As parents and teachers of young children, we have a lot to worry about. We are constantly keeping track of how well our children or students eat, sleep, move, grow and learn. Sometimes, our friends and family help us to know what’s expected at each age. For instance, when my daughter turned 1, my friends […]
6 Tips From an Experienced Special Education Teacher
The left side of your brain is telling you to save the world while the right side is asking “Where do I even begin?” Most new teachers in any grade level, in any subject area feel this way. Well, tell your brain to take a step back and check out some of my advice, from […]
Empowering Students to be Architects of their Future: The Power of Special Olympics Project UNIFY
The American educational system was founded upon the principles of democracy. Most importantly, it was built on equity and justice so that all youth would have the opportunity to become competent, active and honorable citizens. Over two centuries later, these principles remain crucial to our democracy, and it is vital that the youth of our […]
How to Work with a Teacher to Address Your Child’s Behavior Problems
As a teacher of more than 30 years, I have had many discussions where I sat at the table and informed a parent or parents that their child was becoming a distracting force in my classroom because of inappropriate behavior. In my early life, I was fortunate in that I had not experienced this conversation from the […]
When is it Time to Request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)?
Let’s set the stage: the teachers at your child’s school don’t seem to really understand her disability; the school psychologist has challenged, changed or eliminated her disability; the IEP that you fought hard for doesn’t address all of your child’s challenges. You feel helpless and don’t know what to do. The good news is you’re […]
The Problem with Time Out at School: Why it’s Banned and How to Use it Correctly
This blog is directed to professionals who are interested in the subject of time out, but many parents may also find it informative. The use of time out in schools continues to be controversial due in large part to its misuse. Yet, when it’s implemented and used correctly, it can be an effective tool for […]
How to Recognize and Create Strategies for Overcoming Executive Function Weaknesses
Executive function processes are an often overlooked aspect of special education. Strategies to address weaknesses in executive function are rarely taught, yet they are vital because they allow students to coordinate the skills and tasks necessary to demonstrate their ability. Here is an overview of what executive function processes are, their effects on school performance […]
Understanding the Parents’ Role in IEP Meetings
Whether you are a seasoned special education parent (having attended many IEP meetings) or a newbie (attending your very first IEP meeting), understanding your role in IEP meetings and how it impacts your child’s education is critical. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) identifies five distinct roles that must be filled in the IEP […]
When Is It Time to Contact a Special Education Lawyer?
When is it time to hire a special education lawyer? I’ll explain how to keep this from being a $64,000 question. I’ll answer this question in a moment, but the first thing to understand is the special education process. Understanding the Special Education Process Briefly, the process usually follows these steps: (1) either the parent […]
What Do Federal Budget Cuts Really Mean for Public School Special Education Programs?
With the buzz around Washington, D.C. about budget cuts and sequestration, parents and teachers are concerned about federal funding in special education. This blog post will sum up how much funding for special education is actually provided, and what federal budget cuts might mean for children in public school special education programs. How Much Does […]