Week in Review - May 18, 2018

May 2018

NASET

WEEK IN REVIEW

National Association of Special Education Teachers

May 18, 2018                     Vol 14 Issue #19

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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 Career Center
Professional Development Course Free for Members Only
Exceptionality and Special Education: An Overview of Terms and Concepts

A Video Lecture Course - Special education is instruction that is specially designed to meet the unique needs of children who have disabilities. Special education and related services are provided in public schools at no cost to the parents and can include special instruction in the classroom, at home, in hospitals or institutions, or in other settings. This definition of special education comes from IDEA, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This law gives eligible children with disabilities the right to receive special services and assistance in school. Almost 7 million children ages 3 through 21 receive special education and related services each year in the United States. This lecture focuses on an overview of terms and concepts of importance in special education.
Topics covered include:
  • definition of special education
  • exceptionality
  • disability classifications
  • gender issues in special education
  • internalizing and externalizing behaviors
  • using correct language
  • accommodations and modifications
  • expectations for special educators
  • universal design for learning
  • inclusion
  • the difference between a disability and a handicap
This course contains two video lectures, an accompanying PowerPoint Presentation file and PDF of the PowerPoint slides for your notes. Exceptionality and Special Education: An Overview of Terms and Concepts
Troubling Stats for Kids with Intellectual Disabilities
By federal law passed in 1975, children with intellectual disabilities are supposed to spend as much time as possible in general education classrooms. But a new study suggests that progress toward that goal has stalled. Findings showed that over the past 40 years, 55 to 73 percent of students with intellectual disabilities spend most or all of the school day in self-contained classrooms or schools and not with their peers without disabilities. "Given the legal mandate, it is surprising that such a large proportion of students are consistently placed in restrictive settings," said Matthew Brock, author of the study and assistant professor of special education at The Ohio State University. The study is the first to look at national trends in education placement for students with intellectual disability -- previously called mental retardation -- for the entire 40 years since the law was enacted. Read More
Therapy Dogs are Helping Children with Autism Stay Calm at the Dentist's Office
Visits to the dentist can be scary for any child, but can be especially trying for many children with autism. Some can be unsettled by lights in their faces, or overwhelmed by noises from dental equipment. That's where Zucca, a therapy Labrador, comes in to help make things a little easier. Zucca is one of six dogs employed by Junto a Ti ("Next to You"), a non-profit that specializes in visits to the dentist for children with autism. All six dogs are female, because organizers say they are more docile, and they all receive specialized training. Raul Varela, the man who started the non-profit, noticed that his child, who has autism, had better social interactions after bonding with the family's black Labrador. He quit his job and became certified as a therapy dog trainer for children with autism. Read More

Chicago Special Education Parents Say Services Still Being Denied
Advocates say a survey they commissioned shows students are not getting needed special education services, proving that Chicago Public Schools' program needs to be independently monitored. The release of the survey comes one week before the state Board of Education is set to decide if CPS will face consequences for implementing a special education overhaul two years ago that a state inquiry said led to systemic denials and delays of services. The monthslong state investigation found that the overhaul - which included changes in the way special education was funded, a new procedural manual, and a new electronic data system  - prevented students from getting aides and transportation, among other things. Read More
Board Certification in Special Education Available to NASET Members
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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
One of the most important factors in ensuring student success is quality instruction by teachers. However, quality instruction can be a difficult goal if teachers do not have the resources to improve their skills and if rising levels of teacher stress go unchecked. "It's no secret that teaching is a stressful profession," said Keith Herman, professor in the University of Missouri College of Education. "However, when stress interferes with personal and emotional well-being at such a severe level, the relationships teachers have with students are likely to suffer, much like any relationship would in a high stress environment." Based on the most current research (from the University of Missouri), high levels of job-related stress affect what percent of teachers?
If you know the answer, email us at contactus@naset.org by May 21, 2018.  We will acknowledge your correct answer in the next edition of the Week in Review

