CEC needs your help to save the Jacob K. Javits Program, the only federal investment in gifted education – and time is running out.In 2009, less than 2 cents out of every $100 of the federal K-12 education budget was devoted to meeting the needs of the nation’s 3 million students with gifts and talents. As educators, we know that all children deserve an education that addresses their unique learning needs – and these students are no different.Congress is considering proposals that may eliminate funding for the Javits program. This would result in a loss of research, supports, and services that help schools provide gifted education.Recognizing that Javits is in jeopardy, Representatives Matheson (D-Utah) and Gallegly (R-Calif.) and Senators Dodd (D-Conn.) and Grassley (R-Iowa) have asked fellow members of Congress to help restore program funding to $11.25 million, the most it has ever received.With deadlines imminent, it is critical that as many members of Congress as possible sign on to defend the Javits program. Now’s the time to tell them why gifted education is so important.What You Can DoCEC has designated Wednesday, March 10 and Thursday, March 11 as national “call-in” days to contact your House and Senate representatives in support of federal gifted education funding.Visit CEC’s Legislative Action Center, input your zip code, and we’ll provide you with phone numbers, talking points, and a feedback form. It’s that easy!Thank you in advance for your support. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of all children with exceptionalities.
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My EI/ECSE work with AT is always a joy as I get to sit and play with these little ones using AAC and switches, etc. I am always looking for more information to make my job more effective as I match AT with small children's needs. This issue of the Family Center on Technology and Disability is featuring resources and interviews around Early Intervention. I would highly recommend checking it out - especially if you work in that arena.
Here is what they share:
"Delivering early intervention services to families in remote rural areas has long been a challenge to service providers. Technology has, for the past twenty years, held the promise of helping to reach those families. Yet limited access to computers and the Internet has hampered efforts to use technology to overcome geographic barriers. Now, however, more than ever before, growing familiarity with, and access to technology has raised the hope that distance technologies will make possible "virtual home visits" and with them, increased service to families of young children.
This month we're pleased to bring you the insights of Sue Thain Olsen and Amy Henningson of the Utah State University's Center for Persons with Disabilities (CPD). Their center received a grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Steppingstones of Technology Innovation for Children with Disabilities program. Under the grant, they and their colleagues have been researching the benefits and challenges of providing virtual home visits as part of the early intervention services for which they are responsible. Their research will help inform the efforts of many others throughout the country."
All the best to you!
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The National Council on Disability (NCD) today announced the appointment of Joan M. Durocher as Executive Director. Ms. Durocher will serve in this position as an interim placement through September 11, 2010, or until a permanent Executive Director is appointed.
Durocher has served NCD for over eight years, the last several years in the position of Senior Attorney Advisor. Prior to that, she served the American Bar Association (ABA) in several different capacities.NCD is an independent federal agency making recommendations to the President and Congress to enhance the quality of life for all Americans with disabilities and their families.Read the entire NCD press release.
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YOU GUYS! DO YOU HEAR THOSE SOUNDS?
It's the sound of a host of angels singing "Hallelujah". It's the sound of a million people applauding. It's the sound of rainbows in my classroom and unicorns running free through the fields. It's the sound of my feet as I jump up and down with excitement.
Because that meeting I was telling you about in my previous post? That meeting went well. So well, in fact, that "Jose" is finally going to get the help he needs by going to a behavior unit on a different campus. He's scheduled to leave the last week in March, right after we get back from Spring Break.
We met with the psychologist (who is a different person than the incompetent "behavior specialist" who's been out here a few times already). She took one look at the stack of documentation I'd been keeping since September (all 24 pages!) and her eyes widened. She said most schools barely hand her two pages. She flipped through it. She went through his official file. She listened to our list of failed interventions. She formally recommended him for a behavior unit.
And I was so excited, it was all I could do to stop myself from peeing my pants. She even said that we should have called her directly a long time ago (but let's not focus on that: better he gets the help late rather than never). The principal even complimented me on my excellent documentation because we couldn't have made our case without it. And my colleagues asked me when we were going to go out and celebrate!
My face hurts from smiling.
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Washington, D.C. schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee fired 18 employees from the school system's special-education department, according to an official statement. A spokeswoman for Rhee said the firings were part of cost-saving measures and attempts to achieve the special-education department's "overarching goals and initiatives," but Rhee's critics questioned whether there were other motives behind the cuts.
The Examiner/Washington, D.C.
Whether this is related to the firings or not, DCPS announced last week that in an effort to cut costs and use space more efficiently and effectively, starting March 1, 2010 DCPS Central Office will be located at 1200 First St, NE, Washington, DC 20002, a few blocks north of the former location.
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