PDE’s GUIDE TO STUDENT OCCUPATIONAL COMPETENCY TESTING (NOCTI/NIMS)
This guide is provided to assist school administrators in preparing for the required testing.  It is developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to be used as an informational resource that addresses procedures for participating in Federal and State mandated occupational competency testing.
PDE’s Guide to Student Occupational Competency Testing

NOCTI ACCOMMODATIONS FLYER
At times it may be necessary to allow accommodations when administering tests.  This flyer provides examples of allowable accommodations for students with IEP’s.
NOCTI Accommodations Flyer

ACCOMMODATIONS VIDEO
Watch this short video to learn about allowable accommodations on NOCTI tests.
Accommodations Video

NIMS ACCOMMODATIONS
Download this document for a step-by-step guide on paper tests and accommodations provided through NIMS.
NIMS Accommodations

PDE’S ACCOMMODATIONS GUIDELINES 2024 PSSA AND KEYSTONE EXAMS
This guide addresses accommodations for students with IEPs, 504 plans, and ESL plans. This guide also addresses the options available for all students, referred to as “test features”.
PDE’s Accommodations Guidelines 2024 PSSA and Keystone Exams

PDE’S ACCOMMODATIONS GUIDELINES FOR ENGLISH LEARNERS (EL) 2024 PSSA AND KEYSTONE EXAMS
The focus of the Accommodation Guidelines for English Learners is selection, administration, and evaluation of appropriate accommodations specifically for English Learners. ELs are also eligible for the accommodations for instruction and assessment outlined in the general Accommodations Guidelines.
PDE’s Accommodations Guidelines for English Learners (EL) 2024 PSSA and Keystone Exams

SUPPORTING SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS BEFORE AND DURING NOCTI TESTING
This webinar focused on the various sections of the IEP that relate to accommodations and discussed methods of support for implementation during the students’ time at the CTC. The presentation reviewed allowable accommodations and how those accommodations apply for NOCTI testing.
Supporting Special Education Students Before and During NOCTI Testing

BACK TO SCHOOL RESOURCES
The US Department of Education has put together a “Return to School Roadmap” which highlights health and safety, social, emotional, and mental health, and academic achievement.
Back to School Resources

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (OSERS)
The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant challenges for schools in meeting the needs of all
children and students in early childhood, elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education. These
challenges will continue as schools and public agencies1 seek to ensure support and equity for children
and students experiencing the long-term adverse health effects of COVID-19, commonly referred to as
long COVID.
U.S. Department of Education (OSERS)

K-12 DIVE – WHY HAVING TOO MANY OR TOO FEW SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS MATTERS
With a predicted rise in the number of special education referrals, schools should have tiered supports in place and monitor for inappropriate identifications.
K-12 Dive – Why having too many or too few special education students matters

EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY AND MOBILE LEARNING
Pedagogy and Technology-10 Ways for A Successful Marriage

STATE DEVELOPED CTE VIDEOS
Career and Technical Education in PA – YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmN2q4p4VLU

RESOURCES TO COMMUNICATE WITH STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
Communicating CTE: New Communications Research Highlights Key Equity Considerations in Communicating CTE to Families and Learners « Advance CTE Blog (careertech.org)

UPDATED TOOL FOR IDENTIFYING CTE PROGRAMS LEADING TO NONTRADITIONAL CAREERS
The Department of Education’s Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education has released an updated “Crosswalk” to help career and technical education (CTE) leaders identify programs that prepare students for nontraditional fields.
Updated Tool for Identifying CTE Programs Leading to Nontraditional Careers

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION LAUNCHES NEW IDEA WEBSITE
Today, the U.S. Department of Education launched a new website dedicated to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

TEACHING TOLERANCE
Teaching Tolerance is dedicated to reducing prejudice, improving intergroup relations, and supporting equitable school experiences for our nation’s children. Provides free educational materials to teachers and other school practitioners.
Teaching Tolerance

CENTER ON TRANSITION INNOVATIONS (CTI)
The Virginia Department of Education to create a centralized statewide resource for educators and other stakeholders in the transition of youth with disabilities. It provides evidence-based resources and information along with emerging practices in the field.
Center on Transition Innovations 

ASCD SMARTBRIEF
ASCD SmartBrief will focus on a daily “Learning and Teaching” featuring best teaching practices, learning theories, and curriculum. “Technology in the Classroom” will feature articles on how technology is changing schools and teaching. A new “Whole Child” section on Tuesdays & Thursdays will highlight the whole child approach to education. Click here to view the website and select the ‘Education’ Category to sign up for these free newsletters.

