Module 1
Project Core Overview
Description
An overview of Project Core’s implementation program including its focus, goals and intended outcomes.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will be able to recall the educational philosophy that underlies the work of Project Core.
Participants will be able to identify the instructional components that support the learning of symbolic language.
Module Materials
Module 2
Universal Core Vocabulary Module
Communication Supports
Description
This modules introduces the Universal Core vocabulary–a small number of powerful words that can be used frequently and apply to all subjects, topics, and environments. The module will continue to discuss available formats and examples of the flexibility offered for teaching and learning across natural contexts.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will be able to describe three ways core words are different from activity specific words.
Participants will be able to describe four ways students can access Universal Core vocabulary.
Participants will be able to describe the instructional behaviors needed when demonstrating Universal Core vocabulary.
Module Materials
Module 3
Beginning Communicators Module
Communication Supports
Description
This module introduces the many ways beginning communicators express themselves, and strategies for identifying and honoring all early forms, while making connections to symbols.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will be able to describe students who are beginning communicators and the variety of ways they communicate.
Participants will be able to describe how educators can work with beginning communicators to help them move toward intentional communication using symbols.
Module Materials
Module 4
Aided Language Input Module
Communication Supports
Description
This module provides an overview of how to use aided language input strategies to show students what is possible and encourage their use of graphic symbols.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will be able to identify 3 examples of early communication behaviors that could be used to teach symbols.
Participants will be able to describe 3 benefits of demonstrating use of core vocabulary symbols.
Participants will list 3 basic components of aided language input.
Module Materials
Module 5
Supporting Individual Access to the Universal Core Module
Communication Supports
Description
This module will review access considerations for students with a range of physical, sensory and cognitive needs, and available tools for identifying suitable Universal Core formats for each student.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will explain the rationale for providing individualized access to Universal Core vocabulary.
Participants will explain the rationale for identifying an initial Universal Core vocabulary format for each student.
Participants will describe three ways of accessing the various formats of Universal Core vocabulary based on student need.
Module Materials
Module 6
Teaching Communication During Daily Routines and Activities Module
Teaching Communication During Routines
Description
This module is an overview and includes examples of how to incorporate the Universal Core vocabulary throughout the school day during common daily routines.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will be able to recall the importance of incorporating Universal core vocabulary into the daily instructional routines across a variety of academic content areas.
Participants will be able to describe the 3 strategies used in supporting communication development during instructional routines across a variety of academic content areas.
Participants will be able to discuss building students’ receptive understanding of content-specific vocabulary and concepts while using Universal Core vocabulary to communicate about those words and concepts.
Module Materials
Module 7
Teaching Communication During Academic Instruction Module
Teaching Communication During Academics
Description
This module provides an overview, as well as examples, of how to support interaction and teach communication during common academic routines across the day.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will be able to describe how to use Universal Core vocabulary to communicate across academic instruction.
Participants will recall the four instructional strategies embedded in the approach to teaching Universal Core vocabulary.
Participants will recall the academic supports that can be accessed on the Project-Core.com website.
Module Materials
Module 8
Shared Reading Module
Teaching Communication During Academics
Description
This module provides an overview of shared reading and includes case examples of strategies for embedding communication instruction into shared reading lessons.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will be able to define shared reading.
Participants will be able describe the CAR method used to support student interaction.
Participants will be able to describe the characteristics of a book that make it a good choice for shared reading.
Module Materials
Module 9
Predictable Chart Writing Module
Teaching Communication During Academics
Description
This module provides an overview of Predictable Chart Writing and includes case examples of strategies for embedding communication instruction into predictable chart writing lessons.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will learn how to facilitate a predictable chart writing lesson.
Participants will learn how to emphasize core vocabulary during predictable chart writing.
Participants will learn how to define chart topics and sentence stems.
Module Materials
Module 10
Alphabet Knowledge and Phonological Awareness Module
Communication Supports
Description
This module includes an overview and case examples of strategies for embedding communication instruction into alphabet knowledge and phonological awareness lessons.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will be able to identify 4 components of alphabet and phonological awareness instruction to support the development of symbolic communication.
Participants will be able to describe 4 instructional activities associated with alphabet and phonological awareness.
Participants will be able to identify the 2 elements of instruction that will help them plan and evaluate their own lessons.
Module Materials
Module 11
Independent Reading
Teaching Communication During Academics
Description
This module discusses how to support interaction and teach communication as students select, read, and discuss age- and ability-appropriate books during independent reading.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will be able to explain how to support communication during independent reading.
Participants will be able to provide a rationale for providing independent reading time for students who do not yet use speech, signs, or symbols to meet all of their communication needs.
Module Materials
Module 12
Independent Writing Module
Teaching Communication During Academics
Description
This module will discuss how to support interaction and teach communication as students select topics, write, and share their work.
Participants will review the importance of providing independent writing.
Participants will learn about alternate writing tools for students who are unable to write with a conventional pencil.
Participants will learn how to structure independent writing opportunities for their students while incorporating use of Universal Core vocabulary.