Saturday, June 13, 2015

MzTeachuh's Meditations: The Healer of Broken Hearts

MzTeachuh's Meditations: The Healer of Broken Hearts: How To Heal A Broken Heart, Madeline Jordache And Jesus said, 'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me...

MzTeachuh: Educational Links 6/14/15

MzTeachuh: Educational Links 6/14/15: This means you, teacher! 5 Ideas to Kickstart Your Summer Learning http://www.edutopia.org/blog/ideas-kickstart-your-summer-learnin...

5 Ideas to Kickstart Your Summer Learning

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/ideas-kickstart-your-summer-learning-beth-holland?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A%20EdutopiaNewContent%20%28Edutopia%29

Where Has The Play Gone?

http://www.teachthought.com/learning/where-has-the-play-gone/

5 Strategies to Gain Compliance with Tasks

http://special-ism.com/5-strategies-to-gain-compliance-with-tasks/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Special-ism+%28Special-ism%29

Compliant Students or Engaged Students, Pick One

http://www.bamradionetwork.com/hooked-captivating-students/

Some Good Resources For Kids' Summer Learning

http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2015/06/some-good-resources-for-kids-summer.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+educatorstechnology%2FpDkK+%28Educational+Technology+and+Mobile+Learning%29

The Secret to Classroom Management is Fun Friday

http://www.teachhub.com/secret-classroom-management-fun-friday

Understanding Dyslexia

http://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dyslexia/understanding-dyslexia

Video: Inside the Dyslexic Brain

http://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dyslexia/video-inside-the-dyslexic-brain

MzTeachuh: Gossamer Wings On My Mint!

MzTeachuh: Gossamer Wings On My Mint!: A Butterfly Garden has been one of my goals this summer--and I was more successful then expected. This year I have been more closely o...

A Butterfly Garden has been one of my goals this summer--and I was more successful then expected. This year I have been more closely observing what I had thought were moths (I previously hadn't paid much attention to these tiny winged critters because I didn't think they were butterflies. What an elitist I was!)

...his fairy errand like the light and glittering gossamer before the breeze.

Now that I'm looking more closely, have been finding the most interesting butterflies.

This is a Edwards' Hairstreak Satyrium edwardsii. Not supposed to be this far west.

His backside has camouflage--a faux eye and antennae that rub together to deceive predators.

He is considered a 'gossamer-winged' true butterfly; the caterpillar depend on eating ants, which could be why they like my yard here in the desert.

This butterfly isn't even on the flowers I specially planted for the Butterfly Garden--he's really enjoying the flowering mint which is one of the easiest plants to grow.

He's even compared to Puck in Midsummer Night's Dream:

"...his fairy errand like the light and glittering gossamer before the breeze."

Correction! I have discovered that this is a California Hairstreak. I've joined the NABA (North American Butterfly Association) and post pics and get info about the butterflies I view on my outdoor adventures.

North American Butterfly Association

http://www.naba.org/

MzTeachuh: Educational Trends This Very Morning! 6/13/15

MzTeachuh: Educational Trends This Very Morning! 6/13/15: Step by Step: Designing Personalized Learning Experiences For Students http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2014/11/28/step-by-step-designing-...

Educational Trends This Very Morning! 6/13/15

Step by Step: Designing Personalized Learning Experiences For Students

http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2014/11/28/step-by-step-designing-personalized-learning-experiences-for-students/

How to Use the Reciprocal Learning Strategy

http://www.cultofpedagogy.com/reciprocal-learning/

Defining "Best Practice" in Teaching

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/defining-best-practice-teaching-rebecca-alber?utm_content=blog&utm_campaign=defining-best-practices&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=socialflow&utm_term=link

Inequitable school funding called ‘one of the sleeper civil rights issues of our time’

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/local/wp/2015/06/08/inequitable-school-funding-called-one-of-the-sleeper-civil-rights-issues-of-our-time/

The Best Resources, Articles & Blog Posts For Teachers Of ELLs In 2015 – So Far

http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2015/06/13/the-best-resources-articles-blog-posts-for-teachers-of-ells-in-2015-so-far/

Weekend Wisdom: Ask the Expert: The Ins and Outs of Executive Functioning Issues

https://www.understood.org/en/community-events/experts-live-chats-webinars/2015/june/13/weekend-wisdom-ask-the-expert-the-ins-and-outs-of-executive-functioning-issues?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=understoodorg

Nonacademic Skills Are Key To Success. But What Should We Call Them?

http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2015/05/28/404684712/non-academic-skills-are-key-to-success-but-what-should-we-call-them

Friday, June 12, 2015

MzTeachuh: Educational Links 6/13/15

MzTeachuh: Educational Links 6/13/15: Announcing the PTA Family Reading Challenge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ni1EyIS6CX4&feature=youtu.be&utm_source=Readin...

