Events and Workshops

A Roadmap for the AAC Journey (Canvas Course)

**ONGOING REGISTRATION - Closes 5/15/2023** Are you working with a nonspeaking child for the first time? Do you have a student using AAC inconsistently or in ineffective ways? You might be wondering where to begin, or where to go from here! In this asynchronous self-paced session, participants will begin to explore, build, and refine practical knowledge of the best practices in alternative and augmentative communication (AAC). Participants will explore relevant evidence based practice, resources, tools, and strategies to become better communication partners and facilitators of meaningful and functional communication. Participants will be given a certificate of completion at the end of the course. Coursework must be completed by 6/2/2023.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

ENROLLMENT ONLY VIA CREDIT/DEBIT CARD not accepting any other form of payment. CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Paraeducators serve in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

Bridge to Kindergarten Series: Playful Math

This workshop will explore the various ways early childhood teachers can integrate play-based math experiences throughout the day. The focus will be on sharing engaging strategies for incorporating the program’s goals in developmentally appropriate ways. Intended audience: Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers.

Science Council

Science educators, coaches and administrators are invited to attend council meetings to share best practices, engage in new thinking about science education, and continue to proactively respond to the demands of the Next Generation Science Standards. No cost to attend!

Igniting Change - CT RESC Alliance (Spring-FY23)

The Spring 2023 Igniting Change conference is an opportunity to engage with nationally-recognized experts and other educational leaders on the equity-centered topics of: Grading Reform, Culturally Responsive Pedagogy, Inclusive School Culture, and Equity-Centered Leadership. Nationally-recognized keynote speakers include Lorena German and Thomas Gusky. Participants are not required to have attended any previous Igniting Change activities. Breakfast and lunch will be served.

Regional Transition Network: Transition Talks

This session is intended to be a networking opportunity for teachers and transition coordinators to ask questions, network and learn from one another about topics related to transition. Come to this "Transition Talk" with questions, your best practices to share, or just come and learn something new to take back to your classroom or program.

English Language Learners Council (Title III)

English Learner district coordinators and educators in the CREC region are invited to attend meetings to share best practices and emerging research on improving outcomes for EL students. Members will engage in new thinking about instructional practices and collaborate to proactively respond to EL needs in their district. No cost to attend.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

ENROLLMENT ONLY VIA CREDIT/DEBIT CARD not accepting any other form of payment.CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Paraeducators serve in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

Coaches Council

Instructional Coaches in the CREC region are invited to attend bi-monthly council meetings to share best practices and engage in new thinking about coaching. Topics will be determined based on participant interests. No cost to attend this workshop.

Early Childhood Directors Council

Early Childhood Directors of community programs in CREC districts meet bi-monthly throughout the year. The mission of the Early Childhood Directors Council is to improve leadership and practice through opportunities to network with colleagues, share solutions around problems of practice, and build professional capacity. The Council meets from 9:30-10:30 and is followed by an optional book study from 10:30-11:00. Topics and book selections are developed by the group. No cost to attend.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

ENROLLMENT ONLY VIA CREDIT/DEBIT CARD not accepting any other form of payment.CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Paraeducators serve in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

6 HR ANNUAL V ENDORSEMENT TRAINING

CREC Transportation is offering a 2 day Zoom class, for those looking to acquire their 6 hr R-360 form to renew their V endorsement on their CT license or to remain qualified by attending the annual 6 HR V Endorsement Training on the CT DMV required topics. Completing the class will result in a R-360 form for "V endorsement renewal only" and a CST-3 form for the employer/employee driver qualification file. MUST ATTEND BOTH DAYS, of the 2 day zoom class, 3 hrs each day. THIS CLASS IS NOT FOR DRIVERS WHO NEED THE 10 HR TRAINING TO ACQUIRE THE V ENDORSEMENT FOR THE FIRST TIME.

Assistive Technology Consortium - Workshop 4: Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Assistive Technology in the Schools and Beyond

Assistive Technology consortium workshops are scheduled four times a year and cover a variety of topics.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

ENROLLMENT ONLY VIA CREDIT/DEBIT CARD not accepting any other form of payment.CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Paraeducators serve in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

Implementation: Charting the LifeCourse/Person Centered Planning

This workshop is a follow up the the Introduction: Charting the LifeCourse series. Participants will become more well versed in the implementation of Charting the LifeCourse using real examples. Participants must have participated in the introduction course to enroll.

Spring TEAM District Facilitator Zoom Meeting

TEAM District Facilitator Meetings occur twice each school year and provide program updates. The mission of the TEAM Program is to promote excellence, equity, and high achievement for Connecticut students by engaging teachers in the purposeful exploration of professional practice through guided support and personal reflection.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

ENROLLMENT ONLY VIA CREDIT/DEBIT CARD not accepting any other form of payment.CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Paraeducators serve in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

Language Arts Council

CREC’s Language Arts Council provides Language Arts teachers opportunities to share best practices and engage in new thinking about literacy instruction. Kindergarten to grade 12 Language Arts educators including teachers, literacy coaches, literacy coordinators, directors and department heads are encouraged to attend the quarterly meetings. Input from participants regarding topic selections will be encouraged in order to best meet the needs of the council membership. No cost to attend this event.

