Week in Review - August 18, 2017

NASET

WEEK IN REVIEW

National Association of Special Education Teachers

August 18, 2017                                                Vol 13 Issue # 32

Dear NASET News,


Welcome to NASET'sWEEK in REVIEW.  Here, we provide you with the latest publications from NASET to read and or download, as well as some of the most interesting articles that have happened this week in the field of special education. We hope you enjoy this publication.  Feel free to send us articles for this publication or let us know your thoughts about the WEEK in REVIEW at news@naset.org. Have a great weekend.

Sincerely,

NASET News Team

NEW THIS WEEK ON NASET

NASET's RTI Roundtable Series


The Role of FBA in RTI2-B By Cindy Widner
This issue of NASET's RTI Roundtable was written by Cindy Winer and will focus on the role of FBA in RTI2-B. With the upcoming implementation of RTI2-B, it is imperative that educators understand the role of a functional behavior assessment in the process. One of the most controversial issues that arises within the RTI process is the responsibility of the implementation of components. The conflict stems from a lack of understanding, training, and direction in the FBA process. This article is intended to increase the understanding of who is responsible for conducting a FBA and how it can be done both as a formal and informal assessment.Read More

NASET's HOW TO Series

How To Understand Adult Service Agencies Involved in the Transition Process

Many different individuals come together to help the student plan for transition. Typically, transition planning is handled by members of the IEP team, with other individuals becoming involved as needed. It's important to involve a variety of people, for they will bring their unique perspectives to the planning table. The team draws upon the expertise of the different members and pools their information to make decisions or recommendations for the student.
In addition to the regular players at the IEP table (parents, student, special education and general education teachers, related service providers, administrators, others), when transition is going to be discussed, representatives of outside agencies may be invited, especially those who are well informed about resources and adult services in the community. Here's a list of four different agencies to consider, plus the ever-useful "Other" category. Each is discussed in some detail further below. Read More

NASET's HOW TO Series

How To Understand Age of Majority

IDEA's Exact Words

The relevant IEP-related provision within IDEA requires the following:
(c) Transfer of rights at age of majority. Beginning not later than one year before the child reaches the age of majority under State law, the IEP must include a statement that the child has been informed of the child's rights under Part B of the Act, if any, that will transfer to the child on reaching the age of majority under §300.520. [§300.320(c)]  Read More

Pattern of Marijuana use During Adolescence May Impact Psychosocial Outcomes in Adulthood

How an adolescent uses marijuana, in particular a pattern of escalating use, may make an adolescent more prone to higher rates of depression and lower educational accomplishments by the time they reach adulthood. Those findings come from a new study led by researchers from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Pitt Department of Psychology published in the journal Addiction.
"We know that cannabis use in adolescence is associated with outcomes like lower educational level, and difficulties with mood and depression, but through this long-term study, we've been able to provide a much deeper insight into this relationship, showing that certain characteristics of use may be more important than others," said Erika Forbes, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry, psychology and pediatrics, and lead author of the study. "The findings highlight that understanding marijuana use across the entire period of adolescence, which we know is an extremely vulnerable developmental phase, may tell us much more about detrimental long-term impacts than knowing about overall or one time use." Read More

Toddlers Begin Learning Rules of Reading, Writing at Very Early Age, Study Finds

Even the proudest of parents may struggle to find some semblance of meaning behind the seemingly random mish-mash of letters that often emerge from a toddler's first scribbled and scrawled attempts at putting words on paper. But new research from Washington University in St. Louis suggests that children as young as 3 already are beginning to recognize and follow important rules and patterns governing how letters in the English language fit together to make words. The study, published this month in the journal Child Development, provides new evidence that children start to learn about some aspects of reading and writing at a very early age. Read More

Autism Advocate Temple Grandin Says Video Games Can Negatively Impact People with Autism

Internationally renowned animal behaviour scientist and autism advocate Temple Grandin has used a meet and greet in regional Queensland the discuss the risks of video game addiction for people with autism. Professor Grandin, who has been diagnosed with autism herself, said she saw the negative impact of video game playing. "We've got to limit the screen time unless they're doing a college class online or something like that," she said. "What I'm seeing now is the kids who learnt how to work before they graduated from high school, they're doing well - I'm talking about fully verbal kids - and the ones who haven't learnt how to work, they are getting addicted to video games. Read More

