LD News http://www.ldonline.org/ en-us LD OnLine Administrator hourly 1 http://backend.userland.com/rss Time Management Fundamentals http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Time_Management_Fundamentals Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:00:36 GMT Time Management is the thinking skill that helps children to prioritize tasks and complete duties in a timely fashion. It involves accurately judging the amount of time it will take to complete a task and knowing how to stick to a schedule. An example of good Time Management skills would be when a child decides to finish their homework and chores immediately after school so they have time to watch TV later in the evening. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Time_Management_Fundamentals SAT Prep Tools http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/SAT_Prep_Tools Wed, 13 Mar 2013 16:00:48 GMT Preparing for SAT Reading can be nerve-wracking for many students across the country each year. A mistake that many make is cramming in a lot of study into a very short period of time. You can prepare far better and be more confident by starting well in advance. Find useful preparation materials on this site! http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/SAT_Prep_Tools ADHD Persists into Adulthood, Study Finds http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/ADHD_Persists_into_Adulthood%2C_Study_Finds Wed, 13 Mar 2013 14:00:15 GMT Picture someone with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, and you probably conjure up an image of an elementary school-age boy. But an analysis of data from the first large, population-based study to follow kids through to adulthood shows that the neurobehavioral disorder rarely goes away with age.

ADHD doesn't go away with adulthood, one study finds. Our focus should be on strategies, not a cure.

]]> Picture someone with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, and you probably conjure up an image of an elementary school-age boy. But an analysis of data from the first large, population-based study to follow kids through to adulthood shows that the neurobehavioral disorder rarely goes away with age. ADHD doesn't go away with adulthood, one study finds. Our focus should be on strategies, not a cure. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/ADHD_Persists_into_Adulthood%2C_Study_Finds Training Working Memory Skills http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Training_Working_Memory_Skills Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:00:50 GMT If you find yourself forgetting why you are standing in front of the refrigerator, or where you left your cell phone when you came home from work, we’ve got good news! If your daughter can’t seem to remember simple directions such as to brush her teeth (even though you’ve told her a thousand times), or your son regularly forgets that baseball requires a glove and a hat, we’ve got good news! Neuroscientists have demonstrated that intensive training can significantly improve working Memory, the skill you need for all of the aforementioned activities.

]]> Get informed! Read up on working memory research and training techniques. If you find yourself forgetting why you are standing in front of the refrigerator, or where you left your cell phone when you came home from work, we’ve got good news! If your daughter can’t seem to remember simple directions such as to brush her teeth (even though you’ve told her a thousand times), or your son regularly forgets that baseball requires a glove and a hat, we’ve got good news! Neuroscientists have demonstrated that intensive training can significantly improve working Memory, the skill you need for all of the aforementioned activities. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Training_Working_Memory_Skills Spelling Tricks to Keep You from Stumbling! http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Spelling_Tricks_to_Keep_You_from_Stumbling%21 Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:00:35 GMT There are many words that are difficult to spell. There are also a number of words that either look alike or sound alike, and it is difficult to remember when to use each one. Here are some useful tips and techniques! http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Spelling_Tricks_to_Keep_You_from_Stumbling%21 How are LDs Diagnosed? http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/How_are_LDs_Diagnosed%3F Mon, 11 Mar 2013 16:00:32 GMT As you can imagine, there are hundreds of different screening tools and assessment measures available that assist general and special educators, psychologists, physicians, and others to capture and document the nature of a person’s struggle with learning.

]]> Wondering what assessments are used to diagnose learning disabilities? As you can imagine, there are hundreds of different screening tools and assessment measures available that assist general and special educators, psychologists, physicians, and others to capture and document the nature of a person’s struggle with learning. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/How_are_LDs_Diagnosed%3F Dsypraxia USA Barnes & Noble Fundraiser http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Dsypraxia_USA_Barnes_%26_Noble_Fundraiser Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:00:36 GMT Sunday March 10th to Friday March 15th. Dyspraxia USA will get a percentage of all sales on Barnes and Noble’s website when the Bookfair ID 11007481 is entered in the designated field found at the bottom of the payment page when checking out. ]]> Dyspraxia USA is having a Barnes and Noble book fair fundraiser online from Sunday March 10th to Friday March 15th. Dyspraxia USA will get a percentage of all sales on Barnes and Noble’s website when the Bookfair ID 11007481 is entered in the designated field found at the bottom of the payment page when checking out. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Dsypraxia_USA_Barnes_%26_Noble_Fundraiser Number Sense: Rethinking Math Instruction http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Number_Sense%3A_Rethinking_Math_Instruction Fri, 08 Mar 2013 15:43:58 GMT We describe the concept of number sense, an analog as important to mathematics learning as phonemic awareness has been to the reading research field. Understanding the concept of number sense and relevant research from cognitive science can help the research community pull together fragmented pieces of earlier knowledge to yield a much richer, more subtle, and more effective means of improving instructional practice. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Number_Sense%3A_Rethinking_Math_Instruction Dysgraphia: Accommodation Options http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Dysgraphia%3A_Accommodation_Options Fri, 08 Mar 2013 15:35:31 GMT Many students struggle to produce neat, expressive written work, whether or not they have accompanying physical or cognitive difficulties. They may learn much less from an assignment because they must focus on writing mechanics instead of content. After spending more time on an assignment than their peers, these students understand the material less. Not surprisingly, belief in their ability to learn suffers. When the writing task is the primary barrier to learning or demonstrating knowledge, then accommodations, modifications, and remediation for these problems may be in order.

