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VIZZLE® VISUAL LEARNING SOFTWARE ENDORSED BY COUNCIL OF ADMINISTRATORS OF SPECIAL EDUCATION (CASE)

Shaker Heights, OH (June 5, 2013) – The Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) has officially endorsed VizZle®, a visual learning software produced for special education by Monarch Teaching Technologies, Inc. (MTT).

After a rigorous and comprehensive review of VizZle, CASE granted its endorsement of the award-winning educational software which includes the world’s largest online library of interactive lessons created specifically for students with special needs. A division of the Council for Exceptional Children, CASE and its members are dedicated to identifying, shaping and disseminating effective policies and practices in the field of special education.
“VizZle was developed by teachers, for teachers,” said Luann Purcell, Ed.D., CASE executive director. “Its ease of use, shared custom lesson library and tracking of IEP goals makes it a valuable tool for educators.”

VizZle is the fastest growing online community for authoring and sharing interactive visually supported lessons for pre-K-12th grade students. “Our evidence-based research shows that students with autism are more engaged and retain more of what they learn when lessons are presented via interactive visual media,” said Terry Murphy, CEO of MTT. “We are honored by the endorsement of CASE, the thought leader in special education.”

About Monarch Teaching Technologies (MTT) and VizZle®
Based in Shaker Heights, OH, MTT provides software and services for more effective, cost-efficient support of children with special learning needs. VizZle® is MTT’s award-winning software that provides visual and interactive technology-based instruction for diverse learning needs. Designed in collaboration with educators at The Monarch Center for Autism and researchers from Children’s Hospital Boston/Harvard Medical School, VizZle offers access to differentiated curriculum with individualized content and powerful reporting tools. For more information or to sign up for a 30 day free trial, visit www.monarchtt.com or call 1-800-593-1934.

About the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE)
CASE is a non-profit professional organization which provides leadership and support to approximately 5,000 members by influencing policies and practices to improve the quality of education. CASE is a division of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), which is the largest professional organization representing teachers, administrators, parents, and others concerned with the education of children with disabilities. For additional information, go to the CASE website www.casecec.org

The Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) is an international professional educational organization which is affiliated with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) whose members are dedicated to the enhancement of the worth, dignity, potential, and uniqueness of each individual in society.

The mission of CASE is to provide leadership and support to members by shaping policies and practices that impact the quality of education. For more information, visit http://www.casecec.org.

For Immediate Release

MTT contact: Pam Homsher, Director of Communications, phomsher@monarchtt.com
Unique Learning Contact: Allison Vice, Director of Product Integration, alli@n2y.com

click here to download a PDF of the release

VIZZLE® AND UNIQUE LEARNING SYSTEM® PARTNER
TO PROVIDE RESOURCES FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION

Unique’s Award-Winning Adapted Curriculum Gets Interactive and Easily Shared in VizZle

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH (May 15, 2013) — Monarch Teaching Technologies (MTT), the makers of VizZle®, educational software for visual learners, and n2y, the makers of the popular special education curriculum Unique Learning System®, the News-2-You adapted weekly newspaper and SymbolStix™ dynamic symbol set, yesterday announced a partnership. Subscribers to both the Unique curriculum and VizZle can now create interactive lessons using SymbolStix within VizZle to support the Unique curriculum content. The resulting lessons will be available to all VizZle subscribers at no cost.

“This is the future of education,” said Terry Murphy, CEO of MTT, “Providing common core aligned curriculum with touch technology and multimedia will allow Unique and VizZle subscribers to engage the most challenged students. Teachers can customize educational content in VizZle, add interactivity, fun factors and multimedia, all proven to reach these students. They can then share those resources with the community, saving time and increasing effectiveness across the board.”

VizZle subscribers will have free access to collections of lessons that have been moderated and approved by both VizZle and Unique to support the Unique curriculum. Lessons will be added continuously throughout each month as users share the content they create. Subscribers to both Unique and VizZle can import SymbolStix Online images for use in VizZle lessons, and freely share them within the VizZle Library. Future plans for the partnership include direct access to SymbolStix within VizZle.

