Week in Review - March 28, 2014

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WEEK IN REVIEW

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

March 28, 2014 - Vol 10, Issue 13


 

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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

NASET's THE PRACTICAL TEACHER
March 2014

 

Common Core State Standards - Overview
(CCSS)

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are an effort by states to define a common core of knowledge and skills that students should develop in K-12 education, regardless of the state they live in, so they will graduate high school prepared for college or careers. The standards were released in 2010 and are divided into two categories: (1) K-12 standards, which address expectations for elementary through high school; and (2) College and career readiness standards, which address what students are expected to know when they graduate from high school. What's the CCSS all about? How does it relate to you as an educator, or to administrators and/or parents? How does it apply to students, especially those with disabilities? This issue of NASET's Practical Teacher (provided by the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities) provides a resource to help you find answers to questions on the CCSS.



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NASET's HOW TO Series
March 2014

How To Develop a Student Profile Sheet
Part I-Identifying data

 

Name:

 

Address

 

Phone:

 

Parent's Names:

 

Siblings Names/Ages

 

Grade:

 

School:

 

Date of Birth:

 

Classification:

 

Name of Teacher filling out profile:

 

Medical alerts: (if applicable)

 

Modifications Required: (class project)
&
NASET's HOW TO Series
March 2014
How To Reach out to Parents and Staff as a New Special Education Teacher - Introductory Letter

To the Parent

Dear

 

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as your child's new (Resource Room, Inclusion, Special Class) teacher for the coming school year. My name is ____________and I am very excited about being at the ____________School. My background includes___________________________.I  was hired this year to teach this class and look forward to working very closely with you so that _________(child's name) can have a very rewarding and productive year.......

To read or download this issue - Click here (login required)


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See NASET's Latest Job Listings

Mental Illness to Blame for 10 Percent of Kids' Hospitalizations: Study

Nearly 10 percent of children hospitalized in America are there because of a mental health problem, a new study finds. Most of these kids suffer from depression, bipolar disorder or psychosis. Unfortunately, there are too few trained psychiatrists, psychologists or hospital beds to treat these children effectively, experts say. "This is a common and costly problem," said lead researcher Dr. Naomi Bardach, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco. More than 14 million children and teens in the United States have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, she noted. The costs for the most common diagnosis, depression, total about $1.3 billion a year, she added: "That's similar to the hospital costs just for asthma." To read more,click here

Childhood Abuse May Lead to Health Ills in Adulthood

Childhood abuse or neglect could take a lasting toll on physical health, a new study suggests. It found that child maltreatment may trigger long-term hormone problems that increase the risk of obesity, diabetes and other health problems in adulthood. Researchers examined levels of weight-regulating hormones in 95 adults, aged 35 to 65, who suffered physical, emotional or sexual abuse or neglect as children. They were grouped according to the severity of abuse and neglect. Three hormones were examined in the study. Leptin is involved in appetite regulation and is linked to fat levels. Irisin is involved in energy metabolism. Adiponectin reduces inflammation in the body. To read more,click here

A Brain Signal for Psychosis Risk

Only one third of individuals identified as being at clinical high risk for psychosis actually convert to a psychotic disorder within a three-year follow-up period. This risk assessment is based on the presence of sub-threshold psychotic-like symptoms. Thus, clinical symptom criteria alone do not predict future psychosis risk with sufficient accuracy to justify aggressive early intervention, especially with medications such as antipsychotics that produce significant side effects.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

More Drug-Resistant Infections Seen in U.S. Children

A growing number of American children are developing infections caused by a worrisome type of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a new study report. While still rare, the bacteria are being found more often in children of all ages, especially those who are 1 to 5 years old, the study found. Investigators analyzed samples collected from children nationwide between 1999 and 2011 to assess the prevalence of the antibiotic-resistant type of bacteria called Enterobacteriaceae, which produces an enzyme called extended-spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL). The enzyme defeats many strong antibiotics, the study authors said. To read more,click here

