Listserv News and Updates
What is ListServ (SELs/SELs2)?
February 2000, the Office of Special Education created the Special Education Listserv (SELS). It has been and continues to be a limited e-mail group (with listserv being a misnomer since it really isn’t a listserv) available to only one contact person per school district/responsible public agency. It is used by the Office to disseminate important special education information concerning funding, compliance, data collection, professional development, etc.
The Office has created a second e-mail group called SELs2. This e-mail group is open to anyone wanting to subscribe (principals, teachers, parents, etc.). It will allow subscribers to receive the EXACT same messages as subscribers to SELs. By creating this second e-mail group, all constituents interested in special education will have the opportunity to receive the Office’s e-mail messages, not just one contact per school district/responsible public agency. It also allows DESE to maintain the ability to make sure that every district has at least one contact person per district receiving these messages. Messages are from DESE only and may only be posted by the manager (Lina Browner, Office of Special Education). Members may not post messages to either SELs or SELs2.
How Do I Subscribe?
Those interested in subscribing to SELs2 can do so by going to the following the links below.
Questions or Problems Subscribing to SELs and/or needing to change SELs information, contact Lina Browner, Executive Assistant, Office of Special Education at (573) 751-5739 or via email at Lina.Browner@dese.mo.gov
SELs
SELs2
SELs Archives
- Free Executive Functioning Workshop (Webinar)
Source: Kristin Funk, Assistant Director, Effective Practices
Intended Audience: Special Education Teachers, Process Coordinators, Special Education Directors, Para-educators, Counselors, School Psychologists, and Parents
Date: November 12, 2024
A free, all-day training webinar will be held on December 5, 2024, which will cover executive functioning (EF) deficits associated with several behavioral challenges common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) including restricted interests, repetitive behaviors, stimulus over-selectivity, generativity, and deficits in cognitive flexibility. This session will present specific assessment tools and instructional strategies targeting EF deficits commonly experienced by students with ASD. The webinar will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with a one-hour lunch break from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Registration and more information can be found on the Project ACCESS website. The recording will be sent to all registrants for on-demand viewing through December 31, 2024.
For questions, please contact Project ACCESS at projectaccess@missouristate.edu or call 417-836-6657.
- Autism Resources
Source: James Bouslaugh, Director, Special Education Effective Practices
Intended Audience: Special Education Directors, Teachers, Support Staff, Related Service Providers, Paraprofessionals
Date: November 12, 2024
As a reminder to local education agencies, please see the resources listed below which can aid you in working with students with Autism.
DESE OSE Autism Resources Page
Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Additionally, training opportunities can be accessed through the behavior consultants at the Regional Professional Development Centers. Alternative certification programs and scholarships are available through the University of Central Missouri. For more information on certification for severe developmental disabilities, contact Dr. Lisa Robbins at larobbins@ucmo.edu or Dr. Theresa Earles-Vollrath at vollrath@ucmo.edu.
- Missouri Youth Leadership Forum
Source: Governor’s Council on Disability
Intended Audience: Special Education Teachers, Process Coordinators, Transition Coordinators, Special Education Administrators, Parents, Students
Date: November 7, 2024
The Governor’s Council on Disability is thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Missouri Youth Leadership Forum (MO-YLF) for high school students with disabilities (ages 16-21)!
The MO-YLF provides a unique and empowering experience for students looking to grow their leadership skills and prepare for a successful transition into college, careers, and independent living. Students will gain valuable skills, connect with peers and mentors, and immerse themselves in a college environment, staying on campus at the University of Missouri in Columbia.
Watch the Experience Come to Life!
This year, we are excited to share our two new promotional videos, created by the Office of Administration’s communications team with footage from the 2024 Forum.
See firsthand what makes MO-YLF such an impact experience for young leaders in Missouri’s disability community.Missouri Youth Leadership Forum Video for Parents and Teachers
Missouri Youth Leadership Forum Video for Potential DelegatesMark your calendar!
When: July 15-19, 2025
Where: University of Missouri - Columbia
Application Deadline: March 31, 2025During this weeklong leadership program, delegates will participate in engaging activities, including:
- Leadership Development: Explore goal setting, self-determination, self-advocacy, and more.
