Download the Save the Date here!What:About MASPA key aspect of the mission of the Montana Association of School Psychologists (MASP) is to promote the educational and mental health needs of all children and youth. The MASP Summer Institute serves educators and other professionals who work with children and youth by offering professional development opportunities that bridge the latest research findings with real-world practice. Early Bird and student discounts will be offered! (Details will appear on the website in late March or early April.) The registration fee includes all conference materials and handouts, delicious lunches on Monday and Tuesday, and delightful snacks each day. To qualify for the student discount, you must be a student actively enrolled in an accredited degree program. Electronic registration coming in late March or early April. Intended Audiences:School Psychologists, Counselors, Social Workers, Teachers (Regular and Special Education), and Administrators Credit available:OPI Renewal credits (12); Continuing Professional Development credits (12); Billings Public School Step-Up credit (1) When:June 4-5, 2012Where:Mansfield Health Education CenterBillings, MontanaContact:Rick BartschPhone: (406) 855-4277Website: http://www.masponline.us/summer-conference

What:Research provides strong evidence that organizations with a high degree of trust among employees are far more likely to make and sustain the kinds of changes that help them reach their goals and outcomes – than those organizations where there is little or no trust among staff. This session will describe both empirical and conceptual research related to trust types. We will explore the various types of trust as they relate to social and organizational life. In addition, we will make connections between trust, trust types, relationship, communication and increased effectiveness in mediation and ADR outcomes.  About Dr. Cathy Fromme: Dr. Fromme began her journey as an educator 32 years ago, as a first grade teacher in California. She is currently the Principal of TrustWorks. Prior to establishing TrustWorks she held district, regional ESD and state department positions in Washington. While at the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction she developed Washington’s statewide Special Education Mediation System, chaired the statewide Commission on Student Learning Accommodations and Alternate Assessment committees.Cathy was also the Diversity Manager for the Washington Department of Natural Resources where she facilitated, positive/inclusive working relationships and diversity in the workplace for 1,300 DNR employees. She has consulted, written and presented extensively in the areas of trust, change management and work force diversity in schools and organizations. She received her B.S. from UCLA, M.S. from San Jose State University, and doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Washington. Though, her proudest achievements in life are her two grown sons. The youngest is an EMT in the US Air Force and the oldest is the owner/operator of a courier business in San Francisco.Meeting Details: To participate in this webinar you must call in and log in from your computer. Conference Number(s):  1-888-447-7153 Participant Code: 473502 To join the meeting, please click on the link below and enter as guest: http://tadnet.adobeconnect.com/cadre/When:March 14, 201212:00 pm - 1:15 pm MTContact:Marshall Peter, Director CADRE (541) 686-5060 (v) (541) 686-5063 (f) mpeter@directionservice.org www.directionservice.org/cadre

Click here for more information!What:Easter Seals-Goodwill is offering a series of classes using Michelle Garcia Winner’s “Think Social!” curriculum to help kids ages 9-12 who need extra support in learning and practicing social skills. Participants will: Increase confidence and positive self-esteem Improve communication & listening skills Practice everyday etiquette & social skills Learn to work with others Enhance coping skills Learn to manage conflict Group leaders include people with backgrounds in P.L.A.Y. (Play and Language for Autistic Youngsters), social work, special education, and one-on-one work with kids of ranging abilities. Our goal is to provide a safe and fun environment for kids to explore and learn about our social world together!Cost for the 8-week session is $200.When:Meet and Greet for registered familiesApril 13th, 20126:00 pm - 7:00 pm Kids Connect ScheduleApril 20 - June 8, 2012 (Fridays)4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Where:Easter Seals-Goodwill Children’s Services800 Kensington, Suite 100Missoula, MT 59801For additional information and to register, please contact: Abbey Hood  Phone: (406) 217-8768 Email: abigailh@esgw.org