Microsoft Launches $25 million Program to Use Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Disabilities
Microsoft is launching a $25 million initiative to use artificial intelligence to build better technology for people with disabilities. CEO Satya Nadella announced the new "AI for Accessibility" effort as he kicked off Microsoft's annual conference for software developers. The Build conference in Seattle is meant to foster enthusiasm for the company's latest ventures in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, internet-connected devices and virtual reality. Microsoft competes with Amazon and Google to offer internet-connected services to businesses and organizations. The conference and the new initiative offer Microsoft an opportunity to emphasize its philosophy of building AI for social good. The focus could help counter some of the privacy and ethical concerns that have risen over AI and other fast-developing technology, including the potential that software formulas can perpetuate or even amplify gender and racial biases. Read More
Correlation Between Secondhand Marijuana and Tobacco Smoke Exposure and Children's Emergency Room Department (ED) Visits
Children exposed to the combination of marijuana and tobacco smoke have increased emergency department (ED) visitation and otitis media episodes compared to children with no smoke exposure, according to a new survey being presented during the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2018 Meeting. This association was not seen in children exposed to only marijuana smoke or to only tobacco smoke. This is the first study to demonstrate the notable impact between second hand marijuana smoke exposure and child health. Marijuana is the most common illicit substance in the U.S. The goal of this study was to determine association between second hand marijuana smoke (SHMS) exposure and rates of ED visitation, and rates of tobacco sensitive conditions: asthma, otitis media and viral respiratory infections. Read More
Hostile Teachers Can Lose Students 5 Percent on Test Scores
Teachers who antagonize their students by belittling them, showing favoritism, or criticizing their contributions can damage their learning potential, a new study warns. Investigating the influence of teacher 'misbehavior' on student learning, a team of communication experts set up a teaching experiment in which almost 500 undergraduate students watched a video of a lecture. Randomly split into two groups, the participants watched either a lesson with teacher antagonism present, or a standard lesson, without antagonism. They then answered a series of questions about the content, before completing a multiple-choice test. Comparing the test scores of the two groups, researchers found that the antagonism group performed worse than the standard group. Test scores were up to 5% lower for those who watched the lesson with antagonism because they disliked what they were learning. Read More
Prenatal Marijuana Use Can Affect Infant Size and Behavior
Smoking during pregnancy has well-documented negative effects on birth weight in infants and is linked to several childhood health problems. Now, researchers at the University at Buffalo Research Institute on Addictions have found that prenatal marijuana use also can have consequences on infants' weight and can influence behavior problems, especially when combined with tobacco use. "Nearly 30 percent of women who smoke cigarettes during pregnancy also report using marijuana," says Rina Das Eiden, PhD, RIA senior research scientist. "That number is likely to increase with many states moving toward marijuana legalization, so it's imperative we know what effects prenatal marijuana use may have on infants." Read More
15-Minute 'Daily Mile' Could Enhance Health of the World's Children
Policymakers should consider introducing The Daily Mile to improve the health and fitness of schoolchildren around the world, according to new research led by the Universities of Stirling and Edinburgh. The first study of the popular Daily Mile initiative -- which involves children taking a 15-minute break from class to do physical activity -- has confirmed it improves fitness, body composition and activity levels in participants. The findings indicate The Daily Mile can help combat global problems such as low physical activity, high sedentary behaviour, declining fitness levels and high levels of obesity. The study was jointly led by Dr Colin Moran and Dr Naomi Brooks, of the University of Stirling's Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, and Dr Josie Booth, of the University of Edinburgh's Moray House School of Education. It also involved a number of other experts from Stirling and the University of the Highlands and Islands. Read More
Gene Disruption Signals Cerebral Palsy and Autism Link