'Are We There Yet?' Explaining ADHD Science to Children

Nobody will deny it: science is very complex. But it does not mean that only a select few should be able to grasp scientific concepts. Many recent efforts have been directed towards involving the public in the scientific process and broadening access to scientific data. Consistent with this approach, scientists at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) just published their research on ADHD in a most unusual academic journal: the Frontiers for Young Minds is an electronic scientific journal whose primary audience comprises children from elementary and junior high schools. Moreover, children are also involved in the fact-checking process necessary for any respected scientific journal, including the thorough peer-review of submitted articles. Read More

Maternal Obesity May Raise Risk of Depression, Psychiatric Problems in Children

A new study has found a link between a high-fat diet in pregnant primates and brain development problems in their offspring, and suggests that the same may be true for humans. Although the research is preliminary, it could have important implications considering the high rate of obesity in American women. For the study, the team from Oregon Health & Science University looked at 65 pregnant Japanese macaques, half of which were given a high-fat diet during the course of their pregnancy while the other half were given a normal balanced diet. The 65 monkeys gave birth to 135 offspring, all of which were observed for psychiatric problems. Results revealed that both males and females born to macaques who were fed the high-fat diet displayed more nervous and anxious behavior than those born to mothers fed a normal diet. In addition, further investigation revealed that on a biological level, offspring of mothers fed a high-fat diet had impairments in neurons that made the neurotransmitter serotonin. Read More

Very Preterm Birth Not Associated with Mood, Anxiety Disorders

Do very-preterm or very-low-weight babies develop anxiety and mood disorders later in life? Julia Jaekel, assistant professor of child and family studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Dieter Wolke, professor of psychology at the University of Warwick, co-authored a study to answer this question. The team studied nearly 400 individuals from birth to adulthood. Half of the participants had been born before 32 weeks gestation or at a very low birth weight (less than 3.3 pounds), and the other half had been born at term and normal birth weight. They assessed each participant when they were 6, 8 and 26 years old using detailed clinical interviews of psychiatric disorders. Read More

Child Abuse and Neglect Linked to Gender Inequality

Children growing up in societies that experience high levels of gender inequality -- irrespective of whether these are developed or developing countries -- are more likely to be maltreated. This is according to a cross-national analysis of data from 57 countries worldwide, conducted by Joanne Klevens and Katie Ports of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US. The results are published in Springer's Journal of Family Violence. Klevens and Ports analyzed data about severe physical discipline of children, such as being hit, slapped or repeatedly beaten, or child neglect (being left without the supervision of an adult). The source of the data was surveys conducted by the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and Demographic and Health Surveys conducted by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) from 2011 to 2015. Face-to-face questionnaires were completed by adult caregivers; they were asked about an index child in the household aged between 1 and 14, and about the levels of discipline this child was subjected to. Read More

Maine Could Face Higher Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Rates

Babies born in Maine probably will be more susceptible to physical and behavioral effects of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders because of higher rates of alcohol and drug use in the state compared to other parts of the country, according to a professional at a recent conference at Colby College. During the conference on fetal alcohol spectrum disorders - an umbrella term for the conditions that occur to a person whose mother drank alcohol while pregnant - Dr. Douglas Waite said 2 percent to 5 percent of the country's population have these conditions, and potentially up to 70 percent of children in foster care, as it's unknown if the mothers of those children drank while pregnant. But Waite said it's likely the numbers for Maine are even higher. Maine ranks as one of the states with the highest level of alcohol consumption and is also one of the states hit hardest by the opiate epidemic. Both alcohol and opiates, when used by a person who is pregnant, can affect the child's brain development. Read More

Virtual Reality Lessons Can Help Students Become Better Real-Life Teachers

Because Associate Professor of Education Mary Catherine Scheeler has spent her career concentrating on ways to make special-education teacher preparation as effective as possible, she spent her recent sabbatical speaking with individuals - some human and some not - who could help her heighten that effort. What's reality, Scheeler said, is when new teachers leave Penn State's College of Education, "they are ready to hit the ground running, they are good. But we're always looking for ways to improve what we do." That's where the virtual reality comes in. Scheeler invested some time getting to know a quintet of avatar friends named Ed, Sean, Maria, CJ and Kevin. They are the stars of the educational show named TeachLivE, which originated at the University of Central Florida in Orlando and is an avatar-based simulation for teaching skills that is being used at about 50 universities domestically and globally. Read More

