The Parent Teacher Podcast
By Kaycee
The Parent Teacher PodcastAug 06, 2019
Assistive Technology- A Problem-Solving Cycle with Dan Cochrane (Clinical Instructor, Assistive Technology Certificate Program)
Dan Cochrane is a RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Professional and a clinical instructor in the Assistive Technology Certificate Program at the University of Illinois at Chicago. A former special educator, Dan worked for over 20 years in a suburban Chicago unit school district (K-12), first as an elementary special ed resource teacher and inclusion facilitator, and for the last 13 years as the district-wide assistive technology specialist/coordinator. Dan has an MA in Teaching special education, an MS in Disability and Human Development, and recently started in the PhD program in Disability Studies at UIC. Dan presents on AT topics at several national AT conferences, and is a member of the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA), currently serving on its Board of Directors.
https://sites.google.com/uic.edu/problem-solving-assistive-tech http://www.uicatu.org/ bit.ly/atcycle
https://sites.google.com/uic.edu/problem-solving-assistive-tech
Homework... Good, bad, necessary? (A quick research review...)
My thoughts on a contentious issue. Not super scientific, but I pointed to several resources:
Harris Cooper synthesized research in the mid 90's, and is often cited as support for giving kids homework: https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2019/03/homework-research-how-much/585889/
Alfie Kohn, author of "The Homework Myth" takes issue with Cooper's conclusions. Read him here: https://www.edutopia.org/no-proven-benefits
As I often do, I looked back in my library at an old favorite- Classroom Instruction that Works by Marzano, Pickering, and Pollack- get a copy on Amazon (holy cow, it's cheap!) https://www.amazon.com/Classroom-Instruction-that-Works-Research-Based/dp/0131195034
Takeaways: when judging the value of homework, consider the purpose of the task, don't use it as an assessment, keep the routine and structure familiar, check for understanding, and give timely feedback.
"Which part did you miss?" Central Auditory Processing Disorder with Dr. Jeanne Ferre (Audiologist)
When a child can technically "hear" but isn't making meaning of the sounds efficiently, it can really impact their learning and ability to function. In the classroom, this might look like inattention, difficulty decoding and reading, trouble following directions, or even attitude!
Dr. Jeanane Ferre is an expert in Central Auditory Processing Disorder, and explains why evaluation can help some kids get the support they need.
You can find out more about CAPD and services she provides at her website, https://dr-ferre.com/
For a more technical presentation, check out this youtube video where she talks about differential diagnosis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h3NpYAQ_-0
Questions? Want to contact me or learn more? Get in touch at reorientedadvocacy.com
Accommodations, Modifications, and Differentiation
What's the difference between accommodations, modifications, and differentiation teachers are expected to do in the classroom?
Let's do a 'set me straight' type of episode where I explain my thinking...
Here are some resources: (links are clickable through Anchor FM, or see slides on my website!)
IRIS Peabody on differentiation (great module!)
More questions? Ideas? Arguments? Contact me through my website, www.reorientedadvocacy.com.
January 20, 2020
Twice-Exceptional, or "2E" and Gifted Learners- Important considerations with Robin Schader, PhD
What does it mean to be 'twice exceptional', '2E', or 'gifted'? I'm glad I was connected to Robin Schader, Ph.D, author of "To Be Gifted and Learning Disabled" so she could lend some perspective to this and promote an integrated, strengths-based approach to teaching learners.
You can read more about her and her work as well as Bridges Academy at bridges.edu.
Definitely check out the 2E Center Suite of Tools with the My Learning Print resource. https://www.bridges.edu/suite-of-tools-img-version.html
I'm hoping we'll have her back soon to talk more on My Learning Print!
