October 2022 - Special Educator e-Journal
Table of Contents
- Special Education Legal Alert. By Perry A. Zirkel
- Buzz from the Hub
- U.S. Department of Education Disperses Funds to Support Parents of Children with Disabilities
- U.S. Department of Education Announces 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools
- U.S. Department of Education Awards Over $7 Million to Eight Organizations to Highlight Parent Voices and Support Families Informing Student Development and Academic Recovery
- U.S. Department of Education Releases Back-to-School Checklist for Parents
- Increasing Pre-service Special Education Teacher Skills on Performance Feedback Tosha L. Owens, Ph.D., Melissa E. Hudson, Ph.D., and Karen S. Voytecki, Ph.D.
- Safe Schools Checklist
- The Resolution Process in Part B of IDEA
- Book Reviews:
- Graceful Leadership in Early Childhood Education. By Shelbi Sworn
- Culturally Responsive School Leadership. By Alycia Brown
- The Impactful Instructional Leadership and Framework for Success. By Marceline St Louis
- Latest Employment Opportunities Posted on NASET
- Acknowledgements
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
© September 2022
This month’s update identifies two recent court decisions addressing various FAPE issues, including the “assess all areas” obligation, and, in the second case, the overlay of Section 504/ADA. For related publications and earlier monthly updates, see perryzirkel.com.
NASET Members- Login to Access the Full Article
Not a Member? - Join NASET
Buzz from the Hub
All articles below can be accessed through login:
- All About My Child
- Partnering With Your Child’s School
- Scripted Stories for Social Situations
- Understood Explains: The Ins and Outs of Evaluations for Special Education
- Getting Dressed
- And many more!!
NASET Members - Login to Access the Full Article
Not a Member? - Join NASET Today!
U.S. Department of Education Disperses Funds to Support Parents of Children with Disabilities
The U.S. Department of Education is announcing an additional $2.5 million investment to centers that serve a critical role for parents and families of students with disabilities across the nation. These supplemental grants to Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) ensure that all families have the information and training they need to participate effectively in helping their children and navigating the special education system. Two additional grants have been awarded to new Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs) in Arkansas and New York.
NASET Members- Login to Access the Full Article
Not a Member? - Join NASET
U.S. Department of Education Announces 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona today recognized 297 schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2022. The recognition is based on a school's overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Secretary Cardona made the announcement during his Road to Success Back to School bus tour.
NASET Members - Login to Access the Full Article
Not a Member? - Join NASET Today!
Department Awards Over $7 Million to Eight Organizations to Highlight Parent Voices and Support Families Informing Student Development and Academic Recovery
The U.S. Department of Education announced awards totaling over $7 million to eight statewide organizations under the 2022 Competitive Grants for the Statewide Family Engagement Centers (SFEC) program, underscoring the Biden-Harris Administration's ongoing efforts to enhance and increase parent and family engagement in local education. As the 2022-23 school year begins, and to help drive academic recovery, the Department is redoubling its commitment to providing states and communities with additional resources to support student learning and parental and family engagement.
NASET Members - Login to Access the Full Article
Not a Member? - Join NASET Today!
U.S. Department of Education Releases Back-to-School Checklist for Parents
The Department of Education released a back-to-school checklist for parents and families. The checklist, part of the Department’s updated back-to-school resource site, will help parents, caregivers, and families engage with local school and district leaders about how they are supporting students as they recover from the impacts of the pandemic. This checklist elevates key evidence-based practices for supporting students’ learning and mental health, and ensuring the safety of students and staff, which districts are encouraged to implement using American Rescue Plan and other COVID relief funds.
NASET Members - Login to Access the Full Article
Not a Member? - Join NASET Today!
Increasing Pre-service Special Education Teacher Skills on Performance Feedback
Tosha L. Owens, Ph.D.
Melissa E. Hudson, Ph.D.
Karen S. Voytecki, Ph.D.
East Carolina University
Abstract
Special educators are often placed in a collaborative leadership role, supporting others in implementing appropriate educational supports for students with disabilities across the educational environment. Furthermore, special educators are often seen as agents of change, often coaching peer-teachers to ensure best practices are being used to gain the most progress. This study investigated the impact of a training package focused on teaching performance feedback skills on the number of performance feedback statements made by 24 pre-service special education teacher majors during debrief meetings immediately following simulated teaching experiences. Results indicated that, prior to the intervention, participants gave their peers two and one half times more positive feedback than constructive and made themselves the focus of constructive feedback twice as often as their peers. Following the intervention, the number of constructive performance feedback statements given to peers increased while the number of positive performance feedback statements remained stable.