]]> Educators, take heed: here are alternatives to written expression to help your dysgraphic students! Many students struggle to produce neat, expressive written work, whether or not they have accompanying physical or cognitive difficulties. They may learn much less from an assignment because they must focus on writing mechanics instead of content. After spending more time on an assignment than their peers, these students understand the material less. Not surprisingly, belief in their ability to learn suffers. When the writing task is the primary barrier to learning or demonstrating knowledge, then accommodations, modifications, and remediation for these problems may be in order. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Dysgraphia%3A_Accommodation_Options Hiring Requirements Eased For Those With Disabilities http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Hiring_Requirements_Eased_For_Those_With_Disabilities Thu, 07 Mar 2013 16:00:16 GMT Traditionally, many people with disabilities have been required to prove their “job readiness” in order to be hired by the nation’s largest employer. Not anymore. Under a new rule issued late last week, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management said that people with intellectual, psychiatric and severe physical disabilities will no longer be required to provide certification that they are ready to work when applying for jobs with the federal government. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Hiring_Requirements_Eased_For_Those_With_Disabilities Language-Based Learning Disability: What to Know http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Language-Based_Learning_Disability%3A_What_to_Know Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:00:24 GMT The development of fluent language skills is rooted in complex cognitive processes that include attention, auditory and visual perception and processing, memory, and executive function. Students who have difficulty in any of these areas may also have difficulty acquiring the facility with language that school requires. To understand a reading selection, for example, students must be able to pay attention to the task of reading, decode the words, retrieve vocabulary and related knowledge from memory, and recognize the syntax and structure of discourse. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Language-Based_Learning_Disability%3A_What_to_Know How to Start a Local Decoding Dyslexia Chapter http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/How_to_Start_a_Local_Decoding_Dyslexia_Chapter_ Wed, 06 Mar 2013 17:00:37 GMT Even by conservative estimates, one in ten children is dyslexic. Why should our students have to fail before they qualify for help? Why are so few teachers trained to teach them? Why are the evidence-based programs not being used in every school? Finally, if we know that dyslexia is a condition that responds well to early intervention and prevents children from suffering from a host of other problems, why are public schools not taking a proactive approach? One group of parents in New Jersey decided to do something to address these issues.

]]> Even by conservative estimates, one in ten children is dyslexic. Why should our students have to fail before they qualify for help? Why are so few teachers trained to teach them? Why are the evidence-based programs not being used in every school? Finally, if we know that dyslexia is a condition that responds well to early intervention and prevents children from suffering from a host of other problems, why are public schools not taking a proactive approach? One group of parents in New Jersey decided to do something to address these issues. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/How_to_Start_a_Local_Decoding_Dyslexia_Chapter_ Self-Advocacy for College Students with LD http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Self-Advocacy_for_College_Students_with_LD Wed, 06 Mar 2013 14:00:11 GMT The need for self-advocacy skills in a post-secondary setting is essential. Students who have relied on the support of their parents and others now must be able to help themselves. This vital "rite of passage" enables the learning disabled individual to prepare for independence and success in the adult world. Self-advocacy for college students with learning disabilities can be defined as the ability to recognize and meet the needs specific to one's learning disability without compromising the dignity of oneself or others. Most parents and professionals involved with preparing students with learning disabilities for college would agree that independent decision-making and the ability to express one's needs are two critical elements of self-advocacy. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Self-Advocacy_for_College_Students_with_LD Connect with Others in Dyscalculia Forum! http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Connect_with_Others_in_Dyscalculia_Forum%21 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 16:00:08 GMT Did you know that 4-6% of the world's population has dyscalculia? If you are among this group and looking for specific support, this forum is an excellent place to start! Connect with others who share similar experiences, and discover the many resources that await you. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Connect_with_Others_in_Dyscalculia_Forum%21 Visual Math Tool for High Schoolers http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Visual_Math_Tool_for_High_Schoolers Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:00:37 GMT Visual mathematics is an online tool that clearly illustrates high school-level math concepts. Math homework frustration could soon be a thing of the past... http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Visual_Math_Tool_for_High_Schoolers Loneliness, Self-Efficacy, and Hope: Impact on the LD Learning Process http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Loneliness%2C_Self-Efficacy%2C_and_Hope%3A_Impact_on_the_LD_Learning_Process Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:00:41 GMT Find out why loneliness, self-efficacy, and hope are often neglected dimensions of the LD learning process, and what you can do to help your child.

