Resource and Tool Database
| Title | Description | Keywords | Format | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peer To Peer Framework Ideas and Supports Webinar Series | The Secondary and Elementary Peer to Peer Framework Ideas and Supports is a webinar series that guides users through different framework models for Peer to Peer programs from an elementary perspective in the classroom and a secondary perspective in an elective classroom partnered with Unified Champion Schools. | Peer to Peer, Unified Champion Schools, UCS | Video | |
| Peer to Peer Definition |
This resource outlines general indicators to help RCN members and other school staff determine whether a program at a school could be considered a Peer to Peer program. RCN members can use this resource to assist them as they are gathering Peer to Peer data. |
Peer to Peer, Data, RCN | Document | |
| Peer to Peer and Unified Champion Schools Collaboration | How do you create a culture in your school that promotes friendships and inclusiveness for all students 365 days a year? A collaboration between START’s Peer to Peer and Special Olympics’ Unified Champion Schools (UCS) is a powerful resource that accomplishes all of those goals... | START Connecting | Article | |
| Peer to Peer 2.0 Level Up | In March 2023, we held our first Peer to Peer 2.0: Level Up training. Peer to Peer 2.0 emerged from a desire to communicate updated resources and content to established teams, dive deeper into advanced Peer to Peer content, and offer the opportunity for teams across the state to network and share ideas. We want to share exciting information about the next level of Peer to Peer... | START Connecting | Article | |
| Peer to Peer | Information, resources, and tools for Peer to Peer programs that connect students with and without disabilities through shared experiences that promote belonging, participation, and authentic friendships. | Peer to Peer, Peer Relationships, Friendship, Belonging, Inclusion | Topic Page, Website | |
| Peer Networks and Peer Support Arrangements |
Dr. Erik Carter, a leader in the area of Peer-Mediated Interventions (PMI), has demonstrated through numerous studies that building meaningful peer relationships is essential for belonging, social connection, and learning in school. |
Peer-mediated Intervention, Peer Networks, Peer Arrangements, Inclusion, Belonging, Social Connection, Friendship | Bite | |
| Peer Friendship Formula |
Explore the Peer Friendship Formula and how repeated, shared experiences can create opportunities for authentic friendships between students with and without disabilities. Learn how sufficient support and valued roles help create meaningful Peer to Peer experiences where all students are equally valued. |
Peer to Peer, Peer Relationships, Friendship, Inclusion, Valued Roles | Bite | |
| Partnerships We Can Do More Together | Partnerships are essential in driving meaningful, systems-level change for autistic and neurodivergent students in Michigan. By bringing together diverse perspectives and resources, partnerships foster collaboration and innovation in a way that allows us to leverage each other’s strengths and achieve goals... | START Connecting | Article | |
| Paraprofessionals Facilitation: Strategies for Promoting Interaction and Engagement |
Paraprofessionals play a key role in promoting inclusion, learning, and belonging for students with autism and other developmental disabilities. Their primary focus should be on facilitating social and academic engagement by connecting students with peers, teachers, and shared classroom experiences rather than acting as primary instructors. |
Paraprofessional, Paraeducator, Inclusion, Peer-mediated Intervention, Peer to Peer, Engagement, Independence | Bite | |
| P2P Data Collection System Overview |
This video explains how to use the Peer to Peer Data Collection System for the RCN. The Peer to Peer Data Collection system is intended to be a data-based decision making tool for RCN leaders and members to promote and expand Peer to Peer programming in their ISDs. |
Peer to Peer, Data, RCN, Tutorial | Video | |
| Outcomes for LINKS: Benefits to High School Peers | Outcomes for LINKs: Benefits to High School Peers examines the positive impact of Peer to Peer programs on high school students acting as peer supports (LINKs). Data from the study indicate that participating LINKs improved their GPAs, attendance, and behavior. The article highlights the inclusive benefits of Peer to Peer programs for all students, emphasizing that even those with initially low academic or behavioral standings showed significant improvement. | Peer to Peer, Outcomes | Document, Website | |
| Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBI) |
The purpose of this Bite is to introduce you to the ways that developmental and behavioral approaches are being integrated in early childhood education. Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBIs) are evidence-based approaches that combine principles of applied behavior analysis with developmental science to support social communication, play, and learning. They take place in everyday routines and natural environments, using child-directed activities and interests to increase motivation and engagement. |
Early Childhood, Preschool, Toddler, Early On, Developmental, Behavioral, Play | Bite | |
| Mental Health in Autistic Youth Info Sheet | An Info Sheet about mental health in autistic youth, with a focus on anxiety, depression, and strategies for support. | Mental Health, Anxiety, Depression, Emotional Regulation, Coping Strategies | Document | |
| Meet Holly Miller | Hello, my name is Holly Miller. I am an autistic self-advocate from Grand Rapids and consultant for the START ASD 365 campaign. Here is my story. | START Connecting | Article | |
| Maximizing Engagement in Grade-Level Math for All Students | Research shows that when students are held to high expectations, they make greater progress in learning. In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Education recognized: "Inclusive educational practices rely on learning environments that are intentionally designed to hold high expectations for the success of each student through meaningful access to the general education curriculum and grade-level state academic standards.” | START Connecting | Article | |
| LRE and Belonging Practices Across the Lifespan | To create inclusive environments that foster belonging, we can no longer consider it standard practice for students, from early childhood to adulthood, to be removed from their natural settings because of a label, test scores, behavior, or ways of communicating (Taub, 2021). | START Connecting | Article | |
| Literacy | Information and resources related to literacy instruction and supporting access to reading and writing for students with disabilities. | Literacy, Reading, Writing, Communication, Instruction | Topic Page, Website | |
| LINKS Boxes | The LINKS Box is an all-in-one set of materials for a LINKS teacher to use with their students for an entire month. This includes connection activities, energizer activities, weekly awards, and a materials list. | Activity, Peer to Peer, LINKS | Document | |
| Learning from the Pandemic: Creative Approaches to Peer to Peer |
This resource outlines adaptations made by Peer to Peer programs during the COVID-19 Pandemic as reported by participants in the study by Pulido et al. (2024). This resource is intended to be a tool for Peer to Peer teams to consider whether the adaptations could enhance their program and/or address current implementation challenges. |
Peer to Peer, Elementary, Secondary | Document | |
| Learning from the Pandemic Creative Approaches to Peer to Peer | When unexpected situations arise, it creates opportunities to adjust our practices and work in new ways. Although the pandemic presented many hardships for schools, students, and staff, the challenges inspired innovation and tenacity in an attempt to persevere and maintain important connections... | START Connecting | Article |