Download the flyer here!What:Dancers, choreographers and teachers with and without disabilities from the US and abroad are invited to attend  AXIS' annual Summer Intensive located within a thriving dance and disability hub. This week-long creative laboratory is guaranteed to push your limits and break new ground as you experiment, collaborate, and create. Attendees will participate in a creative exchange alongside AXIS' talented dancers as all share their knowledge and experience. Includes: Physically Integrated Contact Improvisation Technique, Choreography & Performance Evening Video/Film Showing Final Informal Showing Apply by April 24th, 2012, 5pm:www.axisdance.org/education_summerintensive.phpSpaces are limited and will fill fastWhen:August 5-11, 2012Where:Oakland, CAContact:Phone: (510) 625-0110Email: info@axisdance.org

You can download the registration form here!What:The social communication and social thinking needs of individuals on the Autism Spectrum are often the most challenging aspects of parenting, treating, and teaching this population. This workshop will address numerous intervention strategies highlighting methods and materials available from leading experts in the area of social language. The presenters will provide detailed information, video demonstrations, and materials that will enhance the attendee's abilities to help children with High Functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome improve social interaction, perspective taking, and other Theory of Mind issues.When:March 17, 20129:00 am - 1:00 pmWhere:College of TechnologyGreat Room - Health and Sciences Building3803 Central AvenueBillings, MT 59102Contact:Nancy or VickiPhone: (406) 256-7148Email: vlandre@bresnan.netThis event is sponsored by Region III CSPD

You can register online here! or download the full flyer here!What:Join us for March’s Technology Tuesday as we explore the world of iPad apps for educators. Presenter Trina Halama will share apps for the iPad that are educational tools that can be used in the classroom. There are a variety of useful apps to make the classroom livelier and more engaging for both the students and teacher. Among the apps being shared are apps for time management, social networking, discussion forums and boards, books, art and graphics, and much more. Some of the particular apps to be shared are: Kindle, How Stuff Works, Flashcardlet, free books, Red Stamp, Toontastic, Math Quizzer, Quick Graph, and more. This will be an opportunity to receive and share resources. Bring your iPad or use one of ours!Trina Halama is a 2007 graduate of MSUB with an emphasis on elementary education and a minor in music. Currently, she teaches third grade at Fromberg Elementary School. She is on Fromberg’s Technology Board, the Promethean Consortium Board, is pursing certification to teach Promethean and SMART Board technologies, and has a vast knowledge of technology in general. Trina is also a Library Information and Technology Literacy trainer for the Montana Regional Education Service Area III.When:March 20, 20125:00 pm - 7:00 pmWhere:MSUB College of Ed. BldgRoom 122Billings, MTContact:John KeenerPhone: (406) 657-1743Email: john.keener@msubillings.eduorDebra MillerPhone: (406) 657-2072Email: dmiller@msubillings.eduIf you have a particular question or suggestion you can contact Trina at thalama@fromberg.k12.mt.us.

You can download the registration form and information here!What:Easter Seals-Goodwill Children's Services brings you "Just 4 Siblings", where siblings can meet & talk with peers who have a brother or sister with special needs. Kids will be provided with fun activities, along with a supportive place to share, and fun games!Admission is $10.00 and lunch will be provided.When: Saturday, March 24, 201210:00 am - 3:00 pmWhere:800 Kensington AvenueSuite 100Missoula, MTContact:Audrey Pierce-SeeleyPhone: (406) 850-2977              orAbbey HoodPhone: (406) 217-8768