Autism, Intellectual Disability Incidence Linked with Environmental Factors

An analysis of 100 million US medical records reveals that autism and intellectual disability (ID) rates are correlated at the county level with incidence of genital malformations in newborn males, an indicator of possible congenital exposure to harmful environmental factors such as pesticides. Autism rates -- after adjustment for gender, ethnic, socioeconomic and geopolitical factors -- jump by 283 percent for every one percent increase in frequency of malformations in a county. Intellectual disability rates increase 94 percent. Slight increases in autism and ID rates are also seen in wealthier and more urban counties.To read more,click here

Doctors' Groups Warn Against Underwater Births

Using a birthing pool during the early stages of labor can provide some benefits to women. However, giving birth underwater may put newborns at risk for serious health problems, according to a statement issued by two major medical organizations. The joint opinion from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is based on a review of available literature, the groups said. "Many labor and delivery units are equipped with tubs to be used by laboring women, and immersion in water for relaxation and pain relief is appealing to some," Dr. Jeffrey Ecker, chairman of the ACOG committee that developed the opinion, said in a college news release. To read more,click here

NASET Sponsor - University of Nebraska

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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:  Mike Namian and Olumide Akerele

who knew the answer to last week's trivia question--

A student takes a 100 question examination for her graduate school course.  The professor has informed the class that he grades on a normal curve (bell curve).  After the test, the student determined that she only got 62 out of the 100 questions correct.  Upon figuring this out, she states that "I bombed it. I know I failed!!"  What would you tell her?

 

ANSWER:  You should tell her that we have no idea how she actually did as a final grade on this exam since exam scores based on the normal curve are compared to what other students got.  If her 62 was the highest grade in the class, then that 62 may be an "A" grade.  If it's the mean score it could be a "B" or "C".  The reality is that grading on a normal curve takes the scores of everyone and compares them to each other.  So, this student's score of 62 on a normal curve does not mean anything to us yet until we know how the rest of the class did (normally by looking at the mean and standard deviation of the entire class and comparing scores to them).


THIS WEEK'S TRIVIA QUESTION:
On October 1, 2013, the district eligibility committee met to discuss Karen's eligibility for special education services.  It was determined at the meeting that she is eligible to receive special education and related services and would be classified under Other Health Impairments.  The parents agreed and signed off at the meeting, consenting to Karen's classification.  An IEP team was then set up for Karen.  Under IDEIA, by what date did the IEP team need to have the IEP completed?

If you know the answer, send an email tocontactus@naset.org
All answers must be submitted no later than Monday, March 31, 2014 at 12:00 p.m.

Children Exposed to Methamphetamine Before Birth Have Increased Cognitive Problems

Youngsters exposed to methamphetamine before birth had increased cognitive problems at age 7.5 years, highlighting the need for early intervention to improve academic outcomes and reduce the potential for negative behaviors. The researchers studied 151 children exposed to methamphetamine before birth and 147 who were not exposed to the drug. They found the children with prenatal methamphetamine exposure were 2.8 times more likely to have cognitive problem scores than children who were not exposed to the drug.To read more,click here

Device May Restore Speech to People on Breathing Tubes

Doctors in the Netherlands say they've found a potentially important new use for a simple old device -- the "electronic voice box." It may help hospitalized patients who've lost the ability to speak because they need tubes down their throat to help them breathe. The electronic voice box, or "electrolarynx," was first developed in the 1920s. It's a cylinder, about the size of an electric shaver that vibrates at one end. It's been used almost exclusively to help people who've lost their ability to speak because their vocal cords have been surgically removed, often after cancer. To read more,click here

Disney Show Goes Sensory-Friendly

A group behind efforts to make Broadway shows accessible to those with autism and other developmental disabilities is now setting its sights on accommodating young kids with special needs. The Theatre Development Fund said it will offer an autism-friendly performance of "Disney Junior Live On Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure" for the first time next month in New York City. The show will be tweaked to ensure there are no jarring noises or strobe lights and there will be a quiet area and activity stations in the theater lobby staffed with autism experts and trained volunteers in case children need a break during the performance. What's more, organizers said they will sell just 2,000 tickets for the 5,000-seat venue in order to ensure a welcoming environment. To read more,click here

