Teacher gets some help in the classroom Oct 28, 2009
Fraser, a special education teacher at the Parker Elementary School, received $1,000 worth of classroom supplies from the OfficeMax A Day Made Better event on Tuesday, Oct. 6 ... Q What do you like most about being a special education teacher. (Billerica Minuteman, MA)
Java Jive mellows Student Union with coffeehouse atmosphere Oct 28, 2009
"He's really great. Very coffeehouse," said Kat Kirschner, a 7th-semester special education major. James entertained the audience with brief interludes between his songs to give a glimpse into his life and the stories behind his songs. (The Daily Campus, CT)
Students to take part in conference Oct 27, 2009
The conference is being planned by Social Studies Content Specialist and sixth-grade teacher Janice Fairchild from Hanscom Middle School, and seventh-grade special education teacher Claudia Fox Tree from the Lincoln School. A Lincoln School Foundation grant is providing the funding for this event. (Lincoln Journal, MA)
From death row to desk rows; a lawyer turns teacher to change lives and futures before its too late Oct 27, 2009
On why he chose to become a special education teacher. During his training, he focused on special education, recalling that he saw learning disabilities in nearly every case on death row ... He now works mainly in classrooms that blend special education students with the general population. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Hearings on furloughs sought Oct 27, 2009
A federal lawsuit filed on behalf of special education students was amended yesterday to require the state to hold public hearings on the plan to furlough teachers on 17 Fridays. In addition, the families of special education students are asking the U.S. Department of Education to intervene so the students won't lose any more days of education ... The state's furlough plan "was adopted in violation of the state's procedures," said Carl Varady, a Hawaii attorney representing nine families of... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Night of the living swine flu patients Oct 27, 2009
I don t mind having hand sanitizer everywhere here, Chelsea Angle, sophomore, special education BSED said. When asked if she was creeped out by the presence of the quarantined Unwell, Angle replied that she thinks the university measures make sense, saying that she just [doesn t] wanna get sick. (The Current Online, MO)
Melrose League of Women Voters holds School Committee Candidates Forum Oct 27, 2009
At the Melrose League of Women Voters (LWV) candidate s forum held Wednesday night, the six candidates vying for three seats on the Melrose School Committee responded to questions ranging from the committee s public participation policy to budget challenges to how special education in the district can be improved ... Improve special education with communication, new programs ... Bastian asked each candidate what he or she would do to improve services provided by the special education department,... (Melrose Free Press, MA)
Notice of destruction of student records Oct 27, 2009
For any questions regarding the destruction of records, contact the Director of Special Education for the Billerica Public Schools or the school principal. For additional information regarding the rights in regard to student records, contact. (Billerica Minuteman, MA)
More on reading program Oct 27, 2009
Parents, Clovis Unified tussle over special education. Parents and Clovis Unified School District officials are butting heads over how to teach special-needs children -- and their disagreements are resulting in drawn-out, costly legal hearings. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
A special day for Fletcher-Maynard students during Obama's Cambridge visit Oct 26, 2009
Photo by Jeffrey Teixeira, FMA Middle School Science Teacher Going for a walk in the middle of the school day is a treat on any occasion, but a walk to see the president, who was visiting the city of Cambridge, now that was something. By Robyn Towner Wicked Local Cambridge Posted Oct 25, 2009 @ 11:00 AM Last update Oct 25, 2009 @ 11:05 AM. (Cambridge Chronicle, MA)
* Legislature praised for additional funds for special education Oct 26, 2009
Legislature praised for additional funds for special education ... The government would have more money to spend on special education after lawmakers agreed on Friday to raise the ceiling from 3 percent to 4 ... Describing the amendment as a new era for the provision of special educational services [to students], the association said in a statement that teachers teaching regular classes could receive more resources and support from school authorities if children needing special education... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Taiwan)
How Hawaii's Budget Led to Furloughed Kids Oct 25, 2009
Attorneys representing special education students sought to block the furloughs but U.S. District Judge David Ezra denied their motions, saying on Thursday that the last-minute decision would create chaos. But Ezra also plans to hear further arguments Nov. 5. (Time.com)
Class sizes on rise in many schools south of Boston, but not all Oct 25, 2009
In Massachusetts, state regulations limit class sizes for kindergartners and special education students, and there are set guidelines for vocational courses ... Ciccolo said he attributes this to the fact that, aside from being a vocational-technical school, Blue Hills has a significant number of special education students, 25 percent of its enrollment ... State regulations require classrooms with special education students to have fewer than 20 pupils while classes with six or more special ed... (Boston Globe)
