August 2024 - Special Educator e-Journal
Table of Contents
- Special Education Legal Alert. By Perry A. Zirkel
- Buzz from the Hub
- Meta-Cognitive Notetaking Strategy: Its Influence on the Performance of the Upper Primary Students in Reading. By Richelle D. Paca-anas
- Impact of Constructivist Teaching Strategy on the Performance of the Learners in Basic Science. By Amor Vida E. Salvador
- Book Review: Special Education Leadership as a Personal Journey: Challenging Parallel Systems of Education by Ruth Mclean Turner. By Lournellie Vega Rullán
- Book Review: Reimagining Special Education- Using Inclusion as a Framework to Build Equity and Support All Students. By Natalie Lopez
- Latest Employment Opportunities Posted on NASET
- Acknowledgements
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Special Education Legal Alert
By Perry A. Zirkel
© July 2024
This month’s update identifies a pair of recent court decisions that illustrate key Section 504 or Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) differences from the IDEA, here for child find and FAPE. For previous monthly updates and related publications, see perryzirkel.com.
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Buzz from the Hub
Frequently Asked Questions: Social Security Administration, Supplemental Security Income, and Social Security Disability Insurance – Can I work if I receive social security benefits?
This FAQ provides people with disabilities and their families an overview on social security benefits and answers common questions about these benefits and employment.
Summer Learning Tips to Go! Text Messaging Service
The Summer Slide is real! While we are all looking forward to the long days relaxing and making the best memories with our children, we must remember to sprinkle in some fun learning throughout our summer adventures. We found the perfect resource for families to do just that and avoid the summer learning loss! Sign up for summer learning tips sent right to your phone, in English or Spanish, from Start with a Book.
Cartoons Available with American Sign Language
The ED-funded Bridge Multimedia now has some of children’s favorite
Public Broadcasting Service cartoons available in American Sign Language, thanks to ED’s Office of Special Education Programs funding. Check out full episodes of “Alma’s Way,” “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” and more.
Unstuck: The Special Education Podcast
Discussions between two professionals related to current trends and topics affecting the world of special education. They pull from a combined 40 years in the field to share stories, insight and potential solutions.
Special Education Inner Circle
The Special Education Inner Circle podcast is hosted by Catherine Whitcher, M.Ed., founder of the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship + Network. Get your notebook ready as Catherine brings you real-world strategies for everyone at the IEP table. With her family’s experience in the disability community and her journey from Special Education classroom teacher to IEP expert, Catherine knows what it takes to prepare students and families for the future. Get ready to be inspired and learn actionable steps you can take immediately to change your special education experience.
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Meta-Cognitive Notetaking Strategy: Its Influence on the Performance of the Upper Primary Students in Reading
Richelle D. Paca-anas
Buenavista Elementary School, Basey II District, Samar Division
email address: chelpacaanas22@gmail.com
Abstract
The study delved into the influence of metacognitive note-taking strategy on the performance of the learners in reading. This focused on the application of the approach in reading instruction so as to develop the learners’ reading comprehension skills. The duration of the study is limited to two quarters of the school year 2022-2023. This involved 22 fourth-grade students in Buenavista Elementary School, Basey II District of Samar Division. The pre-experimental design, utilizing a single group pretest-posttest method was employed in this investigation. The instrument used was a 30-item achievement test in English covering the most essential competencies (MELCs) based on the curriculum adopted in public elementary schools. This was administered to the learners to determine whether there is an improvement in the participants’ reading performance via pretest and posttest scores and gains. The data were treated via mean, percentage and t-test of significant difference. The results revealed moderate to high improvement in the learners’ reading performance, demonstrated by the significant difference in the pretest and posttest scores as well as in the gain scores. This implies that the metacognitive note-taking strategy positively impacted the learners’ performance in reading. The use of the method in classroom instruction, not only in reading, but also in other fields of discipline is recommended.
Key words: metacognitive strategy, note-taking, reading performance
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Impact of Constructivist Teaching Strategy on the Performance of the Learners in Basic Science
By Amor Vida E. Salvador
Tingib Elementary School, Basey II District, Division of Samar
email: amorvida.salvador18@gmail.com
Abstract
The study investigated the effect of the constructivist teaching strategy on the performance of third-grade students in Basic Science at Tingib Elementary School, Basey II District of Samar Division. This is an experimental study, which applied the randomized sampling method in splitting the participants into control and experimental groups. Each group involved 23 learners. A 30-item achievement test that covered the essential competencies in Basic Science was used as an instrument to assess the pretest and posttest scores, gains, and differences between groups. The study focused on the use of constructivist teaching strategies in giving instruction to the experimental group, specifically the inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, hands-on learning maximizing the available technology, collaborative learning, concept mapping, and case-based learning. The results showed a substantial change in the pre-test and post-test scores. This indicates that constructivist teaching approaches increase student outcomes and must be implemented in science instruction. It suggests that educators should receive training in adopting efficient teaching strategies and encouraging innovative, learner-centered teaching approaches.
