Week in Review - April 19, 2013

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WEEK IN REVIEW

NewNASETPublications and Articles of Interest in Special Education and Disabilities That Were Reported This Week

April 19, 2013 - Vol 9, Issue 16

 

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TRIVIA QUESTION OF THE WEEK

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Dear NASET News,

Welcome toNASET'sWEEK in REVIEWHere, we provide you with the latest publications fromNASETto read and or download, as well as some of the most interesting articles that have happened this week in the field of special education. We hope you enjoy this publication.  Feel free to send us articles for this publication or let us know your thoughts about theWEEK in REVIEWatnews@naset.org.Have a great weekend.

Sincerely,


NASETNews Team

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New This Week on NASET

Parent Teacher Conference Handout
April 2013

Top Ten Parental Rights in Special Education

 


To read or download this issue -Click here (login required)
______________________________________________________
Lesser Known Disorders in Special Education
#39
In this issue you will see topics on:
  • SL 6.05 - Landau-Kleffner Syndrome
  • SL 6.06 - Transcortical Aphasia
  • SL 6.07 - Wernickes's Aphasia
To read or download this issue - Click here (login required)

______________________________________________________

See NASET's Latest Job Listings

Study Quantifies Cost of Disruptive Students on Classmates

A study from the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute has finally quantified the impact thatdisruptive students have on their classmates' academic achievement. By looking at differences in grades on standardized test scores between districts that high suspension rates and low ones, the study was able to conclude that lowering the suspension rates by just 5% would translate to a 3.5% gain in the number of students proficient in reading and a full 5% in rates of proficiency on mathematics. WPRI Research Director Mike Ford called the gains statistically significant and said that the study is only one of a number that shows what schools can achieve by removing disruptive elements from the classroom. To read more,click here

NASET Sponsor - Arkansas State University

ASU-Spring13

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Did You Know That....

In October 2012, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provided monthly cash benefits to 1.3 million children with disabilities under age 18 whose families have low incomes and few assets (these are basic eligibility criteria) - or about 1.7 percent of all children in the United States

Startling Amount of Baby Food Products May Contain Lead

Various baby food makers were brought before a California judge on Monday following accusations that they failed to warn the public of possible lead contamination in their products. In the first day of a four-week trial, California Supreme Court Judge Stephen Brick heard testimonies regarding the poor business practices by companies such as Gerber Products, Del Monte Foods, and Dole Food Co. To read more,click here

Arizona Bans Locking Students In Padded 'Seclusion Rooms' Without Parental Consent

The state of Arizona has just passed a law to update their policy on the use of so-called "seclusion rooms" in schools, padded rooms where students, often special education students with behavioral issues, are sent to "cool down." Late last year, an Arizona family sued their local elementary school for locking their seven-year-old son in a 5-by-5 padded room for hours at a time, one time for so long that the boywet himself. Their storybrought national attentionto the issue, and likely prompted the new Arizona law, which will require parental permission to use the rooms. To read more,click here

Honor Society for Special Education Teachers

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Closing the Disabilities Gap

There are many variables reported to contribute to the achievement gap. Race, cultural differences, poverty, school structures, family structures, and inequitable funding are all in the mix of conversations that place blame on why some students are academically behind where they should be. In this post (and another post to follow in two weeks) I want to examine yet another often-discussed variable: students with disabilities. What can be done to help these students close the academic gap between themselves and their non-disabled peers? To read more,click here

GEEO Travel Programs for Educators

Global Exploration for Educators Organization (GEEO) is a non-profit organization that runs summer professional development travel programs designed for teachers.

GEEO is offering 23 different travel programs for the summer of 2013: India/Nepal, Italy, Portugal/Spain, Amalfi Coast, Eastern Europe, Budapest to Istanbul, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Comfort Thailand, Thailand/Laos, Cambodia, China, Comfort China, Russia/Mongolia/China, Turkey 15 day, Turkey 8-Day, Kenya/Tanzania, South Africa / Mozambique / Zimbabwe / Botswana, Morocco, Peru, Ecuador, The Galapagos Islands and Costa Rica. The registration deadline is June 1st, but space is limited and many programs will be full well before the deadline.