Educational Links 6/13/15

Announcing the PTA Family Reading Challenge

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ni1EyIS6CX4&feature=youtu.be&utm_source=ReadingRockets.org&utm_medium=Twitter

A letter to my fellow special needs parents

https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2015/06/11/letter-my-fellow-special-needs-parents?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AutismSpeaksBlog+%28Autism+Speaks+|+Official+Blog%29

Moving Up? 4 Tips For Managing Your Career As A Teacher

http://www.teachthought.com/teaching/moving-up-tips-for-managing-your-career-as-a-teacher/

When the internet is the teacher

http://www.eschoolnews.com/2015/06/12/internet-computer-teacher-652/

TED Video (16:02): How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Across a Lifetime http://www.specialneedsdigest.com/2015/06/ted-video-1602-how-childhood-trauma.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FLUdSt+%28Special+Needs+Digest%29

Preschoolers and Praise: What Kinds of Messages Help Kids Grow?

http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2015/06/10/preschoolers-and-praise-messages-that-can-help-kids-grow/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kqed%2FnHAK+%28MindShift%29

We’re going on a bug hunt!

http://www.readingrockets.org/blog/we-re-going-bug-hunt?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ReadingRockets_StrugglingReaders+%28Reading+Rockets%3A+Struggling+Reader+Resources%29

Helping Parents Understand the New Strategies for Teaching and Learning

http://www.bamradionetwork.com/teachers-aid/2158-working-toward-a-common-goal-more-important-than-working-toward-an-qaq-sp-1361416364

More true now.

MzTeachuh: Summer Activity: Thunderstorm? Read This Story

MzTeachuh: Summer Activity: Thunderstorm? Read This Story: Y'all do know not to go out in a thunderstorm, right? Lightning is SUPER dangerous. Now that we have established that fact, here&...

Summer Activity: Thunderstorm? Read This Story

Y'all do know not to go out in a thunderstorm, right? Lightning is SUPER dangerous. Now that we have established that fact, here's a great memoir to read during a thunderstorm.

Chapter V of Helen Keller's autobiography The Story of My Life has a tremendous description of a thunderstorm--from a girl who could not see or hear. The whole book is well worth reading. The full text is available at the following site.

The Story of My Life by Helen Keller

Helen and Annie Sullivan

http://www.fullbooks.com/Story-of-My-Life1.html

Helen Keller Biography

http://www.biography.com/people/helen-keller-9361967#awesm=~oHyZF4xLoLUsF4

The 1962 movie "The Miracle Worker" is directly based on Helen Keller's memoirs. It is available on Netflix and YouTube. As a teacher of the Severely Handicapped myself, I will say this is powerful production is a valid portrayal.

MzTeachuh: Stepfathers Should Get More Credit

MzTeachuh: Stepfathers Should Get More Credit: St. Joseph and the Christ Child Stepgrandfathers, too. I wouldn't trade my grandpa, (see below) step or otherwise; he brought all ...

Stepfathers Should Get More Credit

St. Joseph and the Christ Child

Stepgrandfathers, too. I wouldn't trade my grandpa, (see below) step or otherwise; he brought all the love and joy we needed.

Eddie Fisher - Oh! My PaPa 1954

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dWOsP_wly0

Grandpa and Melanie (9th Birthday)

Oh, My Papa
Oh, my pa-pa, to me he was so wonderful
Oh, my pa-pa, to me he was so good
No one could be, so gentle and so lovable
Oh, my pa-pa, he always understood.

Father's Day is June 15.

MzTeachuh: MzTeachuh's Top Posts of the Week 6/12/14

MzTeachuh: MzTeachuh's Top Posts of the Week 6/12/14: Ed Tech and STEM was big this week! Ed Tech and STEM Weekly Update Ed Tech and STEM Weekly Update 5/8/15 http://melanielinktaylor.mz...

