January 2025 - Special Educator e-Journal
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Table of Contents
- Special Education Legal Alert. By Perry A. Zirkel
- Buzz from the Hub
- Ruby Bridges' Legacy: Bridging Community, Healing, Health, and Unity. By Dr. Marianne Infante, M.Ed., OTD
- Benefits of Resource Math Programs in Secondary Special Education Classes. By Dr. James Hein, Ed.D. & Dr. Regina Hein, Ph.D.
- From Research to Practice: Number Sense Through Numicons. By Joanne Caniglia, Maryam Zolfaghari, & Karl W. Kosko
- The Role of Technology and STEAM Education in Special Education: Enhancing Learning Outcomes for Students with Disabilities. By Patricia Mae Paredes
- Prader-Willi Syndrome. By Dr. Faye J. Jones
- Latest Employment Opportunities Posted on NASET
- Acknowledgements
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Special Education Legal Alert
By Perry A. Zirkel
© December 2024
This month’s update identifies two recent court decisions that respectively revisit the issues of identification (child find and eligibility) and FAPE (procedural and substantive) in varying fact patterns. For previous monthly updates and related publications, see perryzirkel.com
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Buzz from the Hub
- Voluntary Self-assessment for States to Support Military-connected Children with Disabilities and Their Families Under the IDEA.
- Supporting Military Families
- Sesame Workshop Extends Partnership with Dicapta to Bring Plaza Sesamo in ASL to Children Across the U.S.
- Using Functional Behavioral Assessments to Create Supportive Learning Environments
And Many More Articles
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Ruby Bridges' Legacy: Bridging Community, Healing, Health, and Unity
By Dr. Marianne Infante, M.Ed., OTD
On November 14th, as I participated in Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, I couldn’t help but reflect on the deeper meaning behind this shared experience. The concept of the "walking school bus"—where parents and children walk together in a safe, organized group to school—felt more than just a way to get to class. It was a moment of connection, unity, and community building. Walking alongside other parents and children, I thought about how different Ruby Bridges’ experience must have been. When Ruby bravely walked to school as the first African American student at William Frantz Elementary in 1960, she faced unimaginable isolation and trauma. She did not have the safety of a supportive, united community around her. Instead, she was met with hostility and hatred, all because of the color of her skin.
Benefits of Resource Math Programs in Secondary Special Education Classes
Dr. James Hein, Ed.D. & Dr. Regina Hein, Ph.D.
Abstract
Special Education Resource Mathematics is necessary for high school students with math disabilities, as they often struggle with high-stakes testing and may require additional support beyond regular classes. Special education resource math teachers face challenges in balancing individualized educational goals with testing demands and administrative policies. Utilizing best practices such as hands-on activities, visual aids, critical thinking strategies, and project-based learning enhances students' understanding of math concepts. These methodologies not only engage special needs learners but also promote self-efficacy, leading to improved academic performance. Ultimately, effective special education services must assist the unique needs of learners rather than serve as a political measure, ensuring equitable educational experiences and outcomes for all students.
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From Research to Practice: Number Sense Through Numicons
By Joanne Caniglia, Maryam Zolfaghari, & Karl W. Kosko
Kent State University
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Joanne Caniglia, Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum Studies, Kent State University, Room 401H White Hall, Kent, Ohio, 44242, United States. Email: jcanigl1@kent.edu.
Number Sense with Numicons
Alicia is 14 years old and lives with her mother and three sisters (ages 10, 8, 6). Although three of the four children in the household have severe hearing, sight, and learning difficulties, they enjoy crafts with bright colors, games, and other social activities. With specialized glasses and cochlear implants, the girls try to navigate academic subjects in school as ESL students. Their mother works two jobs while attending to the children’s needs.
Mathematically, Alicia and her sisters are in the early stages of numeracy. They exhibit specific counting strategies such as one-to-one correspondence, rote counting of numbers to 100, skip counting by 10s and 5s, recognizing the order of number words, and counting with a start from different numbers. However, they cannot count-on-larger, seeing five dots on one dice and two dots on the other, they start counting with the two dots. Because “counting on” is an essential prerequisite for addition (i.e., 9 + 2), games with dice and other dot configurations are helpful. Numicons allow children to “see” and “feel” numbers from a spatial perspective, thus developing an ability to work with number combinations.