You can download the My Learning Plan Directions here! Download the agenda here! What:OPI Tobacco Prevention InitiativeDana Geary will present the state initiative on tobacco prevention policy and incentives for school districts to become involved.  Dana will also indicate the policies that will change in the MSSA Rural Policy Handbook for adoption.  New tobacco products aimed at our youth will be presented during the course if this half-day workshop. Media Literacy 101 Kids spend an average of more than 7 hours a day with some form of media. As a result, they sometimes grow up having more interaction with TV, the Internet, and other media messages than people. Media Literacy refers to the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media messages of all kinds. This interactive training will explore basic concepts of media literacy by examining TV commercials, messages and print ads, and tobacco and alcohol marketing. We will work in small and large groups to discuss the language of persuasion, deconstruct ads, and create counter messages. After this training, participants will have a greater understanding of media literacy and walk away with tools they can use with their learners. Objective 1: Participants will define media literacy and understand some techniques of persuasion. Objective 2: Participants will understand how media literacy education helps prevent tobacco and alcohol initiation among youth. Objective 3: Participants will learn new media literacy activities and exercises they can do with their learners.When and Where: Thursday, February 23rd, 2012 at the Lewistown Yogo Inn Mountain RoomsMonday, February 27th, 2012 at the Butte Quality Inn Big Sky Room (formerly War Bonnet)Tuesday, February 28th, 2012 at the Bozeman Comfort Inn Big Sky Room8:30 am - 4:00 pm All daysContact:Sharon M. RedfernExecutive Director, RESA4UPhone: (406) 422-5049 (Home)  (406) 672-1549 (Cell)Email: sredfern@resa4u.org or smredfern@optimum.net

Download the full flyer for the Sue Gendron Workshop here!What:Education teams will gain a clear understanding of how the new standards and assessments differ from what is currently taught and tested. Participants will be provided with tools and strategies to address today’s standards and assessment needs while preparing to move their instructional programs to the new standards and assessments, to be phased in over the next few years.  Issues and topics to be discussed will include the following: Planning for Evolutionary Reinvention – Understanding Classroom Implications for 2014 Planning Tool — Characteristics of Standards Alignment Checklist Introduction to the Common Core State Standards: ELA, Mathematics, Science Next Generation Assessments Meeting the Needs of All Students Technology Implications and Planning Communication/Engagement Strategies Target audience:School-based Teams (Administrators, Coaches, Curriculum Directors, Teachers). Register online on My Learning Plan (directions are attached above). When:March 22-23, 20128:30 am - 4:00 pm both daysWhere:The Commons1794 Baxter Lane EastBozeman, MTContact:Sharon RedfernRESA4U Executive Director Phone: (406) 422-5049 (Home)      (406) 672-1549 (Cell)Email: sredfern@resa4u.org or smredfern@optimum.net

Click here for more information! You can also download the Support Broker Training Flyer or the Support Broker Memo!What is a Support Broker? Support Brokers assist participants and their representatives who are employers of staff wo work directly with persons with a developmental disability.What are Qualifications for Support Brokers? Is at least 18 years old Has received training to provide services to persons with developmental disabilities Is familiar with developmental disabilities services and resources available in Montana Has at least two years of experience providing assistance to persons with developmental disabilities Can pass a Criminal Background Check What Training do you Need?No cost training provided through The College of Direct Supports Two-day training streamed to sites across Montana.  A limited stipend for persons extended distances from training sites will be available on a case-by-case basis Why Be Certified?To be paid, the Support Broker must be certified by the State of Montana Developmental Disabilities Program (DDP). When:March 20-21, 2012Deadline for Application March 7, 2012Contact:Kathy ZeeckSelf-Directed Services Coordinator Phone: 406-444-5482Email: kzeeck@mt.gov

You can download the flyer for more information here!What:Attend all four days if possible, especially if you plan to provide wraparound facilitation or caregiver peer to peer support services through the PRTF Waiver.  A light breakfast and afternoon snacks will be offered each day.  Lunch on your own. For room reservations at the state rate contact reservations directly at the hotel at (406)656-3900 and request the block of rooms being held for Wraparound 101 Basic Training by the Children’s Mental Health Bureau, AT LEAST 2 weeks prior to the sessions.When:Part One:  March 28-29th, 2012      9am-4pm both daysPart Two:  April 25-26th, 2012        9am-4pm both days Helena Peer to Peer Training w/ Susan Boehrer:April 9th and 10thLocation: TBA Billings Peer to Peer Training w/ Susan Boehrer:April 12th and 13thLocation: TBA Where:Residence Inn by Marriot/Billings (Meeting Room)956 S. 25th Street WestBillings, MT 59102Contact: Kelsey AntcliffPhone: (406) 444-5978 Email: Kantcliff@mt.gov Nancy Whitbeck-Nicholson Email: NWhitbeck-Nicholson@mt.gov and provide your name, agency, email and phone number. Registration closes March 21st; space is limited. No cost for the training. For questions about the PRTF Waiver, contact Laura Taffs at ltaffs@mt.gov or (406)444-1460.