MzTeachuh's Top Posts of the Week 6/12/14

Ed Tech and STEM was big this week!

Ed Tech and STEM Weekly Update

Ed Tech and STEM Weekly Update 5/8/15

Summer: Vivaldi and Van Gogh

MzTeachuh: This Sounds Like Fun (Cheap Summer Activities)

MzTeachuh: This Sounds Like Fun (Cheap Summer Activities): The Kids Wanna Dance! http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/sample-class-kids-wanna-dance-2 For Adults, Coloring Invites Creativit...

This Sounds Like Fun (Cheap Summer Activities)

The Kids Wanna Dance!

http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/sample-class-kids-wanna-dance-2

For Adults, Coloring Invites Creativity And Brings Comfort

http://www.npr.org/sections/13.7/2015/06/11/413603343/for-adults-coloring-invites-creativity-and-brings-comfort?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_content=20150611

Poetry For Children
http://poetryforchildren.blogspot.com/2015/06/poet-to-poet-amy-ludwig-vanderwater.html

Outdoor Games & Activities Using Water

http://www.kidactivities.net/category/games-outside-water.aspx

15 Best Pun Jokes for Dads

http://www.grandparents.com/grandkids/activities-games-and-crafts/pun-jokes

16 Clean Funny Jokes for Kids

http://www.grandparents.com/grandkids/activities-games-and-crafts/clean-funny-jokes

Sing Free Karaoke Songs

http://www.karasongs.com/

How to Draw Without Taking Classes

http://www.wikihow.com/Draw-Without-Taking-Classes

How To Make A Cardboard Easel

http://www.ehow.com/how_5079432_make-cardboard-easel.html

How to Make a Cardboard Easel

Read more : http://www.ehow.com/how_5079432_make-cardboard-easel.html

Summer Activities for Teens Fun Ideas a 12 Week Series

http://parentingteens.about.com/od/summerfun/a/funsummeractivitiesteen.htm

Of course, you can have your own Comicon Cosplay at home!

Thursday, June 11, 2015

MzTeachuh: Educational Links 6/12/15

MzTeachuh: Educational Links 6/12/15: 4 Digital Safety Tips for Summer Break http://www.edutopia.org/blog/digital-safety-tips-summer-break-josh-work Legal? Child Study ...

Educational Links 6/12/15

4 Digital Safety Tips for Summer Break

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/digital-safety-tips-summer-break-josh-work

Read This: Anti-Vaxxers Are Using Twitter to Manipulate a Vaccine Bill

http://www.specialneedsdigest.com/2015/06/read-this-anti-vaxxers-are-using.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FLUdSt+%28Special+Needs+Digest%29

Preschoolers and Praise: Messages That Can Help Kids Grow

http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2015/06/10/preschoolers-and-praise-messages-that-can-help-kids-grow/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kqed%2FnHAK+%28MindShift%29

Where’s the Moral Outrage for ADHD Mass Medication?

http://time.com/3900515/adhd-medication-moral-outrage/

Why Students Should Read

http://www.teachthought.com/featured/why-students-should-read/

50 Things You Can Do with Google Classroom – Free Giveaway!

http://catlintucker.com/2015/06/50-things-you-can-do-with-google-classroom-free-giveaway/

Hurdles in Pairing General, Special Education Teachers

http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2015/06/10/hurdles-in-pairing-general-special-education-teachers.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EducationWeekSpecialEducation+%28Education+Week%3A+Special+Education%29

Why It's Important for Students to Create Content

http://www.bamradionetwork.com/edtechchat/

The State of the Education Industry in 2015

http://www.edudemic.com/whoa-education-is-a-7-trillion-dollar-industry/

Legal? Child Study Intervention Plan Instead of IEP - See more at: http://www.wrightslaw.com/blog/?p=12676&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheWrightslawWay+%28The+Wrightslaw+Way%29#sthash.iPBAeAMU.dpufhttp://www.wrightslaw.com/blog/?p=12676&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheWrightslawWay+%28The+Wrightslaw+Way%29

MzTeachuh: My Dad

MzTeachuh: My Dad: Strolling Player and Son, Picasso Cheese is okay for holidays, right? This is for those many new fans of the Donna Reed Show . ...

My Dad

Strolling Player and Son, Picasso

Cheese is okay for holidays, right? This is for those many new fans of the Donna Reed Show.

