June 2024 - Special Educator e-Journal

Table of Contents

NASET Members - Login Below to access the latest Special Educator e-Journal.

Site visitors: You may access a sample e-Journal - Sample e-Journal

Special Education Legal Alert

By Perry A. Zirkel

© May 2024

This month’s update identifies recent court decisions that respectively illustrate polar interpretations of various IDEA FAPE claims, including the increasing issue of student anxiety.  For previous monthly updates and related publications, see perryzirkel.com.

Not a Member? - Join NASET

    Beyond the Classroom: Nurturing Special Education Students through Community Engagement

    By Renelle Ojano

    Benjamin Franklin Intermediate School, California, USA E-mail: rojano@jeffersonesd.org

     

    ABSTRACT

    This paper examines the methodologies and impacts of fostering community engagement in the field of special education. It emphasizes the necessity of collaboration between schools, families, and community resources to enhance educational outcomes and social inclusion for students with special needs. Experience provides unique educational opportunities for students. It contributes to their holistic development. Community-based instruction (CBI) is an important approach in special education that provides real-life learning experiences within the community. The main goal of this method is to enhance the skills of the students and promote how they integrate themselves into society. Through this approach, the students become more self-reliant and optimistic. This study aims to prove the importance of integrating students into the community as they navigate through education in their lives.

    Keywords: Special Education. Students. Real-life. Community-based instruction (CBI).

     

    NASET Members - Login to Access the Full Article

    Not a Member? - Join NASET Today!

    U. S. Department of Education Announces New Actions to Increase Access to School-Based Mental Health Services

    During Mental Health Awareness Month, the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing new actions to increase access to school-based mental health services, including: (1) nearly doubling investments in the U.S. Department of Education’s (Department’s) School-Based Mental Health Services (SBMH) and Mental Health Service Professionals (MHSP) grant programs in the current Fiscal Year; (2) making additional investments through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) to improve the mental health and wellbeing of students and educators; and (3) offering new mental health and wellbeing trainings and resources for schools and educators.

    NASET Members- Login to Access the Full Article

    Not a Member? - Join NASET

    Unraveling the Critical Shortage of Special Education Teachers (SETs) in the USA

    By Audrey Ann Bayogos

    John F. Kennedy Elementary School, California, USA

    ABSTRACT

    Special education is a very important system that provides support and resources to students with varying disabilities. This is to ensure that all students, despite their condition, have access to quality education. Some of the students’ disabilities are autism spectrum disorder (ASD), mild intellectual disability (MID), moderate to severe intellectual disability (MSID), multiple disabilities (MD), and sensory impairment. Special education teachers (SETs) play a very important role for students with disabilities. However, in recent years, there has been a shortage of SETs in the United States of America. This study aims to unravel the key factors contributing to this crisis. Addressing this insufficiency is crucial to ensure that students with special needs receive the support and instruction they require to thrive academically and socially.

    Keywords: SETs (Special Education Teachers). Critical Shortage. United States of America.

     

    NASET Members- Login to Access the Full Article

    Not a Member? - Join NASET

    To top

    Promoting Inclusivity and Acceptance: Celebrating the Uniqueness and Abilities of Special Education Students

    By Marie Joy Maestro

    Thomas R. Pollicita Middle School, California, USA

    E-mail: mmaestro@jeffersonesd.org

    ABSTRACT

    In recent years, there has been significant progress in fostering inclusivity and acceptance within our communities. However, despite these advancements, misconceptions and stigmas surrounding students with special education needs (SEN) persist, hindering their integration and development. It is imperative to shift the narrative to one that recognizes the strengths and potential of special education (Sped) students, rather than focusing solely on their limitations. This article explores the importance of celebrating the uniqueness and abilities of Sped students, highlighting the remarkable resilience, determination, and creativity they possess. Drawing inspiration from individuals like Stephen Hawking, Nick Vujicic, Helen Keller, and Stella Young, who have overcome significant challenges to achieve success. We underscore the transformative power of mindset, resilience, and perseverance. By providing platforms for Sped students to showcase their talents and achievements, we can create an environment that promotes inclusivity, acceptance, and appreciation for diversity.

