Week in Review - May 27, 2022

 


 

NASET

WEEK IN REVIEW

National Association of Special Education Teachers

May 27, 2022                 Vol 18 Issue #21


Continuing_Ed


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,

NASET Spotlight - Career Center

Professional Development Courses

To Access these courses: NASET Members are required to Login and then select the link of the desired course. Visitors may view the course list and explore the description of each course below.

Course Tests and Certificates are accessible only through the online course (upon successful course exam completion).

Please Note: Each of the following National Association of Special Education Teachers' (NASET) professional development courses entitle you to CE Study Hour. Each NASET CE Study Hour is based on the requirements of each course which are rated in hour(s) for reading, comprehension and the completion of an exam at the end of the course. Please be aware that NASET CE Study Hours are not a guarantee of acceptance of evidence of professional development by school districts, since every state and/or school district may have its own standards or requirements. To verify whether a NASET CE Study Hour is accepted by your school district or state, please contact your local or state education department.

Read More


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


With So Many Kids Struggling in School, Experts Call for Revamping ‘Early Warning Systems'

When one student starts to fall behind, act up, and disengage from class, many schools now have early-warning systems in place to signal a problem and intervene. But what happens when half the class—or half the school—throws up similar red flags? “If you just focus on the students who require intervention, you miss the forest for the trees,” said Carla Gay, the executive director for innovation and partnership, for the Gresham-Barlow School District, in Portland, Ore. “If you have a high percentage of students who are showing some sort of need for intervention, it’s more of an indicator of the health of the system.” That problem confronts many educators and administrators after years of pandemic schooling disruptions.  Read More

Wi-Fi on School Buses: Smart Move or Stupidest Idea Ever?

Will students really use Wi-Fi on school buses to do their homework? A flurry of reaction on Facebook to an FCC proposal that would provide funding for Wi-Fi on school buses suggests there are big potential benefits and drawbacks to the idea.  FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel announced a proposal on May 11 that would allow the use of federal E-rate funding for Wi-Fi in school buses. The proposal would clarify that the use of Wi-Fi, or similar access-point technologies, on school buses “serves an educational purpose” and is therefore eligible for E-Rate funding. Read More

Parents, Teachers Say Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is Valued and Needed in Schools

Experiences of trauma, isolation, illness and death during the pandemic have elevated the need to support students’ mental health. Last fall, the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Children’s Hospital Association declared a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health. At the same time, pockets of pushback on SEL activities in schools have created reluctance or limitations to social-emotional offerings in some areas. Other localities, however, report putting more emphasis on building skills for social engagement and self-discipline. Of the teachers polled by Teacher Pay Teachers, 81% said they are spending more time on SEL this school year than previously. Read More

House Panel: Juvenile Justice Reforms Need Coordinated School-Community Response

Several lawmakers and witnesses at the hearing of the House Civil Rights and Human Services Subcommittee also suggested youth be incarcerated only when they are violent or dangerous. “Preventing youth from ending up in detention is imperative,” said Ranking Subcommittee Chair Russ Fulcher, a Republican from Idaho. “We know that incarcerating youth greatly decreases their chance for a successful future.” He added that when out-of-home placement becomes necessary, detention facilities must be made safe for youth and provide opportunities for them to succeed. Read More


 


The Connection Between Emotional Regulation and ADHD

Emotional dysregulation isn’t part of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, according to the DSM-5. The DSM-5 is the reference that diagnostic professionals use to identify and classify mental health conditions. However, researchers estimate that about 70 percent of adults with ADHD experience difficulties with emotional regulation, some of whom don’t have any co-occurring conditions that could explain their heightened emotions. Children can also feel the impact. A 2016 study including 61 children with ADHD suggested that there might be a pattern of emotional dysregulation specifically connected to ADHD symptoms. Read More

 

Dopamine Makes You Feel Happy, But We Probably Still Have to Rewrite the Textbooks

A team of researchers at the University of Copenhagen has discovered a new piece in the puzzle of the brain's 'feel good' substance, dopamine. According to one of the researchers behind the new study, the discovery may facilitate the development of drugs for i.e. cocaine addiction and ADHD and is most likely to change the general notion of how dopamine is removed from the brain. "The textbooks probably have to be rewritten now." Professor Claus Juul Løland from the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Copenhagen feels quite certain. A team of researchers headed by Claus Juul Løland has just published a study in the journal Nature Communications. The study sheds new light on the mechanism transporting dopamine to the nerve cells. Read More