"My Dad" - Paul Petersen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjvRPV9hHBs

Father's Day is June 19.

MzTeachuh: Kids' Activities for the Fourth of July

MzTeachuh: Kids' Activities for the Fourth of July: Summer Activity: Red, White and Blue Flowers for the Fourth http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2013/07/summer-activity-red-white-and-blue.html...

Kids' Activities for the Fourth of July

Summer Activity: Red, White and Blue Flowers for the Fourth http://mzteachuh.blogspot.com/2013/07/summer-activity-red-white-and-blue.html

Education.com has several clever ideas kids' activities for the Fourth of July, and many others as always.

Wind power!

Patriotic Pinwheel

http://www.education.com/activity/article/pinwheel_first/

Geysers! and sticky, too.

Soda Pop Fireworks
http://www.education.com/activity/article/Soda_pop_fireworks/

Paint Watercolor Fourth of July Fireworks

http://www.education.com/activity/article/watercolor-fourth-july-fireworks/

Host a Founding Fathers Feast

http://www.education.com/activity/article/Founding_Fathers_middle/

A girl can portray Jefferson!

MzTeachuh: Educational Links 6/12/15

MzTeachuh: Educational Links 6/12/15: 183 Questions for Writing or Discussion http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/06/10/183-questions-for-writing-or-discussion/?_r=0 ...

MzTeachuh: What GenEd and SpecEd Need to Know About Each Othe...

MzTeachuh: What GenEd and SpecEd Need to Know About Each Othe...: About Collaboration Among Regular & Special Education Teachers http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/collaboration-among-regular-spec...

MzTeachuh: The Up-Side of Teaching

MzTeachuh: The Up-Side of Teaching: Learn the Top 10 Benefits of a Being a Teacher http://www.alleducationschools.com/education-careers/article/teaching-career-perks W...

The Up-Side of Teaching

Learn the Top 10 Benefits of a Being a Teacher

http://www.alleducationschools.com/education-careers/article/teaching-career-perks

Why Teach?

http://teach.com/why-teach

Why Consider Becoming a Teacher?

http://www.unc.edu/uncbest/teacher.html

Why Teaching is Good For You

https://www.edsurge.com/n/2013-04-03-why-teaching-is-good-for-you

What's good about teaching?

http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6008829

What GenEd and SpecEd Need to Know About Each Other

About Collaboration Among Regular & Special Education Teachers

http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/collaboration-among-regular-special-education-teachers-13906.html

With the new federal push to improve outcomes for Special Education students, GenEd will be asked to participate more fully in the development and execution of services for Special Education.

Behind the Headline: States’ Special Education Services Face Tighter Oversight by the Obama Administration

http://educationnext.org/behind-headline-states-special-education-services-face-tighter-oversight-obama-administration/

What do both GenEd and SpecEd need to know to create an efficient collaboration?

First, I suggest GenEd do a little homework on the Special Education system, and the types of needs they will most frequently encounter in their classrooms or at the school site.

What do General Education Teachers Need To Know About Special Education?

http://www.schoolpsychologistfiles.com/2008/11/what-do-general-education-teachers-need-to-know-about-special-education.html

Types of Learning Disabilities

http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities

And, SpecEd needs do a little research, too, checking out their school sites participation in Common Core (or other standards adopted) in order to write copacetic goals and objectives into the IEP. The best goals and objectives are ones that are already being taught in the general instruction, with as little need for adaptation to service the student as possible. When students need assistance outside of class or the schoolday, what tutoring or help classes do the school offer? Find out the teachers' schedules, office hours, and style of teaching. Be sure to relate your schedule.

Resources for Writing IEPs Aligned to Common-Core Standards

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/speced/2013/12/resources_for_writing_ieps_ali.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+OnSpecialEducation+(Education+Week+Blog%3A+On+Special+Education)

Sharing Your Google Calendar with Others

http://cis220fall13.wordpress.com/2013/10/11/sharing-your-google-calendar-with-others/

Collaborating on a daily basis, in the same room, requires a great deal of communication. You don't have to be best friends to collaborate, but you do need to be professional. There are several methods of collaboration in the classroom. Together GenEd and SpecEd teachers choose the best plan for the lesson.