ADHD Drugs Linked to Later Weight Gain in Kids

Children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tend to gain more weight than their peers as they enter their teen years, a new study finds. The weight differences seem to be most pronounced for kids who had taken stimulant medications to control their symptoms, suggesting that there might be something about the drugs themselves that aggravate the problem, the researchers said. "The reason we think it is more likely to be the drugs than the diagnosis is because the earlier the drugs were started and the longer the drugs were used, the stronger the effects," said study author Dr. Brian Schwartz, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, in Baltimore. To read more,click here

Kids' Sleep, Ear Troubles May Point To Autism

Frequent ear infections and waking up multiple times per night are among a growing list of potential early signs of autism, new research suggests. Kids who were later diagnosed with the developmental disorder were more likely to have trouble sleeping at 9-months-old, according to findings published in the Journal of Early Intervention. Such children also had a greater number of ear infections than their typically-developing peers. For the study, researchers compared data on about 100 children with autism to that of typically-developing kids who were part of the federal government's Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, which tracked the development of 14,000 children born in 2001 from birth until kindergarten. 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 800-524-9400800-524-9400 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.

Lower IQ, Worse Heart Fitness in Teens Linked to Risk of Early Dementia in Men

Having a lower IQ or poorer fitness at age 18 might increase a man's risk of developing dementia before age 60, a new study suggests. The analysis of data from 1.1 million Swedish men suggested that the risk of early onset dementia was 2.5 times higher in those with poorer heart fitness, four times higher in those with a lower IQ and seven times higher in those with both risk factors. The men were first tested as part of Sweden's national military service conscription and followed for up to 42 years. The increased dementia risk remained even when the University of Gothenburg researchers took into account other risk factors, such as socioeconomic status and medical and family history, according to the study, which was published online recently in the journal Brain. To read more,click here

Future Planning Center To Assist Disability Caregivers

As people with developmental disabilities live longer, a new national center is gearing up to help individuals and their families plan for the future. The Arc said it will establish a center to address the needs of an estimated 600,000 to 700,000 American families that include an adult with developmental disabilities with no clear long-term plan. In many cases, the group said aging caregivers are struggling to plan for a time when they will no longer be around to provide support. Known as the National Center on Future Planning, the initiative will offer information, resources and assistance with everything from person-centered planning to guardianship, housing options and financial considerations, the group said. To read more,click here

Stress Can Quickly Harm Kids' Health: Study

Stressful events can have an almost immediate impact on children's health and well-being, a new study finds. Previous research has shown that stressful events in childhood increase an adult's risk of health problems, but this study shows that these consequences may occur much sooner. University of Florida researchers analyzed data from nearly 96,000 children across the United States who took part in the National Survey for Child Health. The survey collected information about the children's health and stressful situations they faced, such as their parents divorcing, domestic and neighborhood violence, being poor, a parent with mental health problems, exposure to drug abuse, and a parent in jail. 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

S.C. Charters Agree to Accessibility Changes After Federal Investigation

The U.S. Department of Education's office for civil rights has entered into an agreement with theSouth Carolina Public Charter District to make the district's Internet-based schools accessible to students and parents with disabilities, particularly those with visual impairments.The district enrolls about 14,000 students in all, 9,000 of whom are in seven Internet-based schools: Palmetto State e-Cademy, Provost Academy South Carolina, South Carolina Virtual Charter School, South Carolina Calvert Academy, South Carolina Connections Academy, South Carolina Whitmore School, and Cyber Academy of South Carolina.To read more,click here

Education Official Stresses Need for 'Results-Driven Accountability'

