Area Special Education Cooperative

We are ready to expand our already outstanding team at ASEC. Reach out to learn more about our organization and the impact we're making with students across NW MN. #WeAreASEC Check out our current job opportunities using the link below. https://www.asec.net/page/asec-job-opportunities Please help us spread the word by sharing this post.

We'll be Rocking Our Socks on Thursday, March 21st to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. Join us by wearing your brightest, boldest, mismatched socks. "The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is just that little extra". #WeAreASEC #lotsofsocks #worlddownsyndromeday

Administrators in Northwest Minnesota had an opportunity to meet with Senator Mark Johnson and Representative John this week to discuss the critical need for investing in educational infrastructure. The conversation centered around the urgent need for a Setting IV - Educational Learning Center in Northwest Minnesota. Every child, especially those with unique learning needs, deserves high-quality educational resources. A huge thank you goes out to this group of dedicated individuals. From right to left: Randy Bruer, Superintendent of Win-E-Mac; Senator Mark Johnson; Tiffany Litman, Executive Director of ASEC; Cassey Farrell, Director of Learner Support Services in Thief River Falls; Dr. Chris Mills, Superintendent of Thief River Falls; and Dan Dalchow, Superintendent of Climax-Shelly. We're committed to advocating tirelessly until every student in our community has the support they need to thrive and succeed. Let's keep pushing forward for the sake of our children's futures. #WeAreASEC You can check out our website using the link below to learn more about the Setting IV - Education Learning Center facility project, as well as current bonding bills HF4282 and SF3933. https://www.asec.net/page/educational-learning-center

Congratulations to Randy Bruer, Superintendent of ASEC member district Win-E-Mac on receiving retiree recognition for his contributions as a member of both MASA and MASE. Your dedication to student success has made an impact. We are grateful for your partnership. Best wishes on your next chapter, Mr. Bruer! #WeAreASEC

Congratulations to Kelsey Johnson, elementary principal at ASEC member district Warren-Alvarado-Oslo for the honor of receiving the MESPA Division Leadership Achievement Award. This award goes to principals who demonstrate exemplary leadership within their schools and communities. Kelsey leads with enthusiasm and has a passion for all kids making growth. We are proud to partner with you, Mrs. Johnson! #WeAreASEC

This group is extremely resourceful, compassionate, and collaborative. They go above and beyond to support the students and staff in our member districts. #WeAreASEC ASEC is looking to expand our team of School Psychologists. Are you a dedicated individual who wants to make a positive impact on student's lives? Reach out if you are interested in learning more! #JoinOurTeam #SchoolPsychologist

Patty is one of a kind! The support she provides students and staff across our 11-member districts is truly something special. #WeAreASEC

This morning our Year 1 New Teacher Cohort had the privilege to learn from Patti Liebswager, ASEC Orientation & Mobility and Assistive Technology Consultant, Katie Proulx, ASEC Teacher of the Blind/Visually Impaired, and Joann Papke, Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing. These ladies are so knowledgeable and passionate about what they do and we couldn't be prouder to have them on our team. #WeAreASEC

This week the 6th grade Language Arts class in Ada-Borup-West read The Story of My Life by Helen Keller. After reading the story in class, students were shown several support videos that explained braille, braille machines, Pro-tactile Signing, and several interesting facts about Helen Keller. To stimulate the experience of a person who is DeafBlind, the students wore blindfolds and earplugs. They were directed by others to complete an activity and were able to experience a small sampling of the challenges faced by people who are DeafBlind. An ABW student who is Deaf was able to fingerspell letters into the hands of her peers to simulate how Helen learned language. Helen Keller was an amazing woman, with incredible intelligence and insight. The class was grateful to have the opportunity to learn about the challenges others have faced and how they persevered to do great things. This is an awesome example of the constant collaboration between ASEC Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher Krystal Anderson, Special Education Teacher Tyelyn Erickson, and 6th grade LA Teacher Annie Goldader. Way to go, team! #WeAreASEC

