FALL 2018
THE ESC CONNECTION A DIGITAL MAGAZINE FOR THE EDUCATIONAL SERVICE CENTER OF NORTHEAST OHIO

SERVING THE NEEDS OF NORTHEAST OHIO’S EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY

Educational
Service Center	Educational Service Center (ESC) of Northeast Ohio	1
of Northeast Ohio

Superintendent’s message By Dr. Bob Mengerink, Superintendent

Dear Colleagues,

I am excited to share with you our most recent newsletter. I feel that this newsletter truly illustrates the many ways that we work to build bridges between various systems
and partners to help all of you address the needs and interests of all of your educators and students. The professional development opportunities, networks, programs and services help adults support children at all levels of development
and with differentiated needs through new and

innovative ideas and shared best practices. Our

unique educational programs are dedicated to providing engaging and enriching learning
experiences for students with special needs. Efforts with partners such as social service agencies, higher education, business and community organizations elevate the options and resources
we can offer. As proud as we are of these and other initiatives, we know there is always more we can do. As we strive to continue to develop new ideas, we ask that you reach out to any of us at any time if there is anything you need help with. Our leadership team contact information is included in the newsletter and we look forward to hearing from you soon.

Bob

leadership contact information:

Bob Mengerink Superintendent 937-974-4966 (cell)
216-901-4204 (ofice) Bob.Mengerink@escneo.org

Bruce Basalla Treasurer
440-666-1801 (cell) 216-901-4217 (ofice)
Bruce.Basalla@escneo.org

Jennifer Dodd

Director of Operations and Development
440-725-6447 (cell) 216-901-4240 (ofice)
Jennifer.Dodd@escneo.org

Steve Rogaski
Director of Human Resources and Pupil Services
440-983-1299 (cell) 216-901-4210 (ofice)
Steve.Rogaski@escneo.org

Paula Kucinic Director of Professional Development and Instructional Technology 440-821-6765 (cell) 216-901-4244 (ofice)
Paula.Kucinic@escneo.org

Michele Shrefler Director of Educator Quality 216-379-6902 (cell)
216-901-4231 (ofice) Michele.Shrefler@escneo.org

Michele Gaski
Director of School Improvement 330-328-3980 (cell)
216-446-3812 (ofice) Michele.Gaski@escneo.org

Keith Bell Co-Director of
Leadership Services 614-554-0505 (cell) Keith.Bell@escneo.org

Russ Bennett Co-Director of
Leadership Services 330-414-4006 (cell) 216-901-4221 (ofice)
Russ.Bennett@escneo.org

Patti Cleary Co-Director of
Leadership Services 330-608-1353 (cell) 216-901-4283 (ofice)
Patty.Cleary@escneo.org

Dave Laurenzi Co-Director of Leadership Services 216-701-0065 (cell)
216-524-3000 x4000 (ofice) Dave.Laurenzi@escneo.org

Bill Zelei Executive Director,
Ohio Schools Council 216-906-6938 (cell)
216-447-3100 x 6102 (ofice) Bill.Zelei@escneo.org

John Mitchell Executive Director, Connect ITC
216-233-0056 (cell)
216-520-6900 x 5229 (ofice) John.Mitchell@ohconnect.org

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Educational Service Center

of Northeast Ohio

6393 Oak Tree Blvd. Independence, OH 44131 (216) 524-3000
Fax (216) 524-3683

Robert A. Mengerink Superintendent @bobmengerink

Jennifer Dodd
Director of Operations and Development

Steve Rogaski Director of Pupil Services

Bruce G. Basalla Treasurer

GOVERNING BOARD Anthony Miceli

President

Christine Krol Vice President

Carol Fortlage Tony Hocevar
Frank Mahnic, Jr.

Common Ground CLE Discussion at ESC On June 24, the ESC of Northeast
Ohio hosted one of the area’s Common Ground CLE discussions coordinated by The Cleveland Foundation to bring together individuals and groups interested in meeting and dialoguing about
a common theme. This year’s theme was “Does place matter?” as broadly defined by any of
the participating organizations. The ESC’s theme asked “What is the Place of Education in Our Communities?” More than 30 participants representing
students, educators, and the general community shared ideas about education historically and traditionally and the changing aspects of education. Some participants commented about changes in expectations and outcomes for students and teachers, the role of technology in our society and education, as well as the influence of social media on youth. More than 100 discussions took place around Northeast Ohio for the Common Ground meetings.