Teachers Arrested In Prostitution Bust Oct 25, 2009
Sur is a special education teacher at Radford High School along with being an assistant football and baseball coach. He graduated from Radford where he played both Varsity football and baseball in the late 90s. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Minuteman High to open its doors Oct 24, 2009
Staff members will be available to discuss every aspect of the school, including athletics, special education, guidance and health-related services. Student ambassadors will also be present to answer questions. (Lexington Minuteman, MA)
Architect proposes new layout for MHS Oct 24, 2009
In addition, Nelson said he wanted to review the high school's needs for its special education program to determine what improvements are appropriate. At the close of the meeting, Nelson said he and his personnel would work on providing the dollar amounts needed to pay for renovations in different areas of the building. (Madison Daily Leader, SD)
Luetjen named Teacher of the Year Oct 24, 2009
Luetjen, 32, of West Hartford, is a nine-year veteran teacher at Whiting Lane Elementary School, adept at techniques for teaching kindergarten and special education, and often combining the two ... Last school year, Luetjen, who had been working as a kindergarten teacher, volunteered to switch over and teach special education for a year to save a colleague's job after a kindergarten section was eliminated ... She took the job with the condition that she could tinker with the program, which she... (West Hartford News, CT)
Kauai parents, grandparents drop off kids, criticize furloughs Oct 24, 2009
"They should cut anywhere but education," said Kealoha, who will be keeping another grandson at home who is a special education student ... "Why do they cut from education? It just does not make sense," said Nyree Norman, whose 7-year-old daughter Katy has developmental delays and needs the special education she receives at Koloa Elementary. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Hall examines budget Oct 24, 2009
He pointed to special education transportation, where he said revenues had been ;cut almost in half,; from $89,000 in 2008 to $46,000 in 2009. That decrease, thanks largely to shortfalls in state aid payouts, led to a $24,000 deficit in the transportation fund, the audit showed. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Volunteering blossoms into full-time classroom job Oct 24, 2009
Eventually the volunteer position led to a full-time job as a special education classroom assistant. Today, Means has worked for more than 15 years at Southwest Elementary School in Greenwood, where she helps dozens of students each day. (The Daily Journal)
NASHOBA: School board looks at possible cuts Oct 24, 2009
Wood said cuts would affect various budgets including regional school transportation, education and the state special education reimbursement program, commonly known as the circuit breaker program. The circuit breaker program was initiated in fiscal 2004 to provide additional state funding to districts for high cost special education students. (Bolton Common, MA)
Gone Fishin’ Oct 24, 2009
Related Stories/Links. Other Articles in this Category. (Odessa American, TX)
Judge rejects effort to keep schools open Oct 23, 2009
One lawsuit represented nine students with autism, while the other was filed on behalf of regular and special education students. The first lawsuit, filed by attorneys Stanley Levin, Susan Dorsey, and Carl Varady, contends that the furloughs represent an illegal change in special education services the disabled children receive ... One lawsuit represented nine students with autism, while the other was filed on behalf of regular and special education students. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
School board sees expenses Oct 23, 2009
Included in the Centralized Services are the expenses for special education, which cost the district more than 6. 6 million. (Sonoma Index-Tribune, CA)
EDITORIAL: 3 Things To Consider This Week Oct 23, 2009
Now that a former McCall Middle School special education teachers aide has pleaded guilty to child rape, and many other charges, all Winchester school administrators and the School Committee need to examine what went wrong. Many of the victims were McCall students. (Winchester Star, MA, MA)
WilliamSailer Oct 23, 2009
His son, Jason, is an accomplished artist and works with handicapped children in the Albuquerque Public Schools special education program. He made his Dad proud. (Grants Cibola County Beacon, NM)
Country singer aims to break down barriers Oct 23, 2009
Palmer appeared as part of the Arts in Schools program at the Atlanta-based Threshing Floor Academy of Arts and Sciences Inc. The organization was founded in 2008 by Meisha Card, a former special education teacher. For her part, Palmer has said she hopes that one day, the discussion centers on her music rather than her ethnicity. (CNN)
Caring community keeps Green River CDC thriving (1) Oct 23, 2009