“We are excited about sharing our content with yet another company with such a unique service,” said Jacquie Clark, President and CEO of n2y. “Unique Learning System provides the foundation for standards-based learning in Preschool through Transition special education classrooms. We are excited to support those teachers looking to extend the monthly lessons using VizZle software. And now Unique subscribers will also be able to directly access at least four VizZle supports per grade level band every month in the Supporting Files section of the [Unique Learning] dashboard.”

About Monarch Teaching Technologies, Inc. (MTT)
MTT (monarchtt.com) and its VizZle visual learning software system was originally conceived of at of the Monarch Center for Autism in Shaker Heights, OH, a not for profit agency which provides a full array of education and residential services for people with autism across the lifespan. After a four year R&D collaboration with researchers funded in part by NIH and US
Department of Education grants, MTT introduced VizZle, a web based visual learning resource, in 2009. Now teachers, therapists, students and parents across the country collectively spend over 15,000 hrs/month on VizZle using any of the almost 8,000 lessons from the moderated shared library, creating lessons from in program templates and over 14,000 images, audio and video clips, and tracking outcomes by IEP goals or Common Core Standards. http://www.monarchteachtech.com/vizzle

About n2y
n2y is a family‐run, online education publishing company started by Jacquie Clark, a speech‐language pathologist with over 30 years experience in and out of the classroom. n2y has grown to include a weekly newspaper, online curriculum, and dynamic symbol set. The News‐2‐You current events newspaper utilizes concise, symbol‐supported text to deliver current events news to a population previously denied this information. Unique Learning System is the only comprehensive web‐based and standards‐based curriculum specifically designed for special learners. SymbolStix ONLINE offers subscribers the newest and most dynamic symbol set ever developed. The set is used exclusively throughout n2y products. For additional information, please visit us at www.n2y.com. We can also be reached by e‐mail at contact@n2y.com or call us at (800) 697‐6575.

Each month in the VizZle Marketplace (accessed via Teach in the upper right) you’ll find free shared and approved support lessons for current Unique Learning content (as well as for the month previous and the next month) arranged in folders by grade bands. You can also find ALL lessons in support of Unique content anytime in Share. Use keyword “Unique” and look for lessons with a blue border and the Unique Learning Snowflake icon.

VizZlers who subscribe to Unique may import any SymbolStix Online image to make lessons in support of the fantastic standards-based differentiated curriculum Unique Learning provides each month. The VizZle lessons can help engage your kids in the content with screen-based multimedia and interactivity, and they provide a great platform for independent skills practice.

Lessons using the SymbolStix images submitted to Share will be moderated by both VizZle and Unique moderators to earn the coveted snowflake designation! To learn all about this exciting partnership, check out the VizZle book Tips and Tricks for Unique VizZlers (click the title to open the book in your browser, then click Play at the top).

It’s been proven beyond a doubt that our kiddos are much more attracted to, and engage easier in, screen-based interactive learning. An interactive multi-media lesson like the example below that coordinates with the curriculum content can be just the thing to pique the child’s interest and get her engaged in the entire unit.

Check out this example–it supplements Unique Intermediate, Unit 12, Sorting for Recycling. It can be used as a differentiated comprehension check for the Unique story (with hotspots appropriate to each of the Unique Levels). Or it can be presented first (or even as a standalone–it is a great Earth Day lesson), using the videos to engage the kiddos in the targeted content. Check out:

Why Do We Recycle? Comprehension (Book), VizZle ID Number: 275842
Images and text w/ audio “wh” questions about the Unique Learning Intermediate Band Unit 12 article “Why Do We Recycle?” with videos on each page that answer the question (play video first and lesson can be used as stand alone, or play video after to reinforce the learning), differentiated with 4 levels of quizzes (green is errorless, blue for discrimination, yellow for generalization and red for reading comprehension) for group review, 10 pages, supplementing Unique Intermediate Unit 12 Sorting for Recycling.
(No access to VizZle? Click here for a browser version—remember to maximize your browser and click play at the bottom.)