]]> Are you finding it challenging to address your child's social and emotional needs AND support them academically at the same time? Find out why loneliness, self-efficacy, and hope are often neglected dimensions of the LD learning process, and what you can do to help your child. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Loneliness%2C_Self-Efficacy%2C_and_Hope%3A_Impact_on_the_LD_Learning_Process Massachusetts Professors Protest High-Stakes Standardized Tests http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Massachusetts_Professors_Protest_High-Stakes_Standardized_Tests Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:00:55 GMT The statement — also signed by academics from the University of Massachusetts, Clark University, Boston College, Lesley College and other schools — is the latest effort in a revolt against high-stakes testing that has spread from coast to coast.

]]> A coalition of more than 130 Massachusetts professors and researchers from some 20 schools — including Harvard, Tufts, Boston and Brandeis universities — signed a new public statement that urges officials to stop overusing high-stakes standardized tests to assess students, teachers and schools. The statement — also signed by academics from the University of Massachusetts, Clark University, Boston College, Lesley College and other schools — is the latest effort in a revolt against high-stakes testing that has spread from coast to coast. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Massachusetts_Professors_Protest_High-Stakes_Standardized_Tests Can Dyslexic Students Succeed at School or Only In Life? http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Can_Dyslexic_Students_Succeed_at_School_or_Only_In_Life%3F Fri, 01 Mar 2013 17:00:09 GMT There's something funny about learning that a successful CEO or politician received bad grades in school. We're amused to hear that Steve Jobs earned C's on his way to a 2.6 GPA in high school-- before creating the most profitable company on Earth. But what if stories like these say more about the quality of our schools than we think? Indeed, statistics show that schools in the United States may not be fostering the skills needed to succeed in life after high school. A shocking number of high school graduates require remediation when they get to college. In New York City - which, unlike most other districts, is tracking the data and attempting to do something about it - more than half of high school graduates aren't prepared for coursework in in community college. Naturally, cities and states (and the authors of the Common Core Standards) have begun adjusting their approach, shifting focus to higher level skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and even creativity. It's time we took a similar approach to the education of students with learning differences and learning disabilities. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Can_Dyslexic_Students_Succeed_at_School_or_Only_In_Life%3F Sleep Issues and Sensory Processing Disorder http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Sleep_Issues_and_Sensory_Processing_Disorder Fri, 01 Mar 2013 14:00:05 GMT Sleep affects the whole family...possibly the sibling who shares a room, or even in a separate room and of course at least one parent. We ALL need sleep, so when our little precious sensory kiddo isn't sleeping, it affects the whole family. And the biggest problem is the snowball effect. When any of us do not get enough sleep it impacts mood, behavior, and self-regulation overall. And then as always, the results are magnified for a sensory kiddo. And for the parent of the child, this state of dysregulation (irritability, mood swings, impatience, etc) from lack of sleep impacts that child's state of regulation as well. It's a double whammy. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/Sleep_Issues_and_Sensory_Processing_Disorder The IQ Debate Continues http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/The_IQ_Debate_Continues Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:00:25 GMT Although word-smarts and number-smarts, the traditional metrics of intelligence, are important, they are unreliable predictors of future success in the workplace and in the personal lives of students. That's because a host of other factors unable to be measured with precision comes into play in the real world. Contrary to conventional wisdom, some of today's most successful and influential people have never excelled in numeracy and literacy.

]]> Narrowing the academic achievement gap is high on the list of the Obama administration's priorities. As a result, it's only a matter of time before the debate begins anew over the role intelligence plays. If the past is any guide, however, ideology will once again eclipse science, making it exceedingly difficult for voters to sort out the findings. Although word-smarts and number-smarts, the traditional metrics of intelligence, are important, they are unreliable predictors of future success in the workplace and in the personal lives of students. That's because a host of other factors unable to be measured with precision comes into play in the real world. Contrary to conventional wisdom, some of today's most successful and influential people have never excelled in numeracy and literacy. http://www.ldonline.org/ldnews/The_IQ_Debate_Continues