The Regs are Here!

As most of you are aware, the U.S. Department of Education has released an "unofficial" version of regulations for the nation's special education law. The more than 1,900-page document details the comments received during the rulemaking process and the thinking behind the new rules.

Since we know you don't have a lot of reading time on your hands, a summary of major changes is available to members on the TCASE web site. We are also compiling web site links and other resources for you to use to understand and disseminate information about the regulations as quickly as possible. If you have a resource you would like to share, please e-mail it to Theresa Parsons, TCASE Executive Director, at theresa@tcase.org.

For news stories related to the new rules, see the TCASE News Page.

The unofficial copy of the regulations is posted on the Education Department's Web site at http://www.ed.gov/policy/speced/guid/idea/idea2004.html. The official copy of these regulations will be published in the Federal Register in about two weeks. The final regulations will become effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.

More Webinars Scheduled

Two more webinars have been scheduled to help you further your professional development and reduce travel time and expenses. For more information or to register, go to the TCASE web site. Each registration site receives the presentation on CD-rom. Those unable to make the events may pre-order the CD-rom for listening/viewing at their convenience.

ESY Webinar
Extended School Year: What Does the Requirement Really Mean?
September 12, 2006 at 11:30 a.m. Cost: $100
Speaker: Stephanie Blanck, Special Education Director, Georgetown ISD
In this session, the federal requirements will be explained in user friendly terms and participants will be able to analyze their own data collection procedures. Participants will gain data collection tools and procedures which will assist teachers and staff in analyzing the data to support APPROPRIATE ESY recommendations/placements. With these tools, ESY recommendations will be individually based on individual needs and the numbers of students in ESY "Programs" should be reduced.

Dyslexia Webinar
Updates, Assessment Process and Overview
September 21, 2006 at 11:30 a.m. Cost: $100
Speaker: Brenda Taylor, State Dyslexia Consultant, Region 10 ESC
Three areas will be discussed in this webinar on dyslexia. An overview will be provided which will include the definition of dyslexia as well as common characteristics. The dyslexia assessment process and how it intersects with special education will be reviewed and updates related to dyslexia in the state of Texas will be shared.

Evaluate the Conference

If you attended the TCASE Summer Leadership Conference, Xtreme Leadership, and haven't already submitted an evaluation form please do so now. Your feedback is important to us and helps us determine what the focus of our next conference needs to be. Please go to the following link and complete an online evaluation. Five individuals will be chosen at random to receive gift cards in late August for completing the online evaluation.

Bee A Member

The race is heating up, and we have 30 "Newbees" who have been recruited to the TCASE membership. At this time, Nina Reid, Director of Smalls Schools Co-op in Region 15, leads the TCASE member recruitment contest with 5 points for recruiting a director and a diagnostician in her region.

If you recruit someone to TCASE, be sure to ask them to list your name on the membership form. And remember, Affiliate members (product and service providers) and retired members earn you points too!

Those who earn the most points in our membership campaign will be eligible to win prizes, and will help us expand the influence of our association.

Pre-Order Your TCASE Directories

TCASE is now taking orders for the 2006-2007 Directory. As the dust settles and new directors are in place for the new school year, we will be the one source for an up-to-date listing of all directors of special education. Completion of the directory is expected to be in October. Place your orders now at www.tcase.org. The order form can be found under the Products & Services tab.

Are You Covered?

Special education is such a litigious area. Whether you are worried about being sued by parents, are concerned about your job or simply want to know you can consult an attorney should something come up, professional liability insurance is an excellent membership benefit.

TCASE offers professional liability insurance for its Administrator and Associate members at a low price, $35. This is a service to our members - the insurance premium per member is $29, state taxes and fees (4.95%) are $1.44, and the association's administrative fees to cover paperwork, contracts, printing mailing and processing are $ 4.56. The coverage year begins August 1 and goes through July 31.

If you think you need coverage, do not delay signing up for insurance on the TCASE web site. You must be an Administrator or Associate member to qualify.

We're Here

As always, the TCASE staff is here to assist you. If you have questions about memberhip, insurance, conference registration , or any of our member benefits, please pick up the phone and call us at 1.888.433.4492.

Have you heard?