening in
schools.
In January 2014, Attorney General Jack Conway announced that funds recovered from legal settlements
with two pharmaceutical companies would be used to
expand substance use treatment. A portion of these
funds has been devoted to implement behavioral health
screenings in middle and high schools in Kentucky. We
know that unidentified mental health and substance use
problems often present in the classroom as poor academic performance, tardiness, absenteeism, sudden
mood changes, being withdrawn, and other disruptive
behavior. The school-based screening initiative seeks to
help school personnel recognize signs and symptoms of
possible behavioral health problems, respond by requesting that students for whom they are concerned be
screened, and refer students who have a positive screen
to behavioral health treatment providers for further assessment and, when appropriate, treatment. The schoolbased screening initiative is currently being implemented in three schools in each of the six demonstration districts: Campbell, Christian, Livingston, Perry, Shelby,
and Whitley. In the Fall of 2014, implementation will
continue in the remaining schools serving middle and
high schools in these districts. Statewide rollout will
follow. If you have questions or would like additional
information about this initiative, please contact
KYCCBD Board Member, Tena Robbins at
Vestena.Robbins@ky.gov.
Page 7
Future
Conferences
KY Council for Exceptional Children
Summer Conferences
L D A of Kentucky
presents
Larry Silver, M.D.
America’s foremost expert on ADHD and LD

KYCASE Summer
Institute
Early Childhood
July 14-15, 2014
June 16-18
Embassy Suites
Crowne Plaza
Louisville
For more information:
Lexington, KY
http://ldaofky.org/
Larry%20Silver%
202014%
20brochure.pdf
For more info:
Go to www.kycec.org
Then
KYCASE Conferences
Institute
http://kidsnow.ky.gov/
Improving-Early-Care/
Pages/Ready-KidsConference.aspx
Fall Conference
Nov. 23-25
Galt House
Louisville
Spotlight Exceptional
Children and
Educators in your
district in a future
newsletter! Share
the good news!
What’s Going On at National CEC….
CEC Membership!!
CEC membership includes the professional
development, resources and peer-to-peer support you need to meet today's new challenges
in special education with confidence and make
a difference for children and youth with exceptionalities.
For more information about membership go to
http://www.cec.sped.org/
As a KYCEC member and subscriber, you will receive updated information in separate e-blast messages.
Page 8
KYSCEC Student News
Spring 2014
Update from State Kentucky Student Council for Exceptional Children
I hope everyone is having a great year, and I’m sure we are all ready for a great summer! A special congratulations to all students
who are graduating, and good luck in the job search process!
We had a great National conference this past April! Amy Clausen (Morehead State University), Crysta Hicks (Western Kentucky
University) and Cain Alvey (Western Kentucky University) made the trip to Philadelphia. There were amazing sessions led by top
researchers in the field of special education, and a wonderful opening session by keynote speaker, Andrew Solomon. I hope to see
all of you next year in San Diego.
This summer, I will pass the gavel on to Crystal Hicks as the executive board switches for the 2014-2015 year. We look forward to
our strategic planning at the June Leadership meeting at Kentucky Dam Village. If you have any ideas or activities that you would
like to suggest for next year, please feel free to contact me, Amy Clausen, amclausen@moreheadstate.edu. I look forward to your
input!
Murray State University Council for Exceptional Children Spring 2014
Members of the Murray State University Student Coun-
cil for Exceptional Children have been actively working
to benefit the lives of individuals with disabilities
throughout the Spring 2014 Semester. The organization
started off the semester by participating in the Western
Kentucky Polar Plunge on February 15th at the Kentucky
Dam Village in Calvert City, Kentucky. Although the
water in Kentucky Lake was a chilly 37 degrees, six
brave members from the organization (Bethany Phelps,
Tiffany Comer, Samantha Mitchell, Natalie Souders,
Amberly Moss and Rachel Warmack) participated in the
jump. Fundraising efforts through social media, and asking local businesses, family and friends for their support
helped the organization surpass their original goal of
$600 to raise over $1000 dollars for Special Olympics
Kentucky.