Educators have the option to earn graduate school credit and professional development credit while seeing the world. The trips are 8 to 24 days in length and are designed and discounted to be interesting and affordable for teachers. GEEO provides teachers educational materials and the structure to help them bring their experiences into the classroom. The trips are open to all nationalities of K-12 and university educators and administrators, as well as retired educators. Educators are also permitted to bring along a non-educator guest.

Detailed information about each trip, including itineraries, costs, travel dates, and more can be found atwww.geeo.org. GEEO can be reached 7 days a week, toll free at 1-877-600-0105 between 9AM-9PM EST

Oregon Senate Passes Bill Banning Locking Students in 'Seclusion Cells'

A billbanning the use of free-standing "seclusion cells" within Oregon schoolsis on its way to the governor's desk after approval from the state senate last Monday. The senate voted 27-1 to passHouse Bill 2756, which would force schools to stop using free-standing, self-contained seclusion cells. While supporters say placing students in seclusion areas can help them calm down, opponents insist using seclusion can be traumatic. In Oregon, state law mandates that students can only be placed in seclusion rooms as a last resort. To read more,click here

Changes to Psychiatry's 'Bible' Could Widen Definition of ADHD

When the latest version of what is considered the "bible" of psychiatry is unveiled in May, experts believe several changes in it will broaden both the definition and diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder -- or ADHD. But experts also differ on whether the shifts in thinking about this neurodevelopmental disorder will be a good thing. Dr. James Norcross, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, outlined the major changes that should be coming in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is published by the American Psychiatric Association. To read more,click here

Treatment for Blindness in Dogs Might Help People, Too

Research in vision-challenged pooches might pave the way to helping humans battle similar problems, new research suggests. A team at Michigan State University (MSU) believes insights into an inherited condition that affects humans and dogs in similar ways could help reverse vision loss in both species. In 2010, research led by MSU veterinary ophthalmologist Dr. Andras Komaromy showed that vision in dogs suffering from achromatopsia, an inherited form of total color blindness, could be restored by replacing the gene associated with the condition. This treatment, however, was not effective for dogs older than 1 year of age. To read more,click here

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NASET MEMBER'S BENEFIT -

Board Certification in Special Education Available to NASET Members

Through an agreement with The American Academy of Special Education Professionals(AASEP), NASET members now have the opportunity to achieve AASEP Board Certification in Special Education - (B.C.S.E.) at a reduced fee.  AASEP Board Certification in Special Education - (B.C.S.E.) is a voluntary choice on the part of the candidate. The candidate for Board Certification wishes to demonstrate a commitment to excellence to employers, peers, administrators, other professionals, and parents. From the standpoint of the Academy, board certification will demonstrate the highest professional competency in the area of special education. Board Certification in Special Educationestablishes a much needed standard for professionals, across disciplines, who work with exceptional children.

 

For more information on Board Certification in Special Education,click here

Did You Know That....

The number of children on SSI represents about one-fifth of the 8 to 9 per cent of U.S. children who are estimated to have serious disabilities.

Kids With Autism May Be Less Likely to Imitate 'Silly' Behavior

Unlike typically developing children who copy almost everything they see, kids with autism rarely imitate or repeat any nonsensical or silly behavior, according to a small new study. The findings were published April 8 in the journal Current Biology. "The data suggest that children with autism do things efficiently rather than socially, whereas typical children do things socially rather than efficiently," Antonia Hamilton of the University of Nottingham, in England, said in a journal news release. "We find that typical children copy everything an adult does, whereas autistic children only do the actions they really need to do." To read more,click here

NASET Sponsor - Penn State Online

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TRIVIA QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Guess the answer to this week's trivia question and we'll recognize you in next week's Week in Review.
Congratulations to: Julia Godfrey, Karen Schreck, PJ Williams, Ope-Oluwa Olubela, Sue Brooks, Lois Nembhard, Olumide Akerele, Andrew Bailey, Kathleen George, Mike Naiman, Malhi Prahbhjot, Marilyn Haile, and Lauren Todd
who all knew the answer to last week's trivia question: President Gerald Fordsigned into law the first federal special education law, P.L. 94-142, The Education for All Handicapped Children's Act.


THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
According to new data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in five high school age boys in the United States and 11 percent of school-age children overall have received a medical diagnosis of what disorder?
If you know the answer, send an email tocontactus@naset.org
All answers must be submitted no later than Monday, April 22, 2013 at 12:00 p.m.

NASET Sponsor - University of Florida

Univ-Florida

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Lengthy Seizures May Delay Mental Development, Study Suggests

Delays in mental development are detectable in children within six weeks after they have a seizure that lasts more than 30 minutes, and these impairments are still present a year later, a new study finds. British researchers looked at 54 children, ages 1 to 42 months, who had at least one of these long seizures, called convulsive status epilepticus (CSE). Some of them had seizures with fever and some without fever. The children were assessed within six weeks of the seizure and again after one year. They were compared to children who had not suffered seizures. To read more,click here

Babies' Birth Month May Affect MS Risk: Study

A newborn's immune system development, vitamin D levels and risk for multiple sclerosis may be influenced by the month of birth, new research suggests. A study conducted in London found that babies born in May have significantly lower levels of vitamin D and a potentially greater risk for developing MS than babies born in November. Multiple sclerosis is a disabling neurological condition that can lead to problems with vision, muscle control, hearing and memory. The findings suggest that more research is needed to explore the benefits of prenatal vitamin D supplements, according to the report, published in the April 8 issue of the journal JAMA Neurology. To read more,click here

AASEP Logo

NASET MEMBER'S BENEFIT -

Board Certification in Special Education Available to NASET Members

Through an agreement with The American Academy of Special Education Professionals(AASEP), NASET members now have the opportunity to achieve AASEP Board Certification in Special Education - (B.C.S.E.) at a reduced fee.  AASEP Board Certification in Special Education - (B.C.S.E.) is a voluntary choice on the part of the candidate. The candidate for Board Certification wishes to demonstrate a commitment to excellence to employers, peers, administrators, other professionals, and parents. From the standpoint of the Academy, board certification will demonstrate the highest professional competency in the area of special education. Board Certification in Special Educationestablishes a much needed standard for professionals, across disciplines, who work with exceptional children.

 

For more information on Board Certification in Special Education,click here

Mercury Exposure Linked to Raised Diabetes Risk

Young adults who have higher levels of mercury in their systems may face a 65 percent increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, a new study warns. The findings -- which are the first to link mercury and diabetes in humans -- are alarming in terms of nutrition because eating fish and shellfish is the main source of mercury in people, the researchers added. They noted that nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of mercury, but they also contain lean protein and other important nutrients, such as magnesium and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which could counter the effects of mercury. To read more,click here

Disability Advocates Call 'Glee' Portrayal 'Poor Choice'

Fox's "Glee" is generating controversy after depicting a character with Down syndrome bringing a gun to school. In an episode which aired Thursday night, gunshots are heard during glee club practice, prompting a lockdown at the high school. Ultimately, viewers learn that Becky Jackson, a student with Down syndrome who is played by actress Lauren Potter, brought a gun to school and the shots were fired accidentally. Potter's mother, Robin Sinkhorn,toldThe Huffington Post that she took no issue with a character with Down syndrome being the one to bring a gun to school. To read more,click here

Liberty Mutual Savings

NASET MEMBER'S BENEFIT -

Group Savings Plus from Liberty Mutual

As a member ofNASETyou qualify for a special group discount* on your auto, home, and renter's insurance through Group Savings Plus® from Liberty Mutual. This unique program allows you to purchase high-quality auto, home and renters insurance at low group rates.

 

See for yourself how much money you could save with Liberty Mutual compared to your current insurance provider. For a free, no-obligation quote, call 800-524-9400 or visit

www.libertymutual.com/naset,or visit your local sales office.