Louisiana Seeks Proposals for Improving Schools for Students Who are  Deaf or Those with Visual Impairments

The state Department of Education issued a request for proposals Friday aimed at improving three special schools, including the Louisiana School for the Deaf. All three will undergo reviews by third-party evaluators, with a report due by the end of the year. "It is first and foremost an opportunity to improve these schools," state Superintendent of Education John White said. The other two that will undergo scrutiny are the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired and the Louisiana Special Education Center. The schools for the deaf and visually impaired are in Baton Rouge. The special education center is in Alexandria. Read More

TRIVIA QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Congratulations to: Janice McLaughlin, Teresa Pitts, Hilary Hollihan Leavitt, Jeanne Zucker, Michael Levine, Patsy Ray, Olumide Akerele, Alexandra Pirard, Laurine Kennedy, and Laura Malena who all knew the answer to last week's trivia question.

QUESTION:
What is the psychological term used for "a loss of interest or pleasure in things one used to enjoy?"

ANSWER:  Anhedonia

THE TRIVIA QUESTION OF THE WEEK WILL RETURN ON AUGUST 25, 2017

'Social Camouflage' May Lead To Underdiagnosis of Autism In Girls

Many more boys are diagnosed with autism every year than girls. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the disorder is 4.5 times more common among boys than girls. Boys appear to be more vulnerable to the disorder, but there is some evidence that the gender gap may not be as wide as it appears. That's because the symptoms of autism are often less obvious in girls than they are in boys. Girls can be better at blending in, says Dr. Louis Kraus, a psychiatrist at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, who specializes in autism. "Girls tend to want to socialize and be part of a group," he says, even though it may be awkward. Boys, on the other hand, "tend to be more isolative," says Kraus. Read More

Board Certification in Special Education Available to NASET Members

AASEP Logo
Through an agreement with The American Academy of Special Education Professionals(AASEP), NASET members now have the opportunity to achieve AASEP Board Certification in Special Education - (B.C.S.E.) at a reduced fee. AASEP Board Certification in Special Education - (B.C.S.E.) is a voluntary choice on the part of the candidate. The candidate for Board Certification wishes to demonstrate a commitment to excellence to employers, peers, administrators, other professionals, and parents. From the standpoint of the Academy, board certification will demonstrate the highest professional competency in the area of special education. Board Certification in Special Educationestablishes a much needed standard for professionals, across disciplines, who work with exceptional children.Read More

Special Education is a Right, Not a Privilege

Do all of Iowa's children with disabilities have access to the special-education services guaranteed them by federal law? If a ruling this past spring by an administrative law judge is any indication, they are not, and that finding could have major implications not just for the state's public schools, but for families in every corner of Iowa. As reported by the Register's Mackenzie Ryan, Administrative Law Judge Christie J. Scase issued a ruling in March that requires the Iowa Department of Education to reimburse an Urbandale family for the cost of the private tutoring they commissioned when their child was denied special-education programming at school. Read More

8-Year-Old Boy Raises Over $6K to Buy Best Friend New Wheelchair

A California boy decided to raise funds to buy a brand new, customized wheelchair for his best friend, whose current wheelchair had become ill-fitting -- and his good will gesture has already exceeded expectations. Paul Burnett and Kamden Houshan met in kindergarten. The two 8-year-old boys, who are headed for third grade in the fall, instantly became friends, their mothers told ABC News. "They spend a lot of time together," said Jenny Burnett. "They talk every day and every Saturday. We do a family dinner so he sees a lot of what Kamden goes through." Kamden was born with two tumors on his spine -- on the T2 and T3 vertebras, his mother Yvonne Houshan said. Read More

A Little More Conversation? Language and Communication Skills That Make All the Difference for Kindergarten

Promoting good oral language and communication skills is perhaps the most important thing parents, caregivers and educators can do to prepare children to enter kindergarten.
Having just completed my 17th year of teaching at Oak Grove Primary School in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, with over 800 students in kindergarten and first grade, I see children daily who have been exposed to models of good oral language. Sadly, I also see many who have not had these models and enter kindergarten at a disadvantage. Just like any other skill, learning to talk requires frequent practice. That's why it's essential that family members and others who interact with a child on a daily basis do all that is possible to encourage oral language. These everyday moments spent with your child are valuable opportunities for increasing these skills. Read More

