Week in Review - November 29, 2019


NASET

WEEK IN REVIEW

National Association of Special Education Teachers

November 29, 2019                     Vol 15 Issue #48



Dear NASET Members and Guests,


Welcome to NASET's WEEK in REVIEW.  Here, we provide you with the latest publications fromNASET to 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 the WEEK in REVIEW at news@naset.org. Have a great weekend.

Sincerely,


NEW THIS WEEK ON NASET

RTI Roundtable

RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION: DO WE HAVE A SHARED UNDERSTANDING?


This issue of NASET's RTI Roundtable was written by Christine J. Briggs, Ph.D & Donna E. Wadsworth, Ph.D. Many students receive Response to Intervention (RtI) services during the regular school day in order to scaffold their learning and determine if additional, more intense interventions will be needed. The goal for RtI is to determine if instructional support can be delivered within a classroom setting before a student is considered for special education services. Many schools schedule an RtI time within the school day when all students receive support at a specific time. But to what extent do all of the stakeholders hold a shared understanding of what is RtI and its purpose? This study examined administrators, traditional teachers, teachers of the gifted and special education teachers' understandings of RtI, a Likert scale instrument with one open-ended question was administered to the participants to learn what is currently understood about RtI. Data was analyzed to determine frequency of responses and themes of understanding about RtI. Read More


Could Fish Oil Be an ADHD Remedy for Some Kids?

Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and low blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids might benefit from supplements, new research suggests. Fish oil supplements appeared to boost attention in these kids, British researchers report. The effect seemed limited to youngsters who weren't already getting enough omega-3 in their diets, however. Prior research by the same team of investigators found that children with omega-3 deficiency are more likely to have more severe ADHD. "Our results suggest that fish oil supplements are at least as effective as conventional pharmacological treatments among those children with ADHD who have omega-3 deficiency," said co-lead researcher Jane Chang. She's at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, at King's College London. Read More



Catatonia in Down Syndrome

Down syndrome, due to an extra chromosome 21, occurs in 250,000 children and adults in the United States, making it the country's most common chromosomal disorder. Inherited heart defects, thyroid cancer, celiac disease and developmental disabilities are common Down syndrome complications. Only recently has catatonia, a behavioral condition marked by new onset immobility, mutism, withdrawal and other behavioral abnormalities, been recognized in Down syndrome. While considerable research has been done on Down syndrome, little is known about associated catatonia. Now, researchers at the University of Missouri have conducted the first longitudinal study of consecutively diagnosed individuals with catatonia in order to identify the most effective treatments and outcomes. Read More


Major Changes in IEP Diagnosis and Classification for Children with Disabilities Proposed by NASET

The National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) is proposing major changes to the existing system in which children with disabilities are diagnosed and classified on EPs (Individual Educational Programs). This new system will provide all professionals working in the field of special education, college students preparing to work with children with special needs, administrators, college professors, parents, and students with disabilities the information necessary to adequately determine the most comprehensive, detailed, and precise diagnoses of disabilities or disorders seen in infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents, particularly in the educational environment. Read More



TRIVIA QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Congratulations to: Kathryn Millette, Michelle Suetsugu, Susan Spry, Bethany Rudd, Cindi Maurice, Kerrenina Gutierrez, Danelle Fugate, Patsy Ray, Jenifer Womble-Ericson, Marilyn Lauer, Katie Venable, Lorraine King, Cynthia Williams, Laurie Crawford, Jenny Bassford, Olumide Akerele, Teresa Gedaria, Karen Frantz-Fry, Catherine Cardenas, Donna Hart, Susan Kalter, and Tracey Christilles who all knew the answer to this week's trivia question:

Absence, atonic, clonic, tonic, focal, and myoclonic are all names of what types of what disorders?  

