Week in Review - March 9, 2018

 

NASET

WEEK IN REVIEW

National Association of Special Education Teachers

March 9, 2018                     Vol 14 Issue #10



Dear NASET News,

Welcome to NASET'sWEEK in REVIEW.  Here, we provide you with the latest publications fromNASET 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 Inclusion Series
Learners with Special Gifts and Talents
In this issue of the Inclusion Series we provide a Video Lecture where you will learn about the:
  • Definition
  • Overview
  • Prevalence
  • Bright vs. Gifted Students

To watch Lecture - Click Here
NASET's Severe Disabilities Series
Comprehensive Overview of Speech and Language Impairments
Speech and language disorders refer to problems in communication and related areas such as oral motor function. These delays and disorders range from simple sound substitutions to the inability to understand or use language or use the oral-motor mechanism for functional speech and feeding. Some causes of speech and language disorders include hearing loss, neurological disorders, brain injury, mental retardation, drug abuse, physical impairments such as cleft lip or palate, and vocal abuse or misuse. Frequently, however, the cause is unknown. SLI is also called developmental language disorder, language delay, or developmental dysphasia. It is one of the most common childhood learning disabilities, affecting approximately 7 to 8 percent of children in kindergarten. The impact of SLI persists into adulthood.. Read More

Fish Oil and Probiotic Supplements in Pregnancy May Reduce Risk of Childhood Allergies
In one of the largest ever research reports of how a pregnant woman's diet affects her baby's allergy and eczema risk, scientists from Imperial College London assessed over 400 studies involving 1.5 million people. As part of the study, they found that when pregnant women took a daily fish oil capsule from 20 weeks pregnant, and during the first three to four months of breastfeeding, risk of egg allergy in the child was reduced by 30 per cent. The team, who were commissioned by the Food Standards Agency, also found that taking a daily probiotic supplement from 36-38 weeks pregnant, and during the first three to six months of breastfeeding, reduced the risk of a child developing eczema by 22 per cent. Read More

For Girls Who Mature Early, Psychological Problems Last into Adulthood
For the past 50 years, researchers have known that girls who get their periods earlier than their peers are more psychologically vulnerable as teenagers. They have more frequent and severe mental health problems, from depression to anxiety, eating disorders, delinquency, substance abuse and failing or dropping out of school. But next to nothing was known about how long those problems last. A new study suggests they could persist for years. Tracking nearly 8,000 girls from adolescence through their late 20s -- far longer than other studies have -- a Cornell University researcher says girls who get their periods earlier than peers are likely to experience depression and antisocial behavior well into adulthood. The study, "Age at Menarche, Depression and Antisocial Behavior in Adulthood," was published Dec. 26, 2017, in Pediatrics. Read More
Lithium Treatment for Bipolar Disorder Linked to Lowest Risk of Rehospitalization
Individuals with bipolar disorder have the lowest risk of rehospitalization if treated with lithium, according to a study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden published in JAMA Psychiatry. Long-acting injections of antipsychotics were also effective, reducing the risk of rehospitalization by 30 per cent compared with their oral counterparts. Bipolar disorder is characterized by alternating periods of depression and elevated mood (mania), and is usually treated either with mood stabilizing or antipsychotic drugs. Lithium is considered to be the most effective mood stabilizer, but only a few studies have been conducted comparing the long-term effects of different drugs in bipolar disorder. Read More
How Do Teachers Integrate STEM into K-12 Classrooms?
A team led by Michigan Technological University set out to find what makes STEM integration tick. Their research -- published in the International Journal of STEM Education -- followed several case studies to observe the impacts of low, medium and high degrees of integration within a classroom. They found that across the board the greatest challenge that teachers face is making explicit connections between STEM fields while balancing the need for context and student engagement. Emily Dare, assistant professor of STEM education at Michigan Tech, is the lead author on the study. She says different teachers have different approaches to STEM integration. Read More
Diabetes Drug Use During Pregnancy Linked to Child's Weight
When women take the common diabetes medication metformin during pregnancy, it may put their children at increased risk of having obesity or overweight. A growing number of pregnant women are taking metformin to treat gestational diabetes or a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a common cause of infertility and can put women at risk of developing diabetes and other metabolic health problems. PCOS affects an estimated 7 percent to 10 percent of women of childbearing age, according to the Hormone Health Network. When pregnant women with PCOS or gestational diabetes take metformin, the medication crosses the placenta and is passed to the fetus. 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