That shaving cream, by the way, is part of the sensory education the state requires, along with sand and water tables filled in one instance with rice -- the kids find it soothing to run their hands through it, on-site Special Education coordinator Micki Pence said. They also like to bury small objects in it; one enterprising 4-year-old brought a toy dump truck to this task -- and, in another, with seeds like the ones another group, the Care A Lots (or was it the Lady Bugs. (Green River Star, WY)
Suits filed over Furlough Fridays Oct 23, 2009
The state is facing two federal lawsuits that seek to block Furlough Fridays in Hawaii's public schools, one representing nine students with autism and the other on behalf of regular and special education students ... The suit was filed on behalf of 11 students age 3 to 17 in regular and special education statewide ... The wide-ranging complaint argues that Furlough Fridays deny students an adequate education, present a breach of contract, discriminate against certain groups, and violate special... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Study: Early childhood education works Oct 23, 2009
Under the Pre-K Counts program, the three-year study found students who enrolled in preschool programs demonstrated significant gains in development and early learning skills, and had reduced special education placement rates ... Superintendent Mark Roosevelt said the study showed that after participation in a high-quality preschool program, there was a 27 percent reduction in the number of Pittsburgh Public School children who needed special education placement in kindergarten. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
Mom: Teachers 'Waterboarded' My SonTeacher's aides face felony charges for allegedly abusing special needs teen. Oct 23, 2009
Montana Teacher's Aides Accused of 'Waterboarding' Special Education Student - ABC News. Hot Topics. (ABC News)
Lawsuits aim to block Hawaii's school furlough days Oct 23, 2009
A pair of federal lawsuits filed on behalf of special education and other students have the potential to keep some public schools open tomorrow despite the state's plan to furlough teachers on 17 Fridays, attorneys for the plaintiffs said yesterday. The attorneys for nine families of special education students on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island who want their children in school and around their classmates for the "furlough Fridays" hope to get a hearing today before Judge David Ezra in U.S.... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Canceled Melrose Ripley School bus route has parents scrambling for solutions Oct 23, 2009
This on the tails of not getting $360,000 in circuit breaker money [reimbursement for special education expenses ... This was obviously, on a scale of 1-10, not the most difficult cut when talking about class size, school nurses or special education. (Melrose Free Press, MA)
Let local school boards decide Oct 23, 2009
Cut the class room size to 10 students and require every teacher to be duly certified in special education as well as their major. By doing this you should be able to do away with about 90 percent of special education and the massive bureaucracy that has grown up in this area. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Nebraska Seeing Impact From Stimulus Dollars Oct 22, 2009
Nebraska education will receive a total of $236 million, primarily for students in special education and those living below the poverty level. Pool said new programs are slowly taking shape. (7 KETV Omaha)
Drug testing to begin next week Oct 22, 2009
The district will be charging the school hourly rates for nursing services, special education services, elementary art coaches and English language learner services, for an estimated total of $11,700 for this school year. Assistant Superintendent Laury Scandling said the fees would help the district recover about ten percent of its expenditures on the school and that the school had approved the contract changes. (Juneau Empire)
Hawaii schools could restore some class time lost to furloughs Oct 22, 2009
Seitz will file a motion in U.S. District Court for injunctive relief on behalf of "everybody affected by the furloughs," he said, as well as special education students and parents and students in charter schools. While some parents continue to search for something constructive for their children to do on furlough Fridays, parents at schools such as King Liholiho Elementary in Kaimuk are organizing alternative instruction for their children at their school. (Honolulu Advertiser)
More of this story Oct 22, 2009
Hired Krystal Lozing as a Special Education paraprofessional at Anna Jeffries Elementary School, Brandon Kavanagh as the first assistant for the CBHS girls basketball team, Lori Minnis as the second assistant for the CBHS girls basketball team; Mark Anderson as assistant wrestling coach for CBMS; and Mark Flaherty as assistant CBHS speech and drama coach. Comments. (Cut Bank Pioneer Press - Golden Triangle, MT)
Dover-Sherborn Education Notes (Oct. 22) Oct 22, 2009
The Dover Public Schools Special Education Department is offering a free screening for 3- and 4-year-old children who reside in Dover and may have developmental delays or disabilities which may affect school performance ... General questions in regard to the special education process and services may be directed to Dr. Denise O Connell, administrator of special education, Chickering School, 29 Cross St., Dover, MA 02030; 508-785-0480, ext ... Staff members will be available to discuss every... (Dover Sherborn Tab, MA)
