2022-2023 RCN Application and Contract Forms: Reminders

Peer to Peer Data Collection was due March 1, 2023. Be sure to report on all buildings even if there is no program in a building.
End of Year Data is due May 26, 2023. Be sure to collect the following data:

Coaching Capacity Tool
CETA-R Reflection Form
K-12 Target Student Data
Student with ASD in a Peer to Peer Program Data

The End of Year Contract Progress Report is due July 14, 2023.

Please contact your START RCN Representative or Jana Benjamin if you have any questions or need assistance.

2023-2024 RCN Application and Contract Forms: Reminders

The 2023-2024 RCN Contract Application Form is available on the START website and is due June 30, 2023.

Please contact your START RCN Representative or Jana Benjamin if you have any questions or need assistance.

START-ism Revision

In response to feedback from the field, we revised our START-ism around student access to preferred interests from “It’s not no, it’s where and when” to “Teach where and when.” We received feedback that the prior version could be misconstrued to demand or reinforce student compliance and/or consent to demands.

The meaning and import of this START-ism remains the same: rather than withhold access to preferred interests, teach the student where and when it is appropriate to access those interests.

We ask that you update your display and usage of this START-ism to reflect this change. All START-ism references and products have been updated; replacements for items containing the prior version of this START-ism will be available for order on the START website soon.

Individual EPLI Trainer Report Reminder

Individual EPLI Trainer Report: 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.

Transforming Transition Together (T3) Training Series

There is one remaining topic in our virtual Transforming Transition Together (T3) Training Series! Each standalone training will be held from 4:00 - 5:15 p.m.

Visit the START website to view the dates and topics for the remainder of the year.

May 10, 2023 - Interagency Coordination and Collaboration: Connecting with the Community

If you are unable to attend a session, or are interested in viewing the materials shared at one of the sessions, you can find T3 training materials here on our website. Materials will be updated as they become available.

Featured in April's START Connecting

Promoting Inclusion and Belonging Everyday

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Office of Special Education (OSE) Priority Focus is Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). This focus ensures that when IEP teams are making placement decisions: (1) LRE requirements are understood by all team members and (2) districts are taking steps to ensure the placement is based solely on the needs of the student. Further, the MDE OSE priority reflects the benefit for students with disabilities, including those with extensive support needs, to be in front of general education instruction with appropriate support alongside their peers.

In alignment with the MDE OSE LRE Priority Focus and in celebration of Autism Acceptance Month, START has launched a new webpage dedicated to promoting inclusion and belonging.

Read about Promoting Inclusion and Belonging Everyday here.

The 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

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