Concussion Symptoms in Children May Have Multiple Underlying Causes

Different types of brain damage caused by a concussion may lead to similar symptoms in children, according to research led by McGill University. A new way of studying concussions could help develop future treatments. While most children fully recover after a concussion, some will have lasting symptoms. The findings published in eLife help explain the complex relationships that exist between symptoms and the damage caused by the injury. The researchers found that certain combinations of brain damage were associated with specific symptoms such as attention difficulties. Other symptoms, such as sleep problems, occurred in children with multiple types of injuries. For example, damage to areas of the brain that are essential for controlling sleep and wakefulness could cause challenges with sleeping, as could damage to brain regions that control mood. Read More

Diet Plays Key Role in ADHD Symptoms in Children

Here’s a good reason for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to eat their fruits and vegetables: It may help reduce inattention issues, a new study suggests. As part of a larger study, researchers asked parents of 134 kids with ADHD symptoms to complete a detailed questionnaire about the typical foods the children ate, including portion sizes, over a 90-day period. Another questionnaire asked parents to rate symptoms of inattention – a hallmark of ADHD – in their kids, such as having trouble staying focused, not following instructions, difficulty remembering things, and difficulty regulating emotions. Results showed that kids who consumed more fruits and vegetables showed less severe symptoms of inattention, said Irene Hatsu, co-author of the study and associate professor of human nutrition at The Ohio State University. Read More

 

Reimbursement Available for Ga. Families of Children with Special Needs in Private, Home School Programs

Gov. Brian Kemp and the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) have announced reimbursement for families of children with special needs to now include private school and home school programs. “In my State of the State Address in 2021, I announced that Georgia would set aside $10 million in Governor’s Emergency Education Relief funds to offset costs that parents of students with special needs faced due to COVID-19. By now including private and home school programs, we have the ability to serve even more families,” said Gov. Kemp. “I am proud of the partnership between my office, State School Superintendent Richard Woods, the Georgia Department of Education, and state leaders for working to improve the lives of Georgia’s most vulnerable students. These reimbursements will help families overcome financial challenges faced during school years that were disrupted by the pandemic.” Read More


 


TRIVIA QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Congratulations to: Buffy Gill, Cindi Maurice, Diane Campbell-Mitchell, Karen Frantz-Fry, Donna Krieg, Cynthia Turcotte, Tracey Christilles, and Cheryl Brooks who all knew the answer to last 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?

Answer: STANINES

THE TRIVIA QUESTION OF THE WEEK WILL RETURN ON JUNE 10, 2022


Autism Subtypes: Understanding the Spectrum

The spectrum nature of autism makes it difficult to diagnose; it also means it is difficult to categorize. Perhaps realizing this, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM–5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013) merged the subtypes into a single diagnosis called autism spectrum disorders (ASD). While some feel the subtypes were flawed, others feel a single diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders may exclude borderline cases of autism. Before the DSM-5 replaced the subcategories with a single diagnosis, a patient could be diagnosed with five independent disorders according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev.; DSM-IV-TR; American Psychiatric Association, 2000). The subtypes listed under Pervasive Developmental Disorders were: autistic disorder, asperger’s disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified, and Rett syndrome. Read More

Study: ADHD Medication Use May Lower the Risk of Unemployment

ADHD Medication use may decrease the risk for long-term unemployment among adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, according to a recent study published in JAMA Open Network.1 The study found the association between pharmacological treatment and decreased risk of unemployment to be significantly stronger among women. Previous research has shown that adults with ADHD face an increased risk for unemployment. Pharmacological treatments have proven effective in reducing core ADHD symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, poor planning, lack of organization, self-regulation deficits, forgetfulness, and impulsivity. “However, less is known about the extent to which pharmacological treatment for ADHD is associated with reductions in unemployment rates,” the researchers wrote. “This is a critical limitation, because long-term unemployment is associated with economic difficulties, worse mental and physical health, and higher mortality rates.” Read More

 

Justice Department Secures Agreement to Provide Community-Based Services to Children with Disabilities in Rhode Island

The Department of Justice today entered into a settlement agreement with the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to resolve alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The parents of a child with autism filed a complaint with the Justice Department, alleging that Rhode Island failed to provide their minor son with community-based Medicaid services that the state had authorized. These services allow children with disabilities to remain in their homes and communities rather than enter residential treatment facilities. Read More