TRIVIA QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Congratulations to: Elizabeth Ciccarelli-Rosa, Cindy Widner, Teresa Stauffer, Diane Campbell-Mitchell, LaSonya Moore, Dennis Bunch, Hilary Hollihan Leavitt, Olumide Akerele, Melody Owens, Fadil Zeka, Cindi Maurice, Patsy Ray, Andra Hall, Karyn Greco, Stacy Millspaugh, Felicia Cassidy, Teresa Pitts, and Nieves Flores, who all knew the answer to last week's trivia question.

QUESTION: Under the federal law (IDEIA), beginning not later than the first IEP to be in effect when the child turns 16, or younger if determined appropriate by the IEP Team, and updated annually, thereafter, an IEP must include what services?
ANSWER:  TRANSITION SERVICES
This week's question:
According to recent research done at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, young adults who were undernourished as preschool children were approximately twice as likely to suffer from what type of loss when compared to their better- nourished peers?
If you know the answer, email us at contactus@naset.org by March 12, 2018.  We will acknowledge your correct answer in the next edition of the Week in Review

Scientists Link Genes to Brain Anatomy in Autism
A team of scientists at the University of Cambridge has discovered that specific genes are linked to individual differences in brain anatomy in children with autism. Previous studies have reported differences in brain structure of individuals with autism. However, until now, scientists have not known which genes are linked to these differences. The Cambridge team analysed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans from more than 150 autistic children and compared them with MRI scans from similarly aged children but who did not have autism. They looked at variation in the thickness of the cortex, the outermost layer of the brain, and linked this to gene activity in the brain. Read More
Genetics Researchers Close in on Schizophrenia
Researchers at the MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics at Cardiff University have discovered 50 new gene regions that increase the risk of developing schizophrenia. They have also used state-of-the-art information about brain development to accurately pinpoint new genes and biological pathways implicated in this disorder. The largest of its kind, the study examined genetic data in 100,000 individuals including 40,000 people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and also found that some of the genes identified as increasing risk for schizophrenia have previously been associated with other neurodevelopmental disorders, including intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders. Read More
'Social Brain' Networks are Altered at a Young age in Autism
As infants develop, they preferentially move towards and respond to social cues -- such as voices, faces and human gestures. At the same time, their brain develops a network of regions that specialize in translating these cues, known as the 'social brain'. However, a common observation in infants later diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is reduced sensitivity and attention towards these social cues during the first year of life. This apparent indifference to social cues is thought to ultimately hinder the normal development of the social brain at early developmental stages. A team of researchers from the University of Geneva (UNIGE), Switzerland, now brings direct evidence of this hindered development during the toddler to pre-school years in autism. Their findings are published in the journal eLife. Read More
Receptor Protects Against Allergies, Asthma
A special receptor on cells that line the sinuses, throat and lungs evolved to protect mammals from developing a range of allergies and asthma, according to a study from researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The scientists found that the receptor, dectin-1, recognizes a protein found in house dust mites, cockroaches, shellfish and other invertebrates, and responds by suppressing immune reactions to these common triggers of allergy and asthma. The scientists also found evidence that this protective mechanism is dramatically impaired in people who have asthma or chronic sinusitis due to dust-mite sensitivity. Read More
New Advances in Medication for Muscle Disease in Children
Spinraza, the gene therapy medication, also provides significant improvements in cases with the next most severe form of neuromuscular disease, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which afflicts children from 6 to 18 months of age. That is shown by a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). "The effects are convincing, and this reinforces results from the earlier study," says Mar Tulinius, professor of pediatrics at Sahlgrenska Academy and chief medical officer at the Queen Silvia Children's Hospital. In the earlier study, published in NEJM in November, Mar Tulinius also was responsible for the Swedish part. Then Spinraza was administered for the most severe form of spinal muscular atrophy, SMA type 1, which afflicts children before they are six months old. Read More
Behavior in High School Predicts Income and Occupational Success Later in Life
Being a responsible student, maintaining an interest in school and having good reading and writing skills will not only help a teenager get good grades in high school but could also be predictors of educational and occupational success decades later, regardless of IQ, parental socioeconomic status or other personality factors, according to research published by the American Psychological Association. "Educational researchers, political scientists and economists are increasingly interested in the traits and skills that parents, teachers and schools should foster in children to enhance chances of success later in life," said lead author Marion Spengler, PhD, of the University of Tübingen. "Our research found that specific behaviors in high school have long-lasting effects for one's later life." Read More
Preterm Birth Leaves its Mark in the Functional Networks of the Brain
Researchers at the University of Helsinki and the Helsinki University Hospital have demonstrated that premature birth has a significant and, at the same time, a very selective effect on the functional networks of a child's brain. The effects can primarily be seen in the frontal lobe, which is significant for cognitive functions. Premature birth is globally the most important risk factor for life-time disorders and defects in neurocognitive functions. However, current methods have not shed much light on how premature birth affects the early activity of neurons in the frontal lobe, significant specifically to cognitive functions. Read More
Personalized Stem Cell Treatment May Offer Relief for Multiple Sclerosis
Scientists have shown in mice that skin cells re-programmed into brain stem cells, transplanted into the central nervous system, help reduce inflammation and may be able to help repair damage caused by multiple sclerosis (MS). The study, led by researchers at the University of Cambridge, is a step towards developing personalized treatment based on a patient's own skin cells for diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). In MS, the body's own immune system attacks and damages myelin, the protective sheath around nerve fibers, causing disruption to messages sent around the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms are unpredictable and include problems with mobility and balance, pain, and severe fatigue. Read More