ESSEX CONFERENCE CENTER . . . Your idealspace to meet

Editor: Nadine Grimm

Contributors: Jennifer Dodd Paula Kucinic

@ESCNortheastOhio

@ESCNortheastOH

www.escneo.org

Watch our New Video on the Essex Conference Center

Are you or someone you work with looking for the ideal space to collaborate, network, and celebrate in a wonderful meeting space? Watch the ESC’s latest video on why the Essex Conference Center may be the perfect solution for your meeting space and conference needs. Click here to watch.

Educational Service Center (ESC) of Northeast Ohio	3

gifted and talented student programs

“Lost and Found”

On September 27, the ESC of Northeast Ohio hosted a middle school seminar, called “Lost and Found,” at the Cleveland Metroparks Jackson Field in Bentleyville for gifted and talented sixth, seventh and eighth-grade students. Students from Richmond Heights Local Schools and South Euclid Lyndhurst City Schools learned about four different types of land navigations and involved finding their
way in an unknown area using a GPS/ compass.

For information about Portage County Gifted and Talented programs, contact:

Steve Rogaski, Director of Human Resources and Pupil Services Steve.rogaski@escneo.org
216-901-4210

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national history day 2018

National History Day®(NHD) is a non-profit education organization based in College Park, Maryland that provides professional development and curriculum materials for educators, as well as academic programs that engage over half a million middle- and high-school students around the world annually in conducting original research on historical topics of interest.

The event began in 1974 on the campus of Case Western Reserve University, spread throughout Ohio, and then nationally. Since 1980, the National Endowment for the Humanities has supported
the program nationwide. Students enter their History Day projects at the local, state and national
levels, with top students advancing to the National

Contest held annually in June at the University of Maryland at College Park.

The 2018 theme was “Conflict and Compromise in History.” Several winners at the national competition were from Ohio schools. From Northeast Ohio, the middle school winner was
Vaishnavi Nayak of Mayfield Middle School, who won in the category of Junior Individual Website for “Montezuma’s Compromise: The Arrival of Cortes and the Fall of the Aztecs.” The topic of Discovery or Exploration in History was sponsored by the
Library of Congress. Congratulations Vaishnavi!

neo stream

For the second year, Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (Ohio-District 11) hosted conferences for students, educators, community leaders and the general public to promote education and employment opportunities for citizens of
Northeast Ohio in Science, Technology, Recreation, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics (NEO STREAM). On October 25, middle educators participated in workshops to inform them about opportunities they can share with their students. Workshops were offered by organizations like the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Cleveland Museum of
Natural History, the Akron Zoo, Case Western

Reserve University, local businesses and others. Students, as well as executive leaders, met at the Metro Campus of Cuyahoga Community College on October 26, while events on October 27 at Cleveland State University were open to the entire community. Participants in all of the programs were engaged in interactive, hands-on learning.

For information:

OH11.NEOSTREAM@mail.house.gov 

or 216-522-4900

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learning standards
and assessment superheroes

This fall, a team of curriculum consultants worked with district leaders in Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools to assist with the ongoing process of revising pacing guides and creating high quality assessments with teachers to inform their instruction. They are using a new tool called Illuminate to accomplish this. Illuminate is online software that “provides teachers with one place to seamlessly build and administer formative assessments, capture and analyze multiple sources of data to inform instruction, and direct students to learning resources needed to support specific, targeted standards. These teachers, our “Illuminator Superheroes” worked collaboratively with colleagues from other buildings within the
district to gain multiple perspectives to support the work. Consultants assisted the staff in the process and reviewed completed documents, which included their common benchmark assessments for rigor and alignment to the Blueprint. This included examining the pacing guides as well so that these “Illuminator Superheroes” could shed a light on where the gaps were in their curriculum in
order to provide students with the best opportunity

for mastery of the standards. The consultants used a rubric to provide the best feedback that they could to the district superheroes! The Illuminator Superheroes of Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools are well on their way to eliminating all the gaps within their curriculum!

Even if you have gone through curriculum pacing and mapping in the past, this process is extremely helpful to revisit to ensure that teachers understand the depth and breadth of the standards. ODE continues to release new documents that can help teachers as they create unit plans, assessments, and instructional materials. These documents, coupled with reviewing released test items, can allow teams of teachers to continually deepen
their understanding of the standards and refine their craft, which should translate into improved achievement and growth of the students.

