Presentation:

Amy Davenport, M.Ed., and Terry Weaver, M.Ed.
Presentation on Social Thinking Superflex Groups led by the school counselor and the Speech Therapist in a collaborative effort to address the 3 Tier Response to Intervention model currently required under the No Child Left Behind Act. Most of the students do not carry a Special Education label... Please go to the Conference Session Selection menu if you'd like to attend.

Full title: Practical Strategies for Different Disciplines to Work Together in the Schools to Address a 3 Tier Response to Intervention for Students with Behavioral Challenges

The presenters will share how Superflex Social Thinking groups evolved in a small West Texas school district targeting students who exhibit challenging behaviors and/or lack of language skills in the general education setting from every grade level (especially Head Start through 4^th Grade). The groups are led by the school counselor and the Speech Therapist and are a collaborative effort to address the 3 Tier Response to Intervention model currently required under the No Child Left Behind Act. Most of the students do not carry a Special Education label. Signed parental consent is required for participation. The groups meet weekly and follow the Superflex Curriculum. Added components include creating songs, illustrating with drawings or the use of Boardmaker software program, signing, and object representations to create a multisensory approach to illustrate key concepts, strategies and the Team of Unthinkables. This is also being used in a variety of scenarios which fall under Tier I and Tier II Interventions such as Character Education with each classroom, staff development so that all educators learn to use the strategies and terminology to benefit ALL students, as well as Superflex Family Nights for entire families of Superflex Group members.

Learning objectives

1. Participants will learn the significance of the Social Thinking Philosophy in addressing behavior and language issues through the 3 Tier Response to Intervention Model as outlined in the No Child Left Behind Act.

2. Participants will learn the process by which Superflex Groups are selected and how to incorporate songs, visuals and object representation into the Social Thinking Curriculum.

3. Participants will become familiar with using Social Thinking (Superflex) Groups in a public school setting through the development of a collaborative Counselor/SLP Superflex Team and learn what each member contributes to the team.

Presenters

Terry Weaver is currently a speech therapist employed by the Sonora Independent School District working with children from ages 3 through high school on communication as well as behavior. Degrees include BSEd in speech pathology/special education with a MEd in administration.

Amy Davenport is currently employed as counselor at Sonora Elementary School in Sonora, Texas. In addition, she coordinates and facilitates all RTI meetings with staff and parents. Degrees include BA in communication and Spanish and MEd in counseling. She teams with the SLP to provide RTI behavioral intervention groups based on Superflex Curriculum.