Week in Review - May 20, 2022

 


 

NASET

WEEK IN REVIEW

National Association of Special Education Teachers

May 20, 2022                 Vol 18 Issue #20


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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

NASET's Career Center

The Pressing Need for Special Education Advocates

The National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) and the American Academy of Special Education Professionals (AASEP) recognize the increasing need for qualified special education advocates. In order to enhance this area of concern, they have created a comprehensive special education advocacy program whereby upon completion, you become a Board Certified Advocate in Special Education (BCASE).

With the increasing demands on the special education community, the goal for children to receive a free appropriate public education has often become lost in the ever changing political, monetary and regulatory environment. Therefore, the need for special education advocacy to ensure that children and their parents are protected under the law has never been more important.

The primary responsibility of a special education advocate is to represent the best interests of students in seeking special education supports and services under the law (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). Advocates are often former teachers, administrators, special education professionals, education specialists, and even parents. They may have expertise in areas like:

  • Teaching methods
  • Specific learning and attention issues, or other disabilities
  • Behavior strategies
  • Evaluations
  • Assistive technology
  • Mediating disputes
  • Knowledge of programs in different private and public schools
  • Special education law

A special education advocate assists families of children with any learning concerns. Some students have needs that are already identified, whereas other parents will seek advocacy support in helping them identify issues that may be affecting their child's learning.

Read More


NASET ADVOCACY - Board Certification for Advocacy in Special Education (BCASE)


In Louisiana, Push to Aid Students with Special Needs with Classroom Cameras Nears Finish Line

A Senate-passed bill aimed at paving the way for cameras in the classrooms of Louisiana's most affected special education students neared final approval Wednesday when it was endorsed by the House Education Committee. The measure, Senate Bill 45, cleared the committee without objection after several mothers pleaded with the panel to act on behalf of children with Down's Syndrome, autism and other ailments. "We have to have action to protect our children," said Eileen Jorgenson, who lives in Ascension Parish and has a 10-year-old daughter with special needs. Read More

Research Shows the Role Empathy May Play in Music

Can people who understand the emotions of others better interpret emotions conveyed through music? A new study by an international team of researchers suggests the abilities are linked. The study's results provide a foundation for future research that could test the impact of socially engaged music listening on social cognitive ability, and whether listening to music can be added to therapeutic techniques used in social skills training for individuals with autism spectrum disorders or schizophrenia. The findings were published recently in Emotion, a scientific journal of the American Psychological Association. Read More

Some Shunts Used After Epilepsy Surgery May Risk Brain Shifting and Chronic Headaches

Surgeons who observe persistent fluid buildup after disconnecting epileptic and healthy brain areas should think twice before installing low-pressure nonprogrammable drainage shunts, according to a study co-authored by Rutgers pediatric and epilepsy neurosurgeon Yasunori Nagahama that found chronic headaches could result from these procedures. The study in Operative Neurosurgery followed 70 children who underwent a connection-severing surgery known as functional hemispherotomy for intractable epilepsy between 1994 and 2018 to see if inserting permanent drainage shunts after surgery increased the brain's tendency to shift across the skull after surgery. Read More

NYC to Launch Two ‘Full-Time’ Virtual Schools, Top Education Officials Say

New York City is planning to launch two fully virtual schools, top education department officials said during a City Council hearing on Tuesday, though key details about how and when they will be created have yet to be revealed. City officials told local lawmakers that launching the “full-time” virtual schools will be part of the solution to high rates of chronic absenteeism and re-engaging students in the wake of pandemic disruption. About 37% of the city’s K-12 students are on track to be chronically absent, defined as missing at least 10% of the school year, substantially higher than the years before the pandemic. Read More



Elementary School Takes Language Back to its Basics with New Reading Program

It’s hard to tell who is more excited about the foundational literacy program at Regal Elementary School, the students or the teachers. Recently, third-graders in Kristin Lentz’ class were breaking down words and sounds with the help of Sally Dueweke, the school’s English Language Development specialist. At their desks and on a white board, they manipulated tiles – green for vowels, white for consonants – into the word “umbrella.” That’s a tough task for many 8-year-olds, who tend to skim past more difficult words during reading; sometimes they never learn them. But with Dueweke’s help, the students were able to understand yet another piece of the English language. The kids proudly showed their work as Dueweke beamed. Read More