Almost All Adolescents in an Economically Disadvantaged Urban Population Exposed to Tobacco Smoke
Exposure of adolescents to secondhand smoke poses a public health challenge because it increases risk for respiratory infections, aggravates asthma, and is linked to an increased likelihood of becoming an active smoker. In a prior study, Benowitz and colleagues showed that 87 percent of adolescents in an economically disadvantaged population had evidence of exposure to nicotine, as defined by the presence of cotinine in urine samples. In this study, they set out to assess tobacco smoke exposure in this population by measuring levels of NNAL in urine samples. Benowitz explained that NNAL is detectable in urine for much longer periods after tobacco exposure compared with cotinine and that it is present only in the urine of people exposed to tobacco. He and his colleagues, therefore, investigated whether NNAL would be a more sensitive biomarker of exposure to secondhand smoke compared with cotinine, more likely to identify adolescents only intermittently exposed. Read More
Genetics Underscores Importance of Motor Deficits in Autism
Spontaneous mutations that impair proteins can cause motor problems in children with autism even in the absence of intellectual disability, a new study suggests. The findings indicate that motor problems are an inherent feature of autism. "People should pay more attention, when making the diagnosis [of autism], to look carefully at the kids' physical disabilities," says lead researcher Michael Wigler, professor at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York. The presence of motor deficits in a child with autism might also indicate that the child has a spontaneous mutation. The work appeared 6 February in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Read More
Study Finds No Link between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and ALS
German researchers have found that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is not more common in ALS patients than in the general population, despite previous suggestions of a link between them. The study, "Lack of an association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)," appeared in the Journal of the Neurological Sciences. ALS is the most common neural movement disease. But when and how it occurs and how it progresses varies widely. There are big differences in the age when it strikes, the location in the body where it is first seen, how fast it worsens, the kind of non-movement manifestations it exhibits, and its response to therapy. A lot of ALS patients have reported engaging in intensive exercise before their diagnosis, suggesting an association between physical activity and ALS. Evidence of this has been inconsistent, however. Read More
free IEP
DeVos Moves to Delay Obama-Era Rule on Minority Special-Education Students
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is seeking public comment on a plan to delay the implementation of an Obama-era rule that is intended to prevent schools from unnecessarily pushing minority students into special education. The Education Department published a note in the Federal Register on Tuesday that says it wants to delay for two years the rule that was intended to be implemented starting in the 2018-2019 school year. The department did not respond to a query about why it was doing this, but the notice says that it is doing it to make sure that the rule's "effectiveness" can be ensured. The Hill newspaper had reported recently that states, districts, superintendents and others had raised concerns about the rule. Administrators have expressed concern about the cost of implementation, while advocates for students with disabilities have said it is an important step to protect minority children. Read More
jobs
LATEST JOB LISTINGS POSTED ON NASET