Answer: SEIZURE DISORDERS 

THE TRIVIA QUESTION OF THE WEEK WILL RETURN ON DECEMBER 6, 2019 



Schools Less Important than Parents in Determining Higher Education Aspirations

A new study shows that the elementary school a child attends has almost no influence on their desire to progress to higher education -- as factors including parental aspirations, academic support from their mother and having a desk to work on are much more important. Published in the journal Educational Studies, the findings of the research looking at 1,000 pupils showed that school and class size, the grade point average of the school and property prices, had little influence on the desire to continue to higher education. The research was carried out by Josip Sabic and Boris Jokic at the Centre for Educational Research and Development of the Institute for Social Research in Zagreb, Croatia, and was supported by the Croatian Science Foundation. The authors wanted to discover the main factors affecting pupils' intention to continue to higher education as they reach the end of elementary school. Read More


Schools Less Important than Parents in Determining Higher Education Aspirations

A new study shows that the elementary school a child attends has almost no influence on their desire to progress to higher education -- as factors including parental aspirations, academic support from their mother and having a desk to work on are much more important. Published in the journal Educational Studies, the findings of the research looking at 1,000 pupils showed that school and class size, the grade point average of the school and property prices, had little influence on the desire to continue to higher education. The research was carried out by Josip Sabic and Boris Jokic at the Centre for Educational Research and Development of the Institute for Social Research in Zagreb, Croatia, and was supported by the Croatian Science Foundation. The authors wanted to discover the main factors affecting pupils' intention to continue to higher education as they reach the end of elementary school. Read More

 



How eSports Accelerates Achievement and Personal Growth

The esports coach at Sedro-Woolley High School north of Seattle also teaches math based on video games in the classroom. Leveraging his students' passion for fantasy battle game League of Legends, teacher Jason Dilley's esports curriculum tasks his players with understanding the numbers behind the virtual action. "You build weapons and armor within the game to improve your character," says Dilley, whose school is a part of the Sedro-Woolley School District. "They're learning how to gather good data, how to analyze data, and how to make histograms so they can test which weapons do the most damage in 10 seconds." Dilley, who started the esports team three years ago, is also writing curriculum for an introduction to esports careers class. Read More


Pediatric Behavioral Health Care Integration Shows Promise

Integrating behavioral health services into pediatric primary care in three Boston-area community health centers increased primary care visits by children with mental health diagnoses without raising Medicaid costs. In mid-2016, the Dimock Center in Roxbury, Codman Square Health Center in Dorchester, and the Lowell Community Health Center began working with Boston University (BU) and Boston Medical Center (BMC) to implement the Transforming and Expanding Access to Mental Health Care in Urban Pediatrics (TEAM UP) model of fully-integrated pediatric behavioral health within primary care, with support from the Richard and Susan Smith Family Foundation. Now, a new study published in Health Services Research and led by a Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) researcher finds that, in the first year and a half of the program, children with mental health diagnoses who were served by the TEAM UP sites went for more primary care visits than similar children served by nearby non-participating community health centers. Read More


New Mexico Department of Health Considers New Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana

New Mexico is considering whether to extend its medical cannabis program to dogs with epilepsy and people with attention deficit disorder. Petitions for new qualifying medical conditions have been filed with the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board at its upcoming meeting in December. The Department of Health withheld the names of petition sponsors. One petition cites recent studies in veterinary medicine to suggest authorization of cannabis for animals coping with seizures. Cannabidiol derived from hemp or marijuana already is widely marketed for pets. Another petition would allow marijuana for attention deficit-hyperactivity, anxiety disorder and Tourette's syndrome. Read More


Diet Pills, Laxatives Used for Weight Control Linked with Later Eating Disorder Diagnosis

Among young women without an eating disorder diagnosis, those who use diet pills and laxatives for weight control had higher odds of receiving a subsequent first eating disorder diagnosis within one to three years than those who did not report using these products, according to a new study led by researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Boston Children's Hospital. "We've known that diet pills and laxatives when used for weight control can be very harmful substances. We wanted to find out if these products could be a gateway behavior that could lead to an eating order diagnosis," said senior author S. Bryn Austin, professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Harvard Chan School and director of STRIPED (Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders). "Our findings parallel what we've known to be true with tobacco and alcohol: starting harmful substances can set young people on a path to worsening problems, including serious substance abuse disorder." Read More