Check out Deaf Hard of Hearing Teacher, Pam Vettleson with her poster presentation at the 2024 Association of College Educators – Deaf & Hard of Hearing (ACEDHH) Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. She presented her research on D/HH student perceptions of their Least Restrictive Environments in school. Way to go, Pam! We are so lucky you're on our team. #WeAreASEC

ASEC staff got together this month for team meetings, collaboration, and of course some fun. To end the day, they worked together to create sensory items to use with students. Our team is seriously amazing! We are proud of their hard work and positive attitudes. #WeAreASEC #teamwork #differencemakers

This year we are doing a book study using "Becoming Better Grownups". Yesterday we met virtually to discuss Chapter 6 and have some holiday fun. After all, "Better grownups are not too big, busy, or boring to play. They are playfully engaged with the world". -Author Brad Montague As the holiday season is upon us, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to our team at ASEC. They are not all pictured here, but each one of our team members is dedicated, passionate, and works tirelessly to make a positive impact on students and their families across our eleven districts. #WeAreASEC

Look at this awesome group of professionals. This week the ASEC Related Services Team met to collaborate, learn together, and support each other. They are always thinking of ways to positively impact our students, families, and member districts. Keep up the great work! #WeAreASEC

Here's Executive Director Tiffany Litman and ECSE Teacher Kyle Behling attending the Division for Early Childhood's 39th Annual International Conference on Young Children with Disabilities and Their Families in Minneapolis, MN this week. Our ASEC Team is always looking for professional development opportunities that will positively impact our students and their families. #WeAreASEC

Come check out the Grand Opening of the Family Resource Center. ASEC will be there, we'd love to see you! #WeAreASEC #resourcesinvestedinchildren

During the week of November 6-10th, we celebrate National School Psychologist Week! This year’s National School Psychology Week theme is “Let’s Grow Together,” inspired by the importance of personal and shared growth as individuals and school communities. School psychologists partner with families, teachers, administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community. They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior to help children and youth succeed socially, behaviorally, emotionally, and academically. They are important members of school safety and crisis teams, as well as CPI trainers. School psychologists have unique skills to assist students and staff in growing and working together while meeting the demands of school and life. Our ASEC school psychologists have helped facilitate positive change by improving school culture and advocating for school and individual needs. Please join us in recognizing our fantastic School Psychologists Terri Nelson, Maggie Mallory, Jenna Guttormson, Dr. Natasha Olson, and Tammy Hemmah, as well as our TelePsych Mike Sherman.

Last night the Transition Exploration Fair took place in EGF. ASEC partnered with EGF Public Schools, FRC, Polk County DAC, and Vocational Rehab Services to provide an opportunity for individuals ages 14-22 who are receiving Special Education Services to have fun and meet vendors who shared resources to transition from school to full lives in their communities. What an awesome event! #WeAreASEC

ASEC Assistant Director, Sandy and ECSE Teacher, Valerie met with ICCC Headstart staff in Oklee this morning. They presented on the referral process for IFSPs and IEPs as well as shared strategies for working with children who are on the Autism Spectrum. We are so thankful to have opportunities to build collaborative partnerships with individuals who also support our students, their families, and communities. #WeAreASEC

In recognition of National Physical Therapy Month, we would like to acknowledge and thank our Physical Therapist, Arlene Johnson, for making a huge impact on students, families, and educational teams. Arlene works with all eleven of our member districts. Her dedication and creativity in meeting the needs of all learners is truly spectacular. Thanks for all that you do every single day, Arlene! #WeAreASEC

Yesterday ASEC held our 2nd Due Process Bootcamp, focusing on the IEP. We had participants from all 11 of our member districts. There were tons of great ideas shared and collaborative conversations throughout the day with this awesome group of Special Educators and Related Service Providers. There was a total of 697 years of educational experience in the room. How amazing is that? We are already looking forward to our upcoming Evaluation Bootcamp! #WeAreASEC #lifelonglearners