Archive of Special Education Message Board Folder: RESOURCE TEACHERS SHARE October 30, 1995 - October 3, 1996 FILE NAME: TCHRSHR1.TXT 412 Messages - 99 Pages SUBJECT: Resource Teachers in touch Date: 95-10-30 21:40:55 edt From: AP80 I'm trying to put together a data base of Resource Teachers from across the country so that we may share concerns and help solve problems together. I've had a great response so far and welcome anyone to join us. Please e-mail me and tell me some basics, i.e. the level you teach, the types of classifications in your classes and, if you'd like, a description of a pressing issue. I'll get back to you. SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touch Date: 95-10-31 17:27:36 edt From: SusanS29 I would like to add: Of course we always welcome parent participation in this forum, but it would be nice for the teachers to have one folder where they could network. I'm not going to ask non-teachers to stay out, but I hope we can keep the folder focused on its important purpose. So, folks -- please don't be offended if you post here and I have it moved to another folder. SusanS29-Host, Special Education Forum SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 95-10-31 21:49:50 edt From: Alke I am currently teaching LD students in math and science in our high school. The range as far as grades is concern is that my students range from 9th graders to 12th graders. My most pressing concern is the fact that my undergraduate degree is in social studies and I just received my Master's degree in Special education. I am alarmed to find out that I am not the "expert" anymore in my field. It is been a rude awakening for me and a struggle. I do not have any background experience in math and science, so it has been a struggle. Additionally, I am disappointed with the attitudes of alot of my students who have just given up. I spend about 75% of my daily lesson, trying to motivating them to try and not give up. alke SUBJECT: Science/Math Resource Struggle Date: 95-11-01 20:10:41 edt From: Camnbeth Dear Alke, Keep on spending as much time as needed motivating your kids. Many of your students are probably so frustrated after struggling through school for 9+ yrs. About your concern of not having any experience in Math or Science- join the crowd! Many Special Education program do not require or offer Science methodology classes and only a few math methodology courses. I am working in a middle school, and learn right along with my kids! I utilize the teachers and let them know if I don't understand/have knowledge of the information they teach. In addition, request a copy of the teacher's editions the teachers are using, and read/study the info.; visit the classroom and sit in on lectures. Most importantly, don't be afraid to let your students know when you don't have/know the answer. Search together to find out- this allows you to model how to discover new information, and also let's your kids know that you don't "think you know ALL" and it's alright to speak up when you don't know something! Keep a folder of all the teacher's tests; worksheets; projects; and note outlines to refer to next year. You'll have your job all figured out and things will run much more smoothly!! Spec. Ed. is no easier field, and although they may act as if they know all, not Special Educator has the key to all content area doors of knowledge!! Good Luck!!! SUBJECT: Science/Math Resource Struggle Date: 95-11-01 21:49:48 edt From: AP80 Dear Alke, Hang in there. Camnbeth's advice was right on target. The best techniques we can give our kids is to model how we find information and apply it. It's sometimes better not to overknow a subject or you may make assumptions about what your kids know. Take Care. SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 95-11-01 23:09:15 edt From: LKittredge I too am an LD teacher but at the middle school level. I am currently teaching LD Reading and English to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders and As of Monday I will be starting a self contained class of Physical Science for kids who couldn't make it in an inclusion setting. The level of frustration is enormous. Can anyone out there help me? I have absolutely NO background in any of the sciences much less this one. Will gladly share any and all info collected. LKittredge SUBJECT: Literature in the RR Date: 95-11-03 21:58:22 edt From: SConrad My basic function, as it was explained to me was to do skill building in the resource room. My students hated the basal readers ( and I did too), so I have started using Steck-Vaughn short classics. My students really love them. They are not only giving me basic comprehension info., but they are comparing different pieces, and writing about them. My concern is, that my supervisor will not appreciate the reading "program" as much as my children. Do any of you think I should go back to thr traditional materials? Thanks for any input you may give. SConrad SUBJECT: Re:Literature in the RR Date: 95-11-03 23:10:10 edt From: AP80 Dear SConrad, Send your supervisor the following message: Dear (Supervisor), you've been so supportive so I'm eager to share a recent success. The literature series I switched to (because my kids were bored with the other) has really lit their fires. They seem to enjoy it and now look forward to the lessons. (Add any other positives you can think of--if your supervisor is interested in student success, he/she shouldn't object; if he/she is into power, you could have a problem. Write back in that case. Keep in mind, that there might be a legitimate reason why your supervisor might not want you to use that series. Keep an open mind, but trust your instincts or those of more experienced teachers. If you'd like to join our data base linking Resource teachers, e-mail me and I'll add your name. AP80 (Ann) SUBJECT: Moved from another folder Date: 95-11-03 23:19:16 edt From: SusanS29 SUBJECT: Laison Date: 95-11-03 20:33:37 EST From: RKAteach Posted on: America Online I am currently teaching LD/MR in an elementary school. I see a strong need for a laison to work with the parents and community to inform them of special education procedures and laws. This would help my position tremendously and allow me to teach. Have any of you seen this or know of any? I want to start this in my district. SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 95-11-04 09:10:24 edt From: Honiedu Currently I have developed a form of "Inclusion" on the 7th grade level. We have 16 learning disabled and emotionally handicapped students grouped with 14 regular PCEN students. I push into science, social studies and Englsih with them. I have two resource classes a day. Great program and wonderful success for these students Honiedu. SUBJECT: Re:Laison Date: 95-11-04 14:44:27 edt From: AP80 In our district we have BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) and they provide services to component school districts. One service they provide is a Parents of Children with Disabilities forum. They hold meetings regularly with specific topics. If you'd like more information, contact: Mindy Fitzpatrick, SETRC, BOCES, South St. Rd. Auburn, NY 13021. PS: Would you like to join our data base of resource teachers? We are just starting up and hope to use e-mail and this message board as a way to share info and concers. If you'd like, send me the following info: level you teach, types of classifications, name & address of your school. We'll include you and soon hope to get some meaningful communication established. Ann Payne (AP80) SUBJECT: Re:Honeidu's program Date: 95-11-04 14:48:41 edt From: AP80 That sounds great. I'd like to hear more about it. Do you have any info you could download? I teach Resource in a middle school but all my kids are scheduled into Resource. I'd like to do some push-in but would like more info on how it works, i.e. how do classroom teachers adapt to it, how do youwork plans. My fear is that I'd become an aide in the classroom. Also, we are establishing a network of Resource Teachers across the country to share info and concerns. If you'd like to join, e-mail me info about your level, classifications, name & address of your school (optional, but if we get a newsletter going for Resource Teachers, at times I may have to resort to US mail) Ann Payne (AP80) SUBJECT: New RR teacher needs help Date: 95-11-05 14:02:05 edt From: Simmonsjef I'm a new resource teacher, and I would like some advice from some experienced teachers. I teach 3rd, 4th and 5th grade math, reading and language arts. I need some advice as to how to teach reading. Do you use basal readers, literature or skill series? How do you have enough time to teach reading when there are a few different levels at once in the classroom? How do you teach English? Do you use an English series or Daily Oral Language? Right now I am using a skill series to teach reading called Insights. I feel like the children aren't really learning. I find that I don't have a lot of time to teach English, so I am using Daily Oral Language. I just feel like there could be a better way of teaching. Any suggestions? SUBJECT: Re:AP80 Date: 95-11-05 14:55:18 edt From: LTaylor283 This is your sister, Stop telling everyone your name. give out an alias, like Nancy M1-She is going to kill me. Seriously, this share line is great. I am going to tell my other sp.ed teachers. SUBJECT: Re:New RR teacher needs help Date: 95-11-05 16:29:38 edt From: AP80 Jeff, you shouldn't have to reinvent the while. Look into what resources are available to sp. ed. teachers, check with more experienced staff and don't be afraid to ask questions. Our area is very ill-defined and over-inclusive. No one could know everything about all types of classifications, levels, subjects, etc. and if that is what is really expected, then there isn't much of a commitment on your district's part to your kids. Since you're new, you don't want to rock the boat too much, but you are entitled to appropriate guidance from qualified people. Can your supervisor point you in the right direction? Is there a college or university near you that trains sp.ed. teachers? Does the basal or language series your school uses have a strand for slower or reading disabled students? Your reading teachers can be a wealth of information. Above all, hang in there--you've been given an assignment that would be difficult for anyone. It is doable with the appropriate guidance. Keep bugging people until they help you. If you would like to join our data base of Resource teachers, send me your name, name & address of your school, types of classifications and I'll add you. Soon we'll get a type of newsletter together where we can address concerns like yours. AP80 SUBJECT: Re:AP80 Date: 95-11-05 22:34:24 edt From: SusanS29 LTaylor it's perfectly acceptable for a person to use his or her real name, and many people do it. What isn't safe (and will be removed from view) are personal phone numbers and addresses. SusanS29-Host, Special Education Forum SUBJECT: WARNING TO ALL Date: 95-11-05 22:35:36 edt From: SusanS29 DO NOT POST YOUR ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER PUBLICLY. It WILL be removed! *E-mail* only for this data base. PLEASE. SusanS29-Host, Special Education Forum SUBJECT: Resource Teachers Network Date: 95-11-10 00:33:16 edt From: AP80 We have over 35 Resource teachers from across the country who have responded to our call to form a data base. Sometimes I feel so isolated, being the only Res. teacher in my building (there are 8 in our district, but we rarely have a scheduled get together). It's great to talk to Res. teachers all over who have the same problems. I've gotten a number of good ideas I plan to try in my building. Anyone who'd like to hook up with us is welcome. Ann SUBJECT: Block Scheduling and ADD kids Date: 95-11-10 14:36:29 edt From: MiniMabs Hi! My high school wants to go to 4 - 75 minute blocks each day for classes.All kids except for 15 really low functioning kids are totally mainstreamed. I need ideas on how to help on training regular class teachers to deal with the ADD kids and severe behavior management kids in such a big block of time! SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 95-11-11 12:31:03 edt From: DWadzeck 1-6 resource teacher in texas....mostly LD with SH and a couple of ED kids....small rural school 17 years experience....first year spec.ed...main concern is classroom teachers who don't like idea of my modifying for students....they feel if students are made to do the work others do they will do fine. would like to chat about this....regarding any ideas on helping classroom teachers understand that these kids can't do what others do....ex. corrections on tests....handwritten...not writing answers on tests, but in complete sentences on other paper...etc. SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 95-11-11 12:39:23 edt From: DWadzeck am new to all this AOL.....just finished going through all the messages and found a couple of really good ones....this is great. thanks for all your sharing SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 95-11-11 20:32:58 edt From: LD Teach80 I'M ALSO NEW TO AOL. JUST FINISHED READING ALL THE MESSAGES. WHAT DO I DO FROM HERE TO JOIN THE DATA BASE? SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 95-11-13 21:13:25 edt From: JTMOC Does anyone know anything about a reading program called "Action Reading"? Is it a legitmate program or a hoax? Thanks. JM26 SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 95-11-13 21:20:46 edt From: LD Teach80 Has anyone had any experience with Ron Davis's orientation training for people with dyslexia? If so, was it effective? SUBJECT: Re: Davis Orientation training Date: 95-11-13 22:21:11 edt From: AP80 I'd also like information on the above. SUBJECT: Re:Literature in the RR Date: 95-11-13 22:32:36 edt From: AnnToreen Hi SConrad, All that really matters is that you turn your kids into book loving, reading machines, right? Once they can read then they can self-educate. If those traditional reading materials were effective for your students they wouldn't be your students. That's how I look at it. I have found that most of my students are visual-kinesthetic learners...very creative...right brained. Basals bore them to death. They want something clever, creative, stimulating, relative. Your books sound great because the students are responding to them. There should be no question as to their appropriateness. Do what works. That's my moto. This means being an advocate for your students (hey, who else if not us, right?) and saying, "I am doing this because it is the best for my student, so back off Jack!" :) Hang in there. AnnToreen SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers Network Date: 95-11-13 22:38:07 edt From: Honiedu Please include me in Resource Teachers Share Connection. Eileen and I work together in a Middle School Inclusion Program. Honiedu SUBJECT: Re:Literature in the RR Date: 95-11-13 23:12:04 edt From: DWadzeck would like to know more about literature....what do you use? thanks, SUBJECT: Re:New RR teacher needs help Date: 95-11-13 23:49:26 edt From: AnnToreen Hi Simmonsjef, (Part one) I teach LD, 1st through 5th grade. I've been doing this for ten years. If my students have over an 80 IQ they average 1 to 2 years progress in one year time. The Language Experience Approach is very effective. The kids have a collection of stories that they've dictated and edited as I wrote and guided. (excellent for the language disabled) (great model for written language) They each have a notebook with their stories to reread at home. The whole book goes home in the summer. We do one story per week in small groups, by ability. I take out select words and replace with vocabulary words. The students pick their spelling words from their story, or if a particular skill has been emphasized (ex: a lot of words had the 'ing' ending in the story) then pick only those words. I also use novels because they are far more interesting. I assess progress and needs continuously. If I see that they need something today, I teach it today or tomorrow. Sometimes I am planning as I teach. If they're reading and a few miss some compound words, then I teach compound words. They get it when they need it to be successful in their current reading material. While they are oral reading I make sure they are using all of the appropriate strategies for decoding unknown words and that they can do this independent of me. The use of phonics is only one of many strategies. I stress reading for meaning.( Ex: What word would make sense here that has that beginning sound? Finish reading the sentence then go back and ask what word would make sense? Let's stop and think about what's happening in the story? Now let's go back and try again. ) It will shock you at how effective this is. Find out about Reading Recovery strategies by Marie Clay. To emphasize reading for meaning using syntax and semanics, I use sentences from their books that I wrote on a sentence strip tag board. I cut the sentence into words. The kids reassemble. Each group has one sentence per week. They are all stored in a pocket chart on the wall. One of their center activities is to go to the pocket chart, find their words and assemble into a meaningful sentence. I give the page number in the book where it can be found if they initially need help. They really learn how to analyze the structure of a sentence and what makes sense or not, AND they absolutely love doing them. If you are stressing 'ing' words, cut all of the 'ing's off and let them figure out where to put them so that the sentence makes sense. It fun and you can teach a lot through them. I also use the Sunday comics cut up and laminated. The kids have to read and sequence onto a pocket chart. This requires sequencing, monitoring syntax and semantics, attention to picture cues and a few laughs along the way. Depending on ability or difficulty of strip, I may mark on the back which one goes first, middle or last, to help them out a little. There are quite a few strips that are wordless for your very beginning readers. For comprehension I use Reciprocal Teaching...very simple. The kids ask the comprehension questions. This gets them to think of questions AS they are reading...voila...they are comprehending. They think it's a lot of fun. I also have Reading Response Journals. Every day they respond to what they have read. I have a bunch of generic comp, ques. that were printed on computer then laminated. Each group goes to a bulletin board to find their question and write the answer in their journals. (EX: What is the main idea of the story? What do you think caused the problem in the story? Is this story based on fantasy or reality? Is the main character being a good friend? Why or why not? What caused the main character to be so afraid in the story? Why do you think so? How would you change the ending of the story?) You can think of hundreds of them! I have a file and I pick what is most appropriate for today's reading. (I also ask them to set weekly reading goals in their journal as well) On Fridays we conference with journal........See part two.. SUBJECT: Resource Database Date: 95-11-13 23:56:53 edt From: REAnders40 I'm very new to the Online system, but this sounds exactly like what I've been looking for! I am a 4th-5th grade Resource teacher in a district that has little to no funding or info. on how to or where to find appropriate materials to help my kids. I would love to join any program that will help me. SUBJECT: Re:New RR teacher needs help Date: 95-11-14 00:19:53 edt From: AnnToreen Hi Simmonsjef, (part two) (RE: written language.) The journals are how I do written language stuff. We conference every Friday. We talk about their responses to their stories and the quality of the writing. It's very effective because it relative. You are teaching to the moment and the immediate personal need. Progress is faster. I have designed vocabulary and spelling study guides that incorporate the best strategies for learning. Both guides require writing sentences using their words. (RE: meeting all of their needs.) The only way I have been successful in teaching in a multi-age, multi-ability, multi-subject classroom is to use learning centers or work stations. If I'm teaching reading, I pull them out during their reading times.