Week in Review - December 31, 2021
NASET
WEEK IN REVIEW
National Association of Special Education Teachers
December 31, 2021 Vol 17 Issue #53
Dear NASET Members and Guests,
Welcome to NASET's WEEK 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,
WHATS NEW AT NASET
Special Educator e-Journal - January 2022
Table of Contents
Special Education Legal Alert. By Perry A. Zirkel
Buzz from the Hub
Update from the U.S. Department of Education
Mental Health.gov in English and Spanish
Teen Mental Health
Mental Health Resources
Sexual Health Education for Young People with Disabilities
Book Reviews
The New One Minute Manager. By Nohelis Mena
Swimming in the Deep End Four Foundational Skills for Leading Successful School Initiatives. By Elizabeth Vasquez
NASET Latest Job Postings
- Acknowledgements
New Autism Marker Discovered in Kids: Could Lead to New Treatment for Autism and Epilepsy
Why do so many children with autism often suffer from epilepsy? Northwestern Medicine scientists have discovered an important brain protein that quiets overactive brain cells and is at abnormally low levels in children with autism. This protein can be detected in the cerebrospinal fluid, making it a promising marker to diagnose autism and potentially treat the epilepsy that accompanies the disorder. Scientists knew when this gene is mutated, it causes autism combined with epilepsy. About 30% to 50% of children with autism also have epilepsy. Autism, which is 90% genetic, affects 1/58 children in the U.S. Appropriately nicknamed “catnap2,” the protein, CNTNAP2, is produced by the brain cells when they become overactive. Because the brains of children with autism and epilepsy don’t have enough of CNTNAP2, scientists found, their brains don’t calm down, which leads to seizures. Read More
How Assistive Technology Masks the Problem of Early Reading Difficulties
Assistive technology can be a godsend for schoolchildren with disabilities. Students struggling to see the written page, hear the teacher, or write legibly derive immediate benefits. When it comes to learning to read, the story is much more complex and, until now, largely hidden from public view. Utilizing assistive technology (AT) enables struggling readers to cope, but, as a substitute for effective instruction, it can become a crutch, with longer-term consequences. Oral testimony before Ontario’s current Right to Read public inquiry brought that revelation to light and it’s a key finding of the ground-breaking September 2021 report, Lifting the Curtain on EQAO Scores, produced by Alicia Smith and the Ontario branch of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA Ontario). Read More
Is COVID-19 a Disability? Answer: Sometimes
The EEOC has updated guidance clarifying when COVID-19 may comprise a disability under the ADA. In a new Section N of its COVID-19 guidance entitled “COVID-19 and the Definition of ‘Disability’ Under the ADA, Rehabilitation Act, and other EEO Laws,” the EEOC focuses on when COVID-19 is, or is not, a disability, and the resulting impact on an employer’s obligation(s) under the law. Importantly, the guidance clarifies that depending on the circumstances, COVID-19 can meet the ADA’s three-part definition of “disability” (i.e., “actual disability”, “record of disability” or being “regarded as an individual with a disability”) and provide protections to applicants and employees. However, not every individual with COVID-19 will qualify as disabled. Employers must assess on a case-by-case basis to determine if the requisite standards are met. The guidance provides multiple examples of actual disabilities and regarded as disabilities to further assist employers in their assessments. Read More
Personalized Learning Debates Put Too Much Emphasis on Technology, School Leaders Say
The COVID-19 pandemic—which had the effect of rapidly expanding the number of digital devices used by schools and forced teachers to learn online instruction on the fly—has been a big boost for personalized learning, most educators say. But that approach to customize instruction to individual students’ academic strengths and weaknesses and personal interests—is still likely to be more teacher-directed than student driven, and parents and students still aren’t sold on it. That’s according to a report released this month and commissioned by the Qatar Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on education, research, and community development. Here are some of the report’s top takeaways. Read More
Scientists Discover New Autism Biomarker in Cerebrospinal Fluid
Northwestern Medicine scientists have discovered a biomarker for one type of autism within patients' cerebrospinal fluid, according to a study published in the journal Neuron. This biomarker's presence helps establish a link between autism and epilepsy, conditions which often co-occur but whose conjunctive mechanisms remain unknown, according to Peter Penzes, PhD, the Ruth and Evelyn Dunbar Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, professor of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, and senior author of the study. "There's too much excitation and too little inhibition in the brain, which can impact both autism and epilepsy," said Penzes, who is also director of the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment. "This is the first report of a biomarker for autism in cerebrospinal fluid." Read More
Researchers Developing Artificial Vision, Bringing Hope, Light to Those in Darkness
Think of the brain as a sophisticated image processor. But when the eyes and optic nerve aren’t functional, can science bypass the obstacles? An implant developed right here in Chicago may offer hope and light to those who live in total darkness. Illinois Institute of Technology lab looks like a workshop full of stitching and spinning. Gold wire circles the perimeter of each device assembled. Combined, the tiny components have big promise. They’re designed to help the blind see … something. It’s a challenge Dr Philip Troyk and his research team have been working on for 20-plus years. “A person who is blind and doesn’t have information going from their eyes to their brain, we can bypass the eyes and the optic nerve and go directly to the brain,” he said. Read More