How a San Bernardino Internship Program is Preparing Special Education Students for Real-World Jobs

San Bernardino City Unified offered special education students on-the-job training this summer close to home -- in the school district. "We have a transition services program for kids in special ed," said Chris LeRoy, San Bernardino City Unified School District Program Specialist, who leads the program. Over the past three years, 232 students have gotten jobs from the district's Transition Partnership Program, including at the Amazon Fulfillment Center and San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino. But this year, school board member Mike Gallo suggested using the district's existing internship program to give special education students additional training in real-world work environments, side by side with potential future employers and coworkers. Read More

jobs

LATEST JOB LISTINGS POSTED ON NASET


*Special Education Teacher - Noble is Chicago's highest-performing and largest network of public charter high schools. Our 18 campuses currently serve over 12,000 students, of whom 98% are minority, 87% are low-income, and 82% are first-generation college goers. We believe our people are the most valuable asset in preparing our students for success in college. For that reason, we are looking for the best talent in education. To learn more - Click here
*Special Education Teacher - LEAD Public Schools - Special Education (SPED) teachers are champions for the cause of equality within the school and make sure that their students' needs are being met.  Our ideal SPED teacher is passionate about supporting our students with IEPs, loves working with students who need the most support, is flexible, is coachable, and wants to grow as a teacher. To learn more - Click here
*Regional Special Education Teacher - Essential Duties & Responsibilities are to create, review and implement Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students, effectively progress monitor student achievement and gather evidence in order to deliver individualized instruction and supports that are aligned to students' goals. Plan and teach at least one section of reading, math, or English Language Development intervention, and/or plan and teach one section of PE (teacher's choice, i.e. yoga, crossfit, weightlifting etc.). To learn more - Click here
*SPED Teacher, Grades K-5 - Our public charter school is looking for a Special Education Teacher to join our team of dedicated educators in Yuma, AZ. Are you passionate about helping all students reach their potential? Do you love working in a bright, active, positive environment? Are you interested in joining a team devoted to helping all children succeed? To learn more - Click here
*Early Childhood Special Educator- Sterling Medical has an opening for an Early Childhood Special Educator to work with children of American military families stationed at Lakenheath AFB, UK. Position works in a home-based early intervention program, providing services to infants and toddlers of American military families stationed overseas. To learn more - Click here
*Director of Autism Education - Manages the Building Blocks program and staff of professional educators and behavior technicians. The Director of Education is responsible for the ongoing daily operations of the program in accordance with the VDOE and VAISEF. The Director of Education is responsible for setting the strategic direction for the program in accordance with current best practices in the field of autism education. To learn more - Click here
*Special Education Teacher - Provides instructional services to students with learning needs, diagnoses learning skill deficits and delivers prescribed instructional delivery methods as determined by Catapult Learning; consults with school personnel to coordinate efforts in providing services to students; communicates and conferences with parents providing information on student progress, co-teach with other educators. To learn more - Click here
*Certified Special Education Teacher - Prepare and help students transition from grade to grade and after graduation, monitor the facilitation of life skills curriculum, actively participate in program academic activities and perform administrative functions as needed.To learn more  - Click here
*Middle School Special Education Inclusion Teacher - Seeking two Middle School Special Education teachers for the 2017-2018 school year to teach in the seventh-eighth grade inclusion classes. Teachers will follow the students to each class and support special needs students alongside their typically developing peers by modifying instruction and making accommodations. Collaborative planning with the general education teacher is expected.To learn more - Click here
*Special Education Teachers- All Areas - Stafford County Public Schools is actively seeking qualified applicants for Special Education Teachers in All Areas. Please visit our website to learn more about our opportunities and benefits. To learn more- Click here

*Special Education Specialist - The primary responsibility of the Special Education Specialist is to provide instruction and other related services to Special Education students. The Special Education Specialist will also facilitate diagnostic assessment including administration, scoring and interpretation. To learn more - Click here

If you are an Employer looking for excellent special education staff - Click here for more information

Food For Thought..........

Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

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