ADHD and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Although we have all been challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic, those with underlying mental health and neurodevelopmental diagnoses have faced particular hardship. Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) especially seem to have struggled to effectively adapt to the pandemic, showing more vulnerability to its many challenges. Individuals with ADHD have showed a higher level of mental health concerns, difficulty adhering to preventive measures, and less economic success during the pandemic, as well as negative impacts on behavioral, emotional, and perceptual skills. Read More

El Paso Schools Experience Shortage of Special Education Teachers

El Paso schools are experiencing a shortage of special education teachers. While the shortage of teachers has become an ongoing problem because of the pandemic, schools say the special education department has been hit the hardest. “Those are our babies that have the most need so we need teachers in that classroom that have the ability to meet those needs and to get them to rise to that expectation and get them to rise to their level of ability,” said Bobbi Russell-Garcia, chief human capital management officer at the Ysleta Independent School District. Read More

Autism and Sleep Problems

Sleep problems are common in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and the consequences of poor sleep may be more profound in people with ASD. Prior studies of sleep problems and ASD were small and often cross-sectional instead of longitudinal. To combat those limitations, Beth Malow, MD, Emily Singer, MD and colleagues used de-identified electronic health records (EHR) to determine the feasibility of a chart review process within an EHR to identify people with ASD and characterize their sleep problems. The research team reviewed 230 EHR charts — 108 patients were male and 52 were female, with an age range of 6 through 30. Every chart was reviewed in its entirety by two reviewers for 13 sleep problems. They found that 86% of the patients had sleep problems, with insomnia being the most prevalent. Read More

 


 


Joubert Syndrome: Intellectual Disability and Defects in the Hippocampus

An important link has been found between the intellectual disability experienced by children with the rare disease Joubert Syndrome (JS) and defects in the hippocampus. The hippocampus is the part of the brain associated with learning and memory. It also plays a role in various neurological and psychiatric disorders. Joubert Syndrome is a rare childhood disease that leads to poor muscle coordination, developmental delay, abnormal eye movements and neonatal breathing abnormalities. It is estimated that between 1 in 80,000 and 1 in 100,000 newborns are affected by the condition. Read More

“Inclusion Should Not Be an Afterthought”: Education and Legal Experts Weigh In on Plan to Update Federal Regulations

For the first time in 45 years, the U.S. Education Department is planning to update federal mandates for how schools and colleges must accommodate students with disabilities. The department is soliciting public comments about how current regulations can be improved under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The passage of Section 504 was a landmark and hard-fought moment in the disability rights movement. It was a tremendous step toward ending disability-based discrimination and promoting full rights of people with disabilities in education and employment settings. But 45 years later, the promise of the law has not been fully realized. Far too many students lack access to appropriate supports and services and many face diminished opportunities and segregation from nondisabled peers. While the regulations in both 504 and IDEA communicate support for the idea of education in the least restrictive environment, many students continue to receive their education in highly restrictive settings. I hope that any update to 504 would strengthen support for inclusive education and make it easier for parents and guardians to exercise their due process rights.” Read More

Students Need Summer Learning That Doesn’t Feel Like School

Last spring, we looked to summer with hopes that the 2021-2022 school year would be different, easier, better. In many ways it was. Students returned to their school buildings, we had months of lower COVID rates and some of kids’ favorite learning strategies—like group projects, stations and flexible seating—came back. In other ways, this school year was harder. Earlier this year, America’s pediatricians  and the U.S. Surgeon General  declared youth mental health a national emergency. We are in the midst of historic teacher and substitute shortages. COVID remains, and students are still getting sick, or going to school with fears of catching the virus. Read More



TRIVIA QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Congratulations to: Lynne Shields, Cindi Maurice, Helen Brophy, Tracey Christilles, Katrina Snider, Jenifer Womble-Ericson, Christina Powell, Josie Suarez, Catherine Cardenas, Patsy Ray, Yvonne Harris, Karen Frantz-Fry, Roxanne Gongea, Diane Campbell-Mitchell, Lauro Esquilona III, Wanda Routier, and Rebekah Budziszewski who all knew the answer to last week's trivia question:

A new device is making the impossible possible for people with disabilities who play a certain sport. The first-ever Paramobile debuted in Greensboro, NC and it’s changing the lives of people who want to play this sport. The Paramobile is a game-changer and a first for Greensboro Parks and Recreation. The Paramobile is a motorized wheelchair that helps people with disabilities play this sport. What is the sport?

