Development of quality educational programming - Educational consultants provide school districts with guidance, information, and resources specific to the unique communication and language needs of deaf or hard of hearing students. Teams are supported in developing programming to address the academic and socio-emotional needs of individual students, which in turn, can lead to increased engagement and learning both in and out of the classroom.
IEP attendance - The expertise provided to the IEP team assists members with the development of IEP goals that guides effective programming for the student.
Development of the required Communication Considerations IEP Addendum - One of the most important documents at an IEP meeting, teams use the Addendum to identify a student’s language profile. This examination of how students use language expressively, receptively, academically and socially, assists the team in developing an action plan that will identify new strategies to promote learning. When covered in a pre-IEP discussion, the early gathered information can support the IEP process itself in being more thoughtful and targeted.
Student evaluations - NMSD provides up to 25 statewide evaluations each academic year as a support to school districts. Priority is given to those district lacking the expertise or resources to conduct a comprehensive assessment for determining eligibility or to assist with quality programming. NMSD also provides a comprehensive career evaluation to assist with post-secondary transition planning. Both types of evaluations conclude with an in-depth written report of the evaluation findings, as well as a comprehensive list of strategies, recommendations and resources.
School-based student observations - On site observations and dialogue provide educational teams the opportunity to receive student - specific support they can incorporate into lesson planning and classroom management. Suggestions help teams understand adaptations for greater access to learning, enhanced language, communication development, peer relationships and post - secondary transition planning.
Demonstration lessons - Through observing demonstration lessons, educational teams see how to apply successful instructional strategies. Post-lesson dialogue and reflection assists teams with developing lesson plans and activities that incorporate the strategies observed. Consultants provide subsequent follow-up with staff to determine if the shared methods are working or if adaptations are needed.
Program or student-specific workshops - Educational Consultants design workshops based on the needs of a student, a school or a district. These workshops can focus on instructional strategies for a specific student or general practices in deaf education that could inform a district team.
Post-secondary transition support - Through observations, meetings, and student-specific trainings, educational teams, students, and their families can better understand post-secondary needs. This understanding and heightened awareness facilitates post-secondary planning that will support the deaf or hard of hearing student’s transition to adult life beyond high school.
Part C to Part B transition support - Educational Consultants attend initial IEP meetings where they assist families with understanding CECT school-based services, and support educational staff’s understanding of the language and communication needs of deaf or hard of hearing students. Consultants can also assist with the implementation of effective interventions and strategies in the preschool classroom via observations and meetings with educational teams.