Many thanks to our friends at Unique Learning (the same great people that bring you News-2-You) for allowing us to share this lesson that references their outstanding content and uses SymbolStix images!

VizZle Named Finalist in EdTech Digest Cool Tool Awards

In April, 2013, VizZle was named an EdTech Digest Cool Tool 2013 for Visual Learning. The awards recognize new, emerging and established technology solutions for education that have a positive impact. For more click here.

VizZle Named Finalist in CODiE Awards

In March, 2013, The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) selected VizZle as a finalist in the 2013 CODiE Awards in the “Best Instructional Solution for Special Needs Students” category. To see the finalists, click here.

ESY: Supporting Students In and Out of the Classroom

When: Wednesday, April 17, 2013, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM EST

Join us as we explore how to provide on-going services for your students during the summer using VizZle and VizZle Student Player. We will look at both setting up resources for Extended School Year Services (ESY), and at providing support over the summer for students not receiving school services. We’ll also model setting up reporting for student performance on ESY IEP goals and objectives, both in school and at home.
Click here to register

5 Tips & Tricks Using “High Tech” Visual Supports to Improve Behavior in the Classroom

When: Tuesday, April 23, 2013 Times TBA

VizZle’s own Lauren Stafford, M.Ed., will be the guest presenter during a free webinar in honor of Autism Awareness Month hosted by Speech Pathologist Linda Hodgdon, M.Ed., CCC-SLP. They’ll model simple tips and tricks to transform classic visual strategies into “high tech” visual supports that attract and engage today’s tech-motivated kids.
Click here for more info and to register

Parents: VizZle to Support Summer Learning

When: Tuesday, May 7, 2013, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT

Are you a parent of a student using VizZle in the classroom? We’ll show you how your child uses VizZle, an interactive web-based program, and how you can connect and use VizZle at home. Come with questions – we always end with time for a Q and A session.
Click here to register

Can’t make a live webinar? you can always find an archived copy at VizZle U!

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VIZZLE® NOW SUPPORTS LINKS CURRICULUM PRESENTED BY STAR® AUTISM SUPPORT
Innovative MTT and STAR Autism Support partnership to provide ideal interactive ABA materials for students with autism

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH (April 2, 2013) — Monarch Teaching Technologies (MTT) today announced that STAR Autism Support (STAR) will provide subscribers of their Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Links Curriculum with access to special interactive content through VizZle, the web-based visual learning center.

“We are pleased to partner with Monarch Teaching Technologies, whose innovative software program, VizZle, allows educators to give the interactive, visual experience our students need and enjoy!” said Joel Arick, President of STAR. “VizZle provides access to the visual tools needed by educators implementing the Links Curriculum and other STAR Autism Support curricula. Our goal at STAR Autism Support is to help educators implement complete classroom solutions. VizZle, in cooperation with our existing programs, brings us significantly closer to that goal!”

Educators using the Links Curriculum will be provided with ready-made lessons within VIzZle. Subscribers will have access to highly engaging content to capture students’ attention, keep them engaged, and track performance.

“With this partnership, STAR has again proven that it is a leader in providing educators with the best-practices professional development and autism materials needed to be truly effective,” said Terry Murphy, MTT’s CEO. “It is increasingly evident that kids with autism thrive on highly visual interactive multi-media content, whether on iPads, laptops or interactive whiteboards. STAR is taking advantage of the VizZle platform to bring that high engagement factor to their materials. It’s a great marriage of best-practices content presented using best-practices technology.”

About VizZle®
VizZle, produced by Monarch Teaching Technologies, is an easy-to-use, Web-based authoring tool that empowers educators to create fun, interactive, visually-supported curriculum customized to the needs of children with autism and other learning challenges. Using any of the thousands of pre-made lessons from the moderated shared library or using lessons created with flexible templates and thousands of in program or imported images, audio and video clips,teachers can track improved outcomes by IEP goals or any state standard. http://www.monarchteachtech.com/vizzle

About Links® Curriculum
The Links® Curriculum is a comprehensive curriculum, aligned with the Common Core State Standards, for teaching independence to students with autism and other developmental disabilities. The evidence-based strategies of discrete trial training, task analysis, environmental supports and positive behavior supports form the foundation of this innovative program for upper elementary, secondary and post-secondary students. Through the Links online interface, educators can customize student routines, download lesson plans to teach individual skills, track student progress through detailed reporting features, identify IEP goals and objectives and access visual teaching resources.