Answer: GOLF

This week's trivia question: In assessment in special education, there is a scaling test score measure where the average is 5 and the standard deviation is 2. If a student gets a 7, it is considered a high average score and one standard deviation above the mean. If the student gets a 9, it is the highest score and very superior (2 standard deviations above the mean). Conversely, a score of 3 is one standard deviation below the mean and low average, and a score of 1 is the lowest possible score (2 standard deviations below the mean). Scores can only range from 1 to 9. What is this scaling test score measure?

If you know the answer to this week's trivia questions, email it to us at contactus@naset.org by May 24, 2022 . If you are correct, you will be acknowledged in next week's NASET's Week in Review


How War and Displacement Traumatize People with Autism

The true pioneers in the neurodivergent community are mostly parents, siblings, and relatives of someone with autism. They have spent years reaching out to other parents and friends who also usually have a child on the spectrum, creating social webs, knowledge bases, information hubs. Inna Sergiyenko is one of these parents. Years ago, she became frustrated at the lack of support she was receiving in Ukraine for her son with autism, Misha. She realized that the main issue was a lack of structure and organization. “Ukrainians are used to doing everything on their own,” Inna told me one sunny spring afternoon from her northern Kyiv apartment (only a 10-minute drive from a devastated Bucha). “There are so many people and organizations in Ukraine, who have their own way of getting help. We thought if we could connect them somehow, horizontally, imagine what we could accomplish.” Read More

Minnesota Schools Press for Full Special Education Funding

A coalition of school advocates from across Minnesota gathered at the Capitol Monday to say the time has come for lawmakers to tackle the special education funding gap. That's the difference between the actual cost for school districts to provide those federally mandated services, and what they currently receive in state and federal subsidies. Data from the Minnesota Dept. of Education puts that gap at $822 million per year, money districts must pull from other parts of their budgets in order to comply with federal law. Read More

 



Lehigh University Special Education Law Symposium

Lehigh University’s virtual Special Education Law Symposium returns from June 19-24. Sessions recorded for later viewing. Twenty-eight experienced special education attorneys from across the country will present eight new “hot topics” from the very latest case law: dyslexia legal update, stay put permutations, liability for abuse of students with disabilities, navigating compensatory services and compensatory education, settlement strategies, and more with a focus upon COVID-19 implications. Legally Basic and Legally Experienced tracks. The Section 504 Coordinators Institute is an overlapping, but separable two-day (June 23-24) component intended for school district Section 504 coordinators and others interested in this increasingly important anti-discrimination statute. Dr. Perry Zirkel (PA) and Jose Martin (TX) will respectively offer (a) an in-depth comparison of Section 504 and the IDEA and (b) legal nuances for IDEA-eligible students who also present unique Section 504 factors. Kathleen Sullivan (CO) and Judith Nedell (CT) offer a full day of practical solutions to basic and thorny 504 challenges. Week-long and per day symposium options available. Balance of school and parent viewpoints. For more information, see go.lehigh.edu/spedlaw, or call (610) 758-5557. Read More


3 Ways Teachers Can Reduce Their Stress Level

Teaching has always been a career that can feel both physically and emotionally consuming. Now, add on a global pandemic, constantly changing rules and regulations, and widespread staff shortages. As a teacher, you can probably empathize with those who are feeling more overwhelmed now than ever—and maybe you are even feeling that stress yourself! While a lot remains out of our control, there are things we can do to help ourselves mitigate some of our stressors. Not only will we feel more energized and capable of being the best versions of ourselves for students this school year, but also we will build healthy foundations for our future. Read More

Concerns Raised Over Reading Recovery’s Long-Term Effects

A widely used, and initially successful, intervention for struggling beginning readers may hurt students’ reading growth in the long run, a new study finds. Reading Recovery was considered one of the breakout stars of the federal Investing in Innovation program, after a massive randomized controlled study found the literacy program helped struggling 1st graders gain significant ground in reading. But new findings from a longitudinal follow-up of the program suggest that by 3rd and 4th grades, former Reading Recovery students performed significantly worse than their peers who did not participate in the program. Read More

 