5 Tips for Incorporating Video Lessons in Learning Stations
Blended learning stations and flipped lessons aren’t new, and many middle and high school teachers are already incorporating these strategies into their classrooms. Either strategy can be effective for improving student learning, but what if the combination of these strategies—pairing video lessons that can be rewatched with stations that reinforce new learning—can create a student-centered learning environment? Adding short, flipped lessons into a station rotation provides a way to add targeted instruction that is self-paced and allows teachers to provide feedback and interventions as needed. Class sizes are growing, which makes it necessary to find creative ways to differentiate instruction while keeping students engaged. Flipped lessons are short, recorded lessons that you create to model or reteach a concept. Traditionally, students watch a flipped lesson at home, and then they practice the concepts they’ve learned at school. Read More
Still Waiting for Milk and Laptops? Supply Chain Mess Makes School Necessities Hard to Get
From copy paper to milk to laptops, schools are struggling to get the supplies they need to run their day-to-day operations, and experts say the situation won’t be resolved any time soon. Although students may not always be aware of the issues, school administrators who deal with procurement—whether it’s purchasing food, office supplies, furniture, or technology—are working nonstop to keep their schools stocked as supply chain nightmares have wreaked havoc for schools and other industries across the country. It illustrates how K-12 schools are part of—and beholden to—a global web of factories, ports, and distributors more than most people probably realize. The problem has been particularly acute for food services, an area where students are most likely to notice the disruptions. Read More
TRIVIA QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Congratulations to: Lauro Esquilona, Christa Pius, DeShanna Reed, Brittany Bright, Theresa Senn, Zenaida Lemus, Patsy Ray, Diane Campbell-Mitchell, Ellen Karnowski, Stephanie Jenkins, Cindi Maurice, and Kristi McGeehan who all knew the answer to last week's trivia question:
According to data collected by busyteacher.org (and according to Google), the average teacher does this around 1,500 times per day. That number, which equates to about three per minute in an 8-hour work day, is based on research that was conducted in the 1980s and 1990s, but is still widely cited in education circles today. But tack on all the new technologies now used by teachers and other factors in 2021, that number of 1,500 seems like it should be much higher in today’s world. What does the average teacher do around 1,500 times a day?
Answer: MAKE DECISIONS
THE TRIVIA QUESTION OF THE WEEK WILL RETURN ON JANUARY 7, 2022
The ADHD Brain vs. the Non-ADHD Brain
ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions diagnosed in children.1 This means there are differences in the ADHD brain that affect development. Children with ADHD may have difficulty paying attention to parents and teachers, following rules and staying on task, and behaving in appropriate ways. They may seem overly active, disruptive, and impulsive. Symptoms may change throughout their lifetime, but adult ADHD does exist and can cause difficulties in relationships, work, and everyday life. This article will detail the differences between the ADHD brain and a neurotypical brain (without ADHD), as well as provide information on treatment. Read More
What is Neurodivergent? What Parents Need to Know
"Neurodivergent" is a term used to describe brain functionality and how it differs in some people. There are different ways of perceiving, interpreting and interacting with the world, with “neurotypical” being the more common, or expected, way, and “neurodivergent” deviating from what is considered “normal.” Dr. Ashley M. Whitaker, a board certified pediatric neuropsychologist at Children's Hospital Los Angeles and the Curry Psychology Group, shared the key differences between neurotypical and neurodivergent. "A child’s brain usually develops along an expected trajectory, give or take a little, setting the stage for them to think and learn foundational academic concepts, social interactions and functional skills," Whitaker told TODAY Parents. "When this happens, we consider them neurotypical." In contrast, when aspects of brain functioning develop outside those parameters, a child may be considered neurodivergent. Read More
Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities Persist for Individuals with Autism
Often adults with autism can have several co-occurring physical and mental health conditions and, like in non-autistic adults, these may differ by racial and/or ethnic group. Researchers from Drexel University’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute recently published research showing autistic adults on Medicaid have increased odds of some health, nutrition and psychiatric conditions, compared to the general Medicaid population. The research also showed that many of the same health disparities by racial/ethnic group in the general population persist among the autistic adult Medicaid population. For example, Black, Hispanic and Asian autistic adults on Medicaid have higher odds of diabetes, and Black and Hispanic autistic adults have higher odds of obesity and nutrition conditions, compared to white autistic adults on Medicaid. Read More
NIH Study Suggests Women with Disabilities have Higher Risk of Birth Complications and Death
Pregnant women with disabilities have a much higher risk for severe pregnancy- and birth-related complications and death than other pregnant women, according to findings by researchers at the National Institutes of Health. Appearing in JAMA Network Open, the analysis of more than 223,000 deliveries in 19 U.S. hospitals found that roughly 2,199 women had a disability. “Additional research is needed to understand the reasons for this increased risk and to develop needed interventions to reduce it,” said lead author Jessica L. Gleason, Ph.D., of NIH’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Disabilities included physical (affecting mobility, physical capacity or dexterity), sensory (affecting sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell), or intellectual. Read More
