May 2025 - Special Educator e-Journal
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Table of Contents
- Buzz from the Hub
- Special Education Legal Alert. By Perry A. Zirkel
- Update from the US Department of Education
- Culturally Responsive Family Collaboration in Early Elementary ASD Classrooms. By Trilce Howard
- The Impact of Sensory Materials on Calming and Regulating Special Education Students. By Joyce Vernadeth B. Cruz
- The Impact of Addiction on Individuals with Disabilities. By Faye J. Jones and Toccara G. Jones
- Turner Syndrome. By Faye J. Jones
- Latest Employment Opportunities Posted on NASET
- Acknowledgements
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Buzz from the Hub
- How Experience and Environment Impact Our Early Brain Development
- Resources from the National Center on Accessible Digital Educational Materials & Instruction (NCADEMI)
- The IDD Toolkit: Tools to Enhance Health Care for Adults w/ Intellectual Developmental Disabilities
- OSEP Releases Two New Fast Facts: Part B Educational Environments and Part B Personnel
- National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making
And Many More Articles
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Special Education Legal Alert
By Perry A. Zirkel
© April 2025
This month’s update identifies two recent court decisions that cumulatively illustrate limits in IDEA cases, including the scope of the complaint and the statute of limitations, as applied to the substantive appropriateness of high-stakes IEPs. For previous monthly updates and related publications, see perryzirkel.com
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Update from the US Department of Education
Secretary of Education Statements on President Trump’s Education Executive Orders
U.S. Department of Education to Begin Federal Student Loan Collections, Other Actions to Help Borrowers Get Back into Repayment
Culturally Responsive Family Collaboration in Early Elementary ASD Classrooms
By Trilce Howard
Introduction
Family collaboration in education plays an important role in how students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are supported in the classroom. In early elementary classrooms, parental involvement and individualized instruction can significantly improve student outcomes. Families of children with ASD that are culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) oftentimes encounter barriers when engaging with the educational system due to linguistic and cultural differences, socioeconomic factors, and differing opinions on disability and education (Goldman & Mello, 2024; Harris, et al., 2014). Promoting meaningful family engagement in our ASD classrooms in a way that acknowledges and respects the diverse cultural values of our CLD families is key to a successful school-home collaboration. This literature review examines the impact of culturally responsive family collaboration, what barriers may occur in said collaboration, parental perceptions of disability based on different cultural values, and strategies for an inclusive family and classroom environment.
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The Impact of Sensory Materials on Calming and Regulating Special Education Students
By Joyce Vernadeth B. Cruz
Abstract
This article focuses on the use of sensory materials in special education for students with disabilities in the aspect of calming and self-regulation. These materials utilize all the senses to modulate sensory input which is a challenge for these students. For instance, tactile activities like playing with playdough or sand enhance fine motor skills and provide sensory stimulation that can assist in focusing and calming the child. In the same manner, sensory rooms which are equipped with items like bean bags, soft lights, and calm sounds act as a place where the students can go and control the level of stimulation they receive and calm themselves down. Therefore, the application of sensory strategies in the classroom not only meets the emotional needs of the students but also enhances their attendance and learning. But recently, studies have shown that scent-based sensory interventions are also efficient, and the students can improve their mood and cognitive functions. These interventions should be developed by a well-trained and collaborative team of educators, therapists, and families to ensure that the strategies chosen are appropriate for the student’s needs as it is. Thus, educational environments that adapt to the needs of all learners are created and developed.
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The Impact of Addiction on Individuals with Disabilities
By Dr. Faye J. Jones and Toccara G. Jones, MA, LPC-S, NCC
Drug addiction, also known as substance use disorder, is a chronic disease that impacts the brain and behavior, leading to an inability to regulate the use of substances such as legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications (www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/symptoms-causes/syc-20365112). This condition can result in continued use despite the harmful consequences it may cause. Substances like alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine are categorized as drugs, and their misuse can lead to addiction.
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Turner Syndrome
By Dr. Faye J. Jones
Turner Syndrome (TS) is a genetic condition that exclusively affects females (Turner's Syndrome - Search). It occurs when one of the X chromosomes is missing entirely or partially, and is often referred to as 45,X or 45,XO (Turner syndrome - Wikipedia). This condition can lead to a range of medical and developmental challenges, including short stature, undeveloped ovaries, and heart defects. TS arises from a random genetic error involving the absence of an X chromosome in the sperm or egg of a parent, meaning it cannot be prevented
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Latest Employment Opportunities Posted on NASET
* Multi-Intensive Special Education Teacher (25/26 School Year) - Multi-Intensive Center Special Education Teachers at Rocky Mountain Prep are essential to creating highly structured, inclusive, and achievement-oriented classrooms that support scholars with the most intensive needs in reaching their full potential. Grounded in equity, compassion, and individualized instruction, you will lead a self-contained classroom designed to serve scholars working toward alternate state standards (Extended Evidence Outcomes) and focused on building core academic, functional, daily living, and communication skills. To learn more- Click here
* Special Education Teacher ($2K Signing Bonus!) - The Special Education Teacher collaborates with general education teachers, families, and related service providers to create a supportive and inclusive educational environment that promotes student success and independence. The Special Education Teacher works in self-contained, collaborative, departmental, or itinerant capacity as assigned and reports to the Principal and Director of Special Education. To learn more- Click here
* Special Education Teacher - is responsible for providing instruction and support to students with neurological and motor disabilities. The Special Education Teacher will create and implement adaptive curricula, provide specialized instruction, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to support students' academic and functional development. To learn more - Click here
* Special Education Teacher - The Special Education Teacher is responsible for providing instruction and support to students with disabilities in accordance with their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The teacher collaborates with general education teachers, families, and related service providers to create a supportive and inclusive educational environment that promotes student success and independence. To learn more- Click here
* Student Learning Support Teacher 2025-26 - High Meadows School in Roswell, Georgia, approximately 30 minutes north of Atlanta, is accepting support teacher applications for the 2025-2026 school year. The school takes pride in hiring dynamic, compassionate, and diverse faculty and staff who are among the finest in their areas of expertise. To learn more- Click here
* Special Education Teacher - Join our team in the delivery of special education programming in collaboration with a dynamic partnership with clinical services in a school aged program. We provide small class sizes, ongoing supervision, and a comprehensive holistic approach to grade levels from kindergarten through eighth grade. This candidate will be responsible for the delivery of educational services to children in a classroom setting in a lead role. 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