Category Archives: Resources To Other Resources

This category takes people to resources that have many other resources.

Outlining Narrative Elements with a Mindmap Using Lucid

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One strategy to organize elements of a traditional outline is mind mapping. Starting with a central idea, such as a core theme or main character, a mind map demonstrates connections by branching out in different directions. Each branch can represent a character arc, a plot point, setting details, or any aspect of a related detail to create a visualization demonstrating relationships among narrative elements. 

Whether outlining a novel, screenplay, or even a short story, this approach lets you see the big picture while zooming in on intricate narrative threads. By the end, the mind map not only serves as a roadmap for the writing journey but also as a visual storyboard that captures the essence of the narrative vision. Lucid is one tool available in Loudoun County Public Schools that can be used to create mind maps. Lucid provides templates to get you started, like this one titled Sample Mind Map.

A screenshot of a digital mind map. A central node labeled "Main Idea" has three branches extending from it, each with sub-branches and icons. The branches appear to represent different aspects or categories related to the main idea. Text within the nodes is partially visible, suggesting brainstorming or idea development.

Mind map

The Specialized Instructional Facilitators – Assistive Technology & Assistive Technology Specialist Are At Your Service

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The Specialized Instructional Facilitators – Assistive Technology & Assistive Technology Specialist for Loudoun County Public Schools created this brief video demonstrating examples of how they can support educators, learners, and the community. You can contact them by going to the LCPS AT Service Directory. They’re at your service!

Learning About Braille with Lego Braille Brick Kits

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The LEGO® Braille Bricks is a play-based approach that teaches Braille to anyone using Lego bricks. LEGO® Braille Bricks have studs arranged to correspond to numbers and letters in Braille. Each brick shows the printed version of the symbol or letter inviting sighted and blind children to play and learn together. Lego provides resources for implementation and kits for free to educators.

The National Educational Technology Plan of 2024

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The U.S. Department of Education recently released the 2024 National Educational Technology Plan (NETP): A Call to Action for Closing the Digital Access, Design and Use Divides. It provides a vision for how the consideration and implementation of educational technology can transform teaching and learning to provide increased opportunities and access to all learners. The plan features numerous examples of how educators have adopted Universal Design for Learning and accessibility as an integral part of instruction, assessment, and culture to the benefit of each learner they support.

New Federal Guidance Regarding Assistive Technology

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The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and the Office of Educational Technology have recently released a set of guidance documents specific to Assistive Technology (AT). These resources, available at https://sites.ed.gov/idea/idea-files/at-guidance, are designed to promote the understanding and implementation of Assistive Technology in educational settings. The guidance documents delve into the nuances of consideration and implementation of assistive technology in a format that uses facts to dispel common myths and misconceptions. Enjoy reviewing these documents to clarify your own understanding of Assistive Technology and consider sharing this resource with other educators, families, and members of the community.

Lovettsville Elementary School’s Unity Squad Become Communication Partner Peers

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Learners at Lovettsville Elementary School engaged in an experience where they explored augmentative/alternative communication. Led by Specialized Instructional Facilitator – Assistive Technology, John Millar, and supported by an ensemble of other educators, students explored the Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning: Words for Life application. The students learned how the app was organized, explored how to find words, and discussed what it means to be a supportive communication partner to their peers who are using the application to help them learn language. What follows are actual quotes from those who participated:

“It must be really hard if you can’t communicate with words. This helped the kids use THEIR voice. One day they’ll be better at talking, but for now, these devices really help them.” – Mario, 5th Grade

A man standing in front of student seated in chairs at a kidney table. The man is holding an iPad with an AAC application on it.

Mr. Millar demonstrates the Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning: Words For Life app

“I thought it was really fun. I had a great experience with the kids. I felt like it was good for someone in their school to be able to help them. I think they felt like they were happy to have older kids hang out with them.” – Mario, 5th Grade

A fifth grade student sitting next to a younger students both with communication devices

Communication partners explore language on AAC together.

If you’re interested in leading a similar event, reach out to the Specialized Instructional Facilitator – Assistive Technology who works at your school!

STEMIEFest 2022

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STEMIEFest LogoRegistration for the 2022 STEMIEFest is now open! This virtual conference is organized by STEM Innovation for Inclusion in Early Education (STEMIE). STEMIEFest is an opportunity for families, early childhood and early childhood special education professionals, and other educators to participate in learning experiences related to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) as well as construct a model to support young children, with and without disabilities, in STEM learning. The 2022 event will runs from 12pm – 4pm EST on December 8th, 2022. Experience archived events from previous STEMIEFests as well!

Advancing Digital Equity for All PDF

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In spring 2022, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology (OET) hosted a series of conversations with leaders from community-based organizations, as well as families and learners furthest from digital opportunities. The “Advancing Digital Equity All” PDF features insights from these conversations to highlight the barriers and outlines potential solutions for increasing access to technology for learning.

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A K-12 Inclusive Practice Guide from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)

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The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) maintains a website on Inclusive Practices which provides an overview of inclusion along with an K-12 Inclusive Practices Guide available in both Microsoft Word and PDF. This guide provides information on the definition of inclusion, benefits of inclusive practices, the role of the IEP Team, common characteristics of inclusive environments, a quality standards inclusive school self-assessment tool, and much more.

Screenshot of the cover the VDOE K-12 Inclusive Practices Guide

Virginia Department of Education K-12 Inclusive Practices Guide