Lawsuit filed for disabled children over Friday furloughs at Hawaii schools Oct 22, 2009
Meanwhile, attorney Eric Seitz filed a motion in U.S. District Court today for injunctive relief on behalf of "everybody affected by the furloughs" as well as special education students and parents and students in charter schools. Last night's lawsuit, filed by attorneys Stanley Levin and Susan Dorsey from the Levin Education Access Project and Carl Varady asks the court to stop the furloughs to preserve the quality and integrity of the special education and related services disabled children... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Continue reading Oct 22, 2009
Selma Unified will shift that money to help pay for special education and transportation -- two major expenses in the district's budget. The state provides money for both areas, but not enough to cover all costs, Teixeira said. (Selma Enterprise, CA)
Red Ribbon Week promotes healthy lifestyle Oct 22, 2009
The high school special education class, along with their high school Best Buddies, will decorate the football field fence with drug-free messages. A group of 60 high school students are involved in JEL (Just Eliminate Lies), which focuses on tobacco prevention and education. (Harlan Tribune, IA)
Local legislators look to force insurance firms to cover autism Oct 22, 2009
Barbara L'Italien, D-Andover, whose 19-year-old son Rudy has a form of autism - said her bill would take the pressure off families and school-based special education programs by spreading the burden of care to insurance companies. "This bill looks to get the medical insurers to pony up," L'Italien said. (Allston Brighton TAB, MA)
Two lawsuits seek to halt 'furlough Fridays' at Hawaii public schools Oct 22, 2009
Lawyers representing public school students, in both regular and special education, have filed two separate lawsuits in U.S. District Court seeking to block "furlough Fridays.". A class-action suit filed this afternoon by attorney Eric Seitz and others contends that furlough Fridays present a breach of contract, have a discriminatory impact on students, and violate special education law as well as equal protection provisions ... Shortly before midnight yesterday, a civil rights lawsuit on behalf... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Flu may affect D25 budget Oct 21, 2009
The winner was Kathleen Kane, a special education teacher at Lincoln Early Childhood Center. "Mrs. Kane is, without exception, the most perceptive and intuitive teacher when working with children that I have ever been associated with," wrote the school's principal, Kent Hobbs. (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
Jensen, Farley honored at Project PROVE reunion in Braintree Oct 21, 2009
Donations and discounts that enabled reunion extras (large tote bags with the Braintree High School logo and a DVD of last year s reunion photos) came from local businesses, groups and individuals, among them the Braintree Cooperative Bank, the Braintree Police Superior Officers Association, the Rotary Club of Braintree, Braintree s Special Education Parent Advisory Council, and Goodwin Graphics of Cohasset. Emerald Hall staff and the Mastrangelo family helped to make this a very special day,... (Braintree Forum, MA)
Law urged to make teens stay in school Oct 21, 2009
Some grow frustrated because of consistently poor academic performance in school, particularly those not fluent in English and those who require special education, according to the report. Other students say they don t have time for school because they need to help their families earn income. (Boston Globe)
Patricia Maye-Wilson, 63; teacher shaped children’s spirits Oct 21, 2009
For more than a quarter-century, Mrs. Maye-Wilson taught English, reading, and special education at Madison Park High School. Her belief in students could not be shaken. (Boston Globe)
Discussion delves into school calendar condundrum Oct 21, 2009
The additional spending authority, which is tied to special education spending, will not generate any additional cash for the district. - Approved the membership of the School Improvement Advisory Council and the Career and Technical Advisory Council. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
Brenham schools student capacity is good Oct 21, 2009
The board was informed they have been awarded 938,000 in federal stimulus funds that will go toward a host of special education programs, and that they will probably be receiving another 362,000 in stimulus funds that will go toward computers, teacher training and various other programs. Clarice Lampe, a high school science teacher, told the board that historically, we have very few students who take a fourth year of science. (Brenham Banner, TX)
Incest Victims, Anorexics Find Peace in Photos Oct 21, 2009
When Ellen Fisher Turk took her first nude portraits of a two decades ago, and later of , the photographer with a background in special education had little idea that she would become a seminal figure in the sometimes controversial world of phototherapy. A woman who suffered from bulimia poses for the camera during a photo therapy session with Ellen Fisher Turk. (ABC News)
Fairbanks schools to accept $10 million in stimulus money Oct 21, 2009
5 million to improve special education. Share this page. (Juneau Empire)
Dyslexic author offers a different outlook for kids who don't fit in Oct 21, 2009