(no skin off regular teachers back if you give the grades, which I do) The kids will come for an hour per subject. Within that hour I pull them for group instruction for 20 to 30 minutes. The rest of the time they are doing center work that meets individual or group needs. The kids have a paper that tells them what centers they are responsible for, for the week. They chose the order , as long as they all get done within time allotted. This takes some patience and work on your part and a lot of training for the kids...but...when up and running, the classroom runs itself and your'e just pulling groups. It's great!!!! The kids come and go quietly while I have back to back 30 minute lessons all day. I have 33 kids. My aide pulls some groups or individuals and monitors centers. AND if you absolutely have to, you can write IEPs all day while the kids do centers all day. Can you see the possibilities? ;) Hang in there. Read a lot. Build your own professional library. I wish you luck. Hope this helped.....AnnToreen SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 95-11-14 00:39:40 edt From: AnnToreen Hi DWadzeck, These teachers need to be reminded that they are being discriminatory towards these students. Their disability is not being accommodated. Would you be a reasonable person to ask a man with a fake leg to run a 4 minute mile because it can be done by an athelete with two legs? NO! But you could reasonably ask him to take a walk with you! :) Then why would you expect a person with a reading disablity to read math word problems because the average person can? It would be reasonable to verbally give him the math challenge and then let him take it on. I have learned that when it comes to my students, I am their only advocate. Sometimes I have to take on their battles to overcome ignorance and intolerance. The teachers have a hard time with our kids because they have disabilities that aren't seen. When I give them my analogy, it seems to help visualize it for them. AnnToreen SUBJECT: Re: Davis Orientation training Date: 95-11-15 11:03:04 edt From: SusanS29 I have read Ron Davis' book. Although I'm sure his approach works very well with some children, I think we need to remember that there are multiple causes of reading problems. First we must find out what's interfering, and then plan our strategy from that. In addition, Davis' major diagnosis is autism, not dyslexia, which -- to me -- suggests that his approach may be more suitable for some kinds of learning than others. In my experience it was language problems most likely to interfere with severe reading problems, and in that case it's unreasonable to ask the child to read above his or her language skills. Some children also are extremely concrete and won't learn to read just from a printed page no matter what techniques are used. SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers Network Date: 95-11-16 21:54:16 edt From: Honiedu Found a real great Book called" LD is not Learning Dumb". If interested contact Honiedu AOL and I will give you the particulars. SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers Network Date: 95-11-16 21:56:06 edt From: Honiedu Please enter me in your Database Honiedu SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers Network Date: 95-11-17 16:45:00 edt From: SusanS29 Honiedu since you didn't write it, it's not an advertisement. Please post the particulars publicly so we can all have a chance at this book! Thanks. SusanS29-Host SUBJECT: Re:New RR teacher needs help Date: 95-11-17 21:15:38 edt From: NCMomma I am also a new resource teacher with 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade elementary students. I teach in an inner city "at risk" school. The main thing that I have learned so far is not to expect "big" improvements to happen quickly. We have to just chip away day by day. One of my biggest problems is that I am not only battling learning disabilities but "environmental" disabilities. It's no wonder that so many of my students have learned so little. I am spending a lot of my time using the Multiple Skills series and the rest on basic reading skills (yes, phonics). I stress routine and have found that my students do much better when they know what to expect. We repeat the same routines day after day and I have found that most have accepted the procedures as routine. I had my first observation by my principal yesterday and received an A+ rating. I was so excited. I would be glad to share my schedule with you in more detail if you would like. Just leave me a message in E-mail. Lots of luck... Claudia SUBJECT: Re:New RR teacher needs help Date: 95-11-17 23:27:27 edt From: SMccaughey I teach in a Resource Room K-8. I have been using the Wilson Reading Program which is phonetically based. It follows a structured routine, and teaches students to associate keywords and sounds to each letter/blend etc: It also teaches the students solid phonetic rules, starting with the very basic and working its way up. I have seen great improvement in my student's decoding skills, and spelling, even the student's with severe reading disabilities. The program stresses the "tapping" of letter sounds, and I now have students tapping with their fingers all over the place. My reading group currently consists of 3 5th graders and 4 sixth graders. In lang. arts, my 5th graders are working on the same activities as the regular 5th grade, but with modification. I also use the Daily oral language, but find that the students relate to the editing better if they are editing another student's work. Good luck! SUBJECT: Good Reading Material Date: 95-11-18 08:53:19 edt From: Honiedu "L.D." Does Not mean Learning Dumb was brought for me by one of my parents who is a social worker. What a wonderful book for personal and classroom use. It is available for $19.99 and they accept Visa or Master Card. Phone number is 201-763-2499. I recommend this book highly and if purchased you all will be pleased. Additional Information: Honiedu AOL SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 95-11-18 09:10:55 edt From: Honiedu Hi AnnToreen, It certainly isn't easy being a resource teacher. I've been teaching for 32 years now and became a special education teacher 13 years ago. I have always been a child's advocate and continue this support with my grandchildren. There are absolutely marvelous teachers out there who are willing to change their styles to meet the needs of all our students, AND then there are those who know it all "which isn't much" and no matter what you say or do are going to continue to put down the self esteem of the child who needs to achieve academically. These are the teacher we need to target. If we are not our students advocate not one will be. You can't win the all. SUBJECT: Re:New RR teacher needs help Date: 95-11-18 11:33:52 edt From: Ratatat <> I know a first grade teacher who has her master's in reading. She has been tapping her chin to "show" the cadence of words to children for so long that sometimes she does it when she is talking to adult colleagues! She is really something - let me tell you! SUBJECT: Re:New RR teacher needs help Date: 95-11-18 22:01:53 edt From: Honiedu Ratatat There comes a time when we must think about packing it in. I know I am soon to be in that category. I got a kick out of the first grade teacher tapping her chin. I guess I better be aware of such behaviors if I start to do this after 32 years in the field. Honiedu SUBJECT: Re:New RR teacher needs help Date: 95-11-18 23:19:06 edt From: SusanS29 Remember the old "Dick and Jane" series? My grandmother, who taught first grade for years, loved to tell the story about the first grade teacher who had a flat tire. This version is edited for AOL :). "Oh, oh, oh! "Look, look, look! Darn, darn, darn!" SUBJECT: Re: Physical Science for LD Date: 95-11-19 20:47:54 edt From: HJ Wally I teach Physical Science to LD students in a Middle School. Here are some suggestions: 1) I f there is a Remedial Science program in your school, find out what text they are using. If you like it, consider ordering it or at least use it for a reference. The Remedial Science teacher and I both use "Physical Science" by Globe publishing Company. It's a hardcover text with one concept per chapter presented on only two pages with questions after every paragraph.2) Use hands on whenever possible. This does not mean you have to do labs. My students love making collages. For example, we just finished an energy unit and they are currently cutting out magazine pictures which illustrate different forms of energy and then making a poster.3) they love to color so I do projects like this often.Hope this helps! SUBJECT: Re:Literature in the RR Date: 95-11-19 20:50:38 edt From: HJ Wally My advice: stick to whatever works. Stech Vaughn materials are great and it sounds like your students are successful. SUBJECT: Re: Inclusion Date: 95-11-19 20:53:52 edt From: HJ Wally I am interested in info regarding successful inclusion of LD/remedial students into heterogenous classes. Does it work when there is a special ed teacher in the room? SUBJECT: Re: Inclusion Date: 95-11-19 21:41:20 edt From: AP80 HJWally, this is a copy of an e-mail I just sent on this issue: About 5 years ago I helped develop a program to move previously-tracked "slow learners" into regular classrooms with support. I did this because my kids were being, for the most part, automatically placed in "basic skillls" classes because of their low reading/writing levels. These kids got a reading lab every day (the reading teacher focused on content in their regular classes-a bit like Resource for non-handicapped kids) My kids got the same class plus me. It worked great. We provided a great deal of staff development. The remedial staff and I helped to modify presentations, homework & tests. The original agreement called for not placing more than 3 of these kids per class and keeping enrollments to about 21-22. Now with budget cuts, the every day reading was cut. Class sizes soared and teachers had no time to deal with ourkids needs. We have the program on paper only. The kids are struggling and the president of the Bd. of Ed. recently wrote an editorial saying our schools have never been better (they cut 20% of the staff last spring). The beauty was that many of the techniques we pushed worked well for everyone, not just for slow or LD kids. When will the public learn? SUBJECT: to: l kittredge Date: 95-11-19 22:40:26 edt From: SRPAQ Start with simple copncepts which pupils can take away with them. For example, they can rub their hands together. How does it feel. The heat is caused by friction when two objects come together. Where can they see this used? Sneakers grab the ground because of friction. The same is true of tires on a car. Without friction things would move freely. Sometimes we do want things to move easily. This is why we use oil in our cars to prevent the moving parts from heating up too much as they work. I suggest you try to find elementary science books in the library but don,t let the kids know the level. One authjor who used to write fine elementary science books is Schneider. Good luck! I am on AOL occasionally. My name is SRPAQ SUBJECT: Re: Inclusion Date: 95-11-19 23:12:47 edt From: Honiedu Presently I am in the English,social studies and science classes with 16 LD and EH students and 14 regular education students. I have two resource classes a day and work my duty with the regular ed students. This is the second year of the program and we have it now on the 6th and 8th grade level. I teach 7th grade. All the curriculum remains the same and the students selected are highly motivated with low skills and a terrific parent support. SUBJECT: Re: Inclusion Date: 95-11-20 19:36:02 edt From: Jnorris801 I am a RR teacher in a small rural school of 3rd-5th grades. For the last 3 years we practiced Inclusion. I team taught with the regular classroom teachers. I really enjoyed teaching in this setting, but we had to discontinue it this year. The students are very low academically and need a lot of one-on-one instruction. I feel that Inclusion can work very well, but there must be collaboration between the Sp. Ed. and regular classroom teachers. I am glad that we have this folder. I enjoy reading the messages. We all need a place to vent!!!!!! SUBJECT: Re: Physical Science for LD Date: 95-11-20 22:44:05 edt From: Oynk oynk I taught 8th grade physical science for self contained students for several years. None read above a 2nd grade reading level, but they all did well, learned a lot, and liked what they did. I can't tell you everything I did, but if you tell me what unit you are working on, (simple machines, elecriticity, acids and bases...)I can give you some ideas. You can post, or I don't mind email either. The best thing of all was that we did not water down the curriculum. If your students are truly LD, then they are capable of learning physical science. . they just have problems reading the text, writing the answers, and using rote memory skills. I know I am sometimes in the minority, but I don't think you need to abandon the standard text or use coloring activities. You will need to supplement the regular text a lot, but I have always found it to be a big boost to self-esteem to use the same textbook as everyone else. These student's can learn the material if we present it in a way that they can learn. The best compliment my students ever got was when the regular ed. physical science teacher told his classes that he didn't think that some of them would be able to pass the LD midterm exam. Good luck SUBJECT: Sp Ed Philosophy Date: 95-11-21 20:37:34 edt From: Katmattson Help!! I have a form that must be completed by Dec. 4. This is the assignment: Describe your philosophy of teaching. Another is, describe your personal style of teaching. Do you think WHATEVER WORKS is an adequate personal style? I am trying to write a coherent response. I know some of you out there have some good suggestions. I teach 4th & 5th grade SLD in a resource environment.I appreciate any help. SUBJECT: Re:Sp Ed Philosophy Date: 95-11-22 10:31:42 edt From: SusanS29 Kat, I was asked that in a job interview once, and I said "Actually I'm rather eclectic" and elaborated on drawing from various approaches to achieve effective ends." Just fancy words for "Whatever works," right? (grin) PS I got the job. SUBJECT: Re: Inclusion Date: 95-11-22 18:41:36 edt From: AnnToreen Hi Jnorris801, I teach RR, 1-5 grades. How far below grade level can they be and still be successful in an inclusive setting? My students are at least 2 yrs behind...some 3. I just don't understand how inclusion can be successful. How did you make that conclusion? Did it just feel right? Or did you have concrete evidence? I took one 3rd grader from a K reading level to 2.2 level in one years time. I honestly don't think that kind of progress is possible without some serious instruction on HIS level using HIS learning style. I can see it if they are performing on level and all they need is learning style accommodations or modifications to accommodate a particular disability. How can they learn on grade level if they lack the prerequisites? If you have time, please tell me how you did it. AnnToreen SUBJECT: Re:Sp Ed Philosophy Date: 95-11-22 18:59:44 edt From: AnnToreen Hi Kat, "I do whatever works" implies that you are an expert in your field and that you have an expansive repertoire of different approaches (which says that you constantly self-educate and keep up with the current research), have a clear understanding of how each of your students learn and perform, feel strongly about individualizing instruction, and care that your students get the very best. It also implies that you are creative and flexible. To me, that is more than adequate. It is excellence. If one approach worked for all, we would see more successes with our students in the regular classrooms. AnnToreen SUBJECT: Re: Inclusion Date: 95-11-23 00:03:11 edt From: SusanS29 "I honestly don't think that kind of progress is possible without some serious instruction on HIS level using HIS learning style." Ann I have had exactly the same experience. SUBJECT: Re:Sp Ed Philosophy Date: 95-11-23 00:04:14 edt From: SusanS29 ""I do whatever works" implies that you are an expert in your field and that you have an expansive repertoire of different approaches (which says that you constantly self-educate and keep up with the current research), have a clear understanding of how each of your students learn and perform, feel strongly about individualizing instruction, and care that your students get the very best. It also implies that you are creative and flexible. To me, that is more than adequate." I agree, Ann, but I think she needs to follow her "I do what works" statement with something like what you said, to back it up -- or it could sound like empty posturing. SUBJECT: To:Jnorris80 Date: 95-11-23 21:00:18 edt From: Honiedu Inclusion only works when the teacher is willing to work with the program and the students to meet their academic successes. My 7th grade students are mainstreamed and I move with them. Did you do your program this way? SUBJECT: Re: Inclusion Date: 95-11-24 12:44:14 edt From: TIMF56737 I am a RR teacher in a rural school grades 3-5. I also do in-class support for 5th grade math and science. This is my 4th year of in-class support. We have learned that it is still necessary to offer total programs in the resource center for math. The students we place in the in-class support group are almost capable of functioning on their own-but not quite. We have been very successful when students are properly placed. The most important thing is how well you can work with the regular classroom teacher. SUBJECT: Re: Inclusionou Date: 95-11-24 20:41:41 edt From: EKardell our school has a number of classes with special ed. teachers co teaching with regular ed teachers. They are 3rd and 4th grade classes. the teachers got to pick who they would like to co teach with. I was a teacher observing because I was interested in working in this situation. Both teachers in each of the 4 classes I spoke with thought it was working well interestingly one of the classes I observed my cousins daughter was in she is a Gand T student and did not realize she was apart of any pilot program. The program continues to grow most often principals being less eagar than the teachers.lk SUBJECT: To: JNorris 801 Date: 95-11-25 09:40:44 edt From: Honiedu I would like to know the particulars as to why the program did not work for you and your staff. SUBJECT: Re:New RR teacher needs help Date: 95-11-25 23:34:07 edt From: RANLEE7636 Hi Simmonsjeff Thanks for asking your question. I've enjoyed reading the responses. I'm a resource teacher K-5 for the second year in a culturally diverse elem. suburban district after eleven years in a middle school same district. We use SRA Reading Mastery as our basic series in the RR, but I feel once the kids get blending (It takes some a LONG time) they really need more. My partner has ordered 5-6 copies of familiar books (Amelia Bedila, The Quilt Story, Frog and Toad Adventures etc.) and we do a fair amount of reading from those also. We read them aloud and although difficult for the kids they are very motivating. I also use a lot of picture books for teaching particular skills such as pattern words etc. Even the older kids enjoy reading and listening to them. A note of thanks to Ann Toreen for your ideas I've used several before and loved the additional ones. We seem to have similar philosophies for teaching spec. ed. reading. Hope to hear from you again. SUBJECT: Re: Inclusion Date: 95-11-25 23:46:55 edt From: RANLEE7636 I was an inclusion special ed. teacher for 11 years in a huge (2000 students) suburban middle school. The program was very successful most of the time. The key is choosing your mainstream teachers (we could there were so many!) carefully. It's absolutely essential to have excellent communication between sp.ed. teacher and mainstream teacher. Styles don't have to be the same, in fact it's almost better if you have contrasting personalities as the kids see both work in a helping situation. I was fortunate enough to have fairly consistent partners so didn't have to switch each year. I learned more about teaching than I have in any other setting by watching masters at work, it was a marvelous experience. I had to leave because of cut backs and probably will not go back as I am in another really good situation, but I would go for it if you can. It's by far the best situation for the kids, both special ed and non special ed. The parents love it too. SUBJECT: Re: Inclusion Date: 95-11-26 14:40:55 edt From: Laodice I've been working in pre-school classrooms for 25 years and have been working in an inclusive classroom for about 8 years now. We almost always have people with autism, and right now we have someone with Asperger's Syndrome, or high functioning autism. Also, we have another with autistic tendancies who does not function very highly, but is coming along quickly as he learns he is safe with us. With all the disabilities, enthusiastic teachers, a special needs educator in the building, and various therapists, we still could not make it without the inclusive atmosphere. We need not only the levity of the typically developing child, but his help, as well. OnLine, I am Laodice. SUBJECT: Re:AP80 resource teachers Date: 95-11-26 19:48:44 edt From: AMorris376 I think this resource line is just great. I teach a vocational lab and we do everything that can fit in my budget. Most of the students find that using hands on in everything that we do is the best teaching method. The projects that the students love the best include grocery store shopping and using the telephone book the best.. Your A.Gary SUBJECT: RE:HELP FOR MILD LD KIDS Date: 95-11-28 22:38:35 edt From: DHEC15 I am writing a research paper regarding kids with mild learning disabilities in the regular classroom. My limited research shows that these kids do just as well if not better academically and socially when they are in regular classes rather than resource rooms. I would love to hear from teachers and parents if they have had any experince with this situation. This will certainly add to my paper's validity to have actual experiences from people all across the country. Thanks for your time!! SUBJECT: Telling time Date: 95-11-28 23:59:35 edt From: TATurtle Help! I am teaching a group of four children time concepts and they are not getting it. I have tried everything I can find and I've run out of ideas. They can all read an LCD clock but their IEP's require them to read a face clock ( I did not create the IEP and my facilitator says that I have to live with it until the annual meetings) and I just can't seem to make the connection. I need any and all ideas I can get. Please E-mail any information to TATurtle. Thanks!!!!!!! SUBJECT: Re: Slingerland approach Date: 95-11-29 14:34:29 edt From: Rebock Seeking any resources, preferrably on-line, regarding Beth Slingerland's approach to instruction. email me at rebock@aol.com. Thanks. SUBJECT: Re:RE:HELP FOR MILD LD KIDS Date: 95-11-29 22:33:12 edt From: AP80 I teach in a middle school Resource Room. All of my kids are in regular classes and come to me for 1 period of support daily. We used to have a basic skills track for slow learners and my LD kids were automatically placed in those classes due to low reading levels. 7 years ago we eliminated that track and put all kids into regular classes with curricular modifications, if necessary, or alternative testing techniques as indicated in I.E.P.s All these kids were given pre- and post Woodcock Johnson Reading Mastery Tests. In almost all cases, both slow learners and LD kids made vast improvements in their reading comprehension levels (1-3 years growth!). We theorize that it's due to the exposure the language of instruction and to higher level skills expectations. Teachers were given staff development in the summer to learn how to modify their presentation, practice and evaluation. When asked each year, not one teacher was willing to go back to the "old way" even though this way involves more work. SUBJECT: Re:Telling time Date: 95-11-29 23:28:35 edt From: Oynk oynk MECC has a computer program (Apple II -I'm sure your school has just a few IIEs around :-) ) called clockworks which is pretty good-especially the drill and practice. Many school systems subscribe to the MECC library so you might find it lying around. If your press the option key and the a key at the same time when it first boots up you can access the teacher options and change the settings so that they can begin telling time to the hour and then progress to 5 and 1 minute intervals. The kids have seemed to like the program and the drill and practice is not nearly so boring. SUBJECT: Re: Inclusive settings Date: 95-11-30 19:20:17 edt From: DLH1960 I am a consultative teacher for EH and MH students in inclusive environments. I travel to 33 elementary schools monthly to provide behavioral plans, curriculum modifications and and a listening ear to the general ed teacher's concerns. I am the case manager for these children and coordinate all efforts for a successful environment. I have found that the most successful cases are with teachers who willingly volunteered for the child. I have had quite a few frustrating situations with the teacher who got "stuck" with the down syndrome kid. Our school system is huge and at this time we are providing enhanced aides with the down syndrome children on a case by case basis. The EH children are not as fortunate and if they are not successful after a specified time we will move them to a more restrictive environment. This is the first year for my position so if anyone has some tips on collaborative efforts at the elementary level, I would appreciate it!! I log on approx. 