Episodes
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Dan Cochrane is a RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Professional and a clinical instructor in the Assistive Technology Certificate Program at the University of Illinois at Chicago. A former special educator, Dan worked for over 20 years in a suburban Chicago unit school district (K-12), first as an elementary special ed resource teacher and inclusion facilitator, and for the last 13 years as the district-wide assistive technology specialist/coordinator. Dan has an MA in Teaching special education, an MS in Disability and Human Development, and recently started in the PhD program in Disability Studies at UIC. Dan presents on AT topics at several national AT conferences, and is a member of the Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA), currently serving on its Board of Directors.
https://sites.google.com/uic.edu/problem-solving-assistive-tech http://www.uicatu.org/ bit.ly/atcycle
https://sites.google.com/uic.edu/problem-solving-assistive-tech
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My thoughts on a contentious issue. Not super scientific, but I pointed to several resources:
Harris Cooper synthesized research in the mid 90's, and is often cited as support for giving kids homework: https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2019/03/homework-research-how-much/585889/
Alfie Kohn, author of "The Homework Myth" takes issue with Cooper's conclusions. Read him here: https://www.edutopia.org/no-proven-benefits
As I often do, I looked back in my library at an old favorite- Classroom Instruction that Works by Marzano, Pickering, and Pollack- get a copy on Amazon (holy cow, it's cheap!) https://www.amazon.com/Classroom-Instruction-that-Works-Research-Based/dp/0131195034
Takeaways: when judging the value of homework, consider the purpose of the task, don't use it as an assessment, keep the routine and structure familiar, check for understanding, and give timely feedback.
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Episodes manquant?
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When a child can technically "hear" but isn't making meaning of the sounds efficiently, it can really impact their learning and ability to function. In the classroom, this might look like inattention, difficulty decoding and reading, trouble following directions, or even attitude!
Dr. Jeanane Ferre is an expert in Central Auditory Processing Disorder, and explains why evaluation can help some kids get the support they need.
You can find out more about CAPD and services she provides at her website, https://dr-ferre.com/
For a more technical presentation, check out this youtube video where she talks about differential diagnosis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h3NpYAQ_-0
Questions? Want to contact me or learn more? Get in touch at reorientedadvocacy.com
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What's the difference between accommodations, modifications, and differentiation teachers are expected to do in the classroom?
Let's do a 'set me straight' type of episode where I explain my thinking...
Here are some resources: (links are clickable through Anchor FM, or see slides on my website!)
IRIS Peabody on differentiation (great module!)
CHADD 504 accommodations list
Mastery vs. Quantity
Smart Kids with LD
More questions? Ideas? Arguments? Contact me through my website, www.reorientedadvocacy.com.
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What does it mean to be 'twice exceptional', '2E', or 'gifted'? I'm glad I was connected to Robin Schader, Ph.D, author of "To Be Gifted and Learning Disabled" so she could lend some perspective to this and promote an integrated, strengths-based approach to teaching learners.
You can read more about her and her work as well as Bridges Academy at bridges.edu.
Definitely check out the 2E Center Suite of Tools with the My Learning Print resource. https://www.bridges.edu/suite-of-tools-img-version.html
I'm hoping we'll have her back soon to talk more on My Learning Print!
Other resources she recommended include:
"Atom" Renzulli
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https://gifted.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/961/2015/01/Systems_and_Models-ReisRenzulli.pdf
Bridges Academy profile: https://www.bridges.edu/robin-schader.html
2E movie link to companion guide: http://www.childofgiants.com/2e/about-the-film/
Sternberg: http://www.robertjsternberg.com/special-education
Rose: The end of average https://www.amazon.com/End-Average-Succeed-Values-Sameness/dp/0062358367
Kaufman: Ungifted https://www.amazon.com/Ungifted-Intelligence-Scott-Barry-Kaufman/dp/0465066968/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=ungifted&qid=1579220524&s=books&sr=1-3 -
What is dyslexia? Why do some kids struggle to learn to read? What is the Orton Gillingham method, and how does it differ from other structured programs, like Wilson? Kristen McShane from The Learning Specialist, LLC joins me to talk about the rules around reading, multisensory approaches, and effective instruction in the classroom and one on one.
