January 2008

SchoolsMovingUp – “Critical Science Vocabulary”

If the concepts and vocabulary of science are not taught in grades one through four, students in middle school and beyond will be faced with an inordinate number of challenging words, representing complex and unknown concepts. In this presentation, Elfrieda H. Hiebert, Adjunct Professor at the University of California at Berkeley, will discuss the need to make science vocabulary education a priority in grades one through four.

For more information on how to attend this online events or more information about them please visit: http://www.schoolsmovingup.net/cs/wested/print/htdocs/online_events.htm

Caught Between Two Eras & Two Worlds: Accessing Literacy AT In the Classroom

At home and at play children, including those with disabilities, have access to an array of technology unimagined even five years ago. Trouble is that at school, technology, both assistive and educational, is nearly absent. Also nearly absent among a percentage of classroom teachers is a comfort level with technology. Like their students, many teachers find themselves caught between two eras. The result is often a cultural and educational standoff that benefits tradition, not progress. Nevertheless, forward looking and resourceful professionals remain determined to find ways to insert literacy AT into the classroom environment.

This issue examines current technology aimed at improving literacy instruction and the ways students and their teachers can access it. Joining us, we have Sam Sennott, Special Educator and Assistive Technology Specialist from Nova Southeastern University. He*s a young, earnest and caring teacher whose mission is to bring the latest assistive and educational technology to bear in order to provide the best possible literacy instruction to children with disabilities. As he pushes forward in the field, Sam Sennott hopes to narrow the digital divide by creating and promoting training programs that help teachers enter a new era.

To continue reading please visit http://www.fctd.info/resources/newsletters/index.php

Learning to Spell — A Challenge for Elementary Students with LD

When a child struggles with spelling, his writing is much slower than his thinking. This makes it hard for him to clearly express his knowledge and ideas in written school assignments. Spelling is especially difficult for students with learning disabilities (LD), so it is important that schools provide explicit, systematic spelling instruction on a regular basis throughout elementary school for these students. In order to evaluate spelling instruction in your child’s classroom or to consider how you might help your child improve spelling skills, it helps to have some understanding of the skills students need in order to become competent spellers, and the types of activities that promote these skills.

To continue reading please visit http://www.schwablearning.org/articles.aspx?r=1158

Financial Support for Secondary Regular Education Teachers to Get Masters in Special Education Project

In August 2007, USF received a four-year grant to provide financial support for regular education teachers with a degree or certificate in secondary education to obtain a Masters degree in Special Education. Approximately 50 percent of the classes are online (for fall and spring semester) with face-to-face classes on USF campus (during summer semester). The anticipated length of time needed to complete the program is two years. For more information contact: Patricia Alverez-McHatton, Ph.D., Project P.R.E.C.I.S.E. Coordinator, at mchatton@tempest.coedu.usf.edu or (813) 974-9595

Transition/Self-Determination Training Series

The Charlotte Interagency Council proudly presents a series of workshops for families of adolescents and adults in Sarasota, Charlotte and surrounding counties. You can attend one, two or all in the series. Registration is preferred but not required. For more information contact Joann Hulet at 941-255-0808 ext3133. Workshops will run from 6-9pm.

Transition/Self-Determination Training Series
Charlotte County School District Office
1445 Education Way
Port Charlotte, FL 33948

February 7th – Self-Determination which includes lives of individuals with disabilities, teaching and communication choice, and discussing risks and fears associated with choice.

February 21st – Transition Planning which includes the TIEP process, planning post-school outcomes, assessing academic achievement and vocation skill progress, and accessing community-based instruction.

“Positive Beginnings”

A series of 6 discussions on communication, observation, recording, and tracking of children’s behavior and the use of visual strategies to help improve very challenging behavior.  This series is presented by Ann Snyder and is intended for parents and early childhood teachers.  The remaining “Positive Beginnings” dates are 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24, and 3/31.

Monday, February 25th from 6:30-8pm
Early Learning Coalition of SW Florida office
5256 Summerlin Commons Blvd. Unit 201
Fort Myers, 33907

“Autism Spectrum Disorders”

Learn to look for signs & symptoms, explore treatment options and where to seek help, Presented by Dr. Renee M. Terrasi and intended for parents and early childhood teachers.

Tuesday, February 19th from 6:30-8:30pm
Naples YMCA
5450 YMCA Road
Naples FL 34109

Early Learning Coalition of Southwest Florida February Trainings

For more information and to register for these events please contact Gayla Thompson at (239) 267-4105.

“Happiest Baby on the Block”
Come learn the secrets of how to calm a baby and save your sanity. Presented by Kelley Nellius and intended for parents and teachers of infants.

Saturday, February 16th from 10am-12pm
Bear’s Den
1665 Medical Blvd., Suite B
Naples FL 34110

FND Southern Regional Conference

Save the Date!! The Family Network on Disabilities Southern Regional Conference is planned for September 13, 2008 at the Golden Gate High School in Naples, Florida. More information is coming soon but mark your calendars now!

The Road to Best Practice in Autism Conference

Sponsored by Florida Gulf Coast University and the College of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences, this national conference will provide pertinent information for professionals in the medical and educational fields as well as parents and caregivers, and all those affected by and/or interested in the study of autism.

The Road to Best Practice in Autism Conference
Saturday, April 19th from 8am-4pm
Student Union Ballroom at Florida Gulf Coast University
10501 FGCU Blvd. South
Fort Myers, FL 33965
To register for the free conference please register at www.fgcu.edu/events/promisingpathways by April 10th, 2008 or 239-992-4680.

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