EDUCATION WEEK TEACHER
Education Week Teacher

BRAIN POP
At BrainPOP! You can explore the various resources created to help you get started and make integration into your classroom, school, district, or home as easy as possible. Please feel free to email or photocopy the letters included in the Spread the Word Kit to make implementation as quick and easy as possible. We also encourage you to post these materials on your district or school training website for staff. You’ll have free access to an ever-expanding collection of great ideas, helpful tips, and invaluable tools for use in the classroom or as part of your own professional development.
Brain Pop

GETTING COLLEGE RIGHT
Students with learning disabilities and ADD/ADHD need special consideration, and many colleges are not as “user-friendly” as students’ current world of services in high school. Yet these students can thrive in educational environments which not only accommodate their differences, but also understand, appreciate, and support their strengths. There is much to consider, and the wrong decision can greatly impact a student’s future. Elizabeth Cohen offers a variety of information and publications.
Getting College Right

THE FACULTY ROOM
The Faculty Room is a space for faculty and administrators at postsecondary institutions to learn about how to create classroom environments and academic activities that maximize the learning of all students, including those with disabilities.
The Faculty Room

EXCEPTIONAL NURSE
Exceptional Nuse is a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 resource network committed to inclusion of more people with disabilities in the nursing profession. By sharing information and resources, ExceptionalNurse.com hopes to facilitate inclusion of students with disabilities in nursing education programs and foster resilience and continued practice for nurses who are, or become, disabled. This website is maintained by Donna Maheady, Ed.D., ARNP, and advocate for nurses and nursing students with disabilities.
Exceptional Nurse

EDUTOPIA
Edutopia is a comprehensive website and online community that increases knowledge, sharing, and adoption of what works in K-12 education. It emphasizes core strategies: project-based learning, comprehensive assessment, integrated studies, social and emotional learning, educational leadership and teacher development, and technology integration.
Edutopia

 THE PARTNERSHIP FOR 21ST CENTURY SKILLS
The Partnership for 21st Century Skills has launched a website which contains information, resources and tools related to 21st century skills. The website describes how 21st century skills can be supported through standards, assessments, professional development, curriculum and instruction and learning environments. It provides educators with best practices, reports, articles, and research about teaching skills for the next century.
The Partnership for 21st Century Skills

FAMILYEDUCATION.COM
FamilyEducation.com has been around for two decades as the longest-standing parenting site on the Web. It aims to provide the latest news and information ranging from children’s health to homework help, plus tips on the hottest toys, media, and products for kids and families – all with a strong focus on learning.
Family Education

TECHNOLOGY AND LEARNING
Technology and Learning is a website that serves the K-12 community with practical resources and expert strategies for transforming education through integration of digital technologies.
Technology and Learning

NATIONAL BOARD FOR PROFESSIONAL TEACHING STANDARDS
Every student deserves to be taught by an accomplished teacher.  National Board Certification was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide.  It is the most respected professional certification available in K-12 education.
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

TEN SUCCESS STORIES IN THE AGE OF COVID-19
During these pressure-filled times I have found myself reading about the impact distance learning has had on our educators…
Ten Success Stories in the Age of COVID-19

JUST FOR THE ASKING!
A monthly e-newsletter that addresses the needs of all those who strive to be instructional leaders.
Just for the Asking!

LDONLINE
The LdOnline Report offers news about learning disabilities and about the latest events on their website.
LdOnline

NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTER FOR CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (NRCCTE)
The mission of NRCCTE is to improve the engagement, achievement, and transition of high school and postsecondary CTE students through technical assistance to states, professional development for CTE practitioners and dissemination of knowledge derived from scientifically-based research.
National Research Center for Career and Technical Education (NRCCTE)

INTERSECTION: NAVIGATING THE ROAD TO WORK IS AN ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER OF THE NATIONAL COLLABORATIVE ON WORKFORCE AND DISABILITY FOR YOUTH.
The newsletter and the website offer information to improve programs and services for all youth and especially youth with disabilities.
Intersection Newsletter

MONTHLY TEACHER
Monthly Teacher is a free monthly newsletter that provides teachers with various resources that apply to all K-12 grade levels.
Monthly Teacher

SPEECH-TO-TEXT SERVICES (STTS)
STTS can be used effectively in a variety of environments, such as in the classroom, small and large group meetings, internship/fieldwork settings, public speaking engagements, and in study abroad opportunities.
Speech-To-Text Services

TECHNOLOGY TOOLS
21st Century Technology Tools, 2nd Edition is a collection of tutorials on Web 2.0 technology tools for teachers referencing Google Docs, Google Reader, Wikispaces, Ning, VoiceThread. Twitter, Flickr, Diigo, and Delicious. This book is a great tool for all staff members in becoming familiar with Web 2.0. To obtain your copy go to Technology Tools and search 21st Century Technology Tools.