Need help? Want to create your own cadre of district superheroes?
Contact: Lynn Hruschak, Curriculum Consultant

Lynn.hruschak@escneoorg

competency-based education

The ESC of Northeast Ohio’s consortium of six districts continues its pilot in Competency-based Education with an upcoming workshop at the ESC of Northeast Ohio on November 5. The workshop, “Introduction to Performance Assessments,” provides an opportunity for
participants to engage in an actual performance task as their students would do. Teachers who have authored and implemented the performance tasks and assessments will facilitate the workshop that allows attendees to participate in hands-on application of learning as they examine portfolios
of performance assessments written for Math

Grade 6, Algebra I, and U.S. History. Performance tasks and assessments are written to priority Ohio learning standards, quality criteria and framework, and incorporate skills and competencies required for student deep learning and authentic real-world applications.

Register online at the ESC website or contact: Nadine Grimm
Coordinator of 21st Century Learning nadine.grimm@escneo.org
216-901-4243

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Educational Service Center (ESC) of Northeast Ohio	7

Bright
ngs?
newS from Bright Beginnings

Bright Beginnings – a first step in preparation for the school years

Sometime around mid-July, retailers start to stock their shelves with back-to-school supplies. Pencil pouches. Pencils. Rulers. School boxes. Backpacks. Parents scramble to fill the list necessary for success. One might think a child is ready once all the supplies are checked off their list.

But that simply is not the case.

What really makes a dramatic difference in a child’s education are the early years. The infant and toddler years. The years when a child’s brain is developing. By the age of three, 80% of a child’s brain development is complete. It’s during this time that parental support is critical. Support to help with daily activities, learning and growth. At times, parents may not know exactly what to do during those critical years.

Bright Beginnings offers supports that assists parents during these critical years. The Parents as Teachers (PAT) program, offered in Cuyahoga County, is an evidenced-based home visiting program that supports parents as their child’s earliest and best teachers and helps children grow, learn, and reach their full potential. All services
are home-based, voluntary and at no cost to the families. Parent educators help families link to services and resources that support their goals. Studies show that Parents as Teachers children require half the rate of remedial and special education by third grade. PAT helps empower the parents, which allows them to be a positive
support as their child enters kindergarten. Studies have shown that children who enter kindergarten
ready to learn continue to do well in elementary

school and are more likely to graduate from high school and be successful in life – positive outcomes of early
supports.

Early
Intervention	Beginnings is offered          formerly Help Me Grow of Cuyahoga County

in every

county throughout the state of Ohio providing services to children with a developmental delay or a medical diagnosis. Bright Beginnings offers
Early Intervention (EI) services through an evidence-based approach that includes a service coordinator and primary service provider as part of a family’s team. All services are voluntary and provided
in the home or community setting. The home, daycare center, park, grocery store – wherever the family is most comfortable or where a need is present. Service coordinators help families
navigate the Early Intervention process and link to needed services. Like PAT, EI provides assistance and support to empower families as their children grow. EI also helps reduce the need for future intervention, including special education services.

A child’s education begins the day he/she is born. It’s important that programs such as Bright Beginnings are a part of not only the child’s development but the family’s support system, as well.

Bright Beginnings is here for families who need support. Anyone can refer a family, including the family themselves, for early support services.

For further information about Parents as Teachers, Early Intervention, or other home visiting services,
call (216) 698-7500

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PBIS RECOGNITION Each year the Ohio PBIS (Positive Behavioral

Interventions & Supports) Network, with the help of the 16 Ohio State Support Teams (SST) throughout Ohio, recognizes schools for their quality and fidelity of PBIS implementation. Schools are eligible to receive awards at the bronze, silver or gold level of distinction. Schools that submitted evidence and applied for recognition demonstrated best practices within their building, and also demonstrated open and transparent sharing of their knowledge and resources with other schools. PBIS Recognized schools have easily identifiable characteristics and are consistent in their methods of maintaining an organized team-based planning process, high levels of administrative involvement and support, and systematically collecting, reviewing and applying data using a problem-solving process. These schools do a superior job of enhancing their school climate and culture in support of students and their
academic achievement.

National Blue Ribbon Schools ANNOUNCED

Bath Elementary School (Revere Local School District) and Brecksville-Broadview Heights Middle School (Brecksville-Broadview Heights City Schools) were named as U.S. Department of Education
2018 National Blue Ribbon Schools. The recognition is based on a school’s overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award afirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master
challenging and engaging content.

Congratulations to the following school buildings within Region 3 for PBIS state-wide recognition:

Bronze Recognition:

Euclid Central Middle School, Euclid City School District
Franklin D. Roosevelt Academy, Cleveland Metropolitan School District

Silver Recognition:

Arbor Elementary, Euclid City School District Bluestone Elementary, Euclid City School District
Chardon Hills Elementary, Euclid City School District
Moreland Hills Elementary, Orange City School District
William Foster Elementary School, Garfield Heights City Schools

Educational Service Center (ESC) of Northeast Ohio	9

college accesscampaign

The Ohio Department of Education has launched its 3 to GET READY!!! Campaign urging high school seniors to 1) complete their FAFSA applications, 2) apply to colleges, and 3) to participate in college signing days during April and May.