*Group discounts, other discounts, and credits are available where state laws and regulations allow, and may vary by state.  Certain discounts apply to specific coverage only.  To the extent permitted by law, applicants are individually underwritten; not all applicants may qualify.  Coverage provided and underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and its affiliates, 175 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA.

Did You Know That....

There is no credible evidence of widespread abuse among families receiving SSI for children with disabilities. In the 1990s, rumors appeared in the media that parents were "coaching" their children to exaggerate their impairments in order to get benefits; however, investigations refuted those allegations.

Obama Budget Spares SSI Benefits

Changes to the way Supplemental Security Income benefits for people with disabilities are calculated appear to be off the table - for the moment, at least. White House officials said Wednesday that a proposal to adjust the way that cost-of-living increases are determined for Social Security benefits would exempt SSI and a handful of other programs. The plan to switch to a formula known as chained CPI to account for inflation in calculating benefits was included in President Barack Obama's budget proposal intended as a compromise in exchange for Republicans agreeing to tax hikes. But Obama administration officials said that SSI and other means-tested benefits would not be affected. To read more,click here

Scant Increase for Special Education in President's Proposed Budget

President Barack Obama released his proposed fiscal 2014 budget today, and while there's a substantial boost in funding for early-childhood education programs, funding for special education through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act would remain just about flat. The budget proposal would allocate $11.6 billion to Part B of the special education law, which covers the nation's 6.6 million students ages 3 to 21 with disabilities. Part C of the law, which covers children from birth to age 2 and their families, would receive a $20 million increase from fiscal year 2012 in this budget, bringing its allocation to about $463 million. About 453,000 infants and toddlers are served through IDEA Part C. The final budget numbers for fiscal 2013, which include automatic spending cuts known as sequestration, have not yet been released by the Department of Education. To read more,click here

Minorities in Special Education: Are They Underrepresented?

Among special education advocates, it's an article of faith that minority students are enrolled in special education in greater proportion than their white peers, and that this is a problem that needs fixing. But what if minorities are actually underenrolled in special education? What if minority students, even those who show characteristics similar to their white peers, aren't getting the services they need? That would mean a major shift in the way the federal government and special educators look at this issue. The issue of "disproportionality" was addressed in the 2004 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The lawrequires, and in some cases compels, states to use part of their federal special education funds for early intervening services with the goal of reducing minority identification in special education. To read more,click here

jobsNASET's Latest Job Listings

* Video Feedback Reviewers - Tools for Teacher - We are seeking Video Feedback Reviewers with certification in bilingual education, math, science, English, special education or social studies. Reviewers will be TNTP employees based out of a home office anywhere in the United States (flexible location). To learn more - Click here

 

* MENTOR TEACHER - Tufts Educational Day Care Center - Responsibilities include providing leadership and supervision to a teaching team in the planning and implementation of a dynamic, developmentally appropriate and inclusive program for preschool or kindergarten age children in collaboration with teaching assistants, families, therapists and consultants. Beginning the second year, all mentor teachers and teachers coordinate a center wide program, initiative, or service. To learn more - Click here

 

* TEACHER-Tufts Educational Day Care Center - The Teacher's responsibilities include providing a dynamic, developmental, inclusive program for preschool or kindergarten age children, working with families, therapists, and team-teaching. Beginning the second year, teachers coordinate a center wide program, initiative, or service and may supervise University undergraduate and graduate students. To learn more - Click here

 

* Special Education Teacher - Alternative Paths Training School (APTS) is seeking a 12 month, Full-time Contract Special Education Teachers. -To learn more - Click here

 

* Master Educator - District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) is  looking for highly motivated and skilled talent to join our team at the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). We seek individuals who are passionate about transforming the DC school system and making a significant difference in the lives of public school students, parents, principals, teachers, and central office employees.  To learn more - Click here

 

* Director, Academic Programs - We are seeking a Director, Academic Programs to join our team. This full-time position is based in Centerville, Utah. To learn more - Click here

 

Food For Thought..........

Desire is the key to motivation, but it's the determination and commitment to unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek.

Mario Andretti
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