tularosa municipal schools autism project committee · the tularosa autism project committee...

The 2015-2016

Tularosa Municipal Schools

Autism Project Committee

TEAM Members:Michelle Calderara/Pre-K SPED Teacher

Patty Silva/3rd Grade Gen. Ed Teacher

Gia Portillo/4th Grade Gen. Ed Teacher

Wende Reed/5-6th Grade SPED Teacher

Darlene Marrujo/TIS SPED Teacher

Daniel Burk/SPED Director

Bobbie Grace/TMS Principal

Anisa Kasuboski/TIS Principal

The Tularosa Autism Project Committee introduced

new team members for the 2015-2016 school year: Meeting with Dr. Andrew Egel/Autism Consultant on 9/9/15 and 1/12/16.Dr. Egel was able to conduct a 30-45 minute observation within the classroom settings for the majority of the autistic students attending TES, TIS and TMS on 9/9/15.Dr. Egel provided positive and constructive feedback from his observations on 9/9/15.

Prior to receiving the NMAP Sub-grant Award, NMPED in conjunction with SEB asked districts to complete

the following by September 1, 2015:

Submit a Request for Information (RFI) Consisting of District Autism Project Goals District Autism Project Objectives The District’s 3 Year Plan Contact information The Tularosa Autism Project submitted their RFI on 9/1/15

NMAP Sub-grant Award

2016 Preschool Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Institute

UNM Center for Development and Disabilities held a series of evidenced-based trainings on topics for ASD. The series trainings were as follows:

10/1/15 - Visual Supports for Individuals with ASD 10/2/15 - Sensory Processing: Supporting Individuals with ASD 10/29/15 &010/30/15 - Communication & ASD: Assessment to Intervention 12/3/15 & 12/4/15 - Developing Social Skills: Supporting Individuals with ASD

The Strategies for Teaching Autism based Research (STARS) Training at Region IX

The Strategies for Teaching Autism based Research (STARS) LINKS Training at Region IX.

Autism Project’s Assistance to Classrooms Serving Students with Autism

• The Tularosa Autism Project was able to support the staff by providing the staff the opportunity to attend the STARS and LINKS Trainings at Region IX.• Ancillary staff provided frequent sensory therapy sessions for the students who have autism and showed staff how to effectively utilize the therapy room when needing to regulate sensory issues.

Challenges faced this year

• The lack of the New Mexico Autism Project approved trainings held locally within New Mexico. Those trainings consisting of PECS and STARS.

STARS Kits DVD Training Videos DT Essentials Kit SNOEZELEN a la Carte/Mobile Sensory Room

(W/Photos) STARS/Links purchased for TIS/TMS Sensory Swing Water and Sand Table for Preschool/Elementary

TIS Special education teacher implementing the STARS Curriculum with a student who has autism.

SNOEZELEN a la Carte/Mobile Sensory Room

Inside of Carte with Mirrors, Bubble Tube, and Fiber optic tubes.

Sensory OT Therapy Room at TES/TIS

The Sensory Room with sensory support items utilized during therapy sessions.

The Tularosa Autism Project Team completed the

following tasks during team meetings Met and worked with Dr Andrew Egel

Updated our Goals for the 2015-2016 School Year

Updated our 3 Year Plan

Parents attended the STARS Training at Region IX

Attended Autism training’s for professional development

Implemented the STARS Curriculum

Utilized the IPads provided from NMPED/SEB/NMAP

Conducted classroom observations with Dr. Andrew Egel Actively involved Mescalero Head Start staff in the STARS NMAP Trainings at Region IX. Provided Mescalero Head Start a STARS Combo Kit with DT Essentials to implement the STARS curriculum. Developed an updated Power Point for the NMAP Conf. Completed Autistic Evaluations.

• Each dedicated member of the Tularosa Autism Project Committee!! Who volunteered their time to providing a better academic support system to children with Autism.• Dr. Andrew Egel• Region IX Educational Cooperative Group• NMAP, NMPED and SEB• Tularosa Administration support