What: Guardian Spirit teaches vocational, social, and life skills to people with autism through simulated, virtual training to help them succeed in life.  Please join us for this inaugural and fundraising event. When:Saturday, April 21, 2012Where:Mercedes Benz Dealership on King Avenue West. Billings, MTContact:Marcus Morris, Executive Director Phone: (406) 698-1679 Email: JLKRJL@aol.com

What:The National Medicare Training Program is pleased to announce the next Understanding Medicare webinar will be held on March 6 and 7, 2012.   This webinar, which is designed for people who are new to Medicare, and for people wanting a refresher, will provide current, accurate, consistent information on Medicare, including hospital (Part A) coverage, medical (Part B) coverage, Medicare Advantage plans (Part C), and prescription drug (Part D) coverage.  The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is authorized by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) to offer 0.4 Continuing Education Units (CEU) for this program.   To receive CEU credit participants must: Complete the pre-assessment Attend all four hours of the training Complete the course registration and evaluation Complete the post-test with an aggregate score of at least 70%. When:March 6-7, 201211:00 am - 1:00 pm MTContact:Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Phone: (410) 786-5473Website: Medicare.govRegistration:Click this link to register! Please complete the registration form and select a password that is 8 characters long and contains one capital letter and a numeric digit. If you have previously attended a webinar with us please select “click here” at the top of the page. You will be redirected and asked to enter your login (your email address) and password. If you do not remember you password, please click “Forgot your password?” You will receive an e-mail confirming your registration and providing the link to the webinar pre-assessment. Space is limited, and only approved participants will receive instructions on how to register. The pre-assessment must be completed prior to the start of the webinar. You will not be able to participate in the webinar if you have not completed the pre-assessment.

Register here free now!What:If I put a laptop on your desk, do you become smarter? Just introducing computers to the classroom will not, on its own, improve instruction. By now, using the experience of many districts around the country, we know a lot about how to use technology effectively to support improved instructional practices. Come learn from the experience of educators about key success factors in implementing a digital initiative. Whether you have some digital classrooms in your district, or you have an iPAD initiative, or you only have a few computers in the classroom, you know that technology will soon become a reality. Join us for a free webinar to learn how educators are creating an optimal instructional environment using digital devices and integrated curriculum to power the classroom. Register to: Find out the 9 key factors in powering a digital classroom successfully. Ensure your curriculum leverages technology using real world examples. Find out how to use bring your own device (BYOD) to fund a move to digital. Hear from an educator who successfully aligned a professional learning program to support a digital initiative. When:Wednesday, March 28, 2012 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MT

You can download the final SPIL here and you can download the State Plan here!What:Public hearing on state plans for Montana independent living and Montana vocational rehabilitation.For more details please visit: http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/vocrehab/upcomingevents.shtml. At this site you will also find the current state plans for Montana Vocational Rehabilitation and Independent Living, as well as a copy of the current Montana Vocational Rehabilitation strategic plan report.  This report reflects the activities and progress of the first year of the 3-year strategic plan.  The Hearing is an opportunity to comment on the progress of the strategic plan. When:April 3rd, 20123:00 pm - 4:00 pmWhere:The hearing will be at Fisher Video Conference sites in Billings, Butte, Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell, Miles City and Missoula.Contact:Mike Hermanson, MS, CRCPhone: (406) 444-3833