While states are being asked to change how they evaluate their special education programs, the U.S. Department of Education also plans to change the way it interacts with states, Michael Yudin, the acting assistant secretary of the office of special education and rehabilitative services, told state board leaders gathered for a legislative policy forum. The new "results-driven accountability" framework will require states to make moves that improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities, Yudin told members of the National Association of State Boards of Education held Thursday at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel near Washington, D.C. Board members also planned to visit legislators as part of the conference. To read more,click here

Medical Conspiracy Theories Believed By Half The Country, Underscoring People's Frustration With Hard Science

Chances are that if you don't buy into any medical conspiracy theories, someone else close to you does. A new survey from the University of Chicago has found that nearly half of all Americans believe in at least one conspiracy theory, ranging from cancer-causing cell phones to the government's indifference to "harmful" vaccines.Conspiracy theories aren't just fanciful ideas; they approach delusion, argues study leader Dr. J. Eric Oliver, who researches political psychology and public opinion at Chicago. According to Oliver, when people believe in conspiracy theories they demonstrate a fundamental unwillingness to accept scientific reason. The ideas are challenging to them, so they bristle - eventually forming conclusions just for the sake of knowing something. To read more,click here

Honor Society for Special Education Teachers

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What Happens In Your Brain When You Have A Panic Attack? How The Brain's Fear And Threat Centers Backfire

It happens to the best of us: An onslaught of emotions that quickens your heartbeat, cranks up perspiration, and blurs vision. A feeling that this, for better or worse, is it, and that you are now going to die. Panic attacks are, according to health experts, exceedingly common. Some experience them once or twice in their lifetime; others have them whenever they're speaking in public or preparing for an important phone call. In severe cases, sufferers may feel like they're choking or coming close to fainting. Aside from pharmacological solutions, the best way to conquer panic attacks is to make each episode your friend - but in order to do so, it is important to have a handle on what this phenomenon is all about, neurologically speaking.  When the lights begin to go out, what's really happening in your brain? To read more,click here

To Understand Autism, Researchers Turn To Dogs

When Porter the dog tries to figure out why his owner has placed a toy bone under a bucket, his response might provide some insight about human development, autism and other learning disabilities. That's the hope of Laurie Santos, who runs the Canine Cognition Center at Yale, which opened in December. She pointed to the 4-year-old chocolate Lab mix, brought in by psychology grad student Kristi Leimgruber. Porter is growing up in the same kind of environment as human children, Santos said, so comparing how he learns with the way people learn can tell us a lot about human development. "So much more than primates, dogs are more cued into what we care about and what we know," Santos said. "And they might have been shaped in a way that's very different from any other animal species in part because, in a sense, they (behave) more like a human child who's cued in (to humans) than, say, a chimpanzee." To read more,click here

jobsNASET's Latest Job Listings

* Disability Program Coordinator - Full Time position for contractor to federal job training program. Requires strong analytical and computer skills.  Responsibilities include monitor/review services provided to students w/ disabilities, develop/conduct remote and in person training, provide technical assistance, outreach to community, data analysis, and materials development. To learn more- Click here

 

* Program Manager, Alternate Assessments - The Assessment Program at the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a well regarded organization that is growing rapidly. Our environment is fast-paced and requires people at all levels who are willing to roll up their sleeves to get the work done on time while maintaining high quality. We are currently seeking a Program Manager to join our Alternate Assessments team in Washington, DC. To learn more - Click here

 

* Disability Specialist - The Disability Specialist reports directly to the Director of the Disability Support Service/Assistant Director of the Counseling Center and will be responsible for providing eligibility assessment, accommodation plans, and academic support for students with disabilities.  To learn more-Click here

 

* Director, Thames Academy - Mitchell College seeks a full-time Director to lead and manage Thames Academy, which is our residential program for high school graduates with academic challenges, documented learning disabilities, or other learning differences (i.e. ADD/ADHD) who are preparing for the transition to college or career.  To learn more - Click here

 

* Special Education Teachers (K-12) - Are you interested in teaching in New Mexico's premier school district? Come join us in the sunny Southwest. To learn more - click here

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

Imagination is more important than knowledge.
Albert Einstein

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