Guidance counselors and all educators are asked to promote the program during October and November to help students prepare for their post-secondary readiness and transition.

3toGET READY !!! Preparing for college is as easy as 1-2-3.

1 Ohio FAFSA

Completion Initiative!

Starting October 1st

Each year, more than $24 billion in financial aid goes unclaimed. To be eligible to access this money for college, students need to fill out the FAFSA (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Go to the official FAFSA website (fafsa.ed.gov) to fill out the form online.

District staff, have you gained access to your

building-specific FAFSA-completion data? If not, visit ohiohighered.org/3ToGetReady/FAFSA for additional details.

Need help?

FAFSA Help Ohio is designed for students, parents, counselors, and anyone else looking for in-person help or other resources
for completing the FAFSA. Check www.fafsahelpoh.org for helpful videos and other resources, as well as an updated list of free FAFSA events around Ohio.

2 Ohio College

Application Month!

Starting October 1st

October is Ohio College Application Month (OCAM). Find out if your high school or another nearby site plans to host an official OCAM event. Volunteers will help
all graduating seniors navigate the college admission process and submit at least one application for admission.

For more information

Visit ohiohighered.org/3ToGetReady/OCAM for an updated listing
Month
Application
CollegeA
C
of participating OCAM sites around Ohio, as well as information for how to host an event.

#WhyApply	#IApplied

3 College Signing Day!

Throughout April & May

Ohio College Signing Day events around the state celebrate graduating seniors’ post-high school plans and provide support for the transition to college.

For more information

Visit ohiohighered.org/3ToGetReady/CSD for an updated listing
of participating College Signing Day sites around Ohio, as well as information for how to host an event.

#3ToGetReady

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“It is important that every student in high school have a plan for what is next, whether that be the traditional four-year campus experience, apprenticeship in the trades, commuting to a two-year community college or regional campus, utilizing and building upon their career technical experience to earn a certificate, starting a business, or joining the military. Every student should complete the FAFSA, to understand what resources are available to them as they evaluate what they do next. Ohio has numerous opportunities and we want each student to have the information they need to pursue their career path.”

- Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor John Carey

3toGET READY !!! PLANNING CALENDAR FOR 12TH GRADE COLLEGE EVENTS

SEPTEMBER

1

OCTOBER	NOVEMBER      DECEMBER	JANUARY	FEBRUARY	MARCH	APRIL	MAY	JUNE

10/1: FAFSA opens

Ohio FAFSA
Completion Initiative!
Application Month!
2

Ohio College
College Signing Day!
College Application Week

3

5/1: Decision Day

Find out more at ohiohighered.org/3ToGetReady

Educational Service Center (ESC) of Northeast Ohio	11

workshop highlights

Disrupting Poverty: 5 Powerful Classroom Practices

On October 15, Kathleen Budge, ASCD author and national consultant, spoke to more than 100 educators on powerful classroom practices to act against the debilitating effects of poverty on their students. She shared powerful voices of teachers—many of whom grew up in poverty—to
amplify the five classroom practices that permeate

the culture of successful high-poverty schools:

1. Caring relationships and advocacy 2. High expectations and support
3. Commitment to equity

4. Professional accountability for learning 5. The courage and will to act.

Participants explored classroom-tested strategies and practices, plus templates and exercises
that can be used for personal reflection and ongoing collaboration with colleagues. Disrupting Poverty: 5 Powerful Classroom Practices provided teachers, administrators, coaches and others with background information and the practical tools needed to help students break free from the cycle
of poverty.

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workshop highlights Google for the Rest of Us

On October 5, a Google for the Rest of Us: Drives, Docs, & Slides workshop, led by Stephanie DeMichele, was held at the ESC of Northeast Ohio and geared for staff outside of the classroom who want to explore Google and what it has to offer. Participants increased their personal and professional learning, eficiency, creativity and productivity. The group explored a number of Google apps, including Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Calendar, Sites, Hangouts, and Gmail. In addition to learning the tools, participants had ample opportunity to “make and take” a little something Google-y to use back at their home district.

TEACCH Workshop

A two-day, highly interactive workshop on September 27 and 28 provided participants with a basic working knowledge of TEACCH methodology (Treatment
and Education of Autistic and other Communication Handicapped Children) and its role in working with students with autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities. Physical structure of the learning environment and visual structure of learning materials were discussed and demonstrated. Visual structure of learning materials also was practiced in hands-on activities. The presenter was Sloane Burgess, Ph.D., assistant professor, Kent State University.