Other resources she recommended include:
"Atom" Renzulli
https://gifted.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/961/2015/01/Systems_and_Models-ReisRenzulli.pdf
Bridges Academy profile: https://www.bridges.edu/robin-schader.html
2E movie link to companion guide: http://www.childofgiants.com/2e/about-the-film/
Sternberg: http://www.robertjsternberg.com/special-education
Rose: The end of average https://www.amazon.com/End-Average-Succeed-Values-Sameness/dp/0062358367
Kaufman: Ungifted https://www.amazon.com/Ungifted-Intelligence-Scott-Barry-Kaufman/dp/0465066968/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=ungifted&qid=1579220524&s=books&sr=1-3
Teaching Struggling Readers: Orton Gillingham, Dyslexia, and Effective Interventions with Kristen McShane (Learning Specialist)
What is dyslexia? Why do some kids struggle to learn to read? What is the Orton Gillingham method, and how does it differ from other structured programs, like Wilson? Kristen McShane from The Learning Specialist, LLC joins me to talk about the rules around reading, multisensory approaches, and effective instruction in the classroom and one on one.
This article and a few others had me thinking hard about how to better prepare teachers and help them be more effective.
You can find Kristen at thelearningspecialistllc.com
The book she mentions is The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan by Ben Foss.
Thomas Iland- Self-discovery to transition planning with ASD, etc
Tom was diagnosed with autism at 13, and shares with me some of his experience overcoming obstacles to realize his goals- being independent and helping others. You can read more about Tom at thomasiland.com and read about his co-author and mom, Emily Iland at her site, emilyiland.com. The link to buy the book directly is thomasiland.com/come-to-life/.
The School Psychologist on Evaluations and Eligibility
Dr. Sonia Cooper of theschoolpsych.com joins me to talk about the school psychologist's role in evaluating and determining eligibility for kids with suspected learning differences.
Not only is she a psychologist, she's the creator of some super useful resources! Check out her TPT store for awesome tools and reference materials like observation forms, behavior point sheets, visual tools, and guides on special education and related services.
OCD, Anxiety, etc- CBT (not CBD) talk with a clinical psychologist
Greg recommends the following sites if you're looking for more information on providers or the conditions we discussed today:
Association for behavioral and cognitive therapies (ABCT) to find a provider
Anxiety and Depression Association
International OCD Foundation
Social Thinking is the publisher of the Super Flex curriculum.
The 'triangle' is made up of thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
Contact me with questions, to consult about your child, or see more resources at my blog, reorientedadvocacy.com. Or- leave your message here. Thanks for listening!
Matt Cohen on IDEA- What to keep in mind about special education law (Special Education Attorney, Author)
Help! Support for Special Education Teachers (teacher advocate)
Erin Young, a veteran CPS special educator and "teacher advocate" tells me about the realities in today's classrooms, from secondary trauma, staffing shortages, and the importance of prioritizing and being assertive to prevent burnout.
Need to be connected to support? Contact me and we'll connect you to groups for special ed teachers or for parents.
Email: kaycee@reorientedadvocacy.com My website: www.reorientedadvocacy.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/reorientedadvocacy Links: Edweek.org article on Special Education Teacher Shortage (Dec 2018) Secondary Traumatic Stress and Self Care Packet Harvard Grad School of Ed article: Helping Teachers Manage the Weight of Trauma (9/2018) Ross Greene (again, I told you!) Lives in the Balance/Collaborative practice for behavior challenges
Restorative Discipline in the Classroom
After reading about a 'lack of administrative support' for discipline in schools, I invited Krystal Lewis-Pratl to come chat with me about how teachers can use restorative practices to strengthen relationships with students and approach behavior management in their classrooms.
Visit my blog at www.reorientedadvocacy.com for links and more, or leave a question of your own. Some relevant info below:
https://www.childtrends.org/publications/black-students-disabilities-out-of-school-suspensions
Illinois increased suspensions overall from 2012-16 for black students, and those with disabilities
Chicago lawyers committee for civil rights, updates and links on SB100, three takeaways, updates one year later
https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2019/06/14/if-you-wont-do-restorative-justice-right.html
A need for more training, support, and staff
Executive Functioning and Responsibility (Author, Dr. of Philosophy)