Members from the team continued their support of Special Olympics Kentucky by participating in practices for
the Murray/Calloway County Special Olympics track
and field team. On Saturday, April 26th, eight members
of the Murray State University SCEC volunteered at the
Kentucky Area One Special Olympics Track and Field
competition held at Murray State University. Over two
hundred athletes competed in the event. At the event,
Murray SCEC assisted with the registering of volunteers and athletic teams and helped cheer on the athletes
as they competed in the various events of the day.
Page 9
KY DEC Spring and Summer Activities
KYDEC will sponsor trainers to present four sessions at the new Ready Kids
Conference which will be held June 16-18 in Louisville. This conference will
provide high quality professional development for early childhood educators
in the fields of early childhood, early childhood special education, and early
intervention.
KYDEC would like to welcome Beth Schaeffer as the recently elected CAN
Coordinator. Welcome!
KYCEC Executive Board 2013-2014
Pam Matlock, President
Kathy Maciel, Secretary
Beckie Brown, Parliamentarian
890 Steamboat Road
806 Old Fort Avenue
100 Bay Hill Court
Gilbertsville, KY 42044
Bowling Green, KY 42101
Georgetown, KY 40324
pmatlock@murraystate.edu
kmaciel@twc.com
Beckie.brown@scott.kyschools.us
Barbara Washington, President Elect Arden Goodman, Conference Treasurer
Jenny Miller-Horn, Membership Chair
3201 Alexander Hall
116 Green Lane
Kenton School District
Murray State University
Georgetown, KY 40342
1055 Eaton Drive
Murray, KY 42071
arden.goodman@scott.kyschools.us
Ft. Wright, KY 41017
bwashington@murraystate.edu
Cindy Dawson, Treasurer
jenny.miller-horn@kenton.kyschools.us
Dr. Rhonda Simpson, Vice Pres.
1287 Hayes Court
Miranda Reed, Member at Large
402 E. Hodgenville Avenue
Bowling Green, KY 42103
100 Crabapple Cove
Greensburg, KY 42743
specialccd@yahoo.com
Paducah, KY 42001
rhonda.simpson@green.kyschools.us
Erica Cutright CAN Coordinator
miranda.reed@graves.kyschools.us
jennifer.green@warren.kyschools.us
905 Ridgecrest Way
Merissa Waddey, Member at Large
Carrie Bearden, Executive Secretary, Bowling Green, KY 42104
Conference Chair
e.c.cutright@gmail.com
657 S. Hurstbourne Pky. Ste. 229
Amy Clausen, KYSCEC President
Louisville, KY 40222
1027 Lanette Dre.
carriebbearden@gmail.com
Cinninnati, OH 45230
Debbie Samples, Member at Large &
amclausen@,moreheadstate.edu
Mini-Grants
Sarah Hawkins-Lear, KYSCEC Advisor
149 Overby Drive
1775 Lawrence Road
Mayfield, KY 42066
Kailua, HI 96734
debbie.samples@graves.kyschools.us s.hawkins@morehead.edu
2772 Amsterdam Road
Villa Hills, KY 41017
merissa.waddey@kenton.kyschools.us
Spring
Spring
20142014
Newsletter Chairperson:
Rhonda Simpson
402 East Hodgenville Ave.
Greensburg, KY 42743
260-932-6601
rhonda.simpson@green.kyschool.us
KYCEC Divisions:
CASE: Kim Johnson
kim.johnson@owensboro.kyschools.us
DEC: Elizabeth McLaren
e.mclaren@moreheadstate.edu
TED: Steve Crites
critess1@nku.edu
CCBD: Patty Whitney
patty.whitney@att,net
Pioneers: Bill Porter
bill.porter@simpson.kyschools.us
KYSCEC:
President: Amy Clausen
amclausen@morehead.edu
Vice-President: Stephanie Gebka
sagebka@morehead.edu
It’s easy to stay informed. Visit our website
for professional updates and opportunities
for you and your classroom needs.
www.kycec.org
Thanks to all KYCEC members for their vocation to meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities in Kentucky !