Calendar and Class Descriptions
School year short-term program classes are designed to provide Expanded Core Curriculum support for academic level students who are learning from a curriculum that is on or close to grade level. The classes are listed here with the option to filter by subject matter, grade level, on campus or online, date, etc. There are descriptions for each listing but if more information is needed to make a decision about what classes would be right for your student, please contact our admission team at [email protected]. You can also view a Google Doc of the course offerings.
Individualized Instruction
Sometimes, students are unable to attend a Short-Term Programs class during the school year. However, they may benefit from instruction to support their academic coursework.
In order to serve students who are unable to attend our traditional in-person classes, Short-Term Programs staff offer individualized instruction that may take the form of distance communication (e.g., via Zoom web conferencing platform), student-teacher visits to our campus, or a Short-Term Programs teacher visiting your district to teach a lesson.
The individualized instruction model seeks to find a solution that best fits your student’s needs.
What Next?
- If you are interested in exploring individualized instruction for your student, submit a referral for Individualized Instruction.
- A Short-Term Programs teacher will contact you to discuss student needs, dates, and locations.
- You can help our teachers by identifying available classroom or instructional spaces in your district.
We look forward to working with you to support students this way each school year!
For additional information about the content of this section contact Eden Hagelman at [email protected] or 512-206-9176.
Algebra I SBOE Credit – Fall
Primary Requirements:
(1) Attend the in-person classes at TSBVI, two each semester:
- August 22 – 25, 2024 – How to Algebra I
- October 27 – November 1, 2024 – Principles of Graphing and Tactile Graphics
(2) Obtain the textbook.
Algebra 1 – TEKS Texas Student Edition
ISBN-13: 9780021402465
ISBN-10: 0021402469
Publisher: McGraw Hill
Published: 2016
This a Texas-adopted textbook as per TEA. It can be ordered through the EMAT system (see TEA’s Accessible Instructional Materials page) by the district’s Instructional Materials Coordinator. Please contact us with any questions.
Note: If you are ordering the book in braille, make sure to request the UEB version. TEA should not send the EBAE version out in the future, but it is best to make sure to request UEB.
If you currently have the EBAE version (in the district warehouse), we can use that for this school year, but a plan for replacing that needs to be made by the district.
(3) Be able to access and interact with class materials online, which includes:
- Using Zoom videoconferencing on a computer or device mostly independently (i.e., muting/unmuting, turning on/off video);
- Having intermediate screenreader skills for accessing and interacting with Desmos graphing calculator, Google Classroom, and email;
- Being able to successfully advocate for alternatives if needed (i.e. TI-84 Graphing Calculator, BNT+) and incorporate them efficiently during class activities.
*TSBVI will award credit in place of a local district’s Algebra class.
For additional information contact: John Rose, M.A., M.Ed.
Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments at [email protected].
Elementary Independence Weekend: Fun with Art, Craft, and Fine Motor
The Independence Weekend classes offer theme-based learning opportunities to practice skills from the Expanded Core Curriculum. A class theme provides motivational, real-world relevance for learning, and students practice a range of interdisciplinary skills by working collaboratively to obtain meaningful products or experiences. Students also have the opportunity to share personal experiences with others who are blind or have low vision.
In Fun with Art, Craft, and Fine Motor, students, in grades 3 – 5, will explore types of art that can improve their fine motor and tactile skills. Students will have an opportunity to create their own works of art. At the same time, students will review and practice a number of Expanded Core Curriculum skills throughout the weekend, including social skills, self-determination, O&M, and sensory efficiency.
The students, of course, will just think they are having fun!
For additional information about the content of this section contact Kathryn Heitman at [email protected] or 512-206-9388.
Junior Access to Academic Skills – Fall
Access to Academics classes teach access skills in a small group setting, usually two to three students with a teacher. Math and Assistive Technology are the instructional areas most frequently addressed. This year we offer these topics:
- Low Vision
- Math
- STAAR Test Taking Strategies for Braille Testers
- Technology
STAAR Test Taking Strategies
The goal of this topic is to prepare braille-reading students for the paper-based STAAR test. Students will have the opportunity to share these learning experiences with others who are also braille test takers.
Topics that will be covered include:
- General test-taking strategies
- Subject-specific test-taking strategies
- Having knowledge of and advocating for one’s own accommodations for the STAAR in appropriate situations
- Positive self-talk and adjusting to stress and anxiety during the STAAR
- Strategies for using a live reader or a scribe
We will be asking the teachers for the following:
- to provide the student’s approximate current level of performance in the identified skill areas
- to provide the student’s copy of the STAAR Accommodations so that we can tailor the instruction individually
- to integrate newly learned strategies into student’s lessons as much as possible so that the skills are second-nature when the STAAR is taken
After the course is completed, we will be providing the opportunity for the students to continue on with individualized instruction.