PACER’S NATIONAL PARENT CENTER ON TRANSITION AND EMPLOYMENT
PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment website offers innovative tools, reliable research, and interactive training to help address the needs of families across the country.
Pacer’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment

EMPLOYER ASSISTANCE AND RESOURCE NETWORK (EARN)
EARN features and recognizes employers’ successful practices for outreach, recruitment, hiring, and accommodating workers with disabilities.
Employer Assistance and Resource Network (EARN)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE LAUNCHES REDESIGNED ADA.GOV WEBSITE
In the first redesign of the ADA website since 2002, the U.S. Department of Justice launched ADA.gov, an information and technical assistance website on the Americans with Disabilities Act.
ADA Website

PROJECTIONS BY STATE
The projections in BLS publications are national in scope. But job prospects vary from one geographic area to another. For State-specific employment, including projections and other resources. Visit America’s Career InfoNet – click on the “State Information” link; for projections, choose “State Profile,” and select the State for which you seek information.
Projections by State

JOBS FOR THE FUTURE
Jobs for the Future identifies, develops, and promotes new education and workforce strategies that help communities, states, and the nation compete in a global economy. In nearly 200 communities in 41 states, JFF improves the pathways leading from high school to college to family-sustaining careers. JFF publishes a monthly newswire that is free to educators.
Jobs for the Future

THE ALLIANCE FOR YOUTH
The mission of the alliance is to connect community resources and provide opportunities for families, children, and teens in order to advance healthy youth development.
The Alliance for Youth

DO SOMETHING
DoSomething.org is one of the largest organizations in the US that helps young people get involved with causes they care about. A driving force in creating a culture of volunteerism, DoSomething.org is on track to activate two million young. By leveraging the web, television, mobile, and pop culture, DoSomething.org inspires, empowers and celebrates a generation of doers: teenagers who recognize the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action.
Do Something

NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION STATISTICS
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is the primary federal entity for collecting and analyzing data related to education in the U.S. and other nations. NCES is located within the U.S. Department of Education and the Institute of Education Sciences. NCES fulfills a Congressional mandate to collect, collate, analyze, and report complete statistics on the condition of American education; conduct and publish reports; and review and report on education activities internationally.
National Center for Education Statistics

NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE
Our mission is to advance science on the causes and consequences of drug use and addiction and to apply that knowledge to improve individual and public health. Visit the website to gain more information for students, teachers, parents, and health professionals.
National Institute on Drug Abuse

NATIONAL MENTORING PARTNERSHIP
MENTOR’s mission is to fuel the quality and quantity of mentoring relationships for America’s young people and to close the mentoring gap for the one in three young people growing up without this critical support.
National Mentoring Partnership

NATIONAL NETWORK FOR YOUTH
The National Network for Youth (NN4Y) is the nation’s leading organization advocating at the federal level to educate the public and policymakers about the needs of homeless and disconnected youth. We are a membership organization of service providers, state agencies, coalitions, faith-based organizations, advocated and individuals who work towards our vision of a world where vulnerable and homeless youth can escape the dangers of the streets and access safety, youth-appropriate services, hope, and healing.
National Network for Youth

THE NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR PARTNERSHIPS IN EQUITY
The National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity (NAPE) is a consortium of state and local agencies, corporations, and national organizations. Through its four lines of business – professional development, technical assistance, research and evaluation, and advocacy – NAPE strives to achieve its mission of building educators’ capacity to implement effective solutions for increasing student access, educational equity, and workforce diversity.
The National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity

RESPONSE TO INTERVENTIONS (RTI) ACTION NETWORK
Response to Intervention (RTI) is a multi-tiered approach to help struggling learners. Students’ progress is closely monitored at each stage of intervention to determine the need for further research-based instruction and/or intervention in general education, in special education, or both.
Response to Interventions (RTI) Action Network

NEW ADA TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE DOCUMENT PUBLISHED: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SERVICE ANIMALS AND THE ADA
The Department of Justice has published a new 9-page ADA technical assistance document, Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADA, to further assist covered entities and people with disabilities to understand how the ADA’s service animal provisions apply to them.
FAQ About Service Animals and the ADA

PENN STATE ONLINE CAREER LIBRARY
Penn State launched a Vault Online Career Library for access to over 90 guidebooks, over 3,500 company profiles, and over 1,500 career advice articles.
Penn State Online Career Library

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Visitors to the site will be able to find what they need based on content type or based on their role in public education as a student, parent, educator or taxpayer. The department’s website continues to be a central clearinghouse for thousands of education-related materials, including information on academic standards and curriculum, student performance data, school financial data, early childhood education resources, postsecondary and higher education resources, library services, property tax relief information and more.
Pennsylvania Department of Education