2-3 times per week and my code name is DLH1960. I think we all need to be sharing on this topic- some of you are experts and have been doing this for awhile and the rest of us are trying to catch up. Have a good weekend! SUBJECT: Re: Inclusive settings Date: 95-12-02 00:58:23 edt From: PS ALEX1 This is interesting. I have been a resource teacher for two years in a K-5 building. I provide services to my students in many ways. As I read the messages everyone has left, I think many of us are useing the same terms for services but meaning different things. I provide services through consultation, mainstreaming (providing services within the classroom), pull out (in the resource room only when necessary), and full inclusion. In my district, full inclusion students have severe disabilities( MI, AI, etc.). Children with mild disabilities (SPL, LD, EI, some POHI) are mainly supported in the general education class. For these students I provide classroom support, test support, and make modifications to the curriculum and assignments when needed. Full Inclusion is a parental choice in my district. These are students whom would normally be sent to the basic cross categorical program in the dictrict or to a centers program. When the parent makes the choice to have their child fully included into an age appropriate classroom in their neighborhood school, they are saying it is more important for my child to be exposed to their peers. This means the main focus of the students education may be daily living skills and social skills, academics may take a back seat; although, not thrown out the window. By the way, this year we have 1 1/2 resource teachers for grades 2-5 with 1 1/2 paraprfessionals, a first grade co-teaching classroom (1 general ed teacher and 1 special ed teacher whom is responsible for K-1), and a teacher consultant who comes to the building one day per week. Our program is working well. I include as many general education students into my pull out groups as possible. I only have two pull out groups this year, 4/5 reading and 2 reading. SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 95-12-02 17:27:49 edt From: JDCD95 I am a new resource teacher at the elementary level. As a job target this year I am putting together an informal reading inventory. I am trying to gather imformation on assessment and reading strategies. If you have any information that would help please e-mail me. Any suggestions as to where on the internet I can find this type of information? SUBJECT: Re:Telling time Date: 95-12-02 19:26:03 edt From: LPalmer112 First, You can call a M-Team to change the IEP at anytime of the year. I'm not saying give up on the children learning the skill of the analog clock, but we are continually assessing children on a daily basis. You can adapt and change daily. Also, most IEP have a place to mark outcome and recommendations. One option is to mark child has not met objective and either continue skill or discontinue skill and move to next one. You can always go back and retry at a later date. Good luck! SUBJECT: Re:RE:HELP FOR MILD LD KIDS Date: 95-12-02 19:36:37 edt From: NCMomma I am in the process of working on my Master's Thesis on "Inclusion versus the Resource Room." It would be great if we could share. I am also interested in getting opinions from the various teachers online. I wish we could put together some kind of questionaire that could be distributed. Any ideas? Also, when is your paper due? Please E-Mail me with your response. I check my mail via flash session everyday. SUBJECT: THESIS TOPIC Date: 95-12-02 19:55:07 edt From: NCMomma I am currently teaching special education while completing my Masters Degree. When I began to plan for my thesis, I wanted to study the idea that many students are "environmentally" disabled rather than "learning" disabled. Since I couldn't find much info on this idea, I changed to "Inclusion versus the Resource Room." Now that I am teaching in an inner city, at risk school, I am more convinced than ever that many of these children's learning problems come from their environment. I would still love to do my paper on this. Any suggestions? Maybe I could use the Share members as a study. SUBJECT: Re:Literature in the RR Date: 95-12-02 23:21:43 edt From: LILISHM62 Good for you SConrad!! It is very important that our students gain the full meaning of any read material and apply it to real life experiences. Sp Ed students need to fully understand text to gain the language comprhension, this is praxis at it 's full --helping students make meaningful connections to read material. Your administrators should be educated in your need for high interest -low vocabulary materials ....so don't be afraid explain to them all of the language applications that you are doing with the Steck-Vaughn. SUBJECT: Re:RE:HELP FOR MILD LD KIDS Date: 95-12-03 02:14:16 edt From: PS ALEX1 One area I have found which made a difference for some of my LD kids to be in the general education class was Math. Last year I taught a group of 6 LD 3rd graders math on a pull out basis. This year I have 8 LD 4th graders in one classroom for math, the 6 from last year and two more. What they have gained this year that they did not get last year is: more exposure to mathematically terminology, exposure to how other kids figure out the same type of problems (modeling), teacher pleasing behaviors, socialization skills, and the understanding that other kids have difficulty with math at times also. For some of these students I modify certain chapters greatly. But that is ok. They may master a skill or two more being pulled out over the course of the year. But by staying in they are gaining life long learning and working habit skills. SUBJECT: Re:THESIS TOPIC Date: 95-12-03 02:20:09 edt From: PS ALEX1 Have you tried reading up on how some groups (ethnic) are over identified as special education students. There is an argument that the testing procedures and materials along with the school setting and instruction is making them appear handicapped. I have a document I haven't read yet about a school district in Indiana (I think) which was recently cited for this. SUBJECT: Adult Non Reader Date: 95-12-03 08:44:48 edt From: Honiedu I am looking for good published materials for a 36 year old adult that wants to learn to read. I have "Hooked On Phonics" and am looking for another complete source. Highly motivated individual. SUBJECT: Re:RE:HELP FOR MILD LD KIDS Date: 95-12-03 19:36:12 edt From: MRSHUS The most important aspect by far is working with a teacher who is really interested in making it work. Do not "hook up" with one who is just willing. I know. I wound up being an aide! SUBJECT: Re:Adult Non Reader Date: 95-12-04 23:04:18 edt From: Oynk oynk Laubach (sp) has pretty good stuff. You can get it from New Reader Press. Our local library has most of their programs in the new readers section and they are used a lot by the literacy volunteers of America. SUBJECT: Writing instruction Date: 95-12-06 00:16:05 edt From: JANO S7900 I'd like to chat with a teacher using "Power Writing" with upper elementary. SUBJECT: Re:New RR teacher needs help Date: 95-12-08 00:12:28 edt From: JoshJ7083 In the K-5 school that I teach, we combine the services of all the Resource Specialists, ESL teachers, Reading Specialists, Special Day Class teachers, Title 1, SIP teachers and our aides to provide small group instruction for all students needing help in language arts. We have a common language arts time for grades 1-3 and 4-5 so that no child misses any instruction in their classroom. Students are placed in small group according to need and grade level and regardless of their label. For example, one group may be in the fifth grade working on a third grade level with comprehension needs. We use effective reading strategies and skills to improve comprehension and fluency using literature on the students' level but connected to the content of the classroom. Assessments include running record/miscue analysis on graded level passages of an IRI, anecdotal records, various rubrics to show ongoing progress, journals, informal portfolios, and teacher, parent and student input. Much of our intervention model is based on Reading Recovery strategies, with Success For All and Accelerated Schools of Stanford as other models of successful intervention programs. We (the support staff) have educational inservices throughout the year to keep us current in education and to brainstorm ideas for specific needs of our students. It worked! Last year each child made at least 2 years growth in reading and the average growth was over 3 years. Each school has different needs to assess. We'd be happy to share info on what worked for our school. Kathy SUBJECT: To:AP 80 re: tracking Date: 95-12-08 19:25:19 edt From: HJ Wally I also teach RR in a newly converted Middle School. ( we were a Jr. High up until last year) We have three teams of teachers on each grade level and the remedial kids were supposed to be evenly distributed. However, only 1 team got the remedial tracking. Problem 1: the remedial sections are larger than the regular sections Problem 2: Many Resource kids are on the two teams where there is no remedial. This has been a disaster! The reg. ed teachers do not know how to deal with the Resource kids. They assign too much work and do not explain assignments. Being in classes with brighter kids has not helped the Resource kids at all. It is frustrating! SUBJECT: To: ALEX1 Re: Math Date: 95-12-08 19:34:12 edt From: HJ Wally I agree that it is easier to mainstream kids for Math, but what about for English? I find that my RR students who are mainstreamed for English have a terrible time becuase of their deficits in vocab., decoding, comp., and understanding directions. SUBJECT: Re:To:AP 80 re: tracking Date: 95-12-08 20:26:21 edt From: AP80 Is the reason that the Remedial kids are only in one section that there's not enough support staff,i.e. one remedial teacher can't support kids in all sections. Is that the reason they don't redistribute the kids? Would your district consider investing in any staff development to re-educate classroom teachers on how to modify for problem learners. When we did that, many teachers reported that the techniques and strategies we showed them worked for many other kids, too. They were caught up in covering the book, rather than teaching to the objective, a natural dilemma due to cramming more and more into their curriculums(ae). It's not that inclusion doesn't work, it's that few districts are commited to rethinking what they do. good luck. SUBJECT: Re:HJWallly re English class Date: 95-12-08 20:32:44 edt From: AP80 All of my resource kids (middle school LD) are in regular English classes. We cut down the number of vocab. words as well as being selective about which ones they are most likely to use; we have the literature on tape (some professionally done, others done by good readers here in school), which are used in conjuction with me reading to them and them reading to me; I also show videos, if available, of the reading selections; they work on their assignments in my room so I can reinterpret the directions, if necessary. They get modified spelling lists and have tests read to them. A few also get to dictate their lengthy responses (if LD in writing). They all use a word processing program with a spell check (written in their IEP) to cope with spelling and editing for written works. I am constantly trying to "stretch" the kids,increasing the expectations as needed. It's a lot of work, but the payoff is great! SUBJECT: Re:To: ALEX1 Re: Math Date: 95-12-09 02:18:55 edt From: RANLEE7636 I found that being in the mainstream English classroom (8th grade) on a daily basis helped immensely. Once I really learned the curriculum I could anticipate difficulties students were going to have and make individual adjustments for each student. I loved the 8th grade English curriculum at the middle school I was in and it did help that I worked with one teacher for a number of years and that we learned one another personalities and teaching styles well. It also works best with ideally only 5-6 special ed kids to a class. Sometimes my numbers were up to 10-12 and that was very difficult. I did pull outs for reading tests aloud for any student that needed it. We read almost all literature aloud for everyone. If there ever was an assignment that needed to be done silently, one of us would take out all the weaker readers and assist them with it. Larger research assignments were very difficult of course, for LD kids. I greatly modified the Thea Holton approach Let me tell you!! I guess the most important thing is that you need to be working with a mainstream teacher who is commited to inclusion and who respects you as a professional. LD kids and well organized MMI (Minnesota abbrev.) for the most part had little trouble with inclusion in English IF they were willing to work. I also taught a pull out reading class for all 8th grade special ed. students who were 4 or more years below grade level. Special ed kids at a higher reading level had a mainstream remedial reading class. Hope this helps you out. SUBJECT: Re:Laison Date: 95-12-11 21:52:58 edt From: MRSHUS Resource teacher for 8th graders - reading and English - kids are classified mostly PI (perceptually Impaired) some NI (neurologically) and ED (emotionally disturbed) Beck Middle School, Cropwell Road, Cherry Hill, NJ SUBJECT: Re:To: HJ WALLY Re: English Date: 95-12-12 22:18:37 edt From: PS ALEX1 All of my RR students, grades 2-5, are mainstreamed for english regardless of their reading level. I do a variety of things based on each child's needs. For some the teacher needs to be sure they read all materials to the class. For others we will use a buddy system, modify the assignments, or provide similiar assignments on the same topics but at an easier level. For writing, the teachers can not expect the same type of writing they may get from everyone else. We brief our teachers through some simple to do forms on what the student's difficulty is, strategies which work with the student, and what they can reasonable expect from the student. Some of our teachers have a difficult time adjusting to accepting lesser quality work as being o.k. But they all adjust. Our district has been doing this for a while. The RR level kids almost always fit into of the reading groups taught by a RR level support teacher or the Learning Consultant in our building. This way they also get some english instruction in a smaller group setting. Our reading groups are based on reading ability not certification. Right now I teach a 4/5 group of 8 students 3 of which are not special education students and 3 of the 5 that are, are not reading certified. Here is where decoding and vocabulary development happens. SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers Network Date: 95-12-14 18:12:37 edt From: LuckyHope Hi, and I am SO glad to have found this board! I teach in a program called EXTENDED RESOURCE. I have 4th graders for Lang. Arts and Reading and a group of 1st graders for the same later on in the morning. I am totally responsible for all lessons, grades, assessment...plus I write ALL the curriculum, which is developmental. I will be happy to share and to gain insights, too! SUBJECT: EXTENDED RESOURCE Date: 95-12-14 18:33:48 edt From: LuckyHope I have a position in a public school which is known as an Extended Resource Teacher. I have 7 4th grade LD students from 9-11 am. I have a large classroom and I am responsible for ALL of their reading, spelling, and writing. They do not miss anything since their mainstream teacher runs her Language Arts program at the same time. I use the FOCUS series books, the SOUND OUT! phonics program, and a skills series in large print for comprehension. My kids file their work in a hanging file system and work in pairs and teams. I use a Listening Center and a reading tent for kids who need the space alone. Homework every night. My spelling program focuses on word building--week one we do EAR, week 2 it is HEAR, week 3 it is HEART, week 4 it is HEARTLESS, week 5, HEARTLESSLY...Etc. My kids have gone from D spellers to A's. We also use acronyms for cues. Nothing we do is without personal meaning. Every sentence in word attack drill refers to a student or activity in school. We built the word HOLIDAY from HO, LID and DAY. They drew pictures of each next to the word in a strategy column. I also have a CLUB gimmick which I use to hook their attention. I would like to share ideas about writing appropriate developmental curriculum to meet IEP objectives!!!!!!!. SUBJECT: Re:Resource Share Date: 95-12-17 16:59:04 edt From: Holz5182 What a gift this board is!!! Just a couple of quick notes: TA Turtle: try clockworks by MCC if you can find it (e-mail me if you can't, maybe we can work something out, I have 3 or 4 copies) JDCD95: Try the Analytical Reading Inventory--good instrument. Also, Rena Lewis at San Diego State University (e-mail address unknown) has LOADS of good stuff and may be willing to help--she's great. AP80: Sign me on!! I am the RSP for 48 (count 'em--48) elementary students with SLD. One is autistic, two w/ TBI. We are on YEAR-ROUND MULTI-TRACK (yikes!) system. I have one aide, and roving assistence--sometimes the "rover" is an aide and sometimes a SPED Credentialed teacher--see next memo for my pressing need, if you haven't already guessed. SUBJECT: Yr.-Round, Multi-track--HELP!! Date: 95-12-17 17:06:20 edt From: Holz5182 I have 48 students on year-round multi-track, 6 students on one track, 12 on another, 9 on a third and the rest on the last. This is a class that I inherited 4 months into their school year. They have been on a completely individualized pull-out program, hence, every kid is doing something different. The materials I have to work with are almost exclusively SRA's Reading Mastery, expressive writing, etc. Good materials, but not designed to be done on a 1:1 basis. So, How do I create groups that don't get fouled up by the tracks? (No, I cannot "track" my kids, my SELPA sez it's discriminatory). SUBJECT: Re:Resource Share Date: 95-12-17 20:33:08 edt From: AP80 To Holz5182, I tried to download our last Resource Share news but AOL doesn't recognize your screen name. Have I got it right? AP80 SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 95-12-19 20:21:37 edt From: Teacher481 I sympathize with you. I am teaching replacement math with seventh, eighth, and ninth graders.My undergraduate degree was in Human Developement. I tought college level courses.But I never tought in a public school before. I also have a masters in special education,but I hardly feel like an expert! Don't be so hard on yourself. I'm sure your a fine teacher. The fact that you care so much puts you ahead from what I have seen. Maybe it's because I'm a first year teacher, but I get so tired of hearing other teachers complain about the majority of special students. I don't have a classroom so I have to travel using other teachers rooms during thier free periods. I'm always being asked how can you stand them or they tell me how this one or that one is a lost cause. What bothers me most is when ever anything is out of place or missing, they imediately think it had to be one of my students. So far it has never been one of mine. But boy if it ever is I get the feeling I'll never hear the end of it or they will generalize infering that you just can't trust "those kids". I got off on a tangent, what I wanted to say is stick with it. You make a bigger impact than you may think. Good luck, Mary SUBJECT: Merry Christmas Date: 95-12-19 20:22:47 edt From: Honiedu Seasons Greetings From New York We had a nice break from school today as a storm is upon us on Long Island. Here's hoping you all have a restful vacation and a Happy New Year. SUBJECT: AP80 Date: 95-12-22 13:06:28 edt From: Holz5182 Thanks for reading my note! My address is Holz5182 @aol.com I'm still new to this "on-line" business so maybe I did something wrong. In the words of one of my SL teacher friends: "I'm a widdle bit foozed" (one of her little guys said this to her) HEY EVERYONE--Merry Christmas!! Happy Chanukkah! Good Kwanzaa! SAFE NEW YEAR :-D! SUBJECT: Resource Kids Are The Greatest Date: 95-12-22 13:12:33 edt From: Holz5182 If you are going to CA state CEC conference or National CEC Conference in Orlando I'd love meeting some of y'all. I'll be sharing (and as a fundraiser for our local SCEC chapter, selling) some buttons that say "Every Child deserves a Special Education" and "All Children Deserve Special Education" Hope to see some of you there!! SUBJECT: Re:Merry Christmas Date: 95-12-22 20:45:52 edt From: RANLEE7636 Holiday Greetings to all "special eders" on the board. This is a great network; I enjoy and empathize with all of you. Have relaxing and safe vacations. SUBJECT: Forming a Learning Center Date: 95-12-27 10:20:24 edt From: Jose321 Teacher of primary DH ( grades 1-5) seeking info on cross-categorization. Want to work with LD teacher next year as to serve students. Presently have 15 students and NO AID. Hope to be able to group the students next year as to assist them better. Recently employed in rural school with pull-out program. Want to change this way of thinking. I don't think it will be easy. Any help would be appreciated. I work in Ohio. JOSE 321 SUBJECT: R.R. Teachers in Touch Date: 95-12-29 10:37:35 edt From: SMSS I would love to be part of this. What do I do to participate? I have been teaching in the RR for 17 years and am enjoying the changes that are constantly taking place. The only thing that hasn't changed is that these kids need all the stroking they can get, along with basic skills. I have just become interested in America Online so I will need very concrete directions as to what to do. SUBJECT: Re:R.R. Teachers in Touch Date: 95-12-29 15:04:00 edt From: AP80 SMSS, if you would like to be put in touch with other Resource Teachers, e-mail me any of the following info (it's all optional-you can still be put in touchwith others via your screen name only: Name, school, number of students, level, types of disabilities, whether or not you have an aide, and any burning issues you'd like to bring up. AP80 (Ann) SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers Network Date: 95-12-31 17:39:24 edt From: SAMPAHM As a resource teacher, how do you deal with the limited english proficient student who is referred to special education. What type of assessment procedures have you found to be culturally and linguistically appropriate. I'm doing graduate work in this area and would love to hear from other RSPs regarding this issue. Thanks! SAMPAHM SUBJECT: Re:limited Engl. proficient Date: 96-01-01 13:29:46 edt From: AP80 I can't answer your questions regarding appropriate testing and evaluations for the limited English proficient sp.ed. student, but I have a list of about 50 screen names of other Resource teachers, some of whom may be able to answer your question. If you are interested in the list, e-mail me and I'll e-mail it back. AP80 SUBJECT: Re:New RR teacher needs help Date: 96-01-01 17:34:16 edt From: MScurr3710 I am a special day class teacher. I have found it useful to have kids answer a daily question in their journals. Then I pinpoint areas of need in English. Another daily assignment is to have 5 sentences on the board which focus on the Eng., i.e. verb tenses, there, their, they're or two, too, too--I could give you others. We always talk about the written work. Kids like it. SUBJECT: Re: Inclusion Date: 96-01-03 16:08:52 edt From: ROBCIM