Summer Learning
It may be summer but that doesn't mean the learning should end! This month we're focusing on the concept of summer loss and what teachers and parents can do to make sure their learners stay on track!
Unpack This Beach Bag of Ideas for Summer Learning
Heading off to camp, writing pen pals, and listening to a few good books are all great summer activities. Browse through our virtual beach bag of ideas specifically geared for students with learning disabilities. You'll find materials you can download and print, expert advice about communicating with a camp about your child's needs, book lists, and much more!
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It's Real and Serious: Summer Learning Loss
This short but informative article from the National Summer Learning Association describes three aspects of summer learning loss that every teacher and parent should know. For example, did you know that all students, regardless of socio-economic status, lose an average of 2.6 months of grade level equivalency in math over the summer? Read more about the real and serious issue of summer learning loss.
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Tips for Choosing a Summer Camp for Your Child with LD
Camp size, types of offerings, location, staff, and camp policies all combine to create a particular climate and setting at a camp. If you're a parent of a child with LD, it is worth taking a close look at the advice provided within this article, written by someone who knows — a parent of a child with LD and who owns a summer camp!
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Dyslexia and the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is not well known to the general public, yet it is a very influential manual used to determine how doctors, teachers, and other professionals interpret educational and mental health issues; how the press reports on them; and what kind of treatments and therapies will be covered by health insurance companies. Small changes in the DSM can have a major impact on how conditions are understood and treated. Revisions to the 5th edition include changes to the name and types of learning disabilities that are identified within the document. Specifically:
Learning Disorder has been changed to Specific Learning Disorder and the previous types of Learning Disorder (Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Disorder of Written Expression) are no longer being recommended. The type of Learning Disorder will instead be specified as noted in the diagnosis.
Between now and June 15, 2012, the APA's DSM-5 Development team welcomes comments and questions on these changes. Submit comments to dsm5@psych.org before June 15.
For more information, please visit our DSM-5 and Dyslexia page.
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International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Recognizes Nine Universities for Meeting Teacher Training Standards in Reading
"Learning to teach reading, language and writing is a complex undertaking. The competence and expertise of teachers can be nourished with training that emphasizes the study of reading development, language, and individual differences," said Dr. Louisa Moats, Chair of IDA's Standards and Practices Committee. IDA reviewed specific university programs against standards defined by the IDA. Read on to find out which programs fared well in the review.
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Ages & Stages Questionnaire
The first five years are critical in a child's life. And this is the most important time to get your child support for a developmental delay or special need. Easter Seals Disability Services offers a free online questionnaire to help parents learn more about a child's developmental progress. The questionnaire is designed for children from birth through age five.
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The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Annual Conference June 24-27, 2012
The International Society for Technology in Education's annual conference will be in San Diego, CA. Each year nearly 20,000 enthusiastic ed tech professionals and corporate representatives from around the globe unite for five days of professional learning, collaborating, and hands-on demonstration of the best new technologies for the classroom, school, or district. For more information, visit the ISTE website.
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Featured Partner: National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY)
The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) is the center that provides information to the nation on disabilities in children and youth, including information about IDEA and effective teaching practices. Visit the NICHCY website for an abundance of information.
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Advice: Are colleges required to comply with 504 plans?
My child has ADHD and a formal 504 plan. The plan states that she is allowed extra time on testing and the use of a calculator for math class. The college that she is about to attend has refused to allow a calculator in class and for testing. Is this legal?
Matt Cohen, Esq. answers: Many people assume that if they or their child have been recognized as having a disability and had IEP or Section 504 services in high school that they are automatically entitled to the same services in college. This is not correct. Students in college must...
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Glossary Term: Small Learning Communities
Small Learning Communities
Small learning communities are an increasingly popular approach for teaching adolescents. This approach uses personalized classroom environments where teachers know each individual student and can tailor instruction to meet their academic and social/emotional needs. The goal is to increase students' sense of belonging, participation, and commitment to school.
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Featured Resource: Virtual Museums and Activities for Students
In this economy, fewer families may be hitting the road to visit museums and interesting places. Thankfully, many museums have developed virtual tours and activities for kids. Parents can use these resources as a way to travel the world without having to leave the house! This post from Free Technology for Teachers reviews five interesting virtual museums and activities for students.
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