    Keywords: Inclusivity, Students, Uniqueness, Abilities, Special Education Needs (SEN).

    NASET Members - Login to Access the Full Article

    Not a Member? - Join NASET Today!

    To top

    Book Review: Culture, Class and Race

    By Michelle Norman

           

    Abstract

    These authors are experts in research and equitable practices. This book, Culture, Class, and Race gives a guideline about meaningful ways to have critical conversations. They provide important information about the types of conversations and behaviors that can help with cultural identity. This book helps educators grow professionally by using the power of conversation. I feel strongly about recommending this book for educators to learn how to better communicate.

    NASET Members - Login to Access the Full Article

    Not a Member? - Join NASET Today!

    To top

    Book Review: Having Hard Conversations

    By Maeghan Johnston

     

    Abstract

    Education has seen many changes and advancements over the last few decades. These changes start with legislation and are passed down through the hierarchy of the educational leadership system. Along with policy and curriculum changes, educational leadership has evolved as well. Gone are the days of a principal sitting behind a desk, commanding fear and being uninvolved. Effective leadership involves building relationships with faculty, staff, students and parents. Those relationships oftentimes involve having difficult conversations at some point. Leaders struggle with wanting to be liked and needing to be respected. This book gives key pointers showing how to balance both while creating an environment where both staff and students thrive and can focus on the main goal, reaching their greatest educational potential.

    Keywords: education, leadership, conversations

     

    NASET Members - Login to Access the Full Article

    Not a Member? - Join NASET Today!

    To top

    Latest Employment Opportunities Posted on NASET 

    * Special Education Teacher - Your primary responsibility will be to create a positive and inclusive learning environment that promotes academic, social, and emotional growth for all students. This position requires excellent communication skills, strong organizational abilities, and a genuine passion for helping students with diverse learning needs. To learn more- Click here

    * Elementary 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

    * Special Education Teacher - The Stepping Stones Group, a nationally recognized leader in educational services, is looking for dedicated Special Education Teachers to join our team in Philadelphia, PA!  With a commitment to fostering educational excellence and social growth, we provide unparalleled support to schools and students across the state. To learn more- Click here

    * Intervention Specialist/Special Education Teacher - The Stepping Stones Group, a nationally recognized leader in educational services, is looking for dedicated Intervention Specialists to join our team in Dayton, OH!  With a commitment to fostering educational excellence and social growth, we provide unparalleled support to schools and students across the state. To learn more- Click here

    * Special Education Teacher - The Stepping Stones Group, a nationally recognized leader in educational services, is looking for dedicated Special Education Teachers to join our team in San Jose, CA!  With a commitment to fostering educational excellence and social growth, we provide unparalleled support to schools and students across the state. To learn more- Click here

    * Assistant Director Integrated Services (Special Education) - Provide direct support to special education and general education teachers and paraprofessionals to maximize special education students’ potential. Provide knowledge, guidance and support to building level administrators in the area of professional development, programming, and service delivery to increase student achievement. To learn more- Click here

    * Exceptional Student Education (Special Needs) Teachers - Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is recruiting talented, compassionate teachers dedicated to helping every student in the district succeed. Successful applicants will share a commitment to excellence in the classroom and a belief that great teaching is the key to unlocking student success. To learn more- Click here

    * Special Education Teachers - The Newark Board of Education is where passion meets progress. We want you to discover a rewarding career with us.  If the opportunity to make learning limitless excites you then, join our community of educators. To learn more- Click here

    To top

    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

      To top

      Download a PDF Version of This e-Journal

      NASET Members - Login to Access

      Not a Member? - Join NASET Today!

      To top

      forgot username or password?

      Publications

      Publications

      forgot username or password?