Key words: constructivist teaching strategy, learners’ performance, Basic Science
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Book Review: Special Education Leadership as a Personal Journey: Challenging Parallel Systems of Education by Ruth Mclean Turner
By Lournellie Vega Rullán
Ruth Mclean Turner is a seasoned educator and leader with a distinguished background in special education leadership. With over two decades of experience in the field, Turner has dedicated her career to advocating for inclusive and equitable educational practices for students with special needs. Ruth Mclean Turner's "Special Education Leadership as a Personal Journey: Challenging Parallel Systems of Education" is a compelling and insightful exploration of special education leadership. With a blend of personal narrative, scholarly research, and practical guidance, Turner offers a comprehensive examination of leaders' challenges in navigating parallel systems within education. One of the most captivating aspects of Turner's book is her deeply personal approach. Drawing from her own experiences as a leader in special education, she provides readers with a firsthand account of the triumphs and tribulations encountered in the field. Through candid reflections and poignant anecdotes, Turner brings to life the complexities of special education leadership, making the book relatable and engaging. Central to Turner's analysis is exploring parallel systems within education, particularly in special education. She adeptly highlights the disparities and inequities that often exist between mainstream education and special education programs, shedding light on the systemic barriers that hinder the inclusion and success of students with special needs. Moreover, Turner's book is more than just a theoretical exploration. It offers practical guidance for leaders who challenge and reform these parallel systems. Drawing from her experiences and expertise, she presents innovative strategies for fostering collaboration, promoting inclusivity, and advocating for systemic change within educational institutions.
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Book Review: Reimagining Special Education- Using Inclusion as a Framework to Build Equity and Support All Students
By Natalie Lopez
Authors Jenna Mancini Rufo and Julie Causton are highly knowledgeable figures in the field of education. Jenna Mancini Rufo brings a wealth of experience to her role as an inclusive education consultant, having transitioned from a successful career as a public-school leader. She is the founder and proprietor of empowerED School Solutions, a consultancy that specializes in promoting equity and inclusion in educational settings. With a background that includes serving as an Assistant Superintendent, Director of Special Education, State Policy Specialist, Special Education Teacher, and Inclusion Facilitator, Rufo possesses practical expertise in effecting systemic changes to foster inclusion.
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Latest Employment Opportunities Posted on NASET
* Middle School Special Education Teacher - Grounded in our culture of rigor and love, our schools consistently outperform local districts academically, while also ensuring our scholars are developing in our PEAK values of perseverance, excellence, adventure, and kindness. To learn more- Click here
* Middle School Teacher - The fundamental purpose of Essex Valley School is to provide a therapeutic and academic environment that is designed to nurture the emotional, intellectual, behavioral, and social growth of each student so that they may become a future contributing leader in society. To learn more- Click here
* Special Education Teacher - The Structured Learning Center (SLC) is a specialized program where teachers focus on teaching functional academic skills to students in small classes with a high level of support. Each class typically has fewer than 20 students with a 4:1 student to adult ratio. The teaching follows approved curriculum, uses visual aids, structured routines, and modified lessons tailored to student needs. To learn more- Click here
* Associate Dean of Occupational & Life Skills - The Associate Dean provides instructional and administrative leadership for the Occupational & Life Skills program and directly supervises program faculty and staff. The Associate Dean role directs program operations, allocates resources, and is responsible for program results. To learn more- Click here
* Elementary School Special Education Teacher - Rocky Mountain Prep is a growing network of innovative public charter schools, serving students and families in the Greater Denver Area. Rocky Mountain Prep (RMP) opened its first school in 2012 with 130 students and has grown to twelve schools, working with over 5,000 scholars in PreK through 12th grade across two districts. To learn more- Click here
Acknowledgements
Portions of this or previous month’s NASET’s Special Educator e-Journal were excerpted from:
- Center for Parent Information and Resources
- Committee on Education and the Workforce
- FirstGov.gov-The Official U.S. Government Web Portal
- Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals (JAASEP)
- National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth
- National Institute of Health
- National Organization on Disability
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- U.S. Department of Education
- U.S. Department of Education-The Achiever
- U.S. Department of Education-The Education Innovator
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- U.S. Department of Labor
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- U.S. Office of Special Education
The National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) thanks all of the above for the information provided for this or prior editions of the Special Educator e-Journal