I have been teaching for 13 years 3 have been in resource room. I teach in a k-2 building with 700 students. There are three resource teachers and we all do inclusion. This is my first year doing inclusion. There is no doubt in my mind that it is beneficial to my students. They are 1st graders and there are only 16 children in the class because it was an inclusion class. I am in the class for two periods a day, Reading and Math. The classroom teacher and myself have only a 25 min. planning period per week. That is not enough, planning time is crucial for inclusion to work properly. We team teach at times, I have three classified students in the room who I primarily work with. I do teach the whole class at times too. This helps me to feel more like a professional and not like an aide. It is hard to give up the control when your used to your own classroom. We work hard at communication and we talk about any problems that may arise. If anyone has any pros or cons on their inclusion experiences I would love to hear about them. Thanks. Robbin SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-01-03 16:24:51 edt From: ROBCIM Hi, I am a k-2 resource teacher. My students are mostly NI ,PI CH, AH. I also do inclusion in a first grade classroom. I would very much like to get in the network. I think this is a great idea. Thanks. Robbin SUBJECT: Emotional Literacy Curr. Date: 96-01-04 03:53:10 edt From: Rsuthe1956 Hi! I am a Resource Teacher (not currently in the classroom). One of my responsibilities is placement of Severely Emotionally Disturbed students at the elementary level in Special Day Classes. I am also responsible for providing curriculum and behavioral support for the SED teachers. One of the major concerns I have is the lack of emotional literacy curriculum. I have been unable to locate catalogs regarding this curriculum area. I know that there are programs in use and have heard that many private schools use this type of curriculum. I would also be interested in learning about schools (private or public) who have been successful in the teaching of emotional intelligence. Please e-mail me at RSuthe1956@aol.com if you can help me. Thanks! SUBJECT: Re:Emotional Literacy Curr. Date: 96-01-04 07:32:06 edt From: Ratatat Though the whole idea of emotional "literacy" or "intelligence" may prove one day to be a real concept, at the moment it is just a theory one someone's part. I saw the 60 minutes program too. What is interesting is the behaviors of the children and the methods that were designed to address them were almost identical to behaviors and methods one sees with ADHD child with severe symptomology. If you want to investigate a program of behavior modification that has been developed by one of the top ADHD researchers and has been studied and tested to work, check out the work of Russell Barkley. In fact, he produced a 30 minute video on ADHD in the Schools which give a very clear explanation of this system of immediate feedback. SUBJECT: Re:Honeidu's program Date: 96-01-06 21:51:00 edt From: ShWorth I am a resource teacher at a K-6 school. I also have had the fear of becoming a aide in the classroom but I have found some good solutions. Once a week I go into 5 differnt classrooms. I set it up before hand with teacher who want to team teach. I will send suggestions their way. We have done quite a few projects suggested from Scholastic On Line from AOL. Teachers and students have liked that. Sometimes I help them with their projects but they usually want to do new ones and then we both do end up teaching it. It has been great going into the regular classroom once a week. It is good for my students and also the other kids too. If you have any questions, please Email me ShWorth SUBJECT: Re:New RR teacher needs help Date: 96-01-06 23:21:32 edt From: ShWorth Kathy- Please Email me info about your program. My Email address is ShWorth. Thanks. SUBJECT: Re:LD/EMH Resource teacher Date: 96-01-14 00:02:34 edt From: JShaw54418 I am glad that I have found this board! I am a LD/EMH teacher K-5 with 17 students. I know I am lucky at the light load. My problem is lack of materials and lack of funding. (Isn't everyone's?) Any suggestions for reading/math materials would be great! Thanks! SUBJECT: 3 moved messages... Date: 96-01-14 15:48:43 edt From: SusanS29 SUBJECT: Resource room advice Date: 96-01-06 13:06:30 EST From: ASKSHORT Posted on: America Online I will be teaching a graduate level class this semester related to "Teaching in a Resource Room Setting." ( I have taught in this setting for 7 years at the elementary and middle school levels.) It is important to me for the students to get the "realistic" as well as the "idealistic" picture of teaching students within this environment. Suggestions/advice/past experiences-good and bad-- would be GREATLY appreciated from parents, students, educators, and administrators. [I plan to share the responses with my students.] In special ed sometimes we believe we have all of the answers and forget that we are only one small part of a "TEAM"!! It is my goal that this course will provide the students with perspectives from all members of their potential team. Some of the topics we will cover (not necessarily in this order) are: organization of a Resource program, communication/consultation skills, continuum of services, paperwork, modifications, roles of the teacher, conferencing, transition, IEPs, effective strategies. Thank you!! [None of us can do this alone..... :) ] SUBJECT: Re:Resource room advice Date: 96-01-06 14:39:18 EST From: AP80 Posted on: America Online Most Resource rooms I know of, especially on a secondary level, are supplemental in nature, i.e. you're supporting the student in his regular classes by remediating, accommodating and otherwise dealing with his disability as if affects his learning in other classes. As such, it is IMPERATIVE that the Resource teacher have excellent interpersonal skills. You cannot do your job without the help ofthe classroom teachers. You must join what they join, eat lunch with them, play golf, bridge, poker, whatever, with them. As services are cut, our kids will be the first to feel them ( such as in remediation). We need to get the classsroom teachers' support within the classroom to help our kids. By the same token, we need to provide whatever assistance they need, i.e. help with modifications, sharing our aide for clerical work if it leads to helping the teachers meet our kids' needs, providing a shoulder to cry on, doing behavior charting in their classes (even if it's not one of our students). It's really important that, as we gain credibility (it should be a given, but usually it's not. I had a principal ask why I was in sp. ed. since I was so bright!), we need to press our administration to leave us lots of consultation time. Fight those duties that interfere with your ability to do your job. There's lots more I could add, but that's all for now. Good luck. SUBJECT: Re:Resource room advice Date: 96-01-06 15:07:15 EST From: She Sol 42 Posted on: America Online I've been teaching resource room for 8 years - grades 7-12. As the last respondent stated it is essential to build positive, trusting relationships with the other teachers in the building. This also helps you feel more a part of the school and if the resource room teacher is part of the main stream of the school the resource rooms kids are more likely to be as well. Remember that you are a special educator because your chose to be. Your colleaques chose to be regular educators. They need time and support. I try to observe and interact with my kids in a variety of settings, such as the lunch room, sports, dances, in the hall, and on field trips. I encourage them to get involved in clubs and sports. Regarding the main focus of instruction, I concentrate on teaching the kids how to organize themselves, set realistic goals, and develop little tricks for compensating for their weak areas. SUBJECT: Three more moved messages... Date: 96-01-14 15:49:27 edt From: SusanS29 SUBJECT: Re:Resource room advice Date: 96-01-06 16:55:34 EST From: Bons Temps Posted on: America Online Hi! My name is Dawn. I have taught special ed. for 3 years. My first two were in a self-contained class and this is my 1st in a resource room. I have 23 children from K-5th grade. Most I see 30 min a day some I see for up to 3hrs. The paper work is killer but as you become familiar with it the paper work becomes easier to deal with. It takes a while to get used to dealing with 23 individual kids all with different and unique needs. But I feel with the help of God I am making a difference. Its a challenge but its worth it. Good Luck!!!! SUBJECT: Re:Resource room advice Date: 96-01-06 19:57:44 EST From: SBeebe2555 Posted on: America Online Hi! I am an administrator in Special Education. I was a resource room teacher for eight years before moving to my current position six years ago. I also had the opportunity to be a guest speaker in a graduate level course entitled "Teaching in the Resource Room". There's so much to say about teaching special education students, whether it be in regular education classes, resource rooms, or self-contained classrooms. In reflecting on my experiences in the classroom I guess I would have to say that I found one of the most important things to be my relationships with my parents. Since we, as educators, have influence on kids only six hours a day and parents have this influence the other eighteen, a collaborative relationship of trust and mutual respect can have a tremendous impact on a teachers success in helping students with disabilities. The second thing that comes to mind is that special education teachers can't afford to forget the reason they entered the field. The things that we learn in college only begin to prepare us for what it's really all about. Experience can be very different than what we envision teaching to be all about. The stress can be overwhelming, to say the least, but the rewards are gratifying beyond words. I guess the last thing I want to say before I sign off is that when I spoke to the graduate class on Resource Teaching, I was very honest. I talked about the good and the bad. I had many students come up to me after the class was over and tell me they appreciated hearing both sides. I think it's important for future special education teachers to know what it's like in the real world so that only those that have a true dedication to advocacy of disabled students enter the field. SUBJECT: Re:Resource room advice Date: 96-01-08 00:54:26 EST From: MSG5373 Posted on: America Online As both a person with a learning disability and a special education teacher I feel resource rooms are an essential part of the special ed program. A lot of schools are eliminating them in favor of inclusion, but they are neglecting the kids who need individual or small group help. I am 22 and when I was in elementary school there was no resource room and I suffered because of it. Some kids just need the extraattention to survive. School systems need to remember that! SUBJECT: three more moved messages... Date: 96-01-14 15:50:04 edt From: SusanS29 SUBJECT: Resource curriculum advice Date: 96-01-08 17:31:14 EST From: SGallico Posted on: America Online I am a K-5 resource teacher in my second year. Do any of you veterans have any advice on planning for a wide range of abilities, and do you find it is more beneficial to work with students using regular class assignments (modified) or to try and group students according to levels and instruct them using programs other than those used in the regular class setting. I do some of both, but sometimes become frustrated. (I use SRA Reading Mastery which is not used by most of our regular classroom teachers) HELP SUBJECT: Re:Resource curriculum advic Date: 96-01-09 14:31:11 EST From: BluesfanDB Posted on: America Online Hi ! My name is Beth and as a special education teacher with husband who keeps moving, I have been in 3 schools in the past 3 years ( and yes we are moving again and I'll have 4 state certifications). I have always taught 8th grade but every school has had a different idea on what a resource teacher should do. With inclusion, I work very closely to the classroom teacher and have resources for them on modifications and behavioral advice. For the students I work with them on KU learning strategies to help them in the regular classroom and to prepare them for high school. We also work on time management, prioritizing, organization and some social concerns. In another school, my role was to teach reading in the resource room and that was it. The administration felt that the special ed teacher was on its way out and felt that they were responsible for the sped students reading requirement. Warn your students that there are some out there who believe we are only there for one subject. Tell them to be flexible and open minded. Good Luck! SUBJECT: Re:Resource room advice Date: 96-01-10 08:03:33 EST From: Msgspirit Posted on: America Online 'Sounds like you have your plans in good order. 'Been out of the resource room for 16 years but the thing that was difficult with me was getting the classroom teacher to recognize levels of functioning, potential-i.e. they often would think that an 80 IQ child functioning below grade level but who was on target for ability was "Worse and needed help" moere than the 135 IQ child functioning below grade level and much below potential. Stress teaching reading skills in hiearchy-not grade level. SUBJECT: three more moved messages... Date: 96-01-14 15:50:46 edt From: SusanS29 SUBJECT: Re:Resource curriculum advic Date: 96-01-10 08:08:25 EST From: Msgspirit Posted on: America Online I used SRA materials years ago-LD students need much practice in phonics and decoding skills-my children were 1-3 but had usually been place so far ahead in the classroom that it was impossible to work with classroom materials. I took them where they were-used the Dolch sight word list for grouping-drilled sight words through games and introduced word families+ beginning ending consonant sounds to teach sound blending. Many LD kids do not hear the sound differences-that's a skill that needs to be taught within itself. SUBJECT: Re:Resource 9-12 Date: 96-01-12 10:54:09 EST From: Hodges AE Posted on: America Online I'm currently teaching in a 10-12 resource room. The best advice I can give is that resource room teachers need to create positive relationships with the regular ed faculty, not be afraid to be advocates for special education students (with other faculty, administration, and yes, even parents), and to know each student's strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. This sounds like a lot of running around, and it is, but I've found that students in special education tend to get the shaft from my regular ed. counterparts. The contention I keep hearing is, "Why spend so much money on the bottom of the barrel?" Sad, but true. Thus, it is our job to change that view of special education students and to help the students bridge their specific areas of need. Happy to give more info if you ant it, just e-mail. SUBJECT: Special Strategies Needed Date: 96-01-12 17:22:09 EST From: BRAshton Posted on: America Online (please address to Kate c/o ...) I have a new 4th grade student who scored very high in Visual Sequential Memory and Auditory Sequential Memory, but very low in Auditory Discrimination and Visual Closure. QUESTION: Can anyone suggest some very specific strategies or programs to assist this student with spelling and reading comprehension. SUBJECT: End of moved messages! :) Date: 96-01-14 15:51:45 edt From: SusanS29 SUBJECT: Re:Special Strategies Needed Date: 96-01-13 10:57:02 EST From: SusanS29 Posted on: America Online What tests were used to make these determinations? Some tests are a lot more reliable about pinpointing strengths and weaknesses than others are. If these results come from the Slingerland or the DTLA I would shelve them and observe the child. In addition, tests of memory only involve short-term memory. A child can have adequate short-term memory and yet have great difficulty holding on to information long enough to say it's "learned." I've written a book on this topic. If you'll give me a little more information about the student I bet I have some things up my sleeve that might help. :) SUBJECT: Reading Recovery Date: 96-01-13 14:32:24 EST From: KPenn1838 Posted on: America Online Are you aware of the number of students who have been served in Reading Recovery that end up as resource room students? SUBJECT: Re:Resource room advice Date: 96-01-13 20:18:59 EST From: Honiedu Posted on: America Online Contact Honiedu/AOL for information Inclusion in the Middle School SUBJECT: Reading Strategies Date: 96-01-18 11:59:04 edt From: Brewerlo Help, please. I am taking a required reading class for my MLS program, and although I have taught in secondary education for 23 years I have never had to take a "reading" class so I feel as though I am lost with many of the topics we are going to be working with. I need to build a file of reading teaching strategies. I have spoken with our LD teacher and our Chapter One teacher, and both have offered help, but are so busy right now that I'm not sure when they will be able to sit down with me. Can anyone out there offer help. What strategies are currently being used, and are they successful? Where do I go to find information about how to teach some of these particular reading strategies? Any help that any of you can give me would be greatly appreciated. I am at home today because our school is closed here in Kansas due to the blizzard and the wind blowing at 45-50 miles per hour. I discovered this wonderful resource by just browsing through the education folder on AOL. Thanks so much to all you who started this sharing. I am going to make the teachers in my building aware of this excellent resource. Please add me to the list. Brewerlo SUBJECT: Re:Literature in the RR Date: 96-01-18 20:57:52 edt From: TessTea Make sure you justify whatyou are doing, skills-wise. Your lesson plans should indicate that you are building comprehension (skill) and addressing decoding/word recognition in context. If you don't keep plans, start! It's the best way to document your actions, and cover yourself. SUBJECT: Re:Moved from another folder Date: 96-01-18 21:01:04 edt From: TessTea RE:Liaison I have thought about it, too. Parents are so uninformed (some teachers,too). I actually worked up outlines for presentations to parents a whill back, when I was working in NY. Never got to put them to use. SUBJECT: Where is everyone ?? Date: 96-01-19 19:46:12 edt From: Honiedu SUBJECT: Re:Where is everyone ?? Date: 96-01-19 20:43:13 edt From: SMSS After having so many snow days, I don't know about anyone else, but I haven't been able to get back into the swing of things(nor have the kids). Next week will be the first full week of school we have had in five weeks so I guess my RR program will run smoothly again. I find that the kids have more trouble than I do settling down when their routine is disrupted. Does anyone have any suggestions for a lession on teaching persuasive writing that is a bit unusual? SUBJECT: Re:Where is everyone ?? Date: 96-01-19 23:50:56 edt From: AP80 SMSS, I don't know how old your students are, but mine are middle schoolers. I have contacted parents to let them know about our pursuasive essay and asked for their help. Uusually kids want permission for something from their parents that parents are resisting. If you can find something the parents might be willing to give in on if they got a VERY pursuasive letter about, the kids might be willing to put forth more effort ( my own kids' English teacher did that to me and we ended up with a puppy that I swore I didn't want and now love!) SUBJECT: Re:Where is everyone ?? Date: 96-01-20 17:06:26 edt From: SusanS29 Tell me more about what you mean by "persuasive" writing. Where the writer argues a point of view? I have an approach to written expression that could work very well... give me a few details of what you have in mind. Susan SUBJECT: Re:Where is everyone ?? Date: 96-01-20 17:54:52 edt From: SMSS One of the goals in my students IEPs are that they are able to write a persuasive letter or paragraph. I work in a RR with 4th,5th, and 6th graders. All my periods are replacement periods and of the six periods I teach, two are for Language Arts. One thing they have all written about is trying to stay up later on a school night and they enjoyed that assignment but I would love to think of a different idea. I would appreciate any input.