Students coming to work on screen reader skills must meet certain prerequisites as described below.
The Short-Term Programs teacher and the student’s local TSVI jointly determine objectives for each student (e.g., develop basic Algebra skills such as solving and graphing linear and quadratic equations; develop skills in using the Talking TI-84+ Graphing Calculator; use a screen reader or screen enlarger to create, edit, save and manage documents and to access the internet for research and recreation).
We will also ask you about your student’s current level of performance in the identified skill areas. The purpose of the class is to increase each student’s ability to access the academic curriculum (TEKS) by using a specific adaptive skill set.
We request that local TSVIs integrate newly learned skills into students’ daily lessons after the student completes this class. Daily practice is the best way to reinforce current skill levels and promote new learning. We can be available to help you with this by offering the following supports:
- Zoom online meetings
- Phone conversations
Screen Reader Prerequisites: Students using a screen reader can learn to access the computer in two ways: using a keyboard or using a refreshable braille display.
Keyboard: appropriate for students with a basic knowledge of the alphabet, number, and punctuation keys. Students ideally should be able to type simple sentences. Help your student learn typing skills by using the free Talking Typer software from the American Printing House for the Blind (APH).
Refreshable braille display: appropriate for students who are comfortable typing on a Perkins brailler and who can transfer skills to the keys of a braille display. Please ensure your student has access to a braille display in the home district in order to build on skills after the class ends. If your student doesn’t have access to a braille display and you are interested in exploring instruction using this method, please contact Nina Wibbenmeyer at [email protected] or 512-206-9361 to discuss your options.
To borrow a braille display, investigate:
- Your local ESC
- TSBVI Tech Loan Library
Software to be taught in the TSBVI class must be installed on a computer that the student can access for frequent practice after returning home, in order to maintain skills.
For more information about the content of this section contact Nina Wibbenmeyer at [email protected] or 512-206-9361.
Elementary Series
Students must be able to attend all three classes.
Part A: September 22 – 25 (Sunday – Wednesday)
Part B: October 20 – 23 (Sunday – Wednesday)
Part C: November 17 – 20 (Sunday – Wednesday)
The Series classes are designed to offer short and repeated instruction for elementary students in grades 2 – 5 who are tactual learners. Each class is formatted for two or three students. Students can attend only one section (math, STAAR testing strategies, or technology).
Math
Grades 2 – 5
This series class is designed to provide students in grades 2 – 5 who are braille readers with the ability to access math concepts through a comprehensive approach. This program includes the following four components:
- Nemeth Code: supports students’ abilities to read and write math expressions
- Cranmer Abacus: supports students in completing math computations using whole numbers, decimals, and fractions, as appropriate
- Manipulatives: support concept development related to place value, mathematical operations, and 2- and 3-dimensional figures.
- Tactile Graphics: support students’ abilities to relate 2D representations to 3D concepts
Requirements:
Students must have daily access in their local schools to a math textbook and/or handouts prepared in Nemeth Code, a Cranmer abacus, a braillewriter, and appropriate math manipulatives, so that they can continue to build skills between sessions.
Grades 2 – 3
- Students should understand one-to-one correspondence, recognize simple shapes and objects, understand that a number refers to a set amount or group of objects, and be able to count whole numbers to 100
- Solve basic problems, including story problems, related to addition and subtraction through 10.
Grades 4 – 5
- Students should understand place value to three digits, the operations of addition, subtraction, and multiplication, and should have the majority of the math facts committed to memory.
- Students should have the potential to function mathematically on grade level, but require compensatory skills training to realize their potential, such as learning to use the abacus to complete grade-level computations.
STAAR Test – Taking Strategies
Grades 3 – 5
The goal of this topic is to prepare braille-reading students for the paper-based STAAR test. Students will have the opportunity to share these learning experiences with others who are also braille test takers.
Topics that will be covered include:
- General test-taking strategies
- Subject-specific test-taking strategies
- Having knowledge of and advocating for one’s own accommodations for the STAAR in appropriate situations
- Positive self-talk and adjusting to stress and anxiety during the STAAR
- Strategies for using a live reader or a scribe
We will be asking the teachers for the following:
- to provide the student’s approximate current level of performance in the identified skill areas
- to provide the student’s copy of the STAAR Accommodations so that we can tailor the instruction individually
- to integrate newly learned strategies into student’s lessons as much as possible so that the skills are second-nature when the STAAR is taken
After the course is completed, we will be providing the opportunity for the students to continue on with individualized instruction.
