Articles
Recent Articles
HLPs and EBPs and IEPs, Oh My!
So many acronyms and so little time! When these are all seen as separate or additional things to do, it can become overwhelming or, maybe, even scary (Oh my!). By looking at High Leverage Practices (HLPs) and Evidence Based Practices in Autism (EBPs) as a collection of helpful tools for implementing IEPs, they can become aRead More HLPs and EBPs and IEPs, Oh My!
Summer Learning Opportunities in Autism
Headed to the beach, mountains, or a hammock in your backyard this summer? Need something to read to help you plan for next year, gain new insights, or build upon your current practices? Search the TTAC ODU Free Lending Library to find the perfect book to meet your needs. Books will be mailed to you! StayRead More Summer Learning Opportunities in Autism
Understanding and Using Reinforcement
Common Misconceptions Misconceptions about reinforcement including, “I don’t believe in bribing students” and “I’m not going to reward him for doing work he is just supposed to do” are common barriers to the use of reinforcement in the classroom. Developing a better understanding of the definition of reinforcement, the role it plays in everyone’s life,Read More Understanding and Using Reinforcement
About
About
Autism Statewide Network
TTAC members across the state collaborate quarterly to provide instructional resources as well as training and technical assistance for teachers of students with autism. Members also participate on the Virginia Autism Council to improve services for individuals with autism from birth to adulthood, and coordinate with staff members of the Virginia Autism Center for Excellence (ACE). For example, regional Communities of Practice in Autism (CoLAs) have been established as a joint effort with ACE and T-TACs, and staff members have participated in the state grant from the National Professional Development Center for Autism to offer training and technical assistance in evidence based practices for students with autism. Our mission statement: Through collaboration, statewide T/TACs will build capacity through professional development, instructional resources, and library materials to professionals, families, divisions, and agencies to improve outcomes for young children and youth with autism spectrum disorders.
Announcements
Announcements
VCU Autism Center for Excellence
Take advantage of seminars, courses and webinars available at the VCU Autism Center for Excellence (ACE). All of the training activities are based on the Skill Competencies for Professionals and Paraprofessionals in Virginia Supporting Individuals with Autism Across the Lifespan. (Download the Skill Competencies) ACE bases the trainings on up-to-date evidence-based research and practices and sources such as the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorder and the National Autism Center. These activities are free to all Virginia residents. Visit the VCU Autism Center for Excellence.
Online Training
Online Training
An online presentation to demonstrate compartmentalization and structure in a self- contained classroom for students with autism.
Writing with Alternative Pencils
Alternative Pencils give students access to the alphabet and can help students with significant and/or intellectual disabilities engage in emergent literacy activities. This module demonstrates five different types of alternative pencils.
Collecting Meaningful Data on Student Progress
The purpose of collecting data is to provide objective evidence of a program’s effectiveness and to guide instructional decisions. Educators can ensure that they provide meaningful instruction by collecting useful data on students’ progress and then use the data to make instructional decisions. In other words, with meaningful data, educators can adjust their instruction in response to students’ performance.