--Thanks SUBJECT: Project for SpecEd Students Date: 96-01-20 18:06:41 edt From: CC80 I am a Special Education teacher in the state of PA. I teach an emotional support class - K through 6. We developed a special project two years ago. Bears around the world. We are looking for a class or a school to adopt a bear(stuffed) for the remainder of the school year. It teaches geography on all levels. My class was recognized by the Senate of PA and by the President of the United States. If you are interested in participating in this project please contact me ASAP. I will give you further information on how this project works. (Deveops PenPals and self esteem) CC80 SUBJECT: Re:sp. ed math, lang, hist. Date: 96-01-20 22:19:10 edt From: Icj1 hi to all, this is my first time on line and i went into the education file. was i ever happy to see other teachers like me. i teach rsp student 7th and 8th . i, like many of you was not master of any subject but i stuck my neck out so that i might learn more for my students my goal is to beat math. my sch.dist. is involved in math renaissance it is a wonderful program and i have learned so much more then basic math skills. the hardest thing that i had to do was to stick my neck out and not be afraid to ask for help from my fellow teachers. and not worry about what they thought of my skills. i am really looking for someone to help me in algebra. i still don't know what x is ha ha. hope to speak with you guys again. bye icj1 SUBJECT: Re:Project for SpecEd Studen Date: 96-01-21 09:51:58 edt From: SMSS I'm curious what this project is about. We have three Resource Rooms, plus one PI class, in our school and this might be something we might be able to do as a group. SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-01-21 19:35:50 edt From: Icj1 hi i'm pretty new at this . i'm not even sure i'm doing this right. can someone help? my name is icj1 i know it sound silly but its the best i can do for now. i sent a note 1-20-96 did any one read it help to anyone thanks icjl SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-01-24 00:49:48 edt From: Terr244 Hi! I have been teaching for 17 years. I once taught a Resource class -many, many years ago. I am now teaching 3rd grade. My husband would like us to move, and I have been thinking about going back to Resource. I would greatly appreciate any information you could give me about what it is really like today. Thanks, Terry SUBJECT: Special Strategies Needed Date: 96-01-25 16:47:01 edt From: BRAshton (please address to Kate c/o ........) I have a new 4th grade strudent who scored very high in Visual Sequential Memory and Auditory Sequential Memory, but very low in Auditory Discrimination and Visual Closure. QUESTION: Can anyone suggest some very specific strategies or programs to assist this student with spelling and reading comprehension. SUBJECT: Math Strategies Date: 96-01-26 22:29:24 edt From: Lady Bert I am a Resource Room teacher(K-5) and I am looking for any effective strategies to use in basic math concepts-including ways of working with facts. My bag of tricks is emptied for a 4th grader. Any help will be appreciated. SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-01-27 10:08:16 edt From: Honiedu Resource today depends upon the district you are with. Resource for many of us is a special education program while some districts consider resource room a learning center. Today most resource teachers on the East Coast are working in small groups providing supplementary skills in deficit areas of need. Others are a part of inclusion where they actually travel with the students and provide support to the regular classroom teacher. If you would like a description of our program contact me. Honiedu AOL and I will download my description at my level. SUBJECT: Writing Date: 96-01-27 10:12:12 edt From: Honiedu What state are you in ??? Our state requires the students to take a RCT writing course. What level are you looking for ??? SUBJECT: RegentsResource students Date: 96-01-27 10:20:54 edt From: Honiedu What is going to happen to the resource room students when NYS requires all regents classes ?? The resource student has a difficult time passing the RCT's. How will they ever pass the regents? Some of us including myself a veteran of 34 years did not pass our regents exams due to poor testing ability. Now are our students going to be deprived a high school diploma or will they be exempt?. Personally, I feel the RCT's are excellent and the only one that needs to be changed is the essay requirement for social studies. SUBJECT: Re:RegentsResource students Date: 96-01-27 20:30:53 edt From: AP80 I agree with Honiedu regarding the new proposals for Regents exams. The idea, as I understand it, is to allow a lesser range (say 50-65) to be considered passing for a local diploma. That won't help, however, the LD language or reading kid who needs modified language. I'm sure the state is not going to put out a modified version of all of the Regents exams, although that's not a bad idea. SUBJECT: Re:EXTENDED RESOURCE Date: 96-01-28 01:46:28 edt From: ShWorth I would love to know the publisher of the Focus Boooks and the Sound OUt series. Could you EMail me to ShWorth with that info. Thanks SUBJECT: Susan S29/Regents and NYS Date: 96-01-28 09:56:21 edt From: Honiedu Dear Sue, Any chance of finding out about the regent proposal for all secondary level classes?? Please contact me Honiedu AOL. I would appreciate your expertise on the matter. Regards, Carol SUBJECT: Re:Susan S29/Regents and NYS Date: 96-01-28 14:05:18 edt From: SusanS29 Carol, I'm sorry... I'm in Missouri and I don't know anything about NY's Regents except that they have it... :/ Sorry. SUBJECT: Dyslexia Date: 96-01-28 20:09:10 edt From: TJCordell I am looking for a way to teach a fourth grader to read. Although he can identify the letters of the alphabet he cannot associate the sounds. Does anyone know a good program which can help? My school suggested "Hooked on Phonics" . Laugh, Laugh. SUBJECT: Re:Dyslexia Date: 96-01-29 22:45:30 edt From: SusanS29 TJ I have had very good luck by starting with sight vocabulary in such cases. Sometimes once they've learned some sight words (about 200) they begin to develop some phonics also, because the printed word has become more "real" to me. In my experience these kids are very concrete. Put a rock in their hands and they'll look to see if it's sedimentary or crystal. Have them sound out the word "rock" and /r/ /o/ /k/ is completely meaningless... think about those phonics -- auditory symbols of visual symbols. Put a rock in his hand, and teach him the word "rock." SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-01-30 22:39:55 edt From: Rhythm1000 LOL I can identify....... same situation here..... Except bachelors in psych.... I love to motivate kids... #1 BUILD A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE KIDS Learn more about them... what they do what their interests are... #2 EARN THEIR TRUST....This is a crucial part of the process #3 ASK THEM WHAT THEY WILL BE WILLING TO WORK FOR.... Alot of times they can save you hours of guesing time.... #4 TEACH WITH A PASSION AND UNIQUENESS Just because I can't spell doesn't mean I don't do a great job ...! # 5 ALWAY BE HONEST WITH THEM Don't BULLSHIT cause they will know.. if Sammy knows more about algebra than you do (this has happened to me) tell him this is not your strong area... look it up and find out....then share it with him... he will have more respect for you # 6 USE HUMOR AND TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF>>> laugh at yourself.. let them feel comfortable making mistakes by showing that your comfortable making mistakes..... Just a few ideas I am a new teacher myself.. but worse I only have an emergency cert....LOL SUBJECT: Re:Project for SpecEd Studen Date: 96-01-30 22:51:10 edt From: Rhythm1000 Absolutely.... I have a classroom of 10 EH girls in a Private Residential Self Contained Setting.... I have a few that could really benefit from this..... Please Email me Rhythm1000 or post another message with MORE INFO... SUBJECT: Dear Community Date: 96-01-30 23:02:58 edt From: Rhythm1000 As a new teacher in Special Ed I am finding it hard to come up with thematic units and curriculum ideas.... I teach a special ed self contained class in a private residential setting........ I have a degree in psych but no real experience with education... I NEED: IDEAS FOR THEMATIC UNITS for 10 girls grades 7-12 performance levels 7th grade average, one 4th, and an 11th.... IDEAS FOR LESSON PLANNING .. How do I do this for longer term? Their needs seem to change so much every week! IDEAS FOR TEACHING ENGLISH Help me make this fun for them... the Romace Novel was a good idea Susan 29! Thankyou Send E-mails to Rhythm1000 SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-02-01 12:15:33 edt From: SAMPAHM I just sent a message regarding the RT database and request for journal recommendations, etc. Would you please e-mail your response: SAMPAHM@aol.com Thanks! Patricia SUBJECT: Dawn in the Resource Room Date: 96-02-03 01:13:55 edt From: Heyentah WHOA! Dawn, the maximum you're allowed to have the children in your room is 49% of the instructional day--your kids are receiving instruction at your school for 6.12 hours? With lunch, recess, etc, are they there for over 7 hours? Be careful. *>* \_/ SUBJECT: Want a button, too? Date: 96-02-07 09:09:34 edt From: Holz5182 I've had several requests on how to buy "Every Child Deserves a Special Education" and "All Children Deserve Special Education" buttons. Just FYI, e-mail me your request, I'll e-mail you the address for the fundraiser and we'll get them sent off. Holz5182 SUBJECT: Re:RE:HELP FOR MILD LD KIDS Date: 96-02-09 20:35:16 edt From: MKrie76255 I KNOW THE FEELING!! Last year, I was an aide. This year I am a true teacher. You need to find someone that compliments your style, not overrides it. I cannot explain the difference between the two years other then THIS YEAR IS WONDERFUL. I followed a group of inclusion students from 5th grade to 6th grade. I teach on a two person team for 2 1/2 hours per day. I work with one teacher during reading and math in the morning. In the afternoon, I go into the other classroom with the same group of students. I have 10 inclusion students. There are also 12 Title One students in the group and 7 students with no special needs just in the one classroom.Between the two teachers there are 58 students.WOW!!! It is a lot of work, but it is working wonderfully. We have regrouped our two classrooms in to three groups for math. Reading and English are done as a whole. I am already planning to continue this next year with a new group of students, BUT not with a new group of teachers. The rest of my day I do pull-out. C.Krieger SUBJECT: EDMARK, need publisher info Date: 96-02-11 13:44:15 edt From: RKelt I need the name of the publisher for the EDMARK sight word program. SUBJECT: Grade Book Date: 96-02-17 14:51:21 edt From: SHarmsR I am an elementary level resource room teacher. I am looking for an organized (perhaps computer-based) way to keep grades. It is difficult with each student's individual programming to use the standard grade book form. Any suggestions? Thank you. SHarmsR SUBJECT: Re:Grade Book Date: 96-02-17 16:21:52 edt From: SusanS29 SHarms I used an electronic grade book when I had a resource room. I set each student up as an individual class, and each of their objectives was listed in the "student" part. Then I could easily enter, say, per centage scores on scorable work they had done. It takes a lot of tweaking, and it may not be worth it, but both parents and skeptical classroom teachers are quite dazzled by it, which can make it valuable PR. SUBJECT: Emotional/social literacy Date: 96-02-17 17:02:30 edt From: Dr LindaH We use RIGHT CHOICES a video driven social skills training program schoolwide for social/emotional curriculum and for the discipline plan with raffle tickets and alternative behavior referrals Dr LindaH e-mail at aol or 813-985-9344 6405 S Queensway Dr Tampa, Fl 33617 if you have any questions. It has the skills of problem solving, apologizing, negotiating, responding to teasing, keeping out of fights etc. No planning required posters, video lessons, plans, scripted role plays, quizzes, coordinators manual let me know if you have any questions. SUBJECT: Test-Taking Strategies Date: 96-02-18 21:47:04 edt From: Honiedu Looking for some test taking tips you use to teach children "how to take tests" such as Mid-Terms, Finals and CAT. These are for 27 students currently being service in an "inclusion model" for 7th grader in a middle school setting. Thanks, Honiedu AOL SUBJECT: Re:New RR teacher needs help Date: 96-02-21 20:38:23 edt From: RStorey640 I am the teacher of a Language Development Self-Contained Classroom. We utilize Direct Instruction techniques in the teaching of reading, math, spelling and language. These, along with other whole language approaches, seem to give my students strong reading, language, math and spelling skills. One thing that I really stress is being to actually use their skills in all academic areas (transfer). The direct instruction programs (SRA) have proven to be very successful!!! sstorey SUBJECT: Praise! Date: 96-02-23 13:57:07 edt From: JWhite1393 I think the job that you're doing is great. I'm starting college in the fall of 96. This is what I'm going for. It takes a lot to do a job like this. I just hope that I can cut it. To all of you who are there and are doing a good job. Thank you. Kids are our most precious resource. YOUR WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!! SUBJECT: Re: Inclusion Date: 96-02-25 20:30:59 edt From: Bush2U Hi, I teach resource 5th-8th and have seen Inclusion really work. However, for the lower grades I don't think that it is as effective. Students do need some basic skills to survive in an Inclusion setting. You would be surprised, though, what resources you have for these students right there in the classroom. I have found that other students in the classroom can be a big help to those who have trouble in the regular classroom. These students need to be carefully selected, but they are learning by teaching themselves. When a student is helping another student they are reinforcing these skills for themselves. They must not only tell how to do something, but must think of a way to explain it. This really makes them think. So both parties benefit. Inclusion for the lower grades can only work if you still get to work with the students that need extra help on occasion. This is necessary to teach skills that the regular class has already mastered. SUBJECT: Re:to: autistic middle school Date: 96-02-28 11:06:43 edt From: SAY237 I WOULD LIKE ANY INPUT FROM TEACHERS OUT THERE WHO DEAL WITH AUTISM (HIGH FUNCTIONING). I CURRENTLY USE A STONG BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AND SEEM TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL CLASSROOM. I AM ALWAYS LOOKING FOR MORE IDEAS TO ENHANCE MY PROGRAM. THIS COMPUTER IS ONE WAY!! C.K. SAY237 SUBJECT: blue/green algae injections? Date: 96-02-28 19:05:29 edt From: AP80 A parent recently called me and asked what I new about a new technique that involves injecting a child with blue/green algae as an alternative to Ritalin treatment. Has anyone heard of such a thing? SUBJECT: Imagery (visual & ???) Date: 96-02-29 22:42:23 edt From: Bequal I am a teacher/grad. student looking for information on visual imagery and imagery for the other senses. Any help would be appreciated! SUBJECT: Re:blue/green algae injections Date: 96-03-01 01:32:33 edt From: SusanS29 INJECTIONS? Now that is truly bizarre. Until now all I've heard of is tablets or capsules. Their claims are incredible. According to the people who multi-market this stuff (here on line, just subtly enough that Terms of Service doesn't get after them)... it cures everything from arthritis to ADD to high cholesterol. Before anyone injected my child with *anything* I would want multiple research studies done and approval from the FDA. seems to me that injecting it makes it a medication. Blue green algae is classified as a "food supplement," not a drug. That means people can market it without proving that it's effective. They can *claim* just about anything they want. And they do. SUBJECT: Re:Test-Taking Strategies Date: 96-03-03 22:55:53 edt From: RANLEE7636 Really good test-taking strategies for higher functioning middle school and high school LD students(also excellent for students without LD) are available from the U of Kansas Center for Research on Learning (formerly, I believe, the Center for Reasearch on LD.) They have several fine strategy programs ranging from Sentence Writing to Paraphrasing, Word Identification, having kids actively involved in the IEP process (called I-Plan), Test Taking, etc. The catch is that the strategies are fairly complex to learn, so they are only offered from certified instructors trained by U K at workshops. I used the Strategies for several years at the middle school level, but as our program become more inclusive with lower ability students, they were more difficult for the students. The ideal way to instruct the strategies are in small groups (fewer than 10) with follow-up in a mainstream class that you support with the same students. Senior High students would really benefit and I know of at least one other district in my area (Mpls./St. Paul) that trains all their Sr. High special ed. staff in them. If you are interested in these strategies or in receiving their publication called Strategrams write to: The University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning Robert Dole Bldg. Rm. 3060 Lawrence, KS 66045 Hope this helps. SUBJECT: Buttons Date: 96-03-05 09:18:12 edt From: Holz5182 Several people requested buttons st a time just before my h.d. crashed and I lost everything :-[ If you wanted a button, please get a message to me again, and I apologize for the delay!! *>* \_/ Holz5182 SUBJECT: TDoffel? Date: 96-03-05 09:20:12 edt From: Holz5182 I there someone out there with a screen name similar to this? I have been trying to contact you re: your request but am not having luck. Help?? *>* \_/ Holz5182 SUBJECT: Re:Susan S29/Regents and NYS Date: 96-03-05 23:06:34 edt From: HJDJ794 Check out the most recent issue of NY teacher. It talks about the Regents. Supposedly the Regents programs will be phased in over several years. They will start with only one subject ( I forget which) and gradually to all the subjects. SUBJECT: Label the child dyslexic? Date: 96-03-07 14:43:11 edt From: GailFeld I am a veteran LD teacher who regularly attends the Orton Gillingham Conference in N.Y. I have never been able to get an answer to: Why doesn't a school psychologist "label" a child dylexic rather than LD? Several books suggest that it a relief to both children and their parents when the student can call himself or herself "dylexic" rather than saying that they have trouble with reading and are learning disabled. What is so special or "nonspecial" about the word dyslexia? SUBJECT: Re:New RR teacher needs help Date: 96-03-07 23:15:57 edt From: KZammuto From: KZammuto I have been teaching Resource Students for 15 years. I have students form K-6. I have found that the Direct Instruction programs marketed by Science Research Association (SRA) have been successful in nearly every case. Most of my students are dismissed from service by the time they enter Junior High School. These programs also have proven themselves through research. SUBJECT: RR Load Weight System Date: 96-03-07 23:26:58 edt From: KZammuto From: KZammuto My district is currently investigating the posibility of developing a weighting system for severity of disability to help adjust case loads. We would like to have this system so we can reduce case loads to a managable number. It is our intent to be able to have the flexibility in our time to do inclusion type activities with more students. Currently our Resource caseloads are such that we are unable to offer services to those who need pull out and also do inclusion. Many of us have as many as 7 different spelling groups during a 20 minute time slot. This occurs because of scheduling difficulties and the fact that we individualize instruction (We also use Direct Instruction and do not wish to change this due to the benifits it affords our students.). In Illinois we are limited to a maximum of 20 in Resource and not to exceed a half day of service. In many cases 20 students can require you to have a large number of groups to plan for if you really want to take the student from where they are to where they need to be educationally. I understand that Speech and Language Therapists have done this type of weighting but I have not been able to obtain the criterion that has been used. Any information you could send me would be greatly appreciated. SUBJECT: Re:Grade Book Date: 96-03-10 19:31:13 edt From: Jwerks There are freeware and shareware gradebook programs available in the software library right here... good luck. SUBJECT: Re:edmark Date: 96-03-10 19:36:55 edt From: Jwerks Edmark probably is the publisher of the sight word series. I saw their booth at Closing the Gap in Minnesota-They also have great software- 1-800-728-6317 SUBJECT: Re:Grade Book Date: 96-03-12 22:53:03 edt From: Bertjgmk Jwerks, I''m new to this. You mentioned there are freeware and shareware grade books available here. Can you guide me? Thanks. Julie SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-03-13 20:12:37 edt From: LDABEL I teach special ed. in a one-school system. I have taught for 15 1/2 years. I also am the supervisor of speical ed. for my school system so I have additional duties concerning budgets, contracts, attending all meetings, etc. Our school is a K-8 school and we feed to a county high school. We also serve preschoolers through contracts and our more severely involved children through contracts. Love my job but can't keep up with new rules and regs. Also, I live in a rural area--it's hard to find OT.PT, vision specialists for kids who move in from larger areas and expect services to begin the next day. SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-03-15 22:57:58 edt From: Honiedu Where to you hail from ? Sounds like the hills of somewhere. Rules and regulations are always changing. Now our students don't have to have formal tri-annuals done. We just have to meet the the phychologist and we fill out a form. If no changes are needed we do not do another psych. examination. The phychologist is no loger required to sit at a CSE. This is going to be difficult. How do academic teachers get an EH label without a psychologist's input.. SUBJECT: Re:Label the child dyslexic? Date: 96-03-15 23:05:37 edt From: Honiedu Dyslexia is a term used freely and means a "poor reader." My phychologist said that in testing the children ,he has seen very few truly dyslexic children. I guess there is a special part of their examination they give to find this area of concern Certainly children reverse letters and cannot decode words. I feel that this is caused by a leaning disability compounded often by ADD and a language deficit. I am not an expert, but am familiar with the Orton Group and the ways they teach. I use many of their methods myself. SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-03-16 09:04:06 edt From: Ratatat << Where to you hail from ? Sounds like the hills of somewhere. Rules and regulations are always changing. Now our students don't have to have formal tri-annuals done. We just have to meet the the phychologist and we fill out a form. If no changes are needed we do not do another psych. examination. The phychologist is no loger required to sit at a CSE. This is going to be difficult. How do academic teachers get an EH label without a psychologist's input..>> What do you mean that you don't have to do a tri-annual? If you live in the US, then a triannual is required by IDEA...no state can have requirements that are LESS than the federal guidelines. A medical evaluation team meeting is required. Each child MUST be evaluated by two separate professionals from different disciplines And the IEP must be reviewed at least once a year (could be more if you need) in a full IEPC meeting. SUBJECT: MVPT?? Date: 96-03-18 01:12:25 edt From: Heyentah Someone asked and I can't remember - What's MVPT? I feel dumb! *>* \_/ Heyentah SUBJECT: Standard Scores Date: 96-03-19 00:48:37 edt From: LHTeacher1 What is the difference between a SS and a Percentile Score? SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touch Date: 96-03-20 00:33:11 edt From: Oynk oynk <> In VA we can choose to eliminate one part of the triennial. Additionally we can use scores that are up to 365 days old. That CAN in essence do away with the triennial if you choose to omit the psychological, and the child has had a physcial within the last year. SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-03-20 08:28:32 edt From: Ratatat <<> In VA we can choose to eliminate one part of the triennial. Additionally we can use scores that are up to 365 days old. That CAN in essence do away with the triennial if you choose to omit the psychological, and the child has had a physcial within the last year.