University of Adelaide researchers have uncovered a genetic signal common to both cerebral palsy and autism. The finding comes from the first large-scale study of gene expression in children with cerebral palsy. The researchers, from the University's Australian Collaborative Cerebral Palsy Research Group in the Robinson Research Institute, also showed common underlying molecular pathways in clinically diverse cerebral palsy. They say both findings add significantly to the weight of evidence for underlying genetic causes of cerebral palsy. "Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability of childhood with a frequency of around two in every 1000 live births," says lead researcher Dr Clare van Eyk, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide. "We know that, like autism, it's a disorder of brain development primarily during pregnancy. But the underlying causes of cerebral palsy are still poorly understood." Read More
Long-Term Effects on Attention and Thinking Skills of Pre-Birth Exposure to Anti-Depressants 12 Years Later
Selective serotonin reuptake (SSRI) antidepressant treatment during pregnancy is associated with better performance on a computerized task to measure cognitive skills in 12 year olds, according to a new study being presented during the Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) 2018 Meeting. This study, led by Dr. Sarah Hutchison and senior author, Dr. Tim Oberlander, investigates the complex relationships between pre-birth exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, and thinking and attention skills in 12-year-olds. Dr. Oberlander is a developmental pediatrician and investigator at BC Children's Hospital and BC Women's Hospital + Health Centre, and a professor in the UBC Department of Pediatrics. Dr. Hutchison is a UBC postdoctoral fellow at BC Children's. Read More
How Parents Cause Children's Friendships to End
Making a friend is hard work. Keeping one is even harder, especially for young children. A novel study published in the Journal of Family Psychology sheds light on why childhood friendships fall apart and is the first to demonstrate that parents are an important source of these breakups. Looking at data from 1,523 children (766 boys) from grades one to six, researchers from Florida Atlantic University and the University of Jyvaskyla in Finland conducted a survival analysis to identify the characteristics of parents that predict the stability of their children's friendships. The researchers examined mother and father reports of their own depressive symptoms and parenting styles and used these reports to predict the occurrence and timing of the dissolution of best friendships from the beginning to the end of elementary school (grades one to six). Read More
Honor Society for Special Education Teachers
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People with OCD Process Emotions Differently than their Unaffected Siblings
A new study in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging reports that people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) feel more distress when viewing images to provoke OCD-related emotions than their unaffected siblings. Although the unaffected siblings showed lower levels of distress, they had higher levels of brain activity in regions important for attention. The findings suggest that the family members may draw on additional brain resources to compensate for potential abnormalities in emotion regulation. The study reveals an important difference in how the brain processes and regulates emotion between patients with OCD and their unaffected siblings. "This indicates that the brain function of people with OCD is a product of currently having the disorder, and unrelated to genetic or familial risk," said first author Anders Thorsen, MSc, of Haukeland University Hospital, Norway. Read More
Adversity Early in Life Linked with More Physical Pain in Adulthood
Experiencing trauma as a child may influence how much pain an individual feels in adulthood, according to Penn State researchers. Gaining insight about who feels more pain and why is important as issues like the opioid crisis continue to escalate. The researchers found that experiencing trauma or adversity in childhood or adolescence -- such as abuse or loss of a parent -- was linked with mood or sleep problems in adulthood, which in turn led to experiencing greater physical pain. But, the connection was weaker in those who felt more optimistic and in control of their lives. "The participants who felt more optimistic or in control of their lives may have been better at waking up with pain but somehow managing not to let it ruin their day," said Ambika Mathur, graduate student in biobehavioral health. "They may be feeling the same amount or intensity of pain, but they've taken control of and are optimistic about not letting the pain interfere with their day. They're still performing their work or daily activities while doing their best to ignore the pain." Read More