NASET Members - Login to Access the Full Article
Not a Member? - Join NASET Today!
Safe Schools Checklist
(2022, February) | Useful to parents, students, school leaders, and school personnel with respect to protecting the return to in-person learning against COVID-19 and its variants |
As we return to in-person learning in schools, parents and schools alike are concerned that COVID-19 and variants of the virus could all too easily shut down students returning to school, as has repeatedly happened since the pandemic began.
NASET Members - Login to Access the Full Article
Not a Member? - Join NASET Today!
The Resolution Process in Part B of IDEA
IDEA now requires that school systems convene a resolution meeting within 15 days of receiving notice that a parent has filed a due process complaint and before the school system initiates the due process hearing hearing. The resolution process became part of IDEA in its most recent amendments (2004).
NASET Members - Login to Access the Full Article
Not a Member? - Join NASET
Book Review: Graceful Leadership in Early Childhood Education
By Shelbi Sworn
The purpose and thesis of this book was to share some of the author’s professional journey and the lessons she learned on the road to leadership. It was a guide and resource for readers in search of support in leadership. Throughout the book, Ann Terrell defined leadership as graceful just as titled.
A few themes that stood out to me was that leadership is graceful which is the opposite of what we usually see in leadership everywhere but especially in education. It highlighted that leaders need a strong foundation. It reminded the reader to position themselves to be ready when an opportunity presents itself.
NASET Members - Login to Access the Full Article
Not a Member? - Join NASET
Book Review: Culturally Responsive School Leadership
By Alycia Brown
In the past, Khalifa worked as a leader teacher, a central district administrator, and a public-school teacher in Detroit. At the University of Minnesota, Khalifa is currently the Robert H. Beck Professor of Ideas in Education. In urban school contexts in the US, Khalifa's research has mostly focused on the idea of culturally responsive school leadership. In addition, Khalifa offers consulting services to schools and school systems across the nation, assisting them in conducting equity audits and correcting achievement gaps.
NASET Members - Login to Access the Full Article
Not a Member? - Join NASET
Book Review: The Impactful Instructional Leadership and Framework for Success
By Marceline St Louis
Becoming a leader and leading an organization is not an easy task. A leader must have the passion to lead the organization. The Impactful Instructional Leadership and framework for success is a book that everyone who plans to become a leader should read. The book provides lots of insights on how to become an instructional leader. The book emphasizes the foundation of being a good leader begins with having a sharp vision, creating a vision statement, and helping staff create their vision statement. The book elaborates on important key components that a leader must have to be an impactful leader such as creating why statement (vision), developing leadership skills, sharing leadership, implementing triangulated data (data worrier), coaching teachers, and using evidence-based practices. All these components can have positive impact on the organization if leader follows them with integrity.
NASET Members - Login to Access the Full Article
Not a Member? - Join NASET
Latest Employment Opportunities Posted on NASET
* [2022-2023] Middle School Learning Specialist - Reporting to the Academic Dean, the Learning Specialist will be responsible for providing tailored support to students with special education needs, through integrated co-teaching, in small group settings, or a combination of both. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned educator who is passionate about ensuring all students succeed and thrive in school. To learn more- Click here
* School Principal - We strive to give our clients support, resources, and the ability to heal through the work of animal-assisted therapy and nature-based learning all while developing the skills and confidence to grow into independent young adults. To learn more- Click here
* Special Education Teacher (Sign on Bonus) - The Special Education Teacher works closely with all members of the dedicated, inter-disciplinary therapeutic team supporting the students and classroom. Teachers also collaborate with parents and guardians to ensure the greatest wrap around services, school -to-home communications, and understanding of the student. Collaboration with our partnering school districts is also essential. To learn more- Click here
* Special Education Teacher - Hope Learning Academy in Springfield, IL is seeking a full-time Special Education Teacher to develop and implement assessment-based IEP goals, objectives, and education routines that provide a functional age-appropriate curriculum for the students. The teacher will prepare lesson plans based up on the students’ IEP goals and objectives and shall provide educational instruction to students as well as guidance and direction to educational specialist. To learn more- Click here
* Special Education Teacher - Hope Learning Academy in Chicago is seeking a full-time Special Education Teacher to educate students with low-incidence disabilities. The Special Education Teacher will work closely with the general education and special education school team to teach students according to their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and help students develop to their full academic potential while systematically increasing their social and independent functioning skills. To learn more- Click here