JOB POSTINGS

* [2022-2023] Middle School Learning Specialist - Reporting to the Academic Dean, the Learning Specialist will be responsible for providing tailored support to students with special education needs, through integrated co-teaching, in small group settings, or a combination of both. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned educator who is passionate about ensuring all students succeed and thrive in school. To learn more- Click here

* [2022-2023] 7th Grade Learning Specialist - Reporting to the Academic Dean, the Learning Specialist will be responsible for providing tailored support to students with special education needs, through integrated co-teaching, in small group settings, or a combination of both. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned educator who is passionate about ensuring all students succeed and thrive in school. To learn more- Click here

* Special Education Teacher - Autism - Responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating instructional activities for special education students. Create a flexible class environment favorable to learning and personal growth; establish effective rapport with students; motivate students to develop skills, attitudes, and knowledge in accordance with each student’s ability; and establish good relationships with parents and other staff members. To learn more- Click here

* [2022-2023] Middle School Learning Specialist - Reporting to the Academic Dean, the Learning Specialist will be responsible for providing tailored support to students with special education needs, through integrated co-teaching, in small group settings, or a combination of both. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned educator who is passionate about ensuring all students succeed and thrive in school. To learn more- Click here

* Middle School Special Education (Directed Studies) Language Arts Teacher - The Upper School Special Education (Directed Studies) Language Arts Teacher is given the duty of instructing students on such a level as to allow them to obtain proficiency in their subject levels at a grade-appropriate level. To learn more- Click here

* Rockstar Elementary Trained Special Education Teacher - Our school works as a team. If you are looking for a job where you can fulfill your passion for working with students with learning differences, we would like to hear from you. As one of the few schools in Oregon devoted to students with learning differences and the only one focused exclusively on middle school, Bridges offers its 5th through 8th grade students small class sizes, differentiated instruction, and a safe place to learn and grow. To learn more- Click here

* Educational Specialist - Environmental Charter Schools is seeking a talented and dynamic Educational Specialist with a Moderate/Severe credential who is passionate about ensuring educational equity for students with exceptionalities. This position provides the opportunity to partner with special education and general education teachers across three campuses in order to prepare low-income students of color with exceptionalities for college success. To learn more- Click here

* Special Education Teacher - We are recruiting for three Special Education Teachers to serve Quest Academy Day Treatment Center in Longview, WA for the 2022-2023 school year. These positions are full time, 192 day contracts. To learn more- Click here

* Coordinator of Academic and Disability Services - Centenary College of Louisiana invites applications for the position of Coordinator of Academic and Disability Services. This is a full-time, twelve-month position. Reporting to the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, the Coordinator will work closely with the College’s student success team and faculty to coordinate academic support and disability services in accordance with the ADA and in support of Centenary’s mission to prepare global citizens to live productive lives of vitality and purpose. To learn more- Click here

*[2022-2023] High School Learning Specialist - Reporting to the Academic Dean, the High School Learning Specialist will be responsible for building meaningful relationships with students, implementing a Common Core-aligned curriculum, and working with their grade team to analyze data to drive instruction. This is an exciting opportunity for an educator who is passionate about improving student outcomes by leading excellent instruction and building a positive school culture. To learn more- Click here

* Teaching-/Special Education (Elementary and High School) - Come join the largest employer in Montrose County and work in an area where you can enjoy scenic drives, wilderness treks, a round of golf, and visits to our many local restaurants or brewpubs. Montrose and Olathe offer a little something for everyone – shopping, fishing, biking, photography, camping, snowshoeing, Telluride skiing, swimming, motor-sports – you name it! We hope you can join us at MCSD. To learn more- Click here

* [2022-2023] 6th Grade Learning Specialist - Reporting to the Academic Dean, the Learning Specialist will be responsible for providing tailored support to students with special education needs, through integrated co-teaching, in small group settings, or a combination of both. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned educator who is passionate about ensuring all students succeed and thrive in school. To learn more- Click here

* The SEED Public Charter School of Washington DC:  Multiple Positions - SEED DC is looking for its new cohort of intentional, proactive, and enthusiastic teachers in Washington, D.C. As a SEED DC teacher, you’ll teach SEED DC’s curriculum in dynamic, participation-oriented classes and cultivate a learning environment that supports and encourages students to develop and realize their academic potential. You’ll also collaborate with other instructional staff, school personnel, and SEED DC’s senior leadership team to help advance SEED’s mission of supporting scholars to and through college completion. To learn more- Click here