>> I'm not sure, but I think we are confusing simply definitions. In my mind a triennial is the requirement that a student have a FULL evaluation once every three years. How can Virginia have different regulations that are "less" than the federal? If I am understanding that to be the case, it is in violation of IDEA. SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-03-22 21:46:28 edt From: Honiedu I did not say we do not do triannuals.....I said that you just have to meet with the psychologist and discuss the student involved, If the present phychological is sufficient you don't have to do a formal assessment. You better check......My school system is not in the habit of creating there own rules and regulations. SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-03-23 21:46:19 edt From: Honiedu correction Re:" their own" SUBJECT: Re:Sp Ed Philosophy Date: 96-03-26 21:03:51 edt From: Bubbagvv from: bubbagvv I am currently in my second year in a K-5 Resource room in an at-risk school in Iowa. I do enjoy hearing from others and sharing ideas. I'll be back! SUBJECT: application questions Date: 96-04-02 11:08:21 edt From: CLOCKI In filling out applications I came across two questions that gave me a hard time. I was wondering how anyone else would answer: 1. A parent comes to you and complains that what you are teaching his child is irrelevant to the child's needs. How would you respond? 2. A student is doing poorly in your class. You talk to her, and she tells you that she considers you to be the poorest teacher she has ever met. What would you do? E-mail me at CLOCKI. Thanks! SUBJECT: Stevenson Date: 96-04-04 22:27:36 edt From: LEG17 I am in trying to find information on the Stevenson program. I am very much against using it, and want to know if there is any research to back up its methods. The resource teacher who used it this year had little success while my program based on reading recovery did very well. Our school is in the midst of a battle and I need to know others experiences. Please email me at LEG17. Thanks! SUBJECT: Self Awareness Curric. Needed Date: 96-04-07 13:21:44 edt From: Lorelie388 I am working on developing a curriculum for a self awareness (for lack of a better name) curricullum for K-12 LD students. Our school believes that kids with LD need to understand the issues surrounding their differences in order to cope with them efectively and become responsible, confident adults. Does anyone have resources or ideas to share? I have some I'd be glad to post if anyone is interested. Please e-mail response, if possible. Thanks! Leslie SUBJECT: character education Date: 96-04-08 18:53:40 edt From: MMccaffrey Hello! I am interested in any school that has had success in character education. My school is interested specifically in building responsibility and self control. We are a small urban school and are in the brainstorming stage of this program that we would like to begin next year. Please e-mail me with any ideas or success stories Thanks! Maureen SUBJECT: Re: Inclusion Date: 96-04-09 19:19:13 edt From: RLH74027 Inclusion is a concept that is suitable for some LD/LH students. But let's face it we are here to help the students, not stroke parents who do not understand that the best place for their child may not be the regular classroom. Inclusion is to make them feel better about themselves, not to do what is best for the student. As special ed / RSP we must concern ourselves with what is best for all students. SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-04-10 23:42:46 edt From: ROSARIOL I do not know if I quaify as a respirce teacher, but would very much like to share. I am a speech pathologist in a New York City Hospital and presently in an Early Intervention Program and Pediatrics. I treat children from 0 m. to 16 years SUBJECT: number of kids per class Date: 96-04-11 16:13:03 edt From: GEber6439 I am teaching resource and am wondering how many kids per class other resource teachers are asked to teach. I teach both math and language to middle school age kids, but am feeling like there is just not enough of me to go around. The rumor for our incoming class of kids says more are on the way... Help! SUBJECT: Re:number of kids per class Date: 96-04-11 17:28:11 edt From: Caz46 I am currently a middle school LD teacher who services 31 resource students. This year I have one literature class of 10 students, a 7th grade resource, and an 8th grade resource. The remainder of my day is within regular classrooms. Chris SUBJECT: Re:number of kids per class Date: 96-04-11 17:49:46 edt From: AP80 GEber6439, I am also a middle school Resource Teacher. I have 5 kids per class, 5 classes. I do supplemental instruction, no primary instruction. All of my kids are in regular classes and are expected to receive a regular high school diploma, not an IEP diploma. SUBJECT: Re:R.R. Teachers in Touch Date: 96-04-11 23:22:50 edt From: JSSPAIN Hi, I am really interested in becoming a part of this. I have been a Resource teacher for 2 years. I currently teach 6th. grade science and social studies, and inclusion math. I also have a 7th. grade reading and language arts class. How do I join your network???JSSPAIN SUBJECT: Resource Teacher Needs Help! Date: 96-04-11 23:27:25 edt From: JSSPAIN Hi, I am trying to put together a project for my Social Studies class and I need some help. I am trying to collect a post card representative of each of the 50 states. If anyone would be interested in mailing me a post card from their state please E-mail me at JSSPAIN. Thanks, I need all the help I can get. SUBJECT: Titanic Date: 96-04-11 23:33:59 edt From: JSSPAIN I am putting together a unit for my Resource Center on the Titanic. I find the subject to be high interest and motivating to my students. I would appreciate any lesson ideas, resources or information that might enhance the material I already present to them. If you have any ideas, please E-mail me at JSSPAIN. Thank you!!!! SUBJECT: Re:number of kids per class Date: 96-04-20 00:38:44 edt From: HCTA This is my first year at the middle school. I'm teaching in both "push-in" and "pull-out" situations. In both, my caseload is no more than 5 LD students in a group. I may have up to 25 students total as part of my caseload. I've not heard of any changes in this number to date. SUBJECT: ADD Inservice Date: 96-04-21 14:27:58 edt From: MPK AT BB Help! I began my new job as a RSP in January, 1996. The regular ed teachers at my school bring up an inordinate number of students to SST for ADD. They really push parents to get their kids on Ritalin asap. On May 23 I am giving an inservice on alternative causes for attentional problems. I would like to suggest that many students are inattentive because of emotional problems, allergies, or lack of assimilation into our somewhat unstructured, overcrowded classrooms. Does anyone have any suggestions for ways that I can delicately approach this issue? Many thanks to AnnToreen and RANLEE7636 for your suggestions. You guys are my mentors! Bless you! SUBJECT: Re:ADD Inservice Date: 96-04-21 21:08:14 edt From: SusanS29 "On May 23 I am giving an inservice on alternative causes for attentional problems. I would like to suggest that many students are inattentive because of emotional problems, allergies, or lack of assimilation into our somewhat unstructured, overcrowded classrooms. Does anyone have any suggestions for ways that I can delicately approach this issue? " I would skip the allergies thing. No one with any real credentials in the ADD field buys into it. However, lots and lots of things present as ADD. When teachers were given a workshop on ADD and then asked to pick out students with ADD, the ones they picked out were not quite as smart as average. The children's behavior was appropriate for their mental age. Other things that can look like ADD: undiagnosed learning disabilities, *severe* home problems (such as an ugly divorce), sexual or other abuse, depression (which is likely to be aggravated by Ritalin), hearing or vision acuity problems. Not only that but if the child does have ADD Ritalin won't fix everything, isn't suitable for all children and doesn't even work about 20% of the time. Teachers just shouldn't be saying what medication a child should be on. They don't have the background for it. They should refer the kids for diagnosis and let the pros sort out the source of the child's difficulties. SUBJECT: Public Law 101-476 Date: 96-04-22 22:56:02 edt From: EXPLORA95 If anyone has any articles regarding this subject please e-mail me at EXPLORA95. I am doing research for a class. thank you. SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers Network Date: 96-04-25 00:12:19 edt From: JBoby Lucky this is the kind of Reaource Room I am dealing with in a rural school. Please send me any help. Thanks JBoby SUBJECT: REG STAFF INSERVICE Date: 96-04-27 10:42:47 edt From: TandM Sell Help. I'm developing a staff inservice "Meeting The Needs Of Secondary Level Learning Disabled Students Within The Regular Classroom." Any suggeestions on information to include or do's and don'ts would be appreciated. SUBJECT: Re:Adult Non Reader Date: 96-05-05 13:27:21 edt From: STMABON My School District and many other organizations have had success with the Scottish Rite Reading Program. For adults it consists of 160 one hour videos. Orton Dyslexia also uses it and can answer your questions. Look into it...I think you'll be pleased. STMABON SUBJECT: academic vocabulary Date: 96-05-07 21:24:39 edt From: SandyHolt Looking for strategies to use to build comprehension of academic vocabulary. Any suggestions? SUBJECT: Annual i.e.p. timeline Date: 96-05-08 07:52:18 edt From: MPK AT BB Thanks to SusanS/29 for help on the ADD inservice. My principal now wants me to focus on how emotionality might lead into ADD type behaviors. I have a parent who is insisting that her child's annual iep be moved up almost a month early. As I am currently swamped, I told her that she should expect it to be held around the same time as the previous year. Does she have any legal rights on this issue? ( We just had an adendum meeting !) This message board is a lifesaver! Thanks to all! SUBJECT: Re: Inclusion RLH74027 Date: 96-05-08 08:01:34 edt From: MPK AT BB I work in an elementary school that implements full inclusion. Many times making that sped student feel better about themselves is what is best for them. I feel that especially in the primary grades, almost all students have the right to be included. In our model I attempt to remediate the disability through modifying existing classroom assignments. It takes a great deal of communication on my part with the classroom teacher but when you see some pretty severe kids being invited to birthday parties or when a parent tells you how proud their kid is that at open house he had the same projects on their desk that everyone else did, it is worth it! I also think that sped kids need exposure to the good modeling that regular ed kids can provide in social situations. I'm not saying it can work for all kids at all levels, but people should consider it for some individuals. SUBJECT: Re:Annual i.e.p. timeline Date: 96-05-09 23:00:11 edt From: SusanS29 "As I am currently swamped, I told her that she should expect it to be held around the same time as the previous year. " It's a team, and no one person should have excessive influence... and all should be working together. In the interest of peace I would try to compromise. SUBJECT: consultant taechers Date: 96-05-10 16:21:46 edt From: MeCYou Next year I will be a Resource /Consultant teacher. I know very little about consultant teaching and would appreciate any info you may have. I will be pushing into classes at the middle school level and can't anticipate what to expect. Any advice/info would be welcomed!! SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-05-13 18:39:55 edt From: BonoMurf I teach a mix of junior high and high school students who are learning disabled and emotionally disturbed in Resource Room. They are grouped heterogenously in my class. I have difficulty motivating these students and getting them to stay on task. I am also concerned about how the mainstream teachers in the school view the "Resource Room" . I am interested in ways to educate these teachers and help them become aware of the job of a Resource Room teacher and the role of a special education student. I look forward to a response.Thanks. SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-05-13 18:51:08 edt From: BonoMurf I have taught physical science for the past two years to eighth grade students. Before teaching this self-contained class, I had no prior experience with any of the sciences. I learned the information about 2 days before the students. I continue to struggle and learn with these students. I have asked for advice and help from the mainstream teachers who have been cooperative but I sometimes feel like a pest. I think the key is to keep all concepts simple and elementary using a lot of multisensory activities. SUBJECT: Re: Physical Science for LD Date: 96-05-13 19:01:46 edt From: BonoMurf HJWALLY I too, teach physical science using the Globe textbook. It is my second year as a special education teacher and I am happy to see that you do alot of collages and coloring. My students like this alot too.I have a little more confidence now. Thanks SUBJECT: Co-Teaching Reg/Sped Kids Date: 96-05-23 23:40:17 edt From: CoTeachNet I have been co-teaching in an REI environment for 7 years. A team of teachers decided (without my input) to divide their two classrooms into three sections of heterogeneous students for a math unit to last a full quarter. I have one of these sections which is comprised of 13 students including my two IEP'd kids who are very mild (100 minutes per week) which meets 40 minutes a day, 5 days a week. This wasn't done with my "blessing", but even the admin. says since I am certified reg ed., there isn't a problem. I am the only teacher in the classroom, responsible for the full planning, teaching and assessing of this curriculum. I am also in the middle of ARs and MDCs for my other students. I know that we are supposed to be able to teach a "small" group of mixed students for a "fixed" amount of time, but what are the legal ramifications of this kind of setup, if any? How "big" is a "small" group? How long is a "fixed" amount of time? I am told since I am a "co-teacher", parents won't be concerned about who teaches the curriculum. But now I find I need a special ed. teacher to help me teach this class and have had to go to my Title I teacher for MY co-teaching assistant! What a mess! I am in Illinois. Any ideas who I can contact for exact legal language on this? I was hired specifically to be a collaborative LD teacher, but I feel I am being taken advantage of because I am multicertified! Thanks for any help you can give me. CoTeachNet SUBJECT: Re:Co-Teaching Reg/Sped Kids Date: 96-05-25 19:07:14 edt From: Caz46 I sympathize with your situation, but it would appear to be very legal. I am also a multi-ceritified LD resource teacher involved with REI or inclusion. I teach a language arts block for 80 minutes per day to a group of students some of which are LD. I have no problems with this arrangement. I think the issue here though is the fact that you were not included in the decision making process and obviously this time of the year is hectic with meetings and paperwork. My concern would be directed more towards the following: Are your other LD students time and needs being met? SUBJECT: Re:Co-Teaching Reg/Sped Kids Date: 96-05-29 21:26:11 edt From: CoTeachNet Dear Caz; Thanks for your response. Yes it is a hectic time of year. The kids I see in other classrooms are doing just fine, but in the class I teach, well, let's put it this way: I share an office with 6 other LD resource teachers and the other day I half-jokingly asked if any of them had 3rd period free because I needed an LD teacher in my own class! Don't get me wrong. I enjoy this, but I still wonder if it is best practice. CoTeachNet SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-05-29 22:53:38 edt From: JESS J Res. Teacher in SE MAsaaachusetts has been at it for 20+ years and has variety of exp. with all kinds of kids and teachers and the latest fads. Let's talk. Jess J SUBJECT: Re: Inclusion Date: 96-05-29 23:18:55 edt From: DMLimon Dear fellow Special People, I am completing my Master's Project on Bilingual Special Education (curriculum, parental involvement, linguistically appropriate goals and objectives, and Teacher-Assistance-Teams). I would be very interested to hear what other people are doing to accomodate and meet the needs of the culturally and linguistically diverse exceptional student (CLDE). Please e-mail me at DMLimon@aol.com. I'm a seventh year bilingual special education teacher in a junior high in Southern California. Thanks for your time! Diana :-) SUBJECT: Reading Resource Date: 96-05-30 09:56:03 edt From: Samtea I have taught reading resource on middle school level for two years. Most success in increasing reading level and vocabulary recognition has been due to a reading program called Lit Tech. Also using Electronic Bookshelf books and computer testing for my higher level readers (3rd grade and up). Steck Vaughn books are great too. Not too long and on middle school interest level. Also read a few of the Pace classics as a group: Dracula, Christmas Carol & Jekyll/Hyde. My students really liked these stories more than I thought they would. We later watched movies to see how different they were and my kids were upset that some of their favorite parts from novels were omitted from the movies. Am looking for more reading materials on middle school level. Would like to be included in any newsletters, etc. Thanks! This is my first time to see this section and have enjoyed reading the mail today. SUBJECT: Re: RR Classroom Date: 96-05-30 19:26:55 edt From: JodieEnne I have just graduated from college. I have a job in a resource room for next school year. I would like some help from some experienced RR teachers. How do I start the year off? How do you come up with a schedule? Anything you feel is important to help me out in my first year. SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-05-30 19:39:56 edt From: JodieEnne To JESS J I will have a resource room next year. Very excited but also nervous. I graduated last year from college. Had a wonderful experience while student but have tons of questions. Please give me any ideas on how to schedule the kids, set up the room, ANYTHING??? Thanks, Jodie SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-05-31 18:48:48 edt From: AP80 JodieENNE, I'm a middle school Resource Teacher and would like to help but it's probably best for you to get help from someone who teaches the same level. Are you elem., middle, or high school? If middle, contact me for some hints: AP80 (Ann) SUBJECT: First year SPED teacher! Help! Date: 96-06-01 00:45:20 edt From: FOZZYBERRY I am looking for any advice on where a person should start once they have landed that first job. What do they do next? It all seems so overwhelming! How did you transition from the previous teacher or do you? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance! Fozzyberry @aol.com SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-06-01 09:12:22 edt From: PWhite9191 I am in a K-6 classroom that is labeled VE (Varying Exceptionality). My students are primarily SLD and EH. Sometimes I have EMH, Physically and/or Visually handicapped students as well. SUBJECT: Re:Literature in the RR Date: 96-06-01 09:20:11 edt From: PWhite9191 In our county, the SRA Reading Mastery Program is the county-mandated reading program for SLD and EMH programs. I use this program as the basis of my class but I also pick a theme for each nine week grading period and we do a variety of activities related to that theme. We have done a biography unit and each child did a report and project on a president. We just finished a unit on Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. The children had to write from a character's perspective in their journals. They read their selections to the class in costume. I had some wonderful Becky Thatchers, Toms, Hucks, and even a few Sids! They really enjoyed it! Readers can get really boring and repetitive if we don't jazz it up. I also like the idea of them being introduced to classic literature. (One student even recognized Tom's fence painting antics in a cartoon he saw recently!) SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers Network Date: 96-06-01 09:27:34 edt From: PWhite9191 I am going to a new elemetary school in the Fall and will be the only SLD/EH resource teacher at the school for K-6! As my fear, dread, and apprehension build, my sanity is slipping. I would love to be part of a data base or forum for sharing! I need all the help I can get! I'm really concerned about scheduling. Any suggestions? SUBJECT: Re:Literature in the RR Date: 96-06-01 09:41:02 edt From: PWhite9191 I am using a wonderful reading series based on classic literature. It is called Bringing the Classics to Life and is published by EDCON, Long Island, N.Y. The series cosists of 35 booklets, each one based on a classic novel and is divided into 5 reading levels. Each book is abridged and is divided into 10 chapters with text, comprehension questions, activity pages, vocabulary, etc. for ach chapter. Some of the titles include: Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn, Sea Wolf, Captains Courageous, Black Beauty, Teasure Island, Call of the Wild, Rip Van Winkle, War of the Worlds, and many more. My students have loved these selects! They are also fairly inexpensive. The books can be duplicated for each student. A place called Teach & Play Smart carries them. Their number is 1-800-600-8818. These books are great for my SLD students and I like the fact that the different books are on a increasing level of difficulty. SUBJECT: Re:HJWallly re English class Date: 96-06-01 09:59:31 edt From: PWhite9191 There is a great computer program called Write Out Loud! It is published by Don Johnson. It is a great word processing program for my kids because it reads the text back to them by the letter, word, or paragraph. The best part is the spell check. It reads the choices to the child so they can hear if that is the word they want. It's terrible to tell a child to look up a word they can't spell. This program solved that problem. I've been very pleased withthis program. SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-06-02 23:55:28 edt From: JodieEnne AP80(Anne) I am going to be in a middle school. I'll have students from 2 - 6 grade. Any advice would be great!! SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-06-03 20:16:32 edt From: PIsenb1070 IAfter teaching emotionally handicapped students for nine years in a self-contained classroom, I have decided to make a change. Next year I will be teaching learning disabled students in a resource setting. I will be using SRA Direct Instruction for reading and language because I have found it to be very successful. What I could use help with is other types of materials and activities that have been successful with other resource teachers. I will have grades 1-5. Any suggestions you may have would be great. SUBJECT: Re:New RR teacher needs help Date: 96-06-03 20:22:07 edt From: PIsenb1070 I/m starting in a similar classroom in the Fall. Can you give me some suggestions for centers? SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers Network Date: 96-06-03 20:35:37 edt From: PWhite9191 I would very much like to be part of a resource teacher network. Sometimes I feel like I'm fighting the battle alone. Reading your messages makes me feel like others are "singing my song"! SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers Network Date: 96-06-04 19:44:18 edt From: JodieEnne I would love to be part of a resource