Teachers and researchers from the United Kingdom developed Numicons, a tool for visualizing mathematical concepts (Oxford University Press, 2018). This article provides background of Numicons and how they can be used to support students’ number sense. Because Numicons support the concrete, pictorial, and symbolic approaches to teaching mathematics; they have been favored in classrooms worldwide and are accepted by teachers of children with exceptionalities (Bird & Buckley, 2001; Horner, 2003; & Uttley, 2004). Finally, the article will provide step-by-step directions for involving children in a game-like activity that provides opportunities for children to grow in creating number combinations, counting, and ordering of numbers.
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The Role of Technology and STEAM Education in Special Education: Enhancing Learning Outcomes for Students with Disabilities
By Patricia Mae Paredes
Washington Manor Middle School, California, USA
Abstract
This research explores the integration of technology and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education in special education, focusing on its impact on learning outcomes for students with disabilities. By incorporating assistive devices, adaptive learning tools, and hands-on STEAM activities, educators can enhance accessibility, engagement, and academic success for students with diverse learning needs. The study synthesizes existing literature on the benefits and challenges of using technology in special education, including improvements in critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Challenges such as the need for teacher training, equitable access to technology, and the time-consuming nature of individualized learning plans are addressed. Recommendations include professional development for educators, increased access to technology, the implementation of personalized learning plans, and collaboration with families to support student well-being. The findings underscore the transformative potential of technology and STEAM education in creating more inclusive and effective learning environments for students with disabilities.
Keywords: STEAM Education, Special Education, Assistive Technology, Inclusive Learning
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Prader-Willi Syndrome
By Dr. Faye J. Jones
Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder that affects a child's metabolism, physical development, and behavior (Mayo Clinic, Prader-Willi Syndrome - Symptoms and Causes). This condition is characterized by persistent hunger, muscle weakness, and cognitive or behavioral challenges. Treatment typically involves a combination of therapy and strict dietary management to help manage symptoms and prevent complications (Bing search, Prader-Willi Syndrome).
The signs and symptoms of PWS can vary widely between individuals and may evolve gradually from childhood into adulthood (Mayo Clinic, Prader-Willi Syndrome - Symptoms and Causes).
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Latest Employment Opportunities Posted on NASET
* Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education (with Special Ed Qualifications) - The University of Minnesota Crookston, one of five campuses comprising the University of Minnesota system, invites applications for a full-time faculty member to teach classes in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education Department (HSSE) in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. The ideal candidate will also be qualified to teach Special Education. To learn more- Click here
* Certified Special Education Teachers - With over 35 years in business, we have built a reputation for referring highly qualified professionals for rewarding short and long-term independent contract opportunities. To learn more- Click here
* Director of Student Programs (Including Special Education) - Supervision of and general responsibility for the total programs of Special Education PK-21, ELL, Nurses, Native Americans (Title VI), Homeless, Migrant, Poverty. To provide leadership in establishing sound educational programs for all children. To learn more- Click here
* Special Education Teacher - Easterseals New York operates programs that enable those with special needs to achieve equality, dignity, and independence in their own communities. It provides exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities. We change the way the world defines and views disability by making profound, positive differences in people's lives every day. Easterseals has been an American Institution since 1919. To learn more- Click here
* Teacher Assistant - Easterseals New York operates programs that enable those with special needs to achieve equality, dignity, and independence in their own communities. It provides exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities. To learn more- Click here
* Special Education Teacher - Easterseals - Project Soar is seeking a Special Education Teacher for their preschool program under the guidance of the Program Director. Easterseals New York operates programs that enable those with special needs to achieve equality, dignity, and independence in their own communities. To learn more- Click here
* One-to-One Teacher Aide - Easterseals NY- Project Soar is seeking a One-to-One Teacher Aide for our preschool program serving students with special needs. We change the way the world defines and views disability by making profound, positive differences in people's lives every day. Easterseals has been an American Institution since 1919. To learn more- Click here
* Special Education Teacher - Easterseals New York operates programs that enable those with special needs to achieve equality, dignity, and independence in their own communities. It provides exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities. To learn more- Click here
* Teacher Assistant - The Child Care Assistant/1:1 aide works in our integrated and self contained preschool classrooms and collaborates with the Special Education Teacher to create a safe, warm and caring educational environment for our students. The aide follows all OCFS regulations, follows schoolwide PBIS initiative, and collaborates with classroom staff, parents, education consultant, and administration. 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