* [2022-2023] Middle School Learning Specialist - Reporting to the Academic Dean, the Learning Specialist will be responsible for providing tailored support to students with special education needs, through integrated co-teaching, in small group settings, or a combination of both. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned educator who is passionate about ensuring all students succeed and thrive in school. To learn mor- Click here

* Coordinator, Life and Career Studies - 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 program for students with intellectual disability slated to open on its Sheboygan campus in Fall 2023. This four-year residential program is designed to prepare students for meaningful employment, as well as independent and community living. The coordinator will play an important leadership role in designing the program as well as overseeing its implementation. To learn more- Click here

* [2022-2023] 7th Grade Learning Specialist - Reporting to the Academic Dean, the Learning Specialist will be responsible for providing tailored support to students with special education needs, through integrated co-teaching, in small group settings, or a combination of both. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned educator who is passionate about ensuring all students succeed and thrive in school. To learn more- Click here

* The Lecturer/Senior Lecturer and Practicum Coordinator in Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education - will provide instruction and academic support to graduate-level students in the College of Education, primarily in the Department of Special Education and Clinical Sciences (SPECS). Course content areas will focus on Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education Methods and clinical supervision. Additionally, this position will be responsible for advising, mentoring, and chairing student masters applied project committees. To learn more- Click here

* [2022-2023] Middle School Learning Specialist - Reporting to the Academic Dean, the Learning Specialist will be responsible for providing tailored support to students with special education needs, through integrated co-teaching, in small group settings, or a combination of both. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned educator who is passionate about ensuring all students succeed and thrive in school. To learn more- Click here

* Special Education Teacher - The Moffat County School District truly believes that students, staff, families and community all play a vital role in the success and growth of our students and school district as a whole. As our district works on getting back to a new normal the following statement has never been more true than it is today. Moffat County School District strives to find qualified, skilled and motivated individuals to join our great team that is committed to educate and inspire students to thrive in an environment of change. To learn more- Click here

* Special Education Teacher - The Halton School, an independent school for students with Asperger’s, is looking for a 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 students' educational needs and adapt and develop instructional materials accordingly. To learn more- Click here

* Special Education Teacher (Multiple Positions) - Located in the Salish Sea off the northwest coast of Washington State, San Juan Island is the largest of the many islands in the world-famous archipelago of the same name. Approximately seven thousand permanent residents share this fifty-five square mile natural paradise. Connected to the mainland by ferry, float plane and small airlines, island living combines a cohesive small-town community with comprehensive services and commercial diversity unusual in a rural setting. The community has a comprehensive library, a state-of-the-art theater that features diverse performing arts, many wonderful restaurants, an historic museum, two national parks, miles of public shoreline, and a vibrant agricultural community. To learn more- Click here

* Strategist II: ID Teacher - Join Ames Community School District, where your journey matters! ACSD promotes an educational environment that is racially, ethnically, linguistically, and culturally diverse to broaden students' academic experience and to enrich our District. We are focused on creating and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organizational culture and in our community. To learn more- Click here

* Integrated Services Teacher - Join Ames Community School District, where your journey matters! ACSD promotes an educational environment that is racially, ethnically, linguistically, and culturally diverse to broaden students' academic experience and to enrich our District. We are focused on creating and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organizational culture and in our community. To learn more- Click here

* Strategist I Teacher - Join Ames Community School District, where your journey matters! ACSD promotes an educational environment that is racially, ethnically, linguistically, and culturally diverse to broaden students' academic experience and to enrich our District. We are focused on creating and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organizational culture and in our community. To learn more- Click here

* Behavior Interventionist - Join Ames Community School District, where your journey matters! ACSD promotes an educational environment that is racially, ethnically, linguistically, and culturally diverse to broaden students' academic experience and to enrich our District. We are focused on creating and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organizational culture and in our community. To learn more- Click here

* Special Education Teacher - Do you aspire to help children with diverse challenges build skills for their future? Are you ready to make a real impact in their lives? As a Special Education Teacher at Bancroft, you will draw upon a wealth of curriculum and clinical resources to design individualized student goals. To learn more- Click here

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


FOOD FOR THOUGHT

We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one.

Confucius

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