This article and a few others had me thinking hard about how to better prepare teachers and help them be more effective.
You can find Kristen at thelearningspecialistllc.com
The book she mentions is The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan by Ben Foss.
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I wanted to learn more about transition planning and self-advocacy, and I luckily sat next to Tom Iland a few weeks ago. Tom is a speaker and co-author of "Come to Life" which is an awesome collection of analogies, metaphors, and visuals that help students with autism (or anyone!) through the process of making informed decisions into adulthood.
Tom was diagnosed with autism at 13, and shares with me some of his experience overcoming obstacles to realize his goals- being independent and helping others. You can read more about Tom at thomasiland.com and read about his co-author and mom, Emily Iland at her site, emilyiland.com. The link to buy the book directly is https://thomasiland.com/come-to-life/.
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Dr. Sonia Cooper of theschoolpsych.com joins me to talk about the school psychologist's role in evaluating and determining eligibility for kids with suspected learning differences.
Not only is she a psychologist, she's the creator of some super useful resources! Check out her TPT store for awesome tools and reference materials like observation forms, behavior point sheets, visual tools, and guides on special education and related services.
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Greg Chasson joins me to talk about cognitive behavioral therapy and approaches used to help people who suffer from OCD, anxiety, or other conditions. (He's a PhD, but it feels super weird to call him doctor. Lol)
Greg recommends the following sites if you're looking for more information on providers or the conditions we discussed today:
Association for behavioral and cognitive therapies (ABCT) to find a provider
Anxiety and Depression Association
International OCD Foundation
Social Thinking is the publisher of the Super Flex curriculum.
The 'triangle' is made up of thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
Contact me with questions, to consult about your child, or see more resources at my blog, reorientedadvocacy.com. Or- leave your message here. Thanks for listening!
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Erin Young, a veteran CPS special educator and "teacher advocate" tells me about the realities in today's classrooms, from secondary trauma, staffing shortages, and the importance of prioritizing and being assertive to prevent burnout.
Need to be connected to support? Contact me and we'll connect you to groups for special ed teachers or for parents.
Email: [email protected] My website: www.reorientedadvocacy.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/reorientedadvocacy Links: Edweek.org article on Special Education Teacher Shortage (Dec 2018) Secondary Traumatic Stress and Self Care Packet Harvard Grad School of Ed article: Helping Teachers Manage the Weight of Trauma (9/2018) Ross Greene (again, I told you!) Lives in the Balance/Collaborative practice for behavior challenges
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After reading about a 'lack of administrative support' for discipline in schools, I invited Krystal Lewis-Pratl to come chat with me about how teachers can use restorative practices to strengthen relationships with students and approach behavior management in their classrooms.
Visit my blog at www.reorientedadvocacy.com for links and more, or leave a question of your own. Some relevant info below:
https://www.childtrends.org/publications/black-students-disabilities-out-of-school-suspensions
Illinois increased suspensions overall from 2012-16 for black students, and those with disabilities
https://www.clccrul.org/blog/2018/3/28/more-than-one-year-after-sb100-illinois-educators-and-students-reflect-on-school-discipline-progress
Chicago lawyers committee for civil rights, updates and links on SB100, three takeaways, updates one year later
https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2019/06/14/if-you-wont-do-restorative-justice-right.html
A need for more training, support, and staff
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Do kids know how to make good decisions? Is bad behavior truly their fault? Kristina Siffererd, PhD, author of "Responsible Brains" talks to me about executive function and culpability.
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Episode 1 is the most nerve-wracking! Is it rejection sensitive dysphoria at work, or is the fear of podcasting my bully? (Maybe it's an ADHD thing...) Isaiah Makar of Impact Makars joins me to talk about why it's so scary to put ourselves out there, face possibly negative feedback, and how teachers and parents can coach kids to work that muscle so they can overcome performance anxiety and become braver over time.
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