Consultation, workshops or direct work with school districts to assist with the CIP process. Example activities: Steering Committee Meeting, mission/vision work, data retreat to create CIP goal, action plans, program evaluation, preparing for CIP external review
Workshops, college courses, consultation or direct work with school districts that focus on optimal learning environments and effective instructional strategies.
Workshops, consultation or direct work with school districts to develop formative and summative assessments and analyze and apply diagnostic, formative, interim and summative data.
Examples: creation of classroom and district assessments, analysis of assessment data results, using assessment data to inform instruction, training and consultation related to classroom, state and national data, Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills ‘DIBELS’, Acadience, Measures of Academic Progress ‘MAP’ Growth, Nebraska Student Centered Assessment System ‘NSCAS’ Growth. Nebraska Reading Improvement Act approved assessments
Professional learning and direct support for distrits and teachers in digital learning.
Examples: remote learning, hybrid learning, blended learning, and the tools and resources used to facilitate digital learning, on-site classroom observations, technical assistance support, workshop facilitation, one-on-one consultation
Workshops, consultation or direct work with individuals who serve in specialized roles/capacities.
Examples: school counselors, curriculum directors, technology integrationists, High Ability Learners ‘HAL’ coordinators, local area network ‘LAN’ managers, media coordinators, special education specialists, registered nurses, paraprofessionals, administrative assistants, custodians, lunch program staff, transportation providers and others.
The CSI (Create, Solve, Innovate) labs provide students with opportunities to gain unique knowledge, practical skills, expertise, and literacies. It introduces the makerspace mentality, equips students with skills, and exposes them to careers. Some lab stations lean towards the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields while others demonstrate skills necessary in creative, vocational, and technical skills.
Provides support for parents, school, and ESU staff surrounding special education. Supervision services include assisting by providing technical assistance regarding Rule 51 and Rule 52 policies and procedures, facilitating IEP meetings, and consultation.
Speech and language services concentrate on communication areas including language, articulation, voice, and/or fluency for students birth to age 21. This service can also aid in broadening areas of academic and functional needs.
Speech/Language Pathologists’ main responsibilities are working in the areas of articulation (speech production), voice (which involves pitch, quality and volume), and fluency (which is sound/syllable repetitions, blocking and use of conversation “fillers”). Speech/Language Pathologists also work in the area of language, which is described in more detail below. They are responsible for diagnostic testing in all of the above areas.
In cooperation with the Early Development Network, early childhood services deliver support to parents and educational intervention to help children meet developmental milestones. These comprehensive services are available to children birth to age five who are eligible for special education.
School Psychology assists in the identification process for students birth to age 21 who have been referred for special education and support in the areas of behavior and mental health. Collaboration with school district personnel and parents is also an essential role in the services to districts.
Services Include:
Assessment & Verification
Teacher & Parent Collaborations
Building Positive Behavior Support
Schoolwide Behavior Training
Traumatic Brain Injury Team Consults
RTI (Response to Intervention) Consultation & Support
Student Assistance Team Training
ILCD (Improving Learning for Children with Disabilities)
Mental Health Support Services
Infant & Preschool Services
Crisis Intervention
Request for ADOS-2 Administration
Occupational Therapy is a related service for students birth to age 21, as identified through the student’s individual education program (IEP) process. The focus of the service is to enhance the student’s education and foster a level of independence.
Transition services and activities emphasize learning opportunities that center on post-secondary success and the development of independence. These services are implemented following federal and state guidelines during the school year a student turns 16.
Staff Development for Transition
Student Vocational Evaluations
Career Guidance
Student Workshops
Transition Quiz Bowls
Business & Industry Tours
Adult Agency Liaison
Work Experience and Job Shadow Placement
Parent Support Group
Job Coach Training and Support
Central NE Youth First Conference (held annually at UNK Student Union for youth with developmental disabilities between 14 and 21 years of age)
Behavior/Mental Health assists students with behavioral and/or mental health needs. This service works collaboratively with educational team members, families, and/or outside agencies to support students’ needs while in the school setting.
The writing, consultation, collabortion, and assistance with regional grants.
Examples: Program planning, identification and implementation of strategies and interventions for students of ASD. Maintains lending library.
PEaK (Promoting Engagement and Knowledge) is a grant through the Nebraska Department of Education which supports districts in enhancing program improvement that will result in better outcomes for children with disabilities.