Technology
Grades 2 – 5
This series class is designed to provide students who are visually impaired the ability to access computers and screen reading software through the use of a comprehensive approach including:
- Basic computer concepts
- Basic navigation
- Word processing skills
Requirements:
Students benefit most when they have the screen reader already installed on district computers and have daily access to these computers so they can practice between sessions.
Students can choose to learn to access the computer in two ways: using a keyboard or using a refreshable braille display.
Keyboard: Appropriate for students with a basic knowledge of the alphabet, number, and punctuation keys and be able to compose and type simple sentences. This skill can vary, but students who have very little knowledge of touch typing will find executing the keyboard commands necessary to use screen reading programs (i.e., Alt + Tab) to be challenging. You can help your student acquire this skill by using the free Talking Typer software from the American Printing House for the Blind (APH).
Refreshable braille display: Appropriate for students who are comfortable typing on a Perkins brailler and who can transfer skills to the keys of a braille display. Please ensure your student has access to a braille display in the home district in order to build on skills after the class ends. If your student doesn’t have access to a braille display and you are interested in exploring instruction using this method, please contact Nina Wibbenmeyer at [email protected] or 512-206-9361.
To borrow a braille display, investigate:
- Your local ESC
- TSBVI Tech Loan Library
Software to be taught in the TSBVI class must be installed on a computer that the student can access for frequent practice after returning home, in order to maintain skills.
For additional information about the content of this section please contact Nina Wibbenmeyer at [email protected] or 512- 206-9361.
High School Independence: In the Heart of Texas
Does your student want to make the world a better place, and make new friends while doing so?
This program will focus on building student independence, confidence, and empowerment through community service. Students will have the opportunity to practice skills from the Expanded Core Curriculum, specifically in the areas of self-determination, independent living, and social interaction as they explore and define what it means to “give back” to the community.
Sessions and activities will focus on:
- Building an understanding of different ways that individuals can impact their communities
- Responsible and respectful models of community service
- Food preparation and organization skills as students contribute to local organizations which address food insecurity
- Basic carpentry and repair skills for constructing a picnic table as a group
- Collaboration skills, as students work with a group to accomplish projects with a common goal
Most importantly students will have the opportunity to visit with old friends and make new ones.
For more information about the content of this section contact Helen Benton at [email protected] or 512-206-9471.
High School Access to Academic Skills – Fall
- Low Vision
- Mathematics
- STAAR Test Taking Strategies for Braille Testers
- Technology
Students may select to work on skills related to low vision, mathematics, STAAR test taking strategies, or technology. Instruction will be provided in a small group, highly individualized setting (typically two to three students with a teacher and TA). Students coming to work on screen reader skills must meet certain prerequisites as described below.
The Short-Term Programs teacher and the student’s local TSVI will jointly determine objectives for each student (examples: develop introductory skills in using the new Orion TI-84+ Talking, Graphing Calculator; use a screen reader or screen enlarger for word processing, internet research, to create spreadsheets, and/or to create PowerPoint presentations). We will also ask you about your student’s current level of performance in the identified skill areas. The purpose of the class is to increase each student’s ability to access the academic curriculum (TEKS) by using a specific adaptive skill set.
In addition to the specific objectives selected, students will practice skills of independent living (e.g., preparing simple meals, serving and cleaning in the kitchen, organizing one’s personal area), as well as social skills, recreation & leisure, and self-determination after school. Students attending these week-long classes are asked to bring local assignments with them, and we provide two hours each day for students to work on them.
We request that local TSVIs integrate newly learned skills into students’ daily lessons after the student completes this class. Daily practice is the best way to reinforce current skill levels and promote new learning. We can be available to help you with this by offering the following supports:
- Zoom online meetings
- Phone conversations
- Visits to TSBVI
Screen Reader Prerequisites: Students using a screen reader can learn to access the computer in two ways: using a keyboard or using a refreshable braille display.
Keyboard: appropriate for students with a basic knowledge of the alphabet, number, and punctuation keys. Students ideally should be able to type simple sentences. Help your student learn typing skills by using the free Talking Typer software from the American Printing House for the Blind (APH).
Refreshable braille display: appropriate for students who are comfortable typing on a Perkins brailler and who can transfer skills to the keys of a braille display. Please ensure your student has access to a braille display in the home district in order to build on skills after the class ends. If your student doesn’t have access to a braille display and you are interested in exploring instruction using this method, please contact Nina Wibbenmeyer or John Rose to discuss your options.
For additional information about the content of this section contact Nina Wibbenmeyer at [email protected] or 512-206-9361.
To borrow a braille display, investigate:
- Your local ESC
- TSBVI Tech Loan Library
Software to be taught in the TSBVI class must be installed on a computer that the student can access for frequent practice after returning home, in order to maintain skills.