About Monarch Teaching Technologies, Inc.
Monarch Teaching Technologies, Inc. (monarchtt.com) provides cost-effective, technology-enhanced solutions for more effective instruction for children with special learning needs. After a four-year R&D collaboration with researchers funded in part by NIH grants, the company introduced VizZle, a web-based visual learning center, in 2009.

About STAR® Autism Support
STAR® Autism Support provides curriculum materials, workshops and training to educators working with students with autism. STAR products and services are founded in evidence-based practices including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques. STAR has worked with over 2,000 school districts and private agencies across the United States, Canada and Europe. More information on STAR Autism Support can be found at http://starautismsupport.com

MTT contact: Pam Homsher, Director of Communications, phomsher@monarchtt.com
Autism Society Contact: Amanda Szabo, Marketing Manager, media@autism-society.org

Click here to download the PDF

VIZZLE® AND AUTISM SOCIETY PARTNER TO PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS WITH AUTISM

Autism Society to give free VizZle visual learning software to every new Champion member during National Autism Awareness Month

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH (April 1, 2013) — Monarch Teaching Technologies (MTT), the makers of VizZle®, web-based educational software for visual learners with autism, today announced plans to give one-year of free VizZle to every new (or renewing) Champion Member of the national Autism Society during April, National Autism Awareness Month.

“We wanted to do something truly impactful for Autism Awareness Month,” said Terry Murphy, CEO of MTT. “We are so pleased to be able to offer an incentive to help people become aware of the benefits of membership in the Autism Society, to enhance those benefits, and to recognize the important work the Autism Society does to help improve the lives of all affected by autism.”

Throughout the month of April, the first 1,000 new or renewing Champion ($75) members of Autism Society will be given one year’s access to VizZle, which will give them access to a vast library of visual lessons and supports that can help improve daily living with autism. The promotion is limited to non-professional users, including parents, families and individuals with autism and has a retail value of $300.

“The Autism Society is thrilled to join VizZle in this National Autism Awareness Month for an initiative that will empower children and their parents to reach their educational goals,” said Scott Badesch, Autism Society president and CEO. “The Autism Society believes that a strong educational foundation is essential because it sets children on a path to independence and meaningful employment in adulthood. Monarch Teaching Technologies truly understands the importance of helping children with special needs succeed.”

About VIzZle®
VizZle, produced by Monarch Teaching Technologies, is a web-based visual learning resource that empowers educators and parents to deliver fun, interactive visual activities customized to the needs of children with autism. Teachers, students and parents collectively spend over 15,000 hrs/month on VizZle using any of the almost 8000 lessons from the moderated shared library, or creating lessons from in-program templates and over 14,000 images, audio and video clips. Outcomes can be tracked by IEP goals or Common Core Standards. http://www.monarchteachtech.com/vizzle

About Monarch Teaching Technologies, Inc.
An outgrowth of the 100+ student Monarch Center for Autism in Cleveland, MTT (monarchtt.com) provides cost-effective, technology-enhanced solutions for more effective instruction for children with special learning needs. After a four-year R&D collaboration with researchers funded in part by NIH grants, the company introduced VizZle, a web-based visual learning resource, in 2009.

About the Autism Society
Founded in 1965, the Autism Society, the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization, exists to improve the lives of all affected by autism. The Autism Society does this by increasing public awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by people on the spectrum, advocating for appropriate services for individuals across the lifespan, and providing the latest information regarding treatment, education and research. The Autism Society maintains a strong nationwide network of chapters to provide support and grassroots advocacy at local, state and federal levels. www.autism-society.org.