Teaching Creativity Seminar

Teachers who are lifelong learners interested in cultivating creative thinking in their classrooms came together at the ESC of Northeast Ohio on September 27 for a “Teaching Creativity Seminar.” This was the first of a three-part series. Throughout the school year, educators will collaborate with one another, with master teachers, and with outside experts during three, single-day instructional seminars designed to support them in being effective and inspiring agents for creativity in their own classrooms and schools.

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Readers’ and Writers’ Workshop for Grades 5-8

Creating classrooms where students are reading a lot, writing a lot and thinking a lot is what this workshop was all about! In this workshop, teachers were engaged in learning about the “big 5 ideas” for adolescent literacy, one of which
includes motivation. One of the biggest motivators for students of this age is CHOICE—how we
as teachers can let go of whole-class assigned books to allow students to have choices in what they read. Teachers learned the components
of readers’ workshop and how to implement and manage these structures as well as sample
content for engaging mini-lessons.

Middle school teachers, both general education and intervention specialists, participated in a two-day Readers’ and Writers’ Workshop at the ESC of Northeast Ohio. The Readers’ Workshop was held on September 20. Teacher participants were from Chardon Local, Cleveland Metropolitan, Crestwood Local, Euclid City, and North Royalton City Schools. On October 23, the Writers’ Workshop took place for educators who teach fifth through eighth graders. Lots of happy
reading for the students in these districts!

Educational Service Center (ESC) of Northeast Ohio	15

workshop highlights

Global Arts & Culture -Calligraphy around the World

On September 19, the ESC of Northeast Ohio hosted a Global Arts & Culture workshop, “The Scribe’s Hand: Calligraphy around the World.” Participants joined calligrapher and book artist Rachel Morris, professor emerita in the art department at Notre Dame College, as they explored tools used by ancient and contemporary scribes from around the world to create beautiful lettering for religious and secular books, letters, posters, and other
objects. Those in attendance created their own inexpensive writing instruments and tried their hands at writing contemporary letterforms.

Global Education: Citizen Science

The ESC of Northeast Ohio is collaborating with Cuyahoga Valley National Park Environmental Education Center and Woodridge Local High School, located in the park, as educators develop an interdisciplinary curriculum encompassing environmental science, art, social studies, English language arts, and Spanish language. An added dimension is a potential education and cultural exchange with Maya students in
Guatemala. One of the areas of student exchange includes water monitoring of the rivers and lakes where the students live, and an exchange of environmental data.

On September 19, Laura Martin, professor emerita of Cleveland State University’s department of World Languages and Anthropology, with Ajpub’ Pablo Garcia Ixmata, a Tz’utujil Mayan linguist and cultural expert from Guatemala, led a presentation about ancient and contemporary Maya for students in the Spanish and science classes
at Woodridge High School. Students had the opportunity to participate in a poetry recitation and a fashion demonstration, as well as a play about a Mayan fable, “How the Hummingbird Got Her Clothes.”

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Educational Service Center (ESC) of Northeast Ohio	17

workshop highlights

Moveable Books: Their History and Value for Children

On September 11, as part of Octavofest 2018 that celebrates book and papermaking arts, the the ESC of Northeast Ohio hosted a program at its conference facility for literacy tutors from Ohio Reading Corps, which is directed by Elyse Sanchez. Glenda Thornton, Director of CSU Libraries, was the presenter on
“Moveable Books: Their History and Value for Children” in which she provided a history of books that have moveable parts, such as pop-ups, flaps, slides, or accordian folds. She demonstrated books from her own collection, including some antique and contemporary books that are quite complex in design. After her presentation, the participants learned how to create their own pop-up books from Meredith Hahn, an artist and creator of the Faber-Castell, USA pop-up book kits. The Ohio Reading Corps tutors will share their books with school children who are learning to read.

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Educational Service Center (ESC) of Northeast Ohio	19

workshop highlights

MAX Teaching with Reading and Writing Workshop

What can schools do to help middle and high school students improve their achievement in learning?
The systematic use of reading and writing to help students learn their subject matter is one answer. Teachers who use the MAX Teaching Framework do not need to be reading specialists. Academic and vocational teachers from the elementary grades through high school only need to recognize that
by using the concrete tools of tests and student writing, along with teacher modeling and cooperative learning, they can help students routinely achieve higher order thinking about their subject matter.