Collaboration Between General and Special Education Teachers

https://www.teachervision.com/teaching-methods/resource/2941.html

Collaboration between General and Special Education Teachers. ERIC Digest.

http://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED409317

Each teacher is a professional, highly qualified in an area of expertise. I would suggest SpecEd teachers only do direct instruction of a GenEd class if they hold credentials in that specific area, and GenEd teachers absorb information and advice from the SpecEd teacher on the Special Needs student's detailed program (as in the IEP) and input from the parents. The school experience of a Special Needs student is very fluid, possibly including health issues, emotional balance, and input from parents at least on a weekly basis. GenEd and SpecEd really need to communicate!

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Educational Links 6/12/15

183 Questions for Writing or Discussion

http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/06/10/183-questions-for-writing-or-discussion/?_r=0

Summer Vacation: How Pets Can Help Kids Learn

http://www.teachhub.com/summer-vacation-how-pets-can-help-kids-learn

90 Free Coloring Pages for Kids

http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/60997/100-coloring-pages-kids

Khan Academy's Impact on Education - Insights from Salman Khan

http://edtechreview.in/voices/interviews/1983-khan-academy-impact-on-education-insights-from-salman-khan

Tips for Choosing a Novel to Study

http://theeducatorsroom.com/2015/06/tips-choosing-novel-study/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theeducatorsroom%2FvPKE+%28EducatorsRoom%29

New Resources On Race & Racism

http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2015/06/09/new-resources-on-race-racism-10/

Learning & Attention Issues

https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues

Common Core’s First Breakout Hit?

http://educationnext.org/common-cores-first-breakout-hit/

At the Movies: Films Focused on Education Reform

http://www.edutopia.org/education-reform-documentaries

MzTeachuh: Summer Activity: Can You Swim?

MzTeachuh: Summer Activity: Can You Swim?: Olympic Gold Medal Winner Cullen Jones and the Make a Splash Initiative http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/USA/34367.asp?q...

Summer Activity: Can You Swim?


Olympic Gold Medal Winner Cullen Jones and the Make a Splash Initiative http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/USA/34367.asp?q=Water-Safety-Make-a-Splash-Tour-Featuring-Cullen-Jones-Hits-New-York

Swimming is so much fun--as close to flying as you can imagine. But lots of kids don't have instruction in swimming and water safety. And, btw, grown-ups, do you swim? Or do you just sit by the pool/lake/river/ocean and watch the kids have fun? Let's get with it! Just for safety's sake if nothing else. And girls and ladies, wet hair shouldn't deter you. There are caps, if desired. Sunburn shouldn't deter you--wear a tee shirt and waterproof sunblock, and watch the time. Find a cool summer hat. Too fat, too skinny? Who cares. And if you swim enough, it will give you a marvelous, smooth, muscular bod, and improve your physical and mental health amazingly. Mostly, IT IS JUST SO MUCH FUN! And we're not even discussing games, sports, and activities involving water.

See girls, swim caps can look cute.

Water Safety Make a Splash Tour Featuring Cullen Jones Hits New York

http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/USA/34367.asp?q=Water-Safety-Make-a-Splash-Tour-Featuring-Cullen-Jones-Hits-New-York

The Importance Of Swimming Lessons For Safety, Health and Enjoyment

http://www.enjoy-swimming.com/importance-of-swimming.html

17 yr old Lia Neal wins Olympic swim medal

Why Is It Important to Know How to Swim?

http://www.livestrong.com/article/457393-why-is-it-important-to-know-how-to-swim/

5 reasons swimming lessons are important for older kids and tweens

http://www.chicagonow.com/tween-us/2013/10/tween-pool-swimming-lessons/

Confidence in the water--oh yeah.

Disabled Swimmers Gus and Nia Swimming at Northern Arena

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcCs9nWl7ZY

What's Good About Being a Swimmer

http://swimming.about.com/od/swimworkouts/a/swim_benefit.htm

What's good about being a swimmer? Well, guys, you can look like Michael Phelps. http://www.michaelphelpsfoundation.org/

MzTeachuh: Principal's Suggestion Box Letters #10 and #11

MzTeachuh: Principal's Suggestion Box Letters #10 and #11: These letters are absolutely fictional (to protect the innocent and not-so-innocent.) But, with the hint of truth, maybe we can make som...

Principal's Suggestion Box Letters #10 and #11

These letters are absolutely fictional (to protect the innocent and not-so-innocent.) But, with the hint of truth, maybe we can make some adjustments. Principals have the best chance to do that.

