| November 13, 2009 | News for special education professionals |
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- Hip-hop used to improve reading among students with special needs
Created by a hip-hop artist to help struggling readers, H.E.L.P. -- Hip-Hop Educational Literacy Program -- features workbooks for relating hip-hop lyrics to school curriculum to improve student reading. Gabriel Benn, the artist who created the books, said data show that when teachers used the program with students who have special needs, students met their individual goals in skills such as editing, grammar and critical thinking 90% of the time. The Gazette (Gaithersburg, Md.)
(11/11)
     
- Fewer girls than boys at Texas school for students who are gifted
Educators at Houston's Rainard School for Gifted Students say the lower representation of girls in its student body may reflect a tendency by them to conform instead of taking on more challenging coursework. Female students may be also be less willing to give up social connections to attend specialized schools, said Jennifer Dunham, who runs Rainard with her husband. Dunham said that many of Rainard's students -- just 25% of whom are girls -- have come from schools where they were bored, unchallenged or felt like they did not fit in. Houston Chronicle
(11/11)
 | Turn struggling readers into purposeful readers
Dr. Roger Farr's unique approach to reading intervention provides the structure and sociability to make reading fun and meaningful for struggling readers in grades 4-12. Learn more. |
| Educational Leadership |  | |
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- Philanthropist grandmother talks about her fight against autism
 Since its creation in 2005, Autism Speaks has grown to become the largest autism advocacy organization in the country, if not the world, says group co-founder Suzanne Wright in this interview. Wright and her media-mogul husband, Bob, were drawn to the cause after their grandson was diagnosed with the disorder. Their work, she said, has lead to changes. "Now every child is mandated by the American Academy of Pediatrics to be screened for autism at 18 and 24 months," Wright said. MSNBC/NBC News
(11/12)
- Economic recession to blame for fewer available teaching jobs
While widespread hiring in education was the norm just a few years ago, the national economic crisis is being blamed for making it more difficult for recently certified teachers to find teaching jobs. One Texas school district recently received about 5,000 applications to fill 322 teacher jobs. But research shows there is still a shortage of math teachers nationwide, and experts are urging education graduates to be flexible and receive training in hard-to-fill areas such as special education. Google/The Associated Press
(11/12)
| Technology Trends | | |
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- Web site offers online tutorials in applied behavioral analysis
The Rethink Autism Web site features online tutorials on applied behavioral analysis, one of the most expensive and desired treatments for children with autism, according to this ABC News blog post. Jamie Pagliaro of Rethink Autism said the Web-based program is meant to help families that might not otherwise have access to ABA. "[It] shouldn't preclude you from having access to the tools and the information that could potentially make a difference for your child," she said. ABC News/The World Newser blog
(11/12)
| Policy News | | |
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- Washington, D.C., officials must protect its residents with disabilities
 Officials in Washington, D.C., must remain vigilant in supervising improvements to group homes for people with disabilities managed by a politically connected nonprofit, writes the editorial board of The Washington Post. The writers question the city's decision to allow Individual Development Inc. to remain operating with a promise of improvements as part of a court settlement rather than pushing for more oversight. The nonprofit is accused of taking millions in government money while providing substandard care. The Washington Post
(11/13)
- Groups dispute specifics of funding guidance for autism research
Recent recommendations by a committee charged with guiding federal funding for autism research are being interpreted differently by two advocacy groups. Autism Speaks, which has sought research into a possible link between autism and vaccines, said it was "encouraged" by the committee's inclusion of vaccine safety as a possible area of study. The Autism Science Foundation, which is skeptical of a vaccine link, called the statement "misleading," arguing that in removing from its report all but one vague reference to vaccines, the committee affirmed there is no need for further study. Disability Scoop
(11/12)
- Opinion: Guidelines will not help put effective teachers in poor schools
By not including specific provisions in the latest federal education grant criteria to end practices that put unprepared and unqualified educators in the most disadvantaged schools, Education Secretary Arne Duncan and the Obama administration have missed an opportunity to ensure real progress in education reform, writes the editorial board of the New York Times. Until this problem is addressed, argue the writers, these practices will continue to have a negative effect on children in low-income areas. The New York Times (free registration)
(11/12)
| Eye on Exceptionalities | | |
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- Rose Parade to include first marching band with visual impairments
The marching band at the Ohio State School for the Blind will become the first group with visual impairments to perform in California's Rose Parade on New Year's Day. Student band members at a nearby high school will perform concerts locally to help them raise the $10,000 they need to make the cross-country trip. The two bands first collaborated in April in an event titled "Peace and Inclusion through Music." The Cincinnati Enquirer
(11/12)
| CEC Spotlight | | |
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Great supervision resource for teachers and administrators
"Supervising Paraeducators in Educational Settings: A Team Approach" is a valuable tool for teachers, administrators and other professionals working with paraeducators that focuses on effective communication and management strategies. When working in a true team environment, the students become the ultimate winners. Find out more.
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- Wednesday, November 11, 2009
- Tuesday, November 10, 2009
- Monday, November 09, 2009
- Friday, November 06, 2009
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