Register online right here!You can also download the flyer right here!What:Susan A. Gendron served as Commissioner of Education for the state of Maine from March 13, 2003 until May 1, 2010 when she stepped down to assume the role of Policy Coordinator for the SMARTER Balance Assessment Consortium. In this role she assisted 31 states in preparing an innovative integrated proposal that is built upon an integrated balanced system for curriculum, assessment, instruction and educator development.Topics To Be Addressed Tools and strategies to address Montana Common CoreStandards for Math practices specifically for grades 6-8 First glimpse of Common Core Standards for Science First glimpse of Common Core Standards for Science. This workshop is appropriate for math and science teachers, curriculum directors, administrators, and those interested in learning more about Common Core Math standards. OPI Renewal Units AvailableRegistration Fee$25.00: Participants are responsible for their own travel and meal costs. Substitute costs will be reimbursed (process will be discussed at the workshop). When:March 21, 20128:00 AM -11:00 AMWhere:Lincoln Center Board Room415 N 30th StreetBillings, MontanaContact:John KeenerPhone: (406) 657-1743Email: john.keener@msubillings.edu

Online registration coming soon! What and When:Please Save the Date for the Children Come First Conference and Youth Mental Health Summit in Milwaukee on May 3rd and 4th. See the details below and attached!  You won't want to miss this exciting event and the opportunity for developing action plans to improve youth mental health in Wisconsin!May 3rd:A Day Spent with Dr. Ross Greene, Associate Professor at Harvard University and acclaimed author of The Explosive Child and Lost At School. The day's conversation: Change Starts with Youth. For youth (ages 14-24) led by youth. May 4th (8:00 am - 12:00 pm):From Input to Action, adults and youth ages 14-24 join together to design action plans to improve youth mental health in Wisconsin. Sponsored by Wisconsin Family Ties, Youth Mental Health Connections, Milwaukee Mental Health Task Force.Where:American Serb Hall5101 W. Oklahoma Ave. Milwaukee, WI  Contact:Wisconsin Family TiesPhone: (608) 267-6888 or 800-422-7145 (parents only please)Fax: (608) 267-6801E-mail:  info@wifamilyties.org

Download the newspaper article here!What:Mission Statement Our mission is to establish a statewide, coordinated system of easily accessible, quality, and affordable respite care services for Montana’s family caregivers of individuals regardless of special needs. Vision StatementThe vision of the Montana Lifespan Respite Coalition is that all family caregivers have access to a quality community-based respite care service that is affordable and flexible to their needs. Please RSVP by February 16, 2012 if you will be attending.When:February 23, 20123:30 pm – 5:00 pmWhere:STEP Conference Room644 Grand Avenue #1Billings, MTContact:Vicki Clear Phone: (406) 234-6034Email: vclear@deapmt.org

You can register online here!Your purchase includes one web access and one toll-free phone line for live 90-minute event, materials and unlimited access to Webinar archive. Gather a group in one location so many can participate for one low price!What:This webinar addresses the frequently confusing topic of student accommodations. Specifically, the presentation reveals how ambiguous accommodations can be - and how to select appropriate accommodations for each individual.The goal of this webinar is to present a model that can be used collaboratively by advocates, parents, students, and teachers to identify unambiguous accommodations. In preparation for the webinar, participants are requested to consider the commonly used accommodation "preferential seating." If you chose this for a student's IEP, exactly where should next year's teacher seat this child?   Time is provided for questions from participants.  When:Wednesday, March 14, 2012 12:00 to 1:30 PM MT Contact:The Advocacy Institute Phone: 540-364-0051 Email: info@advocacyinstitute.org

Download the the link for full information right here! (PDF)What:By the end of this continuing education, participants should be able to: Use new techniques to assess and assist patients with psychiatric disorders with suicide prevention, medication adherence, and medication management. Develop a process to evaluate patients with psychiatric disorders and/or chronic pain to ensure the effective and safe use of medications. The registration fees are as follows:$150.00 - All Healthcare Providers $50.00 - StudentsThe deadline for registration is April 6, 2012. There is a $25 processing fee applied to all late registrations and cancellations. No refunds will be granted for cancellations after April 6, 2012.When:Friday, April 13, 20128:00 am - 4:45 pmWhere:Mansfield Health Education Center2900 12th Ave. N.Suite 30WBillings, MTContact:Robert Parker Phone: (406) 237-4537Email: robert.parker@svh-mt.org