Barclays Center Opens Sensory Room to Help Those with ‘Invisible Disabilities’
It’s a need the Nets and Barclays Center have recognized. Individuals with “invisible disabilities” — autism, dementia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other similar conditions — can experience sensory issues brought on by noise and over stimulation. That, of course, is an essential element of the environment in a sports and entertainment venue like Barclays Center. So, the team and arena has created a dedicated “sensory room” designed by medical professionals to provide a quiet reprieve for those fans, outfitted with bean bags from Yogibo, visual light panels by Nanoleaf, activity panels, bubble walls, and a custom tactile artwork created by an artist with autism. Read More
The Surprising History of Google's Push to Scan Millions of Library Books
Nearly 20 years ago, Google made an ambitious play to digitize the content of some of the world’s largest research libraries. It seemed like the beginning of a new era, when scholars and the public could make new connections and discoveries in the kind of mass digital library that had previously been the stuff of science fiction. But it soon became clear the actual plan would turn out to be far more controversial than its organizers probably ever imagined. On this week’s EdSurge Podcast, we tell the story of this ambitious book-scanning effort that sparked an epic legal battle among publishers, authors and technologists. Somehow, it’s a story that seems largely forgotten. Read More
How a New Guide Hopes to Improve Special Education Services in New Orleans Charter Schools
Navigating New Orleans’ all-charter public school system can be challenging for families — especially if their child has special needs. Now there’s a new guide produced jointly by NOLA Public Schools and the Center for Learner Equity that highlights some of the city’s specialized programs and how to apply for them. The ten programs, run by seven charter operators, are meant for students with cognitive and intellectual disabilities, as well as for students with disabilities requiring therapeutic behavioral support who are best served outside of a general education classroom for at least part of the school day. Read More
JOB POSTINGS
* Executive Director of Special Education - Willamette Education Service District is accepting applications for a full-time (40 hours per week) Executive Director of Special Education position. Successful candidate will work as a member of the Special Education Department and will follow a 240-day calendar. This position will be based at the Willamette ESD Marion Center in Salem, OR and will begin July 1, 2022. To learn more - Click here
* Special Education Teacher-Options Program - The teacher would need to be passionate about supporting inclusion in an academically rigorous environment as well as qualified to teach differentiated, developmental instruction based on student needs. The options Program teacher would help support success for both the student and general education teacher in the inclusion classroom. The teacher is also a key member of the larger Special Services team and should be excited to not only teach, but also work collaboratively to grow this new program. To learn more- Click here
* Special Education Teacher (All Specializations) - 2022-23 School Year - DCPS serves approximately 49,000 students in the nation's capital through the efforts of approximately 4,200 educators in 117 schools. As part of a comprehensive reform effort to become the preeminent urban school system in America, DCPS intends to have the highest-performing, best paid (Salary Range: $56,313 - $90,905), most satisfied, and most honored educator force in the nation and a distinctive central office staff whose work supports and drives instructional excellence and significant achievement gains for DCPS students. To learn more- Click here
* Potential Special Education Teachers 22-23 School Year - If you’re a passionate educator or professional looking for a place to build greatness—within students and your own career—you've come to the right place! Our greatness begins with our staff. If you believe each child is capable of finding their own greatness, and working hard to help them pursue their passions, you will fit in well at McPherson Public Schools. To learn more- Click here
* School of Education (Special Education),Tenure Track Faculty - We value the ability to serve students from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities 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
* Dean of the College of Education - A key member of the Provost’s leadership team, the Dean reports to and works with the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs. The Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer in the College, overseeing strategic planning; budgets; fundraising; curriculum; student recruitment and retention; faculty and staff recruitment, development, support, evaluation, and retention; program development; assessment and reporting; accreditation activities; administration; and community outreach. To learn more- Click here
* Laurence J. Adams Distinguished Chair McDaniel College & President & CEO Target Community & Educational Services, Inc. - McDaniel College in partnership with Target Community & Educational Services, Inc., both located in Westminster, MD., announce the search for a uniquely talented individual to serve the College as the Laurence J. Adams Distinguished Chair and to serve as President & CEO of Target, Inc. (Target), a human service organization. In this dual role, the incumbent will teach half-time at the College and coordinate McDaniel’s Human Services Management graduate program and also serve half-time at Target, the program’s internship site. To learn more- Click here