* Early Intervention Teacher - Requires graduation from a four-year college or university with a bachelors and/or master's degree in early childhood special education, early childhood education, child and family studies, early intervention, deaf education, visual impairments, special education K-12, elementary education or communication disorders and speech language pathology. 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 Okinawa, Japan. 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

* Full-Time/Tenure Track - EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION - To teach courses in early childhood special education, core curriculum, and/or required for the CA Child Development Permit; teach face-to-face as well as online classes; maintain currency in the field of early intervention; knowledge of the Child Development Permit process; participate in the SMC Early Childhood Education Lab School with a focus on the early intervention assistant program. To learn more - Click here

* Director of Special Education - The Director of Special Education is responsible for leadership, administration, and supervision of all services and programs associated with the provision of special education in Council Bluffs Schools and for all instructional services provided in community-based programs for which the school district is responsible. To learn more - Click here

* Special Education Teacher - Jewish Child & Family Services (JCFS) provides vital, individualized, results-driven, therapeutic and supportive services for thousands of children, adults and families of all backgrounds each year. JCFS is currently seeking a Special Education Teacher to work with individuals and small groups of children (K - 12) with emotional and behavior disorders in a therapeutic special education classroom. The Therapeutic Day School is located in West Rogers Park, Chicago, IL. To Learn More - Click here

* Special Education Teacher - Year Round Facility School - Provide an optimal classroom environment and learning experience, Establishes and maintains strong classroom management, complete all academic and diagnostic assessments, participate with family and/or guardian and team in the development of IEP and facilitate and monitor activities in accordance with each child's IEP goals. To learn more - Click here

* Educational Director - Do you enjoy leading a collaborative team, utilizing your leadership and behavioral skills while positively affecting children with significant disabilities? Then consider joining Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health!Being an Educational Director at Devereux has its Advantages. To learn more - Click here

* Special Education Teacher - At Mastery, all means all. Nearly one quarter of our students have individualized education plans (IEPs) to help ensure they get the educational opportunities they need. As a Secondary Special Education Teacher you will work with a team of teachers, case managers, school leaders, and central office support staff to help push the boundaries of what's possible for your students academically, emotionally, and physically while also developing your craft. To learn more - Click here

* Special Education Teacher (secondary) - Linwood Center is currently hiring for Special Education teachers for Grades 9-12. The teacher will guide the educational process and provide specialized instruction at the secondary school level for students with autism and related disabilities in classrooms of four to seven students. S/he will use various techniques to promote learning, including individualized instruction, problem-solving assignments, and small-group work. To learn more - Click here

* High School Special Education Teacher - Tutor individual and small groups of students, reinforcing language and reading concepts. Schedule and conduct IEP meetings, coordinating schedules with parents, general education teacher(s), administrator, and all appropriate special education staff. Communicate with parents regarding individual student progress and conduct. Maintain progress records and record progress toward IEP goals. To learn more - Click here

* Instructional Specialist - The STEPP Program's mission is to provide students with learning disabilities who aspire to achieve a college education and who demonstrate the potential for postsecondary success with access and comprehensive support throughout the university experience. By partnering with these students, their families, and a variety of educational communities, the STEPP Program fosters a network of opportunities and resources to empower and support students from admission to graduation from East Carolina University. To learn more - Click here

* Special Education Teacher - Various - $50,000/school year (185 days), summers off with year round pay and year round appreciation. Special Education Teachers needed in Arizona (Phoenix and surrounding cities). Needs are in the self-contained and resource settings serving students with emotional disabilities (ED), Autism (A), Severe/Profound (S/P), and Intellectual Disabilities (ID). STARS is the largest school contract agency in AZ. STARS is owned and operated by Occupational Therapists. You will be an employee and receive full benefits. To learn more - Click here
If you are an Employer looking for excellent special education staff - Click here for more information

Food For Thought..........
The time is always right to do what is right.
Martin Luther King Jr.

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