The ESC of Northeast Ohio hosted a “MAX Teaching with Reading and Writing” workshop on September 10. The workshop showed educators how to increase student engagement in any academic or vocational classroom. It also showed them how to create opportunities for all students to practice higher order thinking on a routine basis in every class. Finally, attendees learned how to involve content area teachers in classroom strategies that can lead to higher reading scores in their school.

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Project Aware

The ESC of Northeast Ohio Project AWARE grant is entering the fifth year of activities to raise
awareness on the topic of mental health as well as to increase access to the services for all children to succeed. This past year, Project AWARE offered seven professional development opportunities to
900 district, county and community staff on various mental health topics such as trauma, opioids
and system services. On September 17, during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in partnership with the Alcohol, Drug Addictions, and Mental Health Services Board of Cuyahoga County and multiple other community partners, 165 school
and community staff were trained on Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR), as well as being provided with multiple prevention strategies and resources to access. The resources can now be viewed on the ESCNEO web page at http://www. esc-cc.org/ConferencesProfessionalDevelopment. aspx.

In addition to the professional development opportunities, Project AWARE staff partnered with various districts in assessing current tiered frameworks and integrating mental health and other systems to intervene
early and increase access to appropriate resources. In year four, the System Navigator Denise Pietrzak, LISW-S, saw an increase in referrals in working with schools, systems, students and families to provide consultation, linkage, and navigation of county and
community agencies and

resources. The work also focuses on supporting students transitioning as they overcome non-academic and academic barriers. The primary referral source was school districts followed by psychiatric hospitals. The main needs identified during the referrals are mental health, behavioral, academic, and attendance.

In this final year of the grant, members of the Project AWARE Community Management team will continue to develop a sustainability plan. This will include assessing and identifying the needs of our partners and students, and developing a
plan to provide comprehensive strategies and best practices to districts and community partners to address mental health needs of students. It will
be essential for the plan to integrate a seamless and timely connection to appropriate services and resources when a student, family and/or school seeks support, to assure academic and lifelong success of all students.

For information, contact

Mary Wise, Project AWARE Coordinator

mary.wise@escneo.org

Educational Service Center (ESC) of Northeast Ohio	21

workshop highlights

Ethics and Caseload Training Session for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists

The ESC of Northeast Ohio welcomed school speech-language pathologists (SLP) and audiologists to the ESC on August 30 when they attended a full-day ethics and caseload training session. Ann Slone shared and discussed common scenarios that require both understanding of the legal aspects of special education as well as an awareness of professional ethics. In the afternoon, the focus
was on caseload/workload with Dr. Chuck Carlin who provided an overview of the requirements from the Operating Standards from the perspective of an SLP. Participants learned about various resources that can be used to calculate an appropriate workload. They also learned about strategies that other Ohio school districts are using to manage their SLPs’ workload.

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Integrating the Arts and Humanities

Research shows a strong positive correlation between the creative arts and academic success. On October 15, the ESC of Northeast Ohio
hostd an interactive workshop to explore why and how integrating the visual and performing arts with humanities core content challenges student thinking, enhances social and intellectual development and deepens teaching and learning. The presenters were Deborah Walker and Kathy
Frazier, educators, content experts and cofounders

of Touching the Future Today. They guided

participants through innovative strategies aligned with visual and performing arts and humanities content standards to create and integrate core content with “hands on/minds on” creative experiences. They provided practical steps for creating or enhancing interdisciplinary curriculum, team or co-teaching and incorporating experiential learning. Breakout sessions with educators
and humanities and arts professionals highlighted interdisciplinary creative approaches to developing
21st century skills and competencies.

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Thinking, Creating, Designing & Making

FLEXIBLE The ESC of Northeast Ohio is hosting a four-session Flexible Learning Institute to engage individual educators or district teams of three to four administrators, teachers and staff as they navigate “maker learning” and other creative, flexible approaches for transforming teaching and learning. Facilitators will lead participants in the cultural and transformative processes necessary to remake teaching and learning environments.

Participants will engage in practical, relevant,

LEARNING

Session two will be November 12 and session three will be in the winter (TBD) at Orange, Streetsboro and Strongsville City Schools. The last session is on May 15. The institute participants may extend learning with an optional summer field experience.

For information, contact:

Nadine Grimm,

hands-on, equitable learning practices appropriate for individual and district needs. The first session
was held on October 22 at the ESC.

Coordinator of 21st Century Learning Nadine.grimm@escneo.org
216-901-4243

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Educational Service Center (ESC) of Northeast Ohio	25

highlights

of ESC’s FALL professional learning communities & networks

Literacy

On October 5, Jennifer Miller, K-5 English Language Arts (ELA) coach and specialist, facilitated a meeting of the ESC Literacy Network. This network is for dedicated ELA specialists, coaches and teacher leaders who are interested in sharing, discussing, learning and reflecting together to ensure that all students receive the highest quality ELA instruction possible.