Scientists Find Promising Drug Combination Against Lethal Childhood Brain Cancers

Researchers have devised a new plan of attack against a group of deadly childhood brain cancers collectively called diffuse midline gliomas (DMG), including diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), thalamic glioma and spinal cord glioma. Scientists at the National Institutes of Health, Stanford University, California, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, identified a drug pair that worked together to both kill cancer cells and counter the effects of a genetic mutation that causes the diseases. The researchers showed that combining the two drugs -- panobinostat and marizomib -- was more effective than either drug by itself in killing DMG patient cells grown in the laboratory and in animal models. Their studies also uncovered a previously unrecognized vulnerability in the cancer cells that scientists may be able to exploit to develop new strategies against the cancer and related diseases. The results were published November 20 in Science Translational Medicine. Read More


Continuing_Ed


Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities Need a Choice of Services

Today, providers who serve persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) have the privilege of caring for thousands of children and adults with varying levels of disability, including autism, brain injury and other complex behavioral and medical needs. But 40 years ago, these individuals were isolated and effectively hidden away from society. Thanks to advancements like the Americans with Disabilities Act and the U.S. Supreme Court's Olmstead Decision of 1999, those with I/DD now enjoy greater freedoms and more opportunities. The ADA's groundbreaking protections against discrimination have been copied around the world. Because of this law, the disabled have greater access to housing, employment, education and public spaces. Read More


Mesa Becomes First Autism-Certified City in United States

An East Valley city has become the first in the United States to become autism certified. Mesa was awarded the designation by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, the city announced Monday. The year-long initiative, spearheaded by Visit Mesa, came to fruition after about 60 businesses and organizations in the city completed autism certification training. About 4,000 total community members have completed the autism certification training, according to the release. "With Visit Mesa leading the charge, Mesa is rolling out the welcome mat for individuals on the autism spectrum," Mesa Mayor John Giles said in the release. "We commend Marc Garcia and the staff at Visit Mesa for their vision." Read More


Advancements in Technology for Gamers with Disabilities

Until recently, gamers with disabilities had little to know options when it came to controllers. Xbox and Playstation controllers were a one shape and design fits all type of deal. In recent years, these companies released several versions of their controllers in an attempt to become more inclusive for gamers with disabilities, after all, why shouldn't they be able to play games just like everyone else? The cost of these controllers were much more expensive than the original controllers, making it difficult for families and individuals to afford. Logitech recently came up with a much more affordable and inclusive option. The new Adaptive Gaming Kit comes with a collection of 12 buttons and triggers than can be used in a variety of positions, so layout can be customized based on personal preference. Buttons previously cost $50 a piece. Thanks to Logitech, the $99 kit comes with 3 small buttons, 3 large buttons, 4 light touch buttons, 2 variable trigger controls and two game mats(one rigid and one foldable). Read More


Honor Society for Special Education Teachers

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Families of Youth with Autism Face Big Barriers to Care, Gaps in Services

New research at Case Western Reserve University found big gaps in services and continued care for children with autism-and their families-as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. The families need more support, including improved job training, access to services and transportation, according to research from the university's Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences. Researchers surveyed 174 families from Northeast Ohio to examine the needs and barriers to services for youth with autism-from 16 to 30 years old-and their family care givers. Examining the issues. Participants were recruited from 28 public and private agencies and organizations. The survey asked about services-both received and needed-as well as top concerns. Chief among them: limited access to information, reported by 51% of the respondents. Other issues include waiting lists or services not being available (44%), location (39%) and cost (37%). Read more


free IEP


Revive & Conquer: New Alternative School is Education Revival

In the dictionary, the definition of a revival is a reawakening or a restoration, whether it be mental, physical or spiritual. In Raymond, Revive is the same thing, a reawakening of educational goals and a restoration of self-worth. This past year, the building that once housed young eager students from the Panhandle School District was transformed into the Regional Office of Education #3's  Revive Alternative High School and its sister school, the Phoenix Safe School for junior high students. While the students are older than the kindergartners who once learned their ABCs in that building, the eagerness to learn is the same, even if it was lost for a while. Revive follows the same path as the ROE #3's other two alternative schools, with a goal of helping students in Montgomery, Christian, Bond, Fayette and Effingham counties who have dropped out or are at risk of dropping out. Read More