Letter # 10
Dear Principal,

I have a concern about collaborating with Special Education. Mr. W is requiring too much input and time on behalf of just one student, who seems to be doing fine without much outside help. I know it is just two weeks into the school year, but with 34 fourth graders (and several more 'active' ones than usual), it seems an inappropriate use of my time to be focusing on one student. His mother is just as bad, wanting daily updates and 'documentation' of his progress. And Mr.W doesn't just pull Jordan over to the table to finish his work, like Mrs. T did before she retired, but helps any student that requests it. Is he supposed to do that? Is he qualified to do that? It seems disruptive to the flow of the class. He makes suggestions about all the students.This year just isn't like other years, like its supposed to be. Can you speak to Mr. W?

Thanks,
Mrs. M, Concerned and Somewhat Overwhelmed Teacher

Letter #11
Dear Principal,

I have a concern about collaborating in the General Education room of Mrs. M. She has experience working with Special Education with Mrs. T, but now the model has changed, per District instruction. The individualized education plan that Jordan has includes Common Core goals of working with other students. Mrs. M is resisting this, and prefers he has pull-out, either to the Resource Room or to a corner of the class. When Jordan does join my Reading Intervention in the Resource Room, he misses Math instruction in Mrs. M's room, which he isn't supposed to. She says 'it is just so much more quiet when he's gone.' I know there are several 'active' students in her class this year, which I can help with, but Jordan really needs his math. Jordan's parent feels that Mrs. M is cutting her off, and won't communicate. Can you help us?

Thanks,
Mr.W, Concerned and Somewhat Overwhelmed Teacher

IEP Collaboration Techniques http://www.understandingspecialeducation.com/iep-collaboration.html

Collaboration - the heart of the matter

http://seonline.tki.org.nz/IEP/IEP-guidelines/Collaboration

Collaboration Between General and Special Education Teachers

https://www.teachervision.com/teaching-methods/resource/2941.html

Communicate With Special Education Parents

Some Strategies for Keeping Parents Happy and Informed

http://specialed.about.com/od/classroommanagement/a/communicationparents.htm

Educational Leadership Philosophy
Special Needs Education

http://teaching.about.com/od/admin/ss/Educational-Leadership-Philosophy_7.htm

My suggestion: Collaboration can be a sensitive issue. Principals need to be up-to-date on District expectations as well as school personalities (not that, as professionals, we let personality get in the way. Ha!) In this scenario, there is more at play than only collaboration. Mrs. M's class may have been the 'dumping ground' for the active kids plus the Special Ed. kids. That sometimes happens, unfortunately. If the school at large just has lots of active kids, then there needs to be a schoolwide behavior management plan developed by the school staff that is generally implemented by all staff all day--at recess, lunch, before and after school programs--so the kids know what to expect, and the limitations.The classrooms will be more calm.

As far as two teachers collaborating with a new model--have a training for all teachers involved led by a District Special Education leader. Clarify expectations in the IEP for each other and the parents, and what the District needs from the team. You might even invite the parents. Don't let them loose on each other the first day of school cold turkey. A teacher's classroom is her/his castle--don't make it so the SpecEd teacher sets off an intruder alert. Principals have great influence on their staff and can create a positive, calm climate of camaradie.

MzTeachuh: Summer: Vivaldi and Van Gogh

MzTeachuh: Summer: Vivaldi and Van Gogh: Poppies and Butterflies Van Gogh The intensity of insects buzzing, the sirocco searing across your face. Flowers bloom then fade daily...

Summer: Vivaldi and Van Gogh

Poppies and Butterflies Van Gogh

The intensity of insects buzzing, the sirocco searing across your face. Flowers bloom then fade daily. Can music sound like the dizzying daze of summer? Vivaldi thought so.

Antonio Vivaldi - Summer (Full) - The Four Seasons

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KY1p-FmjT1M

(P.S. Don't forget to hydrate. Just listening to this can make you thirsty.)

And also...

Vincent van Gogh's Sunflowers With Vivaldi's Summer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZtZTxkGtwI

MzTeachuh: Crucial Educational Topics 6/10/15

MzTeachuh: Crucial Educational Topics 6/10/15: Education Equity http://www.edutopia.org/blogs/tag/education-equity Care About Educational Equity? Then You Should Care About Mobil...