* Director of Special Services - The job of Director-Special Services is done for the purpose/s of planning, directing, managing, and supervising multiple Special Services programs; providing information, direction, training and implementation of Special Services processes; serving as a resource to others; achieving defined objectives by planning, evaluating, developing, implementing and maintaining services in compliance with established guidelines; and serving as a member of the leadership team. To learn more- Click here
* 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
* Physical Education Teacher - Works closely with all members of the dedicated, inter-disciplinary therapeutic team supporting the students and classroom. This teacher also collaborates 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 - Our Teachers assist in providing direction and support to those that work with the students and work in cooperation with Leadership to provide evidence-based, ethical services based on Sherwood Autism Center's philosophy of care, thus ensuring the highest quality of services is provided in a timely and consistent manner to all students. To learn more- Click here
* Elementary and Middle School House Administrator - Green Chimneys School offers an enriched academic environment with a vast array of innovative programming, including life skills, music and art, therapeutic animal-assisted activities, and outdoor education, all based in experiential learning. The fully integrated approach to education at Green Chimneys includes: Academics, Therapeutic Education, Clinical & Related Services, Animal & Nature Program and Vocational Education. To learn more- Click here
*ESE/ESOL Teacher - The ESE/ESOL Teacher at New Beginnings High School utilizes a blended learning approach that combines traditional classroom instruction with online instruction and activities. This model enables New Beginnings High School to offer a wide variety of courses and to increase the amount of self-directed learning that is so crucial to the post-secondary success of our customer. To learn more- Click here
* Faculty - ABSE Special Needs and Learning Disabilities - Lane Community College Faculty members are expected to be skilled educators, with a passion for teaching and continuous improvement in best practices that support equitable student success. The primary responsibilities of full-time faculty is to provide quality education and teaching in a range of community college courses, which may include transfer and/or career technical courses, and to engage in academic professional activities which advance the goals of the College and Division. Faculty members are responsible for following College and Division policies and procedures in support of teaching and learning. To learn more- Click here
* Middle School Special Education Teacher - The Halton School, an independent school for students with Asperger’s, is looking for a Middle School Special Education teacher. The teacher will provide special education instruction to students in a small multi-grade class. The teacher will utilize a variety of teaching methods to meet student’s educational needs and adapt and develop instructional materials accordingly. To learn more- Click here
* Director of McKay Academic Center (Academic Support) - The Dunham School is a PK-12, non-denominational Christian, independent school serving 785 students on one campus. The school offers fee paid tutoring, coaching, small group instruction and individual courses for students with a range of learning challenges including ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia and high functioning autism. To learn more - Click here
* Special Education Teacher - STARS is owned and operated by Occupational Therapists. You will be an employee and receive full benefits. Summers off with year-round pay and year-round appreciation. With a proven track record, STARS is able to offer you an unbeatable support system and resources. STARS is hiring for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years. STARS places Special Education Teachers throughout the Phoenix, Tucson and the surrounding area public schools. To learn more- Click here
* Middle School and High School Special Needs Teacher at the Anglo-American School of Sofia - We are a school of extraordinary families and outstanding teachers. We are an inspiring educational community - nestled in the stunning foothills of Mount Vitosha on the outskirts of Sofia. We are an exceptional IB world school offering children from 4 to 18 years a world class educational experience. We take pride in academic achievement, and value creativity and athletic talent with equal vigor. We offer a curriculum and approach that looks beyond the classroom and prepares our students for the challenges and opportunities that the world has to offer. To learn more- Click here
* Coordinator, Residential Program for Students with Intellectual Disabilities - Lakeland University seeks a mission-oriented individual passionate about creating a more inclusive world to develop and coordinate an innovative residential program for students with intellectual disability slated to open on its campus in Fall 2022. The program is designed to provide students with a residential collegiate experience while preparing them for the next steps in their lives, whether that would be continuing with higher education or moving into employment and the community. To learn more- Click here
* Special Education Teacher - This position is responsible for the instruction of educational programs and curricula for exceptional students. The Emotional Support Special Education Teacher develops and implements the Individual Education Plan (IEP) for each student and collaborates with members of the instructional team in the planning and implementation of behavioral and academic interventions and supports to ensure students receive a quality educational program. To learn mor- Click here
If you are an Employer looking for excellent special education staff - Click here for more information
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
I hope you realize that every day is a fresh start for you. That every sunrise is a new chapter in your life waiting to be written. Juansen Dizon
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