New York Senate Passes Disability Protection Package

The New York State Senate passed legislative measures to enhance inclusion, access, and protections for New Yorkers living with disabilities. Included in the package are bills to recognize Supported Decision Making Agreements, greater support of individualized education programs, and increased communication with guardians when behavioral intervention is used. The package will “strengthen and streamline resources, and correct historical tropes that are both harmful and inaccurate” to the disabled community. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “Protecting our loved ones with disabilities is crucial for their safety and well-being. This set of bills will help them thrive in our community and provide the tools they need to be more independent and successful in their day-to-day lives. I am proud of the Senate Majority's work to provide more rights and resources for disabled New Yorkers. I want to thank the Chair of the Disabilities Committee, Senator John Mannion, and the bill sponsors for their advocacy.” 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


Ice Cream Chain's Arrival Gives Those with Disabilities More than a Job

Phillip Lin is hoping to give people with intellectual and developmental disabilities a purpose and sense of fulfillment. Lin is a Triangle-based entrepreneur joining a broader movement to bring those with special needs into the workforce. Lin was approved to bring a Howdy Homemade Ice Cream franchise to Cary earlier this year. Part of Howdy's mission is to employ those with disabilities and Down syndrome. "My goal is to train and mentor them so they can either stay at Howdy or branch out into the workforce," Lin said. A fundraiser luncheon at the Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Cary for Howdy Homemade Ice Cream gets the message out that those with special needs have value and can contribute to the workplace. But it's not just about giving them a paycheck -- the vision includes competitive pay and benefits. Read More

Both Nature and Nurture Contribute to Signatures of Socioeconomic Status in the Brain

Your education, your job, your income, the neighborhood you live in: Together these factors are considered to represent socioeconomic status (SES) and contribute to a variety of health and social outcomes, from physical and mental health to educational achievement and cognitive capacities. The brain acts as an obvious mediator between SES and many of these outcomes. But the mechanism by which it does so has remained hazy, and scientific studies have failed to show whether SES's impact on the brain is encoded in our genes or driven by the environment in which we live. In a new report in Science Advances, an international research team led by scientists at the University of Pennsylvania and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam take strides to tease apart the relative contributions of genes and environment. Read More

 

Protein Linked to Intellectual Disability has Complex Role

Fragile X syndrome, the leading inherited cause of intellectual disability, is due to a genetic mutation that largely eliminates the fragile X protein, a critical element of normal brain development and function. The fragile X protein modulates neuronal functions, including neurons within the so-called GABAergic system that regulates the activity of neural circuits. The protein's absence throws that system off kilter, and so far, experimental therapies designed to reset the system by compensating for the missing protein's functions have not been effective in clinical trials. Now, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified a previously unknown role for the fragile X protein in the GABAergic system. They have shown that the protein regulates the opening and closing of the GABA-A receptor in neurons from the brain's memory center, thereby influencing how such neurons process information, a central part of learning and memory. Read More


JOB POSTINGS

* Special Education Teacher - Guides the learning process toward the achievement of IEP goals, establishes clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and is able to communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents as supervised by the building principal. 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

* Special Ed Intellectual Disabilities Teacher, ES, MS, HS - Provides and is accountable for the planning, assessment, instruction, communication, human relations, safety, and management of a classroom or assigned instructional setting. Supports FCPS mission to "inspire, enable, and empower students to meet high academic standards, lead ethical lives, and demonstrate responsible citizenship." To learn more- Click here

* Special Ed Learning Disabilities Teacher, ES, MS, HS - Provides and is accountable for the planning, assessment, instruction, communication, human relations, safety, and management of a classroom or assigned instructional setting. Supports FCPS mission to "inspire, enable, and empower students to meet high academic standards, lead ethical lives, and demonstrate responsible citizenship." To learn more- Click here

* Special Ed Multiple Disabilities Teacher, ES, MS, HS - Provides and is accountable for the planning, assessment, instruction, communication, human relations, safety, and management of a classroom or assigned instructional setting. Supports FCPS mission to "inspire, enable, and empower students to meet high academic standards, lead ethical lives, and demonstrate responsible citizenship." 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

* [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

* 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

* 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

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


FOOD FOR THOUGHT

What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. These are but trifles, to be sure; but scattered along life's pathway, the good they do is inconceivable.

Joseph Addison

Return to Week in Review Main Page - Click here

forgot username or password?