Social Studies Council

Social Studies teachers and district coordinators are invited to attend council meetings to share best practices, engage in new thinking about Social Studies instruction, and proactively respond to the instructional shifts demanded by the Connecticut Elementary and Secondary Social Studies Frameworks, Connecticut Core Standards, the SAT and Smarter Balanced Assessments. In addition, input from participants regarding additional topic selections will be encouraged in order to best meet the needs of the council membership. No cost to attend.

English Language Learners Council (Title III)

English Learner district coordinators and educators in the CREC region are invited to attend meetings to share best practices and emerging research on improving outcomes for EL students. Members will engage in new thinking about instructional practices and collaborate to proactively respond to EL needs in their district. No cost to attend.

Social & Emotional Learning / Mindfulness Council

This council will focus on current trends, research, and interventions related to Social and Emotional Learning. Participants will be able to network with staff from other districts, access resources, and learn the most current developments in the field. We will also engage in Mindfulness and yoga practices and will share expertise, valuable resources, and activities that can be used in any setting. No cost to attend.

Making the Move from Classroom to Instructional Coach

Are you interested in transitioning out of the classroom into the role of an Instructional Coach? This workshop is for classroom teachers looking to build their understanding of coaching to determine next steps as an instructional coach.

Early Childhood Education Council

Early Childhood educators (Pre-K) in CREC districts meet bi-monthly during the school year. The mission of the Early Childhood Educators Council is to improve teaching and learning through opportunities to network with colleagues, share solutions around problems of practice, and build professional capacity. The Council meets from 1:00-2:00 and is followed by an optional book study from 2:00-2:30. Topics and book selections are developed by the group. No cost to attend.

IM 3-5 Math: Teach and Learn

What is a problem based curriculum and how do I implement it in my classroom? In this session, teachers will explore the design structure of the IM curriculum and lesson plan with a Certified IM Facilitator. They will experience a lesson, practice and rehearse content and language routines, explore various supports, understand assessment materials and begin to use student thinking as a vehicle for productive planning. After this training, teachers will be ready to begin using the IM K–5 Curriculum effectively in their classrooms.

IM K-2 Math: Teach and Learn

What is a problem based curriculum and how do I implement it in my classroom? In this session, teachers will explore the design structure of the IM curriculum and lesson plan with a Certified IM Facilitator. They will experience a lesson, practice and rehearse content and language routines, explore various supports, understand assessment materials and begin to use student thinking as a vehicle for productive planning. After this training, teachers will be ready to begin using the IM K–5 Curriculum effectively in their classrooms.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

ENROLLMENT ONLY VIA CREDIT/DEBIT CARD not accepting any other form of payment.CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Paraeducators serve in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

Supporting Newcomer and Beginner Multilingual Learners (ELs)

Supporting multilingual learners with little to no English is especially challenging. Participants will explore ways that educators can effectively support these students with strategies and linguisitc supports in any educational setting.

Teach and Learn with Illustrative Mathematics 6-12

How can educators implement IM Math, a problem-based curriculum, building towards a world where all learners know, use, and enjoy mathematics? The purpose of this implementation series is to get educators ready to teach and learn within problem-based classrooms where student thinking is front and center. This series gives educators first-hand experience with and confidence in using the IM Math curriculum.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

ENROLLMENT ONLY VIA CREDIT/DEBIT CARD not accepting any other form of payment.CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Paraeducators serve in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

Supporting Multilingual Learners (ELs) in the General Education Classroom

This workshop will build the capacity of general education teachers to understand and support the multilingual learners (ELs) in thier classrooms. Teachers who attend this workshop may be looking for ways to support ML/EL students in all content areas of the regular education classroom. The session will give educators various ways to build their “bag of tricks” while learning about how multilingual learners learn and develop language.

Creating a Culture for Writing for Multilingual Learners (ELs)

Writing can be intimidating for any student; that anxiety is heightened in Multilingual Learners (ELs). Participants in this workshop will learn how to create a safe place for writing as well as many instructional strategies for engaging Multilingual Learners in the writing process.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

ENROLLMENT ONLY VIA CREDIT/DEBIT CARD not accepting any other form of payment.CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Paraeducators serve in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

Coaches Council

Instructional Coaches in the CREC region are invited to attend bi-monthly council meetings to share best practices and engage in new thinking about coaching. Topics will be determined based on participant interests. No cost to attend this workshop.

Science Council

Science educators, coaches and administrators are invited to attend council meetings to share best practices, engage in new thinking about science education, and continue to proactively respond to the demands of the Next Generation Science Standards. No cost to attend!

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

ENROLLMENT ONLY VIA CREDIT/DEBIT CARD not accepting any other form of payment.CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Paraeducators serve in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

ENROLLMENT ONLY VIA CREDIT/DEBIT CARD not accepting any other form of payment.CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Paraeducators serve in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

Early Childhood Directors Council

Early Childhood Directors of community programs in CREC districts meet bi-monthly throughout the year. The mission of the Early Childhood Directors Council is to improve leadership and practice through opportunities to network with colleagues, share solutions around problems of practice, and build professional capacity. The Council meets from 9:30-10:30 and is followed by an optional book study from 10:30-11:00. Topics and book selections are developed by the group. No cost to attend.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

ENROLLMENT ONLY VIA CREDIT/DEBIT CARD not accepting any other form of payment.CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Paraeducators serve in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.