American Sign Language will be presented by Nancy Vinacco-Fuller, Deaf Professor and former President of RI Association of the Deaf.  This is a 10-hour training beginning March 3, 2010 through April 14, 2010 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at NRIC's Professional Development Training Center.  The class will focus on the development of basic conversational skills and expansion of various conversational strategies in American Sign Language, basic rules of grammar, finger spelling and cultural behaviors of the deaf community will be introduced via various and appropriate techniques.  The cost is $175.00.   THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO LACK OF PARTICIPANTS.  We hope to offer again in the future.   

"ASpire" Training will be presented by The Autism Project of R.I.  This is a 10-hour training beginning January 19, 2010 through February 23, 2010 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at NRIC.  The class will cover the strengths and challenges unique to students with Asperger's Syndrome.  The cost is $300.00.   THIS TRAINING HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO LACK OF PARTICIPANTS, BUT WILL BE OFFERED AGAIN IN SUMMER 2010.

NRIC Legal Seminar Series -- In conjunction with the education law firm of Brennan, Recupero, Cascione, Scungio & McAllister, NRIC is offering a luncheon series of professional development opportunities for site-based administrators to identify and assist in solving problems faced on a day-to-day basis.  The series is dedicated to improving the knowledge of site-based administrators and to help provide knowledge-based tools to assist in school improvement at the local level.  The series will be held on a monthly basis.  The next topic on "Open Meetings Law" will be held on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm (including lunch) at NRIC's Professional Development Training Center Room 104.  The cost is $40.00 per session.   For more information on additional topics and the dates offered and to register, click here.  

Non-Violent Crisis Prevention Intervention Training -- presented by NRIC.  This is a 12-hour training for teachers, administrators and special education personnel to be held on January 25, 27, & 29, 2010 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  The cost is $145.00 for NRIC member districts and $167.00 for non-member districts.  THIS TRAINING HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO LACK OF PARTICIPANTS.   STAY TUNED FOR FUTURE DATE.

Spring into Literacy - "Using Wordless Books to Develop Reading & Writing Strategies" will be presented by Marti Schwartz on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at NRIC's Administrative Offices, Rm. 200.  This professional development opportunity for teachers will assist in improving students' literacy skills.   The cost is $50.00.  For more information and to register, click here. 

Teacher Assistant Network Session -- "Educational Technology & Assistive Technology" will be presented by Lisa Labitt on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at NRIC's Professional Development Training Center, Room 104.   The cost is $10.00.   To register, click here.  

For your information,  we are pleased to share the following audio podcast series by Dr. Ruby Payne on the Fundamentals of Poverty:

• Poverty Series I
• Poverty Series II
• Poverty Series III
• Poverty Series IV