STAAR Test-Taking Strategies
The goal of this topic is to prepare braille-reading students for the paper-based STAAR test. Students will have the opportunity to share these learning experiences with others who are also braille test takers.
Topics that will be covered include:
- General test-taking strategies
- Subject-specific test-taking strategies
- Having knowledge of and advocating for one’s own accommodations for the STAAR in appropriate situations
- Positive self-talk and adjusting to stress and anxiety during the STAAR
- Strategies for using a live reader or a scribe
We will be asking the teachers for the following:
- to provide the student’s approximate current level of performance in the identified skill areas
- to provide the student’s copy of the STAAR Accommodations so that we can tailor the instruction individually
- to integrate newly learned strategies into student’s lessons as much as possible so that the skills are second-nature when the STAAR is taken
After the course is completed, we will be providing the opportunity for the students to continue on with individualized instruction.
For additional information about the content of this section please contact Nina Wibbenmeyer at [email protected] or 512- 206-9361.
JAWS for Students and Teachers
JAWS for Students and Teachers
Does your student need to boost their JAWS skills? Do you want to support your student in learning JAWS? If so, this joint Student-TSVI class could meet your needs!
Nina Wibbenmeyer (TSVI, STP teacher) and Donna Clemons (Assistive Technology Consultant, Outreach) are teaching a class designed to provide simultaneous basic- to intermediate-level JAWS instruction for local TSVIs and their students. We hope to address the ongoing challenge of students maintaining their newly acquired skills by providing extra support and direct instruction to the local TSVIs. Although attending together, students and TSVIs will be in separate groups for most of the instruction.
Please note: It is required for the student to already have basic keyboarding skills and the ability to type simple sentences at a rate of about 10 wpm. If they are familiar with how to use a braille display attached to a laptop, this can be used in place of the laptop keyboard. Please ensure that the student already has JAWS installed on a computer prior to the weekend class, so that the student can maintain skills after returning home.
Here are some important logistics to be aware of:
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Students will reside in the dorm while on our campus. We have found that the opportunity to simply be together and share similar challenges can be an invaluable, life-changing experience for students.
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TSBVI can house TSVIs in the Wildcat Inn or in a dormitory on our campus. There will be access to inexpensive meals in our cafeteria or meals can be prepared in the Inn or in the dorm. There are also several good restaurants within walking distance from our campus.
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TSBVI will pay transportation and all other costs for students; however, we will not be able to pay transportation costs for staff. Transportation costs would fall to the school district.
For additional information about the content of this section please contact Nina Wibbenmeyer at [email protected] or 512- 206-9361.
High School Independence Weekend: College and Vocational Prep with Parents
College and Vocational Prep (Parents attend with Students)
This new class is designed for students and parents interested in understanding the challenges and considerations involved in preparing for college, choosing a vocational school, or selecting a career path. Former students and parents have shared that they encountered unexpected obstacles they wish they had known about before starting their journey. In this class, we have the opportunity to learn from their experiences. Participants will gain valuable insights into the various factors influencing these critical decisions and will be equipped with practical tools and strategies to navigate this important transition..
- Key topics include:
- Understanding and accessing services available to Blind and Low Vision students
- Navigating the complexities of interacting with service agencies like the Texas Workforce Commission, university disability offices, and financial aid departments
- Selecting a suitable job, vocational school, or college and completing the application processes
- Acquiring assistive technology
- Addressing concerns about college life and finding solutions for unanswered questions
- Enhancing the social experience when students leave high school
- Building and networking with valuable professional and peer contacts
- Gaining insights, tips, and anecdotes from other Blind and Low Vision students (and their parents) currently succeeding in college or working in the community.
Students and their parents/guardians must attend together. Students will be taught by teaching staff in Short-Term Programs while parents will attend a conference portion hosted by the Outreach department. Limited on-campus hotel lodging may be available for adults. Families are encouraged to contact their Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) counselor or local school district to request financial assistance with travel and lodging. However, if TWC is unable to provide financial support, TSBVI will cover the costs. Students will reside in the Short-Term Programs dorm.
For additional information about this class, contact Helen Benton at [email protected], or 512-206-9471.
Wellness Weekend
The Wellness Weekend class will introduce students to a variety of health and self-care options to discover useful strategies to develop personal wellness goals and practices that they can continue to refine throughout their lives.
Lessons and activities will focus on:
- Stress management and self-care, relaxation, and mindfulness techniques
- Low-cost, widely available opportunities for recreation and leisure
- Non-visual sensory (e.g., sound, aroma) experiences
- Development of individualized wellness goals
For additional information about the content of this section, contact Annie Biondi at [email protected] or 512-206-9179.