In collaboration with the Virginia Commonwealth University Autism Center for Excellence (VCU-ACE), this CoLA supports autism specialist in Region 5. This network of autism specialists meets face-to-face for professional learning. It also provides remote discussions for networking and virtual resource sharing on topics relevant to stakeholders. For more information, email Dr. Hunter Matusevich (matuseha@jmu.edu).

IPOP supports increasing access and the quality of inclusive practices for preschoolers through technical assistance and support at the division level. If you would like more information on how to apply for IPOP or more information on increasing inclusive practices in Early Childhood, contact Meg Druga (drugamk@jmu.edu).

Join this community of practice focused on learning, sharing, and networking with educators who are interested in instructional practices that relate to the Virginia Essentialized Standards of Learning (VESOL). Four to five 1-hour long virtual meetings per year and access to a shared resources/activities folder. Contact Lorna Frizzelle (frizzelm@jmu.edu) to join.

Your TTAC at JMU in collaboration with the Center on Transition Innovations (CTI) offers resources and professional learning opportunities around secondary transition planning and services via a community of practice. Contact Hunter Matusevich (matuseha@jmu.edu) for more information.

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has identified effective co-teachers throughout the commonwealth to participate in the Excellence in Co-Teaching Initiative. These co-teachers are dedicated to enhancing and sharing knowledge of inclusive practices for educating all children and youth with disabilities in the least restrictive environment. This work includes developing lesson plans, delivering presentations, sharing resources, and encouraging visitors from other schools to visit their classrooms. These demonstration sites provide the opportunity to observe co-teaching in action and network within the region.
Email Jill Shifflett (shiffljm@jmu.edu) to learn more about this initiative and to schedule a classroom visit.

This CoP supports educators who participate in the VDOE’s Multi-sensory Structured Literacy / Orton-Gillingham training. The CoP meets twice a year to explore and share literacy practices and resources related to structured literacy and the OG approach. Contact Jen MacRae (macraejm@jmu.edu) for more information.

This CoP supports division-level Dyslexia Advisors. The CoP meets twice a year to explore and share resources to best meet the needs of students with dyslexia. Contact Jen MacRae (macraejm@jmu.edu) for more information.

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