Women in Education

The inaugural meeting of the Women in Education (WE) Leadership Network took place at the ESC on Northeast Ohio on October 1. This professional network is for women interested in networking with peers, discovering new knowledge and addressing individual and personal goals. The first session focused on the introduction of women
in leadership and the importance of support and networking. Future meetings are November 19, March 18-19 (BASA Women in Leadership Conference in Columbus) and May 6.

Northeast Ohio Mathematical Specialists

The Northeast Ohio Mathematical Specialists (NEOMS) Network met on September 27 at the ESC of Northeast Ohio. Mike Lipnos, Math Instructional Coach, is the regional facilitator. This network is for passionate math specialists, coaches and teachers who are interested
in learning together for the sole purpose of advancing mathematics instruction.

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Northeast Ohio English Language Learners

On Friday, September 20, the Northeast Ohio English Language Learners (NOELL) Collaborative met at
the ESC of Northeast Ohio. Carol Striskovic, Mentor Exempted Village Schools and Kate LaBatte and Jenny Petticord, Westlake City Schools, facilitated a discussion with teachers, tutors, central ofice administrators and other educators interested in networking and discussing issues and topics related to English Language Learners.

Technology

Dave Miller of Nort2h and Vicki Turner of Strongsville City Schools are leading the Regional Technology Network group once again this school year. The network had a meeting at the ESC of Northeast Ohio on September 20. This network is for technology, curriculum and instruction directors, teachers and other interested educators who would like to discuss current topics and share resources as they relate to educational uses and applications for instructional technology. The primary focus of the network will emphasize the integration of technology into the curriculum.

Family Leadership

On Friday, September 21, the Family Leadership Network met at the ESC of Northeast Ohio. Under the facilitation of Kris Balestra and Terri McIntee, this network welcomes all family leadership representatives, parent mentors and community resource agencies.

School Counselors

The ESC of Northeast Ohio welcomed the Northeast Ohio School Counselors’ Network to our ofices
on Wednesday, September 19. This network is for elementary, middle and high school counselors and social workers who are interested in networking and discussing issues as they relate to advocating for students at each level.

Educational Service Center (ESC) of Northeast Ohio	27

Early Childhood Special Education Itinerant The Early Childhood Special Education Itinerant Network
met at the ESC of Northeast Ohio on September 14. Success stories, policy, tools, best practice and strategies were shared to strengthen relationships and outcomes for students, families and community partners. Coaching With Powerful Interactions by Judy Jablin guided their learning in addition to other state-supported resources. The next meeting is on November 9.

Speech-Language Pathologists

The ESC of Northeast Ohio hosted the Speech-Language Pathologists Network on September 13. The focus of this network is for school-based SLPs and other SLPs who are interested in learning, supporting, and reflecting on current topics and best practices within the educational setting. This group is designed to promote collaboration so that
all students receive the highest quality and most effective therapy.

Northeast Ohio Association of School Personnel Administrators

On September 11, the Northeast Ohio Association of School Personnel Administrators (NEOASPA) met at the ESC of Northeast Ohio. NEOASPA is a professional organization open to all Northeast Ohio school district central ofice administrative professionals to collaborate, examine and share effective practices, expertise and resources related to employment practices, personnel issues, human resource functions and related legal topics.

Teaching and Learning Knowledge (TALK) On September 11, the Teaching and Learning Knowledge (TALK) network met at the ESC of Northeast Ohio.
This network provides opportunities for all educational professionals in Northeast Ohio to collaborate, examine, and share effective practices and resources that support high-quality educational leadership. Formerly the Westside Collaborative and the Eastside-Westside Curriculum Group, this network has been established for individuals interested in networking with other educators on issues and topics as they relate to curriculum, instruction and assessment.

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STUDENTS INSPIRED BYART

On October 23, sixth graders in Richmond Heights Local SchooIs had an extra special art class provided by the Center for Arts-Inspired Learning. The students enjoyed making word art to learn about onomatopoeia. Many of these students also participate in an after school Art Club.

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northcoast businessadvisory network

Representatives from 18 districts met at Lincoln Electric’s Welding Technology and Training Center in Euclid on October 10 for the ESC of Northeast Ohio’s regional Business Advisory Council meeting. As participants toured the facility, they saw students training for the various areas in which modern welders work, such as in fabrication, construction, shipbuilding, engineering, robotics, pipefitting, boilermaking, among other areas. The company provides a train-the-trainer approach and a comprehensive curriculum at its 25 welding
technology training centers around the world, and its 63 manufacturing facilities in 20 countries. Dr. Jason Scales, Lincoln’s business manager for education indicated that the company’s goal is to increase the number of skilled welders to satisfy the growing needs of global businesses.