* Special Education Teacher, Learning Disabilities - Provides and is accountable for the planning, assessment, instruction, communication, human relations, safety, and management of a classroom or assigned instructional setting. Supports FCPS mission to "inspire, enable, and empower students to meet high academic standards, lead ethical lives, and demonstrate responsible citizenship." To learn more- Click here
* Special Education Teacher, Multiple Disabilities ES/MS/HS - Provides and is accountable for the planning, assessment, instruction, communication, human relations, safety, and management of a classroom or assigned instructional setting. Supports FCPS mission to "inspire, enable, and empower students to meet high academic standards, lead ethical lives, and demonstrate responsible citizenship." To learn more- Click here
* [2022-2023] Reading Intervention Specialist - Like all DREAM employees, the Intervention Specialist should demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission and values of DREAM and should have substantial expertise in all areas of responsibility. Candidates must also value DREAM's comprehensive approach to education and desire to make a lasting impact in underserved communities as part of a growing organization. To learn more- Click here
* [2022-2023] ELL Teacher - Reporting to the Academic Dean, the ELL Teacher will be responsible for designing and leading ELL instruction, and collaborating with school staff to provide English language support. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic educator who is passionate about improving student outcomes for all students, and eager to apply their vision for rigorous, whole-child education in a growing, collaborative school community. To learn more- Click here
* Special Education Teacher Preschool - Provides and is accountable for the planning, assessment, instruction, communication, human relations, safety, and management of a classroom or assigned instructional setting. Supports FCPS mission to "inspire, enable, and empower students to meet high academic standards, lead ethical lives, and demonstrate responsible citizenship." To learn more- Click here
* [2022-2023] Middle School ELA Learning Specialist - Reporting to the Academic Dean, the Middle School Social Studies Teacher will be responsible for building meaningful relationships with students, implementing a Common Core-aligned curriculum, and working with their grade team to analyze data to drive instruction. This is an exciting opportunity for an educator who is passionate about improving student outcomes by leading excellent instruction and building a positive school culture. To learn more- Click here
* [Immediate Hire] Middle School Math Learning Specialist - Reporting to the Academic Dean, the Middle School Math Learning Specialist will be responsible for building meaningful relationships with students, implementing a Common Core-aligned curriculum, and working with their grade team to analyze data to drive instruction. This is an exciting opportunity for an educator who is passionate about improving student outcomes by leading excellent instruction and building a positive school culture. To learn more- Click here
* Tenure Track Faculty - School of Education (Special Education) - We value the ability to serve students from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, ability and orientations. Therefore, we prioritize applicants who demonstrate they understand the benefits diversity brings to a professional educational community. The successful candidate will be an equity-minded individual committed to collaborating with faculty, classified staff, administration, and students who are also committed to closing equity gaps. To learn more- Click here
* Special Education Teacher-(Elementary, Middle, or High School) - The EC Teacher plans and provides for appropriate learning experiences for students with disabilities in a variety of educational settings. To learn more- Click here
* Student Learning Support (SLS) Teacher (Immediate Opening) - Rochambeau is committed to a diverse workforce representative of our students, one that embraces cultural competency and an international community. Diversity is the hallmark of Rochambeau, with over 80 nationalities represented in the student body. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the core of who we are. To learn more- Click here
* Special Education Teacher $2,000 sign-on bonus! - BASIS is seeking an experienced Special Education Teacher who is eager to develop leadership skills by serving as a member of the school’s administrative team. This is a teacher/administrator hybrid role whose primary responsibilities include the provision of special education services and supporting special education program operations as part of the administrative team at a school site. To learn more- Click here
* Special Education Assistant $2,000 sign-on bonus! - BASIS.ed offers an incredible opportunity to be deeply involved in an academic community that is dynamic, exciting and unpredictable. You'll join others in a highly social, supportive and collaborative environment. To learn more- Click here
* Special Education - Elementary Teacher - Career opportunities where you can choose your path. From coaching to administration, there are many options to grow your career, while pursuing your interests and passions. We are hiring immediately for a full-time Special Education - Elementary Teacher. Come grow your career with the Clark County School District! To learn more- Click here
* Special Education Teacher and Paraprofessional Positions – District Wide - The purpose of these positions is to help each student learn subject matter and skills that will contribute to his/her development as a mature, capable, and responsible adult. Provide a positive, healthy, and safe environment in which the student can achieve his/her maximum potential. 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