- Disability History and Culture: Gain a deeper understanding of disability rights, history, and culture and connect with mentors who have lived experiences.
- Career Exploration and College Readiness: Prepare for the future with real-world resources, guidance, and mentorship.
- Social Activities: Enjoy a national keynote speaker, adaptive sports night, talent show, and dance!
- Community Connections: Form friendships with other young leaders in Missouri’s disability community.
The entire program is provided at no cost to selected delegates, thanks to support from our generous sponsors and donors. Apply today and take the first step toward an exciting future! To learn more or start your application, visit: disability.mo.gov/gcd/ylf.
Do not miss this chance to develop your leadership skills and join a supportive community. Apply by March 31 to secure your place!
- Confirmation of Applications Received for the FY 25 Public Placement Fund
Source: Special Education Finance
Intended Audience: Special Education Directors, District Administrators
Date: November 7, 2024
A list of the FY 25 Public Placement Fund applications received as of November 5, 2024, is located on the Special Education Finance webpage at https://dese.mo.gov/financial-admin-services/special-education-finance/special-education-finance-hnf-ppf-and-rbp. If a district has submitted an application and is not on the list, please contact the Special Education Finance Section at 573-522-2523 or by email at spedfunding@dese.mo.gov.
- RESOURCES AVAILABLE: October Data Cycle Office Hour’s Documents
Source: Mary Corey, Special Education Data
Intended Audience: Special Education Directors and MOSIS Personnel
Date: November 5, 2024
The webinar slides and Q&A document from the October Data Cycle Office Hour on October 22, 2024, are now available to view on our website on the Special Education Data Collections page under “Educator Course and Assignment.”
Special Education Data Collections Page: https://dese.mo.gov/special-education/special-education-data/data-collections
Presentation: /media/pdf/october-cycle-2024-25-office-hours-presentation
Q&A Document: /media/pdf/october-cycle-2024-25-office-hours-question-and-answer-document
The December Data Cycle Office Hour is scheduled for December 3, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. A link to the meeting will be sent out closer to the day of the meeting.
If you have questions regarding this collection, contact the Special Education Data Section at speddata@dese.mo.gov.
- 2025 St. Louis Regional Braille Challenge 2025 Registration Now Open
Source: Outreach at Missouri School for the Blind (MSB)/Missouri DeafBlind Project
Intended Audience: Local Education Agencies Serving Students with Visual Impairments Who are Learning Braille
Date: November 4, 2024
The 2025 St. Louis Regional Braille Challenge registration is now open. Contestants, volunteers, and chaperones can register to participate in this exciting celebration of braille literacy!
The Braille Challenge will be held on February 19, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. on the MSB campus at 3815 Magnolia Avenue, St. Louis, MO.
If you are unfamiliar with the Braille Challenge, it is a national braille contest created and sponsored by the Braille Institute of America designed to support and enrich the reading and writing of braille. The Braille Challenge is an exciting competition for all students!
We invite students of all braille reading/writing levels to join us. Registration closes January 3, 2025.
- To register as a contestant: Permission Form and Contestant Registration
- To register to chaperone a contestant: Chaperone Registration
- To register as a volunteer for the event: Volunteer Registration
If you have any questions, please contact Dena at dena.molen@msb.dese.mo.gov.
- Readers for the Blind Applications Due November 30, 2024
Source: Special Education Finance
Intended Audience: Special Education Directors
Date: October 31, 2024
The Readers for the Blind application is due November 30, 2024.
Funding is available for school districts to help support readers for students who are legally blind. The Readers for the Blind application and manual can be found at https://dese.mo.gov/financial-admin-services/special-education-finance/special-education-finance-hnf-ppf-and-rbp.
Applications and supporting documentation for services provided to eligible students during the 2024-25 school year should be submitted electronically to spedfunding@dese.mo.gov prior to serving the child but no later than November 30, 2024. Electronic copies of current eye reports are required as supporting documentation for all new student applicants, as well as for students with eye reports older than three years on file with Rehabilitation Services for the Blind.
The Special Education Finance Section will forward applications to Rehabilitation Services for the Blind for certification and, if approved, notify the school district of the student's eligibility and the requirements for reporting reader services.
For questions, please contact Special Education Finance at spedfunding@dese.mo.gov or call 573-522-2523.