Run 5/18
Help with Homework Can Affect Child's Persistence
Different types of maternal homework assistance have a different impact on the child's way of completing school assignments in grades 2 to 4 of elementary school, according to a new study from the University of Eastern Finland and the University of Jyväskylä. Although all homework assistance presumably aims at helping the child, not all types of homework assistance lead to equally positive outcomes. Researchers in the longitudinal First Steps Study found that the more opportunities for autonomous work the mother offered the child, the more task-persistent the child's behavior. In other words, the child later worked persistently on his or her school assignments, which encouraged mothers to offer more and more opportunities for autonomous working. Read More
After-School Programs an Asset for Kids with ADHD
After-school activities might be just what the doctor ordered for kids with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), researchers suggest. After analyzing records on more than 4,000 children with ADHD, the investigators found that nearly 72 percent of them took part in one or more after-school activities. And if they did, they missed fewer days of school and had less severe symptoms of the disorder. "Anecdotally, we've heard that having a diagnosis of ADHD can sometimes be a deterrent for participating in after-school activity programs," explained study co-author Dr. Nicole Brown. She's a pediatrician at Children's Hospital at Montefiore in New York City. Read More

jobs
LATEST JOB LISTINGS POSTED ON NASET

* Science Test Developer, Alernate Assessment -The Science Test Developer will lead state assessment projects and tasks that include the development and management of Science Assessment programs. Responsibilities include: Managing the review, revision, and delivery of Science test items and ensuring item quality. To learn more - Click here

* Learning Specialist -Bennett Day School is a progressive independent day school looking for passionate educators with innovative spirit and rich background in adolescent learning and school experience.  We are a new type of independent school; unabashed believers in the values of progressive education, we put students at the center of the process of learning. To learn more - Click here

* Special Education Teachers-All Areas - Stafford County Public Schools is actively seeking certified Special Education-All Areas Teachers for the upcoming 2018-2019 school year. We also offer Travel Reimbursement for out of state applicants available ONLY with a signed contract. To learn more - Click here

* Special Education Teacher - DHH (2 positions open) - The teacher will implement into daily instruction appropriate educational curriculum based on the Nevada State Standards and the CCSD Curriculum Essentials Framework (CEF) or secondary syllabi into daily student instruction. The teacher will create and maintain an educational atmosphere that encourages effective student learning and supports school and district programs and goals. To learn more - Click here

* Chief Operating Officer - Criterion Child Enrichment is conducting a search for a Chief Operating Officer. Founded in 1985 as a not-for-profit organization, Criterion has served families for over 30 years and is a leading provider of early childhood education and early intervention services. Each year the agency serves over 7000 families through a program network that extends throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  The Chief Operating Officer will be responsible for implementation of Criterion's Mission and Strategic Plans and will supervise a Divisional Director who is responsible for the day to day operation of programs and services. Criterion's corporate office is located within a 40 minute drive of downtown Boston. To learn more - Click here

* Learning Consultant - St. Joseph's Academy is a college preparatory high school sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet located in St. Louis, Missouri. Our mission at the Academy is to provide quality Catholic education for young women in an environment that challenges them to grow in faith, knowledge and respect for self and others. Our community expects these young women to make a profound impact in the world. To learn more - Click here

* Core Faculty and Chairperson - Antioch University Midwest is seeking Core Faculty and Chairperson that specializes in Special Education that is part of the Division of Education and Interdisciplinary Studies at Antioch University Midwest, located in Yellow Springs, OH. The applicants must have a strong P-12 background and a commitment to teaching excellence for our expanding graduate licensure programs. 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 EDIS. 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

* Family Assistant - Working single parent with 5 children, aged 8 through 16, seeks an experienced Family Assistant in Lake Forest to join the household team. The ideal candidate has an active, fun, easy-going personality and will enjoy a bustling household with a pool, tennis court, game room, etc. Education degree or certification in special education required. To learn more - Click here

* Special Education Teacher - Wayfinder Family Services (Wayfinder), formally known as Junior Blind of America, is looking for a Special Education Teacher. Wayfinder's Special Education School provides the best possible services to its students. Our non-public special education school is an individualized, non-academic school for students, ages three through 21, who are multi-disabled and blind or visually impaired. 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
If you are an Employer looking for excellent special education staff - Click here for more information
Food For Thought..........
Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.
Les Brown

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