Family & Community Special Communities
Special Education

NASDSE Professional Development Series 2008 – 2009

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has purchased a site license for distance learning opportunities from the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE). This series is available to all Massachusetts school districts and educational organizations. This year's topics are:

Who is the intended audience for the series?
The intended audience is administrators, teachers, related service providers, and families – but anyone may participate.

How does my organization sign up for the series?
Your organization can sign up by registering at http://www.doe.mass.edu/conference/?ConferenceID=548. On the registration page, your organization will designate a site contact. This person will be responsible for disseminating the support materials and ensuring your site is able to receive each broadcast.

How much does it cost?
Nothing. It is free to all school districts and educational organizations in Massachusetts.

What equipment does my organization need in order to participate?
The equipment required to participate in a satellite conference includes a satellite dish and receiver (C Band), TV and VCR, and a phone with speaker access. If your organization has a MCET/Mass Learning Pike installed dish, it meets the equipment requirements. If you do not have this equipment, your local cable company may be able to assist you.

Each presentation will also be made available online in a streaming media format. To use this option, your organization will need a computer and an internet connection capable of supporting streaming video.

Approximately 2 days prior to each presentation, your site contact will receive via email the support materials and technical information required to access the broadcast.

What if we are unable to participate in a particular broadcast or have technical difficulties?
No problem! If the satellite downlink is set up, your organization can record the broadcast to show at a later date. Your organization can also view the presentation online. It can be viewed an unlimited number of times, at any time throughout the year.

What if I still have questions?
Please contact Lassity Cauley at lcauley@doe.mass.edu.