Preparing students for careers in manufacturing was the topic of a presentation by Rob Coolidge and Krista Maurer of ToolingU-SME, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preparing both entry-level and skilled
workers for advanced manufacturing careers. Via

online courses, students learn about the skills required for success and earn stackable credentials required by employment in industry. Courses prepare students for national standards examinations, such as NIMS, MSSC, and SME, and when coupled with practical
in-person instruction and labs, provide the basis for student internships, pre-apprentices, and entry level employment.

The ESC’s Business Advisory Council serves districts with a regional approach to satisfy ODE requirements for districts to align with local businesses to support student academic success and readiness for employment. The next meeting is scheduled for December 10 at the ESC of Northeast Ohio.

For information, contact

Bobbie Lindenbaum, NCBAC Coordinator bobbie.lindenbaum@escneo.org or
Paula Kucinic, Director of Professional Development paula.kucinic@escneo.org
216-910-4244

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The PASSPORT SCHOOL PROGRAM

OPEN HOUSE HIGHLIGHTS

The Passport School Program Open House was held on October 23 at the program’s location on Cedar Road in Chesterland. Students ranging in age from 5 to 22
years old, with multiple disabilities, autism, non-verbal language skills, medically fragile and/or behaviors that interfere with daily functioning attend the program from school districts throughout Ohio.The facility provides a well-suited accessible school
environment for their students with special needs. The program has access to sensory and therapy rooms, an adaptive swimming pool, large multi-purpose rooms, an outdoor adaptive playground, hiking trails, and pavilion.

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CAPSTONE ACADEMY UPDATE

The Capstone Academy program is housed within the Hattie Larlham residential facility serving students with significant developmental and physical disabilities as well as profound medically fragile conditions. Capstone Academy collaborates with school districts from around the
state to provide services for students with the most profound multiple disabilities.

Capstone Academy utilizes whole group, small group, and one-on-one instruction, as well as assistive technology, to ensure that students have an opportunity to experience success. All students follow a weekly schedule consisting of classroom-based learning in Math, Science, Social Studies, English Language Arts, Music, Art, Adapted Physical Education (APE), vocational skills and
multi-sensory integration. Related services such as

speech therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy, as well as adaptive equipment, enhance the learning experience of each child. It is this emphasis on an integrated team approach and the extensive use of adapted technology that make the Capstone Academy’s program distinct. Starting in the 2018-19 academic year, services have expanded include preschool students living at Hattie Larlham. The Capstone program now serves students PK-12 (ages 3-22 years). Nancy Grifin was added to the Capstone team as the Early Childhood Intervention Specialist. She
also provides itinerant services within the local community in conjunction with district partners.

Capstone Academy hosted an Open House on October 5 at the Hattie Larlham facility in Mantua.
Here are some photos from the event.

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Educational Service Center

of Northeast Ohio

We Build bridges for . . .

Educators • Districts • Agencies • Organizations Universities & Colleges • Students • Adult Learners Families & Communities • Businesses

Current Client Districts:

Akron Public Schools Aurora City Schools Bay Village City Schools
Beachwood City Schools Bedford City Schools Berea City Schools
Brecksville-Broadview Heights City Schools
Brooklyn City Schools
Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schools Chardon Local Schools
Cleveland Heights-University Heights City Schools
Cleveland Metropolitan Schools Crestwood Local Schools Cuyahoga Heights Local Schools

East Cleveland City Schools Euclid City Schools
Fairview Park City Schools Garfield Heights City Schools Independence Local Schools James A. Garfield Local Schools Kenston Local Schools
Kent City Schools Kirtland Local Schools Lakewood City Schools
Maple Heights City Schools Mayfield City Schools
Mentor Exempted Village Schools North Olmsted City Schools North Royalton City Schools Olmsted Falls City Schools

Orange City Schools Parma City Schools Ravenna City Schools Revere Local Schools
Richmond Heights Local Schools Rocky River City Schools
Shaker Heights City Schools Solon City Schools
South Euclid-Lyndhurst City Schools Streetsboro City Schools Strongsville City Schools
Twinsburg City Schools Warrensville Heights City Schools Waterloo Local Schools Westlake City Schools
Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools

Click here for archived issues of The ESC Connection

(216) 524-3000	info@escneo.org

36	www.escneo.org	@ESCNortheastOH