Jonathon Mooney, a dyslexic author of two books addressing special education, offers insights into the dangers of the system and the dangers of making assumptions based on a child's diagnosis and test scores ... Mooney, who has written two books about the world of so-called special education students, told the audience of more than 100 parents, students and educators who had gathered at the Cowlitz PUD building in Longview that the education system broke him down ... Financial Cancer wrote on... (Longview Daily News, WA)
NCLB's funding and testing flaws must be addressed Oct 21, 2009
It s similar to special education, another worthy federal initiative. Congress vowed to pay 40 percent of the program s cost, but provides just 18 percent. (Longview Daily News, WA)
IPS faces strapped budget Oct 21, 2009
They include a sixth grade teaching position, a special education position and a technology position. There is going to be some re-scheduling, said trustee Karen Balice-Gregory. (Ionia Sentinel-Standard, MI)
SpedPAC to hold event Oct 21, 2009
Maynard Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SpEdPAC) and Sudbury Special Education Advisory Council (SSEAC) will host an educational workshop with Melinda Parry from the Federation for Children with Special Needs on Oct. 27, at the Maynard High School Library. The event, called Understanding Your Special Education Basic Rights, will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. ... Parry will provide parents with information on their rights and responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities... (Beacon Villager, MA)
BYHS counselors offer tips for seniors Oct 21, 2009
- The student will not have the right to access any of the benefits accorded to students who are enrolled, including bus transportation, participation in free/reduced price meal program and special education and related services. - The student will not have the right to be on campus except as a visitor and under conditions that apply to all visitors. (Yanceyville Caswell Messenger, NC)
WilliamSailer Oct 20, 2009
His son, Jason, is an accomplished artist and works with handicapped children in the Albuquerque Public Schools special education program. He made his Dad proud. (Grants Cibola County Beacon, NM)
Schools play truant to avoid bad marks Oct 20, 2009
ANNA PATTY EDUCATION EDITOR. HIGH-STAKES testing is encouraging schools to avoid publicly recording the results of underperforming students to raise the academic profile of the school, critics of the system say. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Tootsie Roll drive surpasses its goal Oct 20, 2009
We donate it to special education programs in the local schools and to such organizations as SOAR, Illinois Special Olympics, Best Buddies, Big Brother/Big Sister and SPEC. Our expenses, for the Tootsie Rolls, insurance, postage and a little advertising is about 10 per cent of the funds raised. We also want to thank all the wonderful volunteers who helped make this a success. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
After budget deal, Pa. speeding payments Oct 20, 2009
5 billion for basic education, special education, accountability grants and other education services; $225 million for child-care welfare to 275 recipients; $122 million for child-care services to 69 recipients; and $27 million for the Pre K Counts program for 155 recipients. It was our goal that all money delayed by the budget impasse would be paid within 10 business days of my signing the budget, with the highest-priority payments made four to six business days after I signed it, Rendell said. (Philadelphia Business Journal, PA)
Trading the courtroom for a classroom Oct 20, 2009
" The same day that he left the center, he showed up at the Atlanta training program of Teach for America. During his training, he focused on special education, recalling that he saw learning disabilities "in nearly every case" on death row. He now works mainly in classrooms that blend special education students with the general population. When he interviewed with the administrators at King, though, he encountered skepticism. "I was just baffled by why he'd want to come here," said Barbara... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Mattox says teaching career is not just a job, but a calling Oct 20, 2009
Published: Monday, October 19, 2009 9:36 AM CDT Sandra Mattox, who serves as the special education inclusion teacher at Kennedy Elementary School, says teaching is not just a job, it s a calling ... The mother of two children, Bobby Jr., 20, and Shirlandra, 15, Mattox said she decided to get a degree in special education after her son began having seizures at the age of 13. (Terrell Tribune, TX)
School Committee gets a taste of the new Willard Oct 20, 2009
He said a continuing decline in special education costs, enrollment-driven staff reductions and not having to replace a bus in the CPS fleet help offset an increase in cost drivers. The district will not have to cut supplies and materials from last year s level, which was down three percent from fiscal 2009, and it will not have to reduce staff other than that which is enrollment-driven or through attrition. (Concord Journal, MA)
NB board hears plans to improve instruction, student grades Oct 20, 2009
Sara Lane, special education director at the school, showed a video of a web site she has created detailing professional development efforts at the school. She also showed a video she created that is used to motivate teachers. (Fulton Sun, MO)