What Science Tells Us about Early Childhood Development

The use of science to inform learning and development can have profound results for children, particularly those in their first few years of life. So say the experts-among them Randa Grob-Zakhary, a resident of Switzerland who holds doctoral degrees in neuroscience and medicine from Johns Hopkins University. Trained as a physician and neurosurgeon, Grob-Zakhary came to the education industry when she was pregnant with her first child, a time during which she "became acutely aware of the massive gap between what we know about children's learning and development, and what we're actually using," she says. In the years since, she has held a number of esteemed positions, including as CEO of the LEGO Foundation and as a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. She's currently in the process of launching Insights for Education, a foundation to help organizations apply the evidence-based practices that we know work well. Read More



LATEST JOB LISTINGS POSTED ON NASET

* Teacher Assistant - The Teacher Assistant assists the classroom teacher in carrying out the academic and behavioral objectives set forth in the child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) by providing direct instructional services to students and performing non-teaching support duties under the supervision of the classroom teacher. To learn more - Click here

* Resource Specialist - The Resource Specialist is a certificated, exempt position with Element Education, Inc. (EEI) which operates Dimensions Collaborative and Community Montessori Charter Schools. The Resource Specialist directly reports to the Director of Special Education. The Resource Specialist will work directly with the Director of Special Education to implement the EEI's Special Education programs and provide support and guidance to Educational Facilitators and parents of students with special needs. To learn more - Click here

* Teacher for Children with Autism - NECC serves students between the ages of 3 and 22 diagnosed with autism, learning disabilities, language delays, intellectual disability, behavior disorders, and related disabilities. The Center provides a full range of educational, residential and treatment programs designed to help children reach their full potential. The goal of maximizing independence serves as the foundation of all Center programs. To learn more - Click here

* Special Education Teacher - Surprise, AZ - The Invo-Progressus Team has incredible opportunities for Special Education Teachers.  We are currently seeking full-time Special Education Teachers for a Structured Teaching 4-8 Classroom, a Preschool Classroom, and a SPED Resource Teacher for a K-8 classroom in Surprise, AZ. To learn more - Click here 

* Special Education Teacher - Philadelphia, PA -Invo-Progressus Team has incredible opportunities for Special Education Teachers...or, as we like to call them, Superheroes.  If you use your super powers to help ensure that children have access to the best education possible in the least restrictive environment, we would love for you to join the Invo-Progressus team!  We are currently seeking full-time Special Education Teachers in Philadelphia, PA for the 2019-2020 School Year. To learn more - Click here

* Special Education Teacher - School Steps, an Invo Company, is hiring a Special Education Teacher in San Diego, CA.The qualified Special Education Teacher will teach elementary and/or secondary school subjects including social and prevocational skills to special education students with a variety of neurological, learning, and social/emotional disabilities. To learn more - Click here

* Special Education Teacher - The Pinnacle School, a private, special education day school for college-bound students in grades 2 through 12, seeks a Lower and Middle School Special Education Teacher for a full-time, school-based position (10 months). The Special Education Teacher will provide high quality, data-driven instruction to students aligned with the school's mission and philosophy. To learn more - Click here

* Special Education Teacher - Eastern Illinois Area of Special Education (Charleston, IL). Spec. Ed. Teacher. Develop materials for indiv. programs, goals/objectives for students, and evaluate acad/therapeutic/social growth for Spec. Ed students (K - age 21). Keep records and progress reports. Give standardized tests, other evaluative materials, maintain IEPs. To learn more - Click here

If you are an Employer looking for excellent special education staff - Click here for more information


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

Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.  

                     Oprah Winfrey 


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