Peer to Peer During the Pandemic: Research Opportunity

We are extremely proud of the resilience and dedication you have demonstrated throughout the pandemic, especially when it comes to Peer to Peer. We want to learn from your experiences through a survey exploring the impact of the pandemic on Peer to Peer implementation, the ways by which programs were adapted during the pandemic, and what school staff learned that will move their programs forward.

We would appreciate it if you could share our survey with those implementing Peer to Peer in your districts. You can find a short email script, which includes a link to the survey, and more information here.

2021-2022 RCN Application and Contract Forms: Reminders

Please review the following recent and upcoming deadlines:

The Peer to Peer Data Collection was due April 15, 2022. However, you still have the opportunity to submit your data! We are very eager to hear about your Peer to Peer programs.
The K-12 End of Year Target Student Reporting is due May 27, 2022.
The End of Year Individual EPLI Trainer Report is due July 14, 2022.
The End of Year Contract Progress Report is due July 15, 2022.

Please note: the RCN Application and Contract Forms page will be updated regularly as forms and links become available.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact your START RCN Representative or Jana Benjamin.

2022-2023 RCN Application and Contract Forms

We are currently updating the 2022-2023 RCN Application and Contract Forms page, which will include the 2022-2023 RCN Contract Application. Please stay tuned! This page will be available at the beginning of May.

Language Matters: A Reflection on the Critical Use of Language

START is committed to the ongoing provision of reliable resources that represent diverse perspectives in order to encourage conversations that move us toward authentic inclusivity. A key factor of this work is language.

Language reflects our society and thus has the ability to reinforce inequitable practices and power structures (Broughton et al., 2021). By acknowledging the influence of language, we create a critical awareness and understanding of the impact of language as a powerful tool in the theory of change (Thomas & Hirsch, 2016).

The purpose of "Language Matters" is to encourage thoughtful reflection on the critical use of language. The information provided here is intended to invite open discussion regarding how language is (and is not) used, has been used, and could be used (Thomas & Hirsch, 2016). This is not intended to be an exhaustive list as language is continually evolving and does not always capture the nuances of individual experiences.

The explanations and definitions provided are not meant to place a value on anyone’s personal choice of language since terms related to oneself are an individual preference.

We invite reflection and discussion regarding the use of language that may lead to discomfort or exclusion of others no matter how subtle. We are committed to updating this information as language and our learning evolves. Read more about the critical use of language.

EPLI Updates

START has moved the Individual EPLI Trainer Report to an online form. Trainers are instructed to report all trainings they conducted using START content/materials two times a year (Mid-year: February 15 and end of year: July 14). The data from this report will be shared with the RCN. Trainers will also receive a reminder email from START to submit their trainings closer to each due date.
The application for 2022-2023 will be released in summer 2022.
The RCN Trainer Portal is a status log of each RCN’s Current Trainers, Inactive Trainers, and New Applicants. It is intended to be accessed only by RCN leadership to view START's current EPLI records for each RCN. Details for the Trainer Portal for RCN leadership is available here.

New START Apparel Store

We are excited to announce the opening of the START Project apparel store at SquadLocker! You may now purchase START-branded apparel, including START-ism t-shirts and Peer to Peer-specific shirts and jackets directly from this site.

With this announcement, however, we must also clarify that RCN may not use 2021-2022 START-RCN Contract funds to purchase START apparel. START will provide one EPLI-specific apparel item to all current, active EPLI trainers and to those who complete the 2021-2022 EPLI process. START will also provide one Peer to Peer-specific apparel item to all current members in the Peer to Peer Community of Practice. These individuals will receive instructions as to how to order their item.

START anticipates allowing RCN to use a reasonable amount of contract funds for the purchase of START apparel for trainers and coaches beginning in the 2022-2023 contract year. START will provide clear parameters for allowable RCN-funded START apparel purchases as part of the 2022-2023 START RCN Contract Application package.

Sexual Health Community of Practice (CoP)

The Sexual Health CoP has one meeting remaining in 2021-2022:

May 26, 2022 - 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. (virtual)

Each RCN should have at least one representative participate in the Sexual Health CoP.

Statewide Autism Resources and Training (START) Project is funded by the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special
Education to provide training and technical assistance to educators in Michigan that serve students with ASD.
START Project | autismed@gvsu.edu | (616) 331-6480

401 W. Fulton St.
388C DEV
Grand Rapids, MI 49504