Fw: October 2, 2009 - Charter school brings together students of different abilities

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October 2, 2009

News for special education professionals

Curriculum & Instruction

Charter school brings together students of different abilitiesThe recently opened East Orange/Bailes campus of UCP of Central Florida is an inclusive school, mingling students with and without disabilities. The $9.6 million facility offers education through third grade, starting with infant early-intervention programs. Features include small class sizes, well-trained teachers and facility accommodations for children with a variety of physical or mental impairments. Organizers say the school aims to have 50% of enrollment be students with disabilities and prepare them for mainstream programs. Orlando Sentinel (Fla.) (10/1)

Excursions offer learning experiences to children with disabilitiesSome South Carolina children with special needs can take part in four excursions a year thanks to Toomey's Kids, a nonprofit that serves children with special needs in two of the state's counties. "Right now, I'm doing an ocean unit, so this is really helpful with classroom learning, and it comes back to that," a special-education teacher said of a recent Toomey's Kids fishing trip. The Sun News (Myrtle Beach, S.C.) (10/1)

Researchers study use of video games in learningResearchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are studying how teachers might use video games in the classroom to foster student learning. As part of their research, students will be observed playing "Urban Science," an educational video game that allows them to work as city planners. Researchers hope to develop an assessment system to offer students instant feedback about their academic progress. eSchool News (9/30)

Research study proves The PCI Reading Program delivers substantial success for nonreaders. Designed for students with cognitive disabilities who have not learned to read with traditional or multi-sensory phonics-based programs. The PCI Reading Program helps students achieve higher sight-word assessment scores. CLICK HERE to read the report.

Educational Leadership

D.C. makes a start on improving special educationSome education officials in Washington, D.C., say that a reduction in the backlog of hearings signal an important improvement in the city's efforts on special education. Others say the clearing of cases from 1,000 to 75 is promising but not a solution. "For us, the special ed reform effort isn't just about bringing the backlog down, because you can actually do that without actually solving the problem," said D.C. School Chancellor Rhee. WJLA-TV (Washington, D.C.) (10/1)

Other News

Opinion: Special education has become too broad a classificationGreenwich Time (Conn.) (9/30)

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Technology Trends

Traveling center brings technology to students who cannot hearThe Listening Bus, a service of the National Deaf Children's Society in England, is packed with accessibility technology to demonstrate at schools. Children, parents and educators learn about options for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, such as phones that use video or text and alarm clocks that vibrate. Sunderland Echo (U.K.) (10/1)

Web sites focus on phonics for childrenA roundup of educational Web sites offering reading curriculum suggests four destinations for innovative phonics learning. The sites are critiqued for appearance, ease of use and quality. Tools and techniques range from interactive, age-appropriate reading games for children to printable flashcards, worksheets and books for educators to use with students. The Boston Globe (10/2)

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Policy News

Poor scores lead to state takeover of school for children who are deafAfter a unanimous vote by the Rhode Island Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education, the state will assume control of the Rhode Island School for the Deaf. Although the school's board of trustees object to the takeover, exam scores were a deciding factor: on latest standardized tests, only 10% of students were rated as proficient in reading, while no students achieved a proficient rating in math. The Providence Journal (R.I.) (free registration) (10/2)

School and family continue to wrangle over autism service dogThe state of Illinois has been given an extension to offer legal support to a family fighting in court to have their son with autism bring a service dog to school. The Kalbfleisch family won a decision against the Columbia Community School District to allow 5-year-old to bring his service dog to class. The district, however, has countered by sending the child and dog to another school. St. Louis Post-Dispatch (10/1)

Eye on Exceptionalities

Boy Scouts seek to include more members with disabilitiesNationwide, the Boy Scouts of America are developing TrailBlazer Districts -- advocacy groups designed to help troops be inclusive to Scouts with disabilities. TrailBlazers offers troop leaders advice about recruiting and retaining Scouts with special needs. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (10/1)

Other News

"Healing" exhibit portrays families with disabilitiesSF Gate/The Associated Press (10/2)

CEC Spotlight

CEC Professional Award nominations are needed by Oct. 9 Recognize outstanding special educators, researchers and others working on behalf of students with exceptionalities with CEC's Professional Awards: Wallin Lifetime Achievement, Clarissa Hug National Teacher of the Year, Special Education Research, Outstanding Leadership and Business awards. Nominations must be postmarked by Oct. 9. Find out more.

Interested in special-education program administration? A special-interest division of CEC, the Council of Administrators of Special Education provides special-education administrators with opportunities for personal and professional advancement. Membership is available exclusively to CEC members and includes the Journal of Special Education Leadership and the In CASE newsletter. Find out more and join today.

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