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Each week, LD OnLine gathers interesting news headlines about learning disabilities and ADHD issues. Please note that LD OnLine does not necessarily endorse these views or any others on these outside websites.
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(Opinion) SFUSD School Assignment Lottery Defies Federal Law
Examiner.com (CO)
Robin Hansen, vice-chair of the Community Advisory Committee for Special Education for the San Francisco Unified School District, says the lottery used to decide school placement for students essentially strips away some parents' federally mandated rights. Parent participation is a legal requirement in an IEP, as is participation of professionals who are familiar with the child's needs.
(Opinion) SFUSD School Assignment Lottery Defies Federal Law, Part 2
Examiner.com (CO)
Robin Hansen, Special Education parent advocate, continues her look at for the San Francisco Unified School District's use of lottery to assign students to schools. On at least two occasions, the dubious practice of "lottery assignment" of special education students has gone to due process and cost SFUSD untold amounts of money in time and legal fees.
(Opinion) Should We Put Our Kindergartener on an Individualized Education Plan?
Orange County Register (CA)
A teacher answers: I think you should get the IEP. That was a strange reaction from the school. You are not "saddling" her with a stigma of an IEP. Even if she qualifies for services, she is receiving individual support.
(Opinion) Summer School Must Be Given to IEP Students
Hickory Daily Record (NC)
No summer school due to budget restrictions? I am writing to remind parents of children with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) that schools are required by the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to provide Extended School Year if the IEP team has determined that this service is necessary for your child.
(Opinion) Support Learning-Disabled Children
The Gleaner (Jamaica)
If your child seems to have a learning disability, first, have his or her hearing and vision tested to rule out these causes. Then, obtain a medical evaluation. If your child is learning disabled, he or she will need your emotional support. Remember, a learning disability is not related to a child's intelligence.
(Opinion) Supporting Students with Dyslexia
The Seattle Times (WA)
Teachers need to know more about dyslexia and how to teach students who struggle with this particular learning challenge. The Washington state Legislature is moving toward a solution.
(Opinion) The 'R-Word' is No Joke
Los Angeles Times (CA)
Maria Shriver writes: As a journalist, I respect the right to freedom of speech, and my kids will tell you I laugh the loudest when we see a comedy. But as the niece of someone who had a developmental disability, and as a member of the board of directors of Special Olympics International, I know how hurtful the "R-word" is to someone with a disability. I know why "Tropic Thunder's" opening was met by protests on behalf of the intellectually disabled.
(Opinion) The Hidden Tragedy of 'The Reader'
The Berkshire Eagle (MA)
A tutor of adults with dyslexia reflects on how her knowledge of, and her students' experience with, dyslexia informs her interpretation of the movie The Reader.
The Examiner (CO)
A disabilities advocate explains the IEP process, and advises: Don't skip steps in the IEP process. Each step builds upon the last one in the process to give a better picture of the student's needs.
(Opinion) The Obama Administration on Disabilities and Autism
About.com Autism Blog
Curious about what the Obama administration has in mind for folks with autism or learning disabilities? WhiteHouse.gov published his agenda on disabilities, which includes a commitment to "funding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, supporting early intervention for children with disabilities and universal screening, improving college opportunities for high school graduates with disabilities, and making college more affordable. Obama and Biden will also authorize a comprehensive study of students with disabilities and issues relating to transition to work and higher education."
(Opinion) The Special-Needs Kindergarten Crunch
The New York Times (NY)
Securing a good spot in an oversubscribed New York City kindergarten, whether public or private, is difficult enough for most parents. But for the parents of children with special needs, it is especially challenging.
(Opinion) The Tragedy and Triumph of T.A.
The Boston Globe
Charles P. Conroy, Ed.D., executive director of Perkins School in Lancaster writes in this opinion column, "On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a special-education decision, Forest Grove School District v. T.A, that had been closely tracked in many sectors of American education. Those who compulsively need to keep score might conclude that private schools for children with special needs had 'won.' They would be wrong. The true winners were children with what one might call hidden disabilities — social, emotional, and learning needs that are often less apparent than some visual, auditory, ambulatory, or intellectual challenges."
(Opinion) Tips for Teaching Students with Reading Disabilities
Examiner.com (CO)
When working with children with reading disabilities, keep in mind that even if the text is technically within their ability to read, a history of failed attempts may keep them from trying. To build self-confidence, include simple questions in your lessons so that they have the chance to answer some questions. Make encouraging comments frequently and consider pairing each student with another more advanced student for assistance with assignments.
(Opinion) Understanding a Specific Learning Disability in Writing
The Examiner (CO)
Children with a writing disability may show symptoms in a number of different areas. Parents and teachers should watch for several typical symptoms that may indicate a problem.
(Opinion) Vouchers and Special Education
The Washington Times (DC)
In the first of a three-part series, the authors of a report from the Manhattan Institute, Marcus A. Winters and Jay P. Greene, explain the effects of Florida's McKay voucher/special education program, and why parents view vouchers and special education as a good match.
(Opinion) Vouchers Benefit Families, Not Schools
East Valley Tribune (AZ)
A recent Arizona appellate court decision scrapping a school-voucher program for disabled and foster children robs a small number of disabled students (117 were enrolled this year) and foster children (140 students) and their parents of their civil rights in order to make a political point, and push a false interpretation of the state's constitution.
(Opinion) We Can Learn from Special Schools
The Age (Australia)
In the "raging debate" about how our education system compares to the best in the world, it's important to look at special schools that serve students with moderate to severe disabilities. I'd like to highlight two practices: personalizing learning and a focus on the arts.
(Opinion) West Emphasizing Help for Dyslexic Students
The Beacon News (IL)
The director of community relations for the West Aurora School District says if you ask several people to define "dyslexia," it's likely you'll get different — and misguided — answers. There are myths associated with the learning disability, and two West Aurora School District employees have led efforts in the district and beyond to dispel the misconceptions.
The Washington Post (DC)
I can't tell left from right. In poking around through obscure psychology journals, university publications, and online chat rooms, here's what I've learned: the condition is real; there has been precious little definitive research on this topic; there's no reason to think left/right confusion is related to IQ; but it might be related to bad handwriting, difficulties with math, and dyslexia.
(Opinion) Work for Adequate School Plan for Child with Disabilities
Southtown Star (IL)
Columnist Paige Fumo Fox reflects on her recent meeting with school staff about her son's individualized education plan, and encourages any parent about to enter the IEP process to be optimistic, but prepared.
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