teachers network. I have just landed my first resource room job and am excited but nervous. I would love to be able to talk with more experienced resource room teachers. SUBJECT: high school consulting Date: 96-06-04 23:36:46 edt From: HWC2212 I have been teaching special ed for 16 years and am presently a consulting teacher in a central Illinois suburban highschool of about 600. I consult with regular teachers, write curriculum, and tutor, and sometimes just problem solve for LD, BD, and some EMH students. We ( 3 other teachers) use inclusion when it is relevant to their needs. We teach our ownclasses when we can not mainstream and we are trying to add to the school's college prep curriculum a more applicable, school to work curriculm for high risk students. We are also trying to start a mentor program for these kids. any suggestions or hints are more than welcome. SUBJECT: Technical trainning Date: 96-06-05 22:36:07 edt From: PROFTECK I am looking for interested parties looking for a new trainning programme regarding material handling equipment (forklifts). After I had done some research in this domaine , I have notice that there are no schools looking in this particular field. So, I have decided to do so for the past 3 years and having some sucess in some privite interprises, but to my surprise nothing is concrete with school commissions so far. Remarkable it seams!!! Note;(Even if companies are crying for trained techniciens,because none are being found) SUBJECT: RRST needs help with dyslexia Date: 96-06-07 01:56:18 edt From: KyKylie Hello. I have not had the opportunity to work with so many kinder students as I have this year. I've been assessing many children with ADD and autism. My question is about dyslexia. I have a parent who wants info on what to do with her daughter this summer to help her learn her alphabet, numbers, simple words. I am not very informed about dyslexia, as it seems so much can fall under this category. The mom says she herself is dyslexic and suspects that her daughter is also, from the classroom teacher's comments and her daughter's inability to remember the basics. Any suggestions for materials I can read or materials to help the parent work with her child? Anything is appreciated.. SUBJECT: Re:Stevenson Date: 96-06-07 23:29:33 edt From: Ruffles424 My district is also using Stevenson in the spec. ed. dept. I would be interested in any pros and cons in regard to this program. Please e-mail me at Ruffles424 SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-06-13 22:40:04 edt From: Rabin MH I am a intermediate resource teacher in Las Vegas. I teach both the pull0out method and the push in model. I would love to join your group. I am always looking for new ideas. SUBJECT: Reading program for decoding Date: 96-06-16 00:07:27 edt From: Calvinjess I have been using the SRA Corrective Reading Program for the past 2 years and have had much success with it. It starts out with sound/symbol correspondence and blending phonemes to form words (Level A). It is geared for learning disabled students, 3rd grade and up. I have also used it with 2nd grade and even some of my higher functioning 1st graders. I use it with ADD/ADHD students, too. It is fast paced, very teacher/student interactive and generally keeps their attention. It is NOT the SRA reading series most of us remember using when we were in school (reading those stories on the little cards and then anwering the questions). It is much more of a multisensory approach and I have found it to be useful in improving reading, decoding, and spelling skills. The kids seem to enjoy it and my 4th and 5th graders really liked the short stories found in the Level B book. Some of the stories get pretty silly around Lesson 20 or so! My kids were very motivated to do the work and I adapted the program a little to fit my students' individual needs. For example, in the Level B book, the students answer comprehension questions in the workbook. The answer key makes it obvious that one word answers or phrases are expected. I have my students answer each question in complete sentences. (They sometimes ask me why the book doesn't leave them enough room to write the answer. I reply with something like, "Oh, they do that sometimes to save room. Just squeeze it in underneath." If they only knew!) This way they are showing me lang. arts skills as well as comprehension skills. I guess I cannot say enough about it. I use it in my private tutoring sessions as well as with groups of up to 8 students (individual is ideal but groups of 4-5 work seem to work well, too). I recommend a minimum of at least 2 days a week. It is best to try and complete all of the Level A book in one school year. That book contains 65 lessons. The series is expensive ($85 just for the teacher's manual) but it is well worth the money. SUBJECT: Title 1 Reading Date: 96-06-18 12:35:08 edt From: RHenley754 I am looking for information about Title 1 reading programs for my neice who is taking-over an existing program. Any information you can send will be appreciated. Please respond by e-mail. Thank you, R. Henley SUBJECT: Co Teaching/Team Teaching Date: 96-06-18 15:01:19 edt From: AKLorah I am a graduate student working on a degree in special education (LD and ED) and am intrested in co teaching ideas and models. If you have any that have worked or have not, for whatever reason, I would love to hear about them. Thankyou for sharing! SUBJECT: Re:Co Teaching/Team Teaching Date: 96-06-18 16:20:33 edt From: Caz46 I would recommend the following book to help with different models for co-teaching: Including Students With Special Needs, A Practical Guide For Classroom Teachers, written by Marilyn Friend and William Bursuck. It is published by Allyn and Bacon. It is a great resource for any collaborative needs and discusses most categories covered under IDEA as well as at-risk kids. Good luck. SUBJECT: FREQUENCY 4 METALS pls hlp. Date: 96-06-19 17:37:01 edt From: YanisK SUBJECT: FREQUENCIES 4 METALS HELP!! Date: 96-06-19 17:23:51 EDT From: YanisK I am working on a project for two years now, Last stage involves molecule disturbanbce of some metals, if sound transmition take place at the wright frequencies, I am working with Lead, copper gold and silver. Unfortunately was given the wrong frq. Is there any study or book on this object? Any assistance will be greatly apreciated, Please E-MAIL for YanisK Thank you SUBJECT: New RR Teach. Needs Ideas Date: 96-06-20 11:31:27 edt From: TNTBush I am a new RR teacher in Texas, and I was wanting any suggestions/helpful hints for grades 6-12. I would especially like tips on behavior mgmt. in a resource room. SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touch Date: 96-06-21 22:20:11 edt From: Teach948 Happy to join your "club". Teach K-2 Resource Center, 8 years. Love it. Language Skills main focus plus attention, perception both visual and auditory and fine motor. Most kids have ADHD tendencies. Would like info on: Up to date software for language skills, new "kits" or materials on the market. Happy to share ideas. e-mail at 948teach.aol.com SUBJECT: Re:Opinions on Inclusion Date: 96-06-22 17:04:49 edt From: FOXY1028 I am a Resource room teacher from grades k-7th. I am really enjoying the position and have had a lot of success in both pull-out and push-in programs which I have implemented. My district is pushing hard for inclusion which will place students from our self-contained classes (who have servere reading disabities - some even non-readers) into grade level reading programs in our 2nd - 4th grade classes. I have a lot of concerns for these children and was wondering if anyone has had experience with inclusion and the success rate and frustration level of these types of children. I do not want them to be turned off from reading (they are already showing some emotionality when reading is required). Any ideas. Thanks! MMPR SUBJECT: SPED referral help needed Date: 96-06-27 14:04:28 edt From: MoandPete I am a second grade teacher in Massachusetts. This summer, a group of special ed. teachers and myself are trying to restructure our school's referral into SPED. What I'm looking for is some ideas from other districts and the process followed. Does any school out there have a child study group or whatever it may be called that is used as a step before referral? What we'd like to develop is a first meeting between the teacher and SPED staff that would be used as a brainstorming technique. Possibly give out stategies and ideas that may help the child and teacher. THEN, if these don't help, go back to a SPED meeting and possibly suggest teasting. Please send info on your district and how this aspect of prereferral is handled. Thanks! SUBJECT: Re:consultant taechers Date: 96-06-28 20:03:15 edt From: HaileyN I am also interested in doing this. Please write to me and tell me what you found out and what you are going to be doing next year. HaileyN@aol.com. SUBJECT: assessments Date: 96-06-29 16:29:12 edt From: JKSinger Help! Need help on assessments. SUBJECT: New Sped Resource Teacher Date: 96-07-01 17:23:31 edt From: Hiker22737 I am also a new resource teacher for grades one thru five. I would be very interested in sharing some ideas regarding starting a new program. If one has any suggestions with materials etc. that would be very helpful! Thanks!!!! SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touch Date: 96-07-03 16:43:03 edt From: ConnieHaun I have just started using AOL and I would like to get in touch with other special teachers. I currently teach 9-12th graders in the areas of math and science. The program is based on inclusion of students in the general education classroom with myself as a cooperative teacher. I have found this to be a very successfull program for the students and would like to share ideas about the program with anyone interested. I have a question to anyone doing this program on how they deal with grading procedures for those students who are unable to met the epectations of the course. At present I have come up with a 15 point scale which gives them a special grade on their transcript, ie. Sp Pre-Algebra B. SUBJECT: Re:Moved from another folder Date: 96-07-03 16:55:48 edt From: ConnieHaun SusanS29 - I work in Las Vegas and our district has started FOSE, Friends of Special Education. Actually a parent of a child with ADHD was very instrumental in starting this program. For more information write to: Clark County School District Speical Student Services 2832 East Flamingo Road Las Vegas,Nevada 89121 in care of Cathy Mellor or call 702-799-5243 or 702-799-5472 SUBJECT: Re:assessments Date: 96-07-03 17:12:46 edt From: ConnieHaun Please be more specific on what areas of need you have. I find the Brigance test to be fast and easy. It is a good start with finding grade level abilities of the student. From there I use informal measures to fine tone the problem areas : class observations, homework, test and assignments. The general teacher can be a great assest in the students abilities if they are mainstreamed. SUBJECT: parent advocacy groups Date: 96-07-07 17:29:35 edt From: TalithaV I have a former student whose mother is looking for an advocacy group to help her with her learning disabled daughter. She tries very hard to help her daughter and would like to learn more. Does anyone have any info. on a group which might need her needs. I have the address to CEC but this is oriented more towards educators than to parents. please email me at talithav@aol Thanks Shannan SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers Network Date: 96-07-08 14:58:13 edt From: SBDROGIN I'm a liberal studies major studying to become an elementary teacher. I've worked with a literacy program in the past, but it was for adults. Is there any good resource I can turn to to help tutor a 7 year old girl who has problems processing information? She has difficulty recognizing colors, numbers from 1-25 out of context, small case letters. I'm trying to incorporate as many methods as possible (visual, kinesthetic, audio, etc.). Her mother is having her tested--she may be dysgraphic, but I don't have a concrete conclusion as of yet. Any help would be greatly appreciated. SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers Network Date: 96-07-08 15:06:40 edt From: AGanguzza I have been a resource room teacher for six years. The last 2 years I have been working in North Carolina, and it has been a real learning experience for me. Beginning in August, I will be teaching in a new school that is just K-3 with approximately 850 students. I am excited to be starting the resource program in this school and would like to get off on the right foot. I would appreciate any suggestions other resource teachers my have on things that really worked for them. In the past two years, I have found a real need to improve collaborative efforts between teachers and resource teachers. Other areas that I am specifically interested in are teaching prosocial skills, improving organizational skills, study skills and parent/ teacher communication. Please E-mail me at AGanguzza. Thanks! SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-07-08 20:04:21 edt From: CoteDJ My name is Denise Cote and I'm a Resource Specialist at a K-8 school in Fresno, California. Our school population is approximately 30% African American, 30% Asian, 30% Hispanic and 10% Other. I am interested in how the Internet can help me provide service to my students and make my paperwork more efficient. I would like to start with entering a student database of MicroSoft Works and would appreciate connecting wtih someone who has done that. SUBJECT: Re:RRST needs help with dysl Date: 96-07-08 20:15:14 edt From: Dyslexic4D I highly recommend reading the book TO TEACH A DYSLEXIC. It's a good, entertaining and instructive read. It has many good suggestions for both parents and teachers. SUBJECT: internet scavenger hunt Date: 96-07-09 15:13:53 edt From: TREYAN RR teacher seeks a lesson-plan for introducing students to the internet, i.e., scavenger hunt of sorts. e-mail Treyan@AOL.com SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-07-09 17:49:00 edt From: VMitch1169 I'm not a resource teacher, but just a "plain ol' classroom" teacher who is now teaching students mainstreamed into the classroom. Last year, I had 9 RSP in one classroom and this year will probably have 12. I am new to AOL and would love input on how to best use the resource teacher. Also how do you balance the different abilities in one classroom. SUBJECT: Re:Literature in the RR Date: 96-07-10 22:18:41 edt From: GGastright The supervisor at my school approves of the Steck-Vaughn short classics. I don't think you have anything to worry about . I think a good reading program uses a variety of different materials. Always document in your lesson plans the skill you are working on. Good luck! P.G. SUBJECT: Computer literacy for deaf Date: 96-07-11 09:15:57 edt From: MAR81034 I need to develope a list of goals and objectives for a computer literacy curriculum for Deaf 5-14 year old youngsters. Does anyone out there know of any literature already developed SUBJECT: New Resource Teacher HELP Date: 96-07-11 15:35:44 edt From: JodieEnne I just found out that instead of having a LD Resource Room for grades 4-6 I will have LD/DH non-categorical for grades 1-3. I also found out that it's an all-year school and will start on July 22nd instead of Sept. 5. I'm nervous and excited. Any suggestions would be great. Please e-mail me at jodienne@aol.com SUBJECT: Content Mastery Center Date: 96-07-12 14:45:43 edt From: FRUMI Just got a new job. Starting up content mastery center in small rural highschool. They never had anything except resource before (the severe and profound kids go to a county center). Any ideas on startup. They are not even sure of what space I will have - maybe only section of library. Please answer here or e-mail Frumi@aol.com SUBJECT: Schizophrenia Date: 96-07-15 18:05:51 edt From: Signed Me I will be working with a student who is diagnosised as schizophrenic and I am searching for information about schizophrenia in the classroom. The district I am in has about 850 kids (pre-K - 12) and I will be responsible for this students academic success. She is a freshman now and we will be in school together for four years. I want to help this student but I have no specific experience with this disease. If anyone has any thoughts, ideas, suggestions, personal experiences, books related to schizophrenia in the classroom, etc. I would be very greatful. Pleas contact me at: SignedMe@AOL.com Thanks a bunch SUBJECT: TEACCH PROGAM Date: 96-07-16 15:17:02 edt From: KDaly42254 I AM A RESOURCE TEACHER AT AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. nEXT YEAR I WIIL HAVE A FIRST GRADE STUDENT IN MY CLASS WHO IS CLASSIFED AS AUTISTIC LIKE. HE WILL BE IN MY ROOM FOR 49% OF THE SCHOOL DAY. MY SUPERVISOR HAS SUGGESTED THAT I USE THE TEACHH PROGRAM WITH HIM. I AM LOOKING FOR ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROGRAM OR WITH WORKING WITH AUTISTIC CHILDREN . ALSO IF YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS ON SCHEDULING I WOULD APPRECITATE IT. THANKS KATHY SUBJECT: Please help... Date: 96-07-16 22:23:56 edt From: Fanciful99 I 'd like to try using behavior contracts with cooperative learning groups in a"regular" English classroom filled with disinterested and disruptive students. Since my stash of behavior mod stuff is pretty dusty and I was hoping someone might be willing to help by sending a few things. I can retrieve PC or Mac files but would need to be told which to use. If it is not too much trouble, PLEASE send any or all of the following: 1. Examples of behavior contracts you've found useful, regardless of age. 2. A list consequences that has been used at each level in a successful point/level system. 3. A list of jobs or chores appropriate for different age levels. 4. A list of rewards appropriate to different age levels Thank you VERY much. Fanciful99@aol.com SUBJECT: Phonics Date: 96-07-16 22:49:21 edt From: Danal1952 I am a regular ed. teacher who is currently working on a degree in special ed. My sixth grade daughter has ADD and is trying to improve her spelling skills. She has slightly below grade level reading skills and does not like to write. She is working on mastering the first 400 words from the list of "most commonly used words in the English language. I realize her phonic skills are very weak and wish to help her. I would appreciate suggestions as to any spelling or phonics programs. Thanks! SUBJECT: New Teacher Date: 96-07-17 12:32:40 edt From: VSnider566 I will start teaching in August. I will have a 7-8 grade resourse. If anyone has any advice for a new teacher I would be ever so grateful!!!! I am also interested in your databank. Please e-mail me at VSnider566. Thanks, Vickie SUBJECT: Re: Inclusion Date: 96-07-18 21:17:17 edt From: LDentel I have found that the inclusion of mild to moderate LD students can be very successful in the classroom- when a special educator is present or when there is a considerable amount of collaboration between the regular ed. teacher and the LD specialist. The annual test scores for my students prove that inclusion can work. I work with fifth and sixth grade students in a very progressive district in New England. In addition to their inclusion in the regular classroom, they also receive direct instruction on study and organization skills for forty minutes each day in my resource room. SUBJECT: Re: Inclusion Date: 96-07-19 00:53:07 edt From: SusanS29 "I work with fifth and sixth grade students in a very progressive district in New England. In addition to their inclusion in the regular classroom, they also receive direct instruction on study and organization skills for forty minutes each day in my resource room." Yes. I have also found that for LD students, some direct instruction (not always study skills, sometimes skills and content) go a long, long way. Some would argue that this is not "full inclusion." If it isn't, I'm not in favor of full inclusion for all students under all circumstances. I believe that if a student will gain from a small amount of time outside the classroom it should be available. I do *not* agree with the old style of shunting all retarded students away from "normal" students or -- even worse in some ways -- programs for the physically disabled away from traditional education just because of physical barriers. We've come a long way. I don't want to throw th ebaby out with the bath water. SUBJECT: Re: Looking for. . . Date: 96-07-20 20:46:01 edt From: Daisytime I am substitute teacher and also a literacy volunteer. My first adult student has me stumped. I have had a lot of success tutoring children in reading but any method I try with P. does not seem to connect. He is 42 years old and reads at a low second grade level. Phonics did not work, sight vocab. does not seem to work. Currently he is selecting non-fiction books from the children's library and we spend a half-hour reading (he reads, I tell him words he does not know). He has picked up a few words this way as he has been reading sports books (mostly about baseball). However, the words are soon lost to him. Word cards have not seemed to help. We are spending another half-hour learning to tell time and this is going much beter (putting a uqrter on the 3 and 9 for the guarter hours made a good visual). Please e-mail (Daisytime@aol.com) any reading tips as I am getting frustrated but I don't want to give up on him as two others have. I have seen a very little improvement and this keeps me going. Thanks in advance. SUBJECT: Need help W/Remedial reading Date: 96-07-23 01:08:40 edt From: AShimizu What Remedial reading programs work best for students with learning disabilities in elementary schools? Please help. SUBJECT: Re: Need help W/Remedial read. Date: 96-07-25 19:02:52 edt From: FLH2Os The SRA Direct Instruction program works wonderfully with LD kids. It's very structured, provides a lot of repitition, but also moves quickly so you can keep their attention. I've seen rapid progress using this program. SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers Network Date: 96-07-26 11:47:42 edt From: Tiff1920 Hi! I will be beginning a new position as an RSP teacher in the fall. I have experience doing private tutoring and also working with low cognitive children but I would like any tips or words of wisdom from those already experienced in this position. I am also in charge of the student assessment team. Any ideas for scheduling, testing, great programs, etc.? Thanks! SUBJECT: Re:Collaboration Date: 96-07-28 02:12:45 edt From: Maded I am a special ed resource teacher in New York. I currently teach 5- 8 grades - My job as I see it is to insure each child is given the support he or she needs in order to learn- if that means boosting their self-esteem-than that's what I do. However, I would really like to hear and share info on how to collaborate with regular ed teachers, who do not perceive that special ed children need extra supports, testing mods, etc. So happy to see there is a forum for resource room teachers Sincerely, Maded SUBJECT: Re:Title 1 Reading Date: 96-07-28 14:14:33 edt From: Ahardball What grade level is your niece going to be teaching? How will the program be set up? I am a middle school Title I resource advisor in CA. Maybe I can help. SUBJECT: writing strategy Date: 96-07-30 11:34:59 edt From: Terryanng I need help locating materials for or information on how to get the materials for the Cognitive Strategy Instruction in Writing program. It came out of Michigan State University, the work of Carol Sue Englert. If anyone can help me, e-mail at terryanng@aol.com or I will check the board. Thanks! SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-07-30 22:10:37 edt From: CCDMW Hi! I'm starting out teaching transfering to LD/ED resource, k-5 next year. I would love to hear any ideas on how experienced teachers managed curriculum and time, meetings, student scheduling, etc. with other teachers. Thanks! SUBJECT: Re: Inclusion Date: 96-07-31 19:04:49 edt From: CRAFTYJP I am a fifth grade LD resource teacher in a rural school setting. I want to increase my inclusion time from one hour per day to full inclusion but have run into various stumbling blocks. Scheduling, large numbers of LD students, stubborn regular ed teachers and administrative differences have been constant road blocks for me. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can deal with one or all of those problems? E-mail at CraftyJP@aol.com Thank you for any suggestions. SUBJECT: Re: Inclusion Date: 96-07-31 19:57:00 edt From: SPED 708 Hello! I am a special education at an inner-city school in Chicago. I am the only sp ed teacher at the school and I am responsible for students ranging from K-8. I came to the school during its first year as an inclusive school. We have encountered some problems such as scheduling prep times with teachers, homework confusion and student dependency on me rather than performing in their classrooms. We have also experienced some successes throughout the year too. I can't wait until the fall begins! I am always looking for new tips and advice about inclusion programs so if anyone has any helpful hints, please contact SPED 708 on AOL. If you just want to swap stories, that's fine too! SUBJECT: Re: Inclusion Date: 96-07-31 19:58:54 edt From: SPED 708 Please put me on your database for resource teachers. I have really enjoyed reading all of the interesting information about special education. SUBJECT: re:new to area Date: 96-07-31 20:20:45 edt From: CCDMW Hi! I am transfering from secondary education to elementary next year. I will be teaching resource for students with learning disabilities, OHI, and ED. I will have four self-contained students as well. Any 1st year tips on management or curriculum would be greatly appreciated. CCDMW SUBJECT: PPI Teacher Date: 96-07-31 20:56:19 edt From: KERSTYN Hello everyone! My name is Kerstyn and I am a Pre Primary Teacher in Michigan. I am interested in finding out if there are any other PPI teachers out there. I would love to swap ideas with you! I am particularly interested in getting information on parent involvement (in PPI, it is a state mandate that we provide our parents of PPI students, some information and resources on parenting, unfortunately, out of a class of 24 students. the most parents who have ever shown up to a PPI parent meeting is 5). I am also interested in gathering information on authentic assessment and how you assess your PPI students. Anyway, I am looking forward to talking with all of you! (Hopefully I can find this board again, since I happened to stumble upon it accidently!) Feel free to email me! You might better get a response that way! Kerstyn SUBJECT: Stevenson Date: 96-08-01 00:45:34 edt From: LorBis I've been using Stevenson with success for three years. I'd love to swap ideas and information with anyone else who uses it. SUBJECT: Re:Content Mastery Center Date: 96-08-01 21:15:43 edt From: GJake4 I found a great catalog called "Kids In Between" 800-481-3708 They seem to have a lot of material (reproducibles) in many subject areas and most of it is written at the grade 4 level which is about where the majority of my 9-12 kids with LD fall. Give it a try! SUBJECT: Mainstreaming / Inclusion Date: 96-08-01 21:55:24 edt From: Cari Ooooo Resource Teachers-I need your input! I am currently researching/writing a paper on the advantages and disadvantages of mainstreaming/inclusion. I welcome your opinion on this matter. Also if you have any unqiue experiences or personal success stories related to mainstreaming. Any comments? E-mail Cari Ooooo@ aol.com SUBJECT: SECONDARY PEN PAL EXCHANGE Date: 96-08-02 20:43:45 edt From: NMiller867 TO ENHANCE WRITING SKILLS, WOULD YOUR CLASS LIKE TO BE PENPALS TO STUDENTS IN PROSPECT PARK, PENNSYLVANIA - C/O INTERBORO HIGH SCHOOL. WE COULD SHARE TRAVEL INTERESTS IN AREA, CLASS LETTERS AND EXCHANGE VIDEOS. SUBJECT: Re:SECONDARY PEN PAL EXCHANG Date: 96-08-04 15:04:04 edt From: Terryanng I would love to participate with you in a penpal exchange. I teach Resource in a Middle school in Northern Utah. I have done this in the past and it's been a great experience. You can e-mail me at terryanng@aol.com SUBJECT: RSP research Date: 96-08-05 21:58:27 edt From: SEMtorres Hi everyone. I am a high school math teacher who has been working on a research assignment which focuses on the following 4 questions: 1. What materials do you need in your classroom to more effectively work with RSP students? 2. What role do you think the RSP teacther or aide should play in your classroom? 3. What should we (RSP program) be teaching in our study skills classes that would make our students more successful in your class? 4. Do you think there is a better system of placing RSP students in your classes? I would greatly appreciate any response. thanks. SUBJECT: Re: Slingerland approach Date: 96-08-06 14:55:21 edt From: Da La Be Slingerland approach is used at Prentice Day School in Southern California. Wonderful all sensory approach to teaching. Benefiting Dyslexic, ADD, ADHD, language arts difficulties. All around curriculum K thru 8th. SUBJECT: Re: Consultation Date: 96-08-06 17:48:26 edt From: TFP5090 Hello... I am new to AOL, and just discovered this Message Board. I think it's a great way for special ed teachers to share and give each other support. I am a Resource Room Teacher in CT. (K-6) In the fall I will start the year with 20 direct students, and 10 indirect/consultation students. I hope that someone will be able to help me. I feel that I could use some help with practical and easy consultation techniques. My schedule is so hectic that I often feel that I don't consult with reg. ed. staff often enough concerning my indirect/consultation students. I try to set up a specfic consultation plan for each student which includes looking a work on a regular basis, and "chatting," but I could use some new ideas. It seems that so much is always going on, and these students don't get equal attention. Thanks! I look forward to sharing with other Resource Room Teachers from around the country! SUBJECT: Re:SECONDARY PEN PAL EXCHANG Date: 96-08-06 19:26:58 edt From: SPEDLRE I will be teaching 8th grade students-primarily LD and Mild disabilities and would like to find a group of students who would like to share info about their region. We are located in Cecil County, Maryland. Please e-mail me (spedlre@aol.com) if you are interested. Thanks, Pat SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-08-08 22:59:04 edt From: PMaxw91553 I am a resource teacher at a Middle School in Newport, RI. We're having a very difficult time with rising numbers of students and very low scores, especially in reading and writing. I can carry a caseload of up to 30 students legally. The hot topics are diverse learners (inclusion), reading scores, and changes in certification. SUBJECT: Re:Honeidu's program Date: 96-08-08 23:04:40 edt From: PMaxw91553 I am a resource teacher at a middle school in Newport, RI. I'd love to be involved with sharing information with other resource teachers. We are struggling with inclusion. Some aspects of it are going really well, while others are not. I co-teach in a few classes. Give me any info. SUBJECT: Re:New RR teacher needs help Date: 96-08-08 23:07:23 edt From: PMaxw91553 This year we started the SRA Corrective Reading Program at our Middle School. It is a direct instruction, phonic based approach. It gets back to the basics and I've really seen improvement with my LD students. It has various levels from a primer level to about a 4th grade level. SUBJECT: Re: Inclusion Date: 96-08-08 23:16:53 edt From: PMaxw91553 I work with 6th and 7th graders in a middle school. The students are not tracked and for the most part all students are included. I am the resource teacher and I work with the regular ed teachers. Modification is the key. Grading is a big issue. This year, I plan to do most of the grading for my students in language arts classes. This way if they are working to their ability, they can be rewarded with high grades. Success depends a lot upon the motivation of the students. SUBJECT: Re:Inclusion Date: 96-08-09 12:04:47 edt From: HThehorrib I teach K-3 resource, but my school will be going inclusive for 4-5 this year. K-3 will next year. I was happy to hear that there is some support for continued pull-out where needed. Our plan for grades 4-5 involves no pullout, although our self contained teacher will have some kids for a 3-hour block. I feel like everyone will tell me I'm missing the point if I still want to pull some of my little ones for reading instruction. Any suggestions on how to move from resource to inclusion in primary grades? Thanks! SUBJECT: Lesson or activities Date: 96-08-10 12:26:16 edt From: DGrif59949 I am a new inclusion teacher in as middle school. Can you give me suggestions of activities to do with students when we have free time and students are not in a specific mainstream class. We will have a kitchen area. SUBJECT: Re:content mastery/resource Date: 96-08-10 13:57:42 edt From: Sidclare another "newbie" requesting help in the form of strategies or "stuff" for brand new content mastery room (actually a space)-grades 9-12. never before done at the school-only resource math/english. will be the liason with reg. ed. teachers who have never dealt with content mastery....bringing change to a school who resisted content mastery--including the sp. ed. teachers...so would appreciate any points of view...thanks. SUBJECT: Inclusion Date: 96-08-11 14:50:01 edt From: Pink322 This September I will be initiating an inclusion program in a third grade class. This is a new experience for both myself and the third grade teacher. We want to be successful! Does anyone have any helpful hints? If so, e-mail me at Pink322. Thanks! SUBJECT: Re:Honeidu's program Date: 96-08-12 20:11:23 edt From: SBauman939 Hi! I am a RR teacher in a suburban school outside NYC. Middle grades, 6-8. My emphasis is on 8th graders. All my students are classified. My program is curriculum driven, I work in close contact with the mainstream teachers.I have some students with whom I do consultation--both direct and indirect. Some of our self-contained classes are in the inclusion model. I, personally, do not think the way it is implemented in our school is effective. The spec. ed. teacher becomes the assistant to the mainstream teacher. Would love to hear about other middle school RR programs. S. Bauman 939 SUBJECT: thematic teaching Date: 96-08-13 13:43:11 edt From: KS719 Looking for resources, tips, etc. on using a thematic teaching approach in an early intervention (preschool) program for special needs students. Please email KS719 ASAP...Thanks so much..Kathy SUBJECT: Re:New RR teacher needs help Date: 96-08-13 18:35:08 edt From: TPteacher Last year was my first year teaching resource and I loved it. It was very difficult to teach to different levels at the same time. I taught the same age groups but I found that if I incorporated hands-on activities that they could do together, things were much smoother. Also, one day, one group read orally while the other group was reading aloud and so on. I always provided a few minutes at the end of each session to come together as a group. SUBJECT: Re:New RR teacher needs help Date: 96-08-13 20:48:01 edt From: DEAN2TCHR I have been teaching resource students for quite a while now. I'd love to talk to you some more. Can you please tell me what age group you work with? Do you have students included in the regular classroom too? What state are you in? I'm in Colorado. I work mostly with sixth and seventh graders. We have an inclusion model, with pull out help for students who need it. I also teach a low level math class. School starts next week and as always I am looking forward to a new group of sixth graders, as well as renewing friendships with previous students. If you respond, I'll try to assist with suggestions. DEAN2TCHR SUBJECT: Re:SECONDARY PEN PAL EXCHANG Date: 96-08-13 20:53:11 edt From: DEAN2TCHR I am going to try and start a web page with my sixth and seventh resource students. I would love to have them start with pen pals from another area. The students don't start for another two weeks. Maybe you and I could iron out some details before then?? Contact me at DEAN2TCHR@aol.com SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-08-13 21:21:21 edt From: SBauman939 I teach in a Middle School in Westchester County, NY. I have 5 classes of classified students, mainly 8th graders. We have 4 Special Ed teachers in the school, 2 teach primarily self-contained classes, and 2 of us teach mainly resource. Would love to share ideas wih people in the Middle Schools. SBauman939 SUBJECT: how to motivate sp.ed. stud. Date: 96-08-13 23:02:38 edt From: Dficlt1 I am currently writing my masters degree paper on how to motivate special education students. I teach LD/BD speech and health as well as a couple of Resource level courses in a suburb high school. I am looking for ANY creative ideas on how I might motivate my students - I'm running out of creative ideas HELP!! Please e-mail with any thoughts! Thank you- DFICLT1 SUBJECT: Re:R.R. Teachers in Touch Date: 96-08-13 23:04:18 edt From: Dficlt1 I would also like information regarding becoming involved with other resource teachers! Always looking for NEW ideas!!! E-mail me please!! DFICLT1 SUBJECT: Re:New RR teacher needs help Date: 96-08-14 20:45:21 edt From: SPEDLRE I will be teaching 7th and 8th grade students in a resource room. I would like to know if anyone has had success with the SRA Corrective Reading programs with students at this level. Some of the students will be 14, 15, and maybe older. Their reading levels will vary of course. I have been successful with a 6th grade SRA program in a district mandating the SRA program-(Students receive direct instruction, including reading, spelling and math when they enter this district). The district I am in is rural and does not have a mandatory reading/language program. I want to use the Corrective reading and Spelling with Morphographs if they will work. Can students be successful without the familiarity of the scripted approach? SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-08-14 21:02:22 edt From: SPEDLRE I will also be teaching in a Middle School resource setting. I have 7th and 8th grade students in a rural Maryland district. This will be a new school for me and I have not received the exact number or subject of classes. The school has primarily 2 special ed teachers for each grade-6-8. There will be approximately 12 students in each of my classes. There is not an inclusion program in place currently, only a "volunteer" program. I would like to share ideas on study skills, life skills and interesting games you have tried. Thanks Pat K. SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers Network Date: 96-08-14 21:53:01 edt From: Alw71 I have just switched from teaching SEBD self-contained to Interrelated Resource (predominantly SLD, but some EBD and OHI) for K-5. Resource is totally new and SLD is too!!! PLEASE send me ideas and information of any kind on scheduling, inclusionary techniques, as well as anything you have found helpful/important. E-Mail me at ALW71@AOL.COM (that is if this can be read by non-AOL users) I REALLY APPRECIATE THE HELP!!! THANKS :-D SUBJECT: Special Ed in High School Date: 96-08-15 11:19:45 edt From: Clwisdom My sis-in-law is a resource teacher for a small school district in Oregon. She has resource kids from elementary all the way through high school. She is not sure always how to help the high school students. All Sp. Ed. education classes are focused on younger students and working toward closing the gap and exiting the student from the program (learning disabled students). However, many remain in program in high school. Any words of wisdom, thoughts on priorities (i.e. still working on basic skills, or helping with classwork, etc.) and suggestions for practical resources she can turn to? Her district is small, so she's a bit on her own up there! SUBJECT: Re:writing strategy Date: 96-08-15 20:16:39 edt From: SPEDLRE There is an article in the Learning Disabilities Research & Practice-Volume 11 Number 2 1996 on "The Cognitive Strategy in Writing: Welcome Releif For Adolescents With Learning Disabilities" This is a research study that analyzes the positive impact on students in an experimental setting. There are a lot of references at the end of this selection. There is a book out by the authors, Grahm, & Harris "Cognitive Strategy Instruction" ( I think this is the title). Grahm, Harris & Macarthur have a number of writings on using strategy instruction including the use of a word processing program with the writing process (Macarthur) SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touch Date: 96-08-15 20:32:07 edt From: Nimrod Too I teach K-2 classified students in small group settings. I have been working with special ed. students for 19 or so years and have 3 certifications. I feel my strength is working with children with computers. I would love to share ideas/ thoughts through this program. e-mail me at: teach948@aol.com SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touch Date: 96-08-15 20:36:19 edt From: Nimrod Too Excuse that e-mail. I'm at: teach948@aol.com SUBJECT: Re:Stevenson Date: 96-08-17 21:36:33 edt From: SGould1016 I have been using Stevenson for the past two years and have had success. But I do tend to skip some areas because my student's profiles aren't severe enough to warrant everything they cover. Also, it sometimes seems that it plods along too slowly and is too repetative. How quickly do you progress? I sometimes get impatient with the slowness of it. SUBJECT: New Teacher Date: 96-08-18 01:19:39 edt From: VSnider566 I am a brand new teacher and I will have 7-8th grade Resource Room. I would love to trade ideas or just chat with anyone else who is teaching middle school. Please e-mail me at VSnider566. Thank you. SUBJECT: Re:Stevenson Date: 96-08-19 00:42:24 edt From: LorBis The rate of success of my students depends on their abilities-some move fairly quickly while others plod along. In our area their is a graduate level course given on Stevenson. The instructor happens to work in my district and stresses the importance of following the sequence of the program in order to achieve success. It gets so boring to me at times that I find my eyes closing as the kids read!! I hate the stories. However, it does seem to work, and that is our goal, I suppose. I think we all want faster results, but this is a slow program! SUBJECT: Re:Stevenson Date: 96-08-19 00:43:55 edt From: LorBis Oops-in our area there is.... It's late! SUBJECT: sharing Date: 96-08-19 02:03:12 edt From: KReyno3376 This will be my second year as a resource teacher in a 7-8th grade middle school. I do 4 periods of math and am trying to convince our new principal to let me teacher one period of Corrective Reading to show her the results. I tested all our 7th grade resource students last year and am hoping to handpick about 5 students for the class. Looking for any ideas to teach math--have a little of this and a littleof that and am hoping to try a SRA Connecting Math Concepts with one of my classes. Would like to hear from anyone teaching these and or any math ideas that have been successful. KReyno3376 thanks SUBJECT: Re:New RR teacher needs help Date: 96-08-21 00:32:08 edt From: M JSU P I am a first year teacher and i am having trouble trying to get enough material to teach Language Arts, Literature, Written Expressions, Math. I am in a High School setting teaching 9th graders with one Middle School class. I need help on finding the right text for each subject. Any catalogs you all could suggest would be a great help. I am struggling but still have my head above the water. You can send me e-mail straight to me at M JSU P. Thanks for your support Mark SUBJECT: Special Ed and Block Schedul Date: 96-08-21 22:40:28 edt From: C3535 We will be starting block scheduling this Sept. and I'm interest in knowing how the LD students in your schools have responded to the longer time periods. Our classes are going to be 90 minutes long. I'm particularly concerned about structuring the Resource time to meet the needs of my students. Any ideas? SUBJECT: First week of school Date: 96-08-24 12:50:06 edt From: Arlene213 I am a first year Resource Teacher teaching second, third and fourth grade. I would like to do something to wow them. I do not have any ideas or I am just nervous and cannot think straight. Can anyone help me? Please either post ideas on the bulletin board or email me directly. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Arlene SUBJECT: Resource Room Social Studies Date: 96-08-24 13:01:26 edt From: MJLefler I am a new resource room teacher doing SS. I would like to spend the year taking an imaginary car trip across the U.S.. It will be a good way to do maps, learn capitals and points of interest. I would also like to receive postcards from all 50 states to share with the kids, and we in turn would send a post card to you from West Virginia. Send cards to ELKINS MIDDLE SCHOOL c/o MJ Lefler Robert E. Lee Ave. Elkins, WV 26241 include your return address THANKS!!! SUBJECT: Re: Resource Aide Date: 96-08-24 14:33:36 edt From: Klouch I have worked with many LD children K-8 and have had excellent results. I used flash cards, basal readers, picture cards and anything to break through to the individual child. I used a reward system that worked. I promised each child (group of 3 I was working with) a cake if they would get a 100% on their spelling test. It took a few weeks but you never saw children work so hard. I eventually went to a cupcake for each correct word (max of 10 words) and eventually tapered off to cookies. Children work well with rewards and this seemed to be the key to starting these totally nonreading children on the path to reading. These three children had been tested and were said to be unable to teach reading to. These were 12 year old boys. Two years later one reads about a 4th grade level. The other two still struggle. KLouch SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touch Date: 96-08-25 21:17:20 edt From: MKSUE I would like to join Resource Teachers in touch. I'm a new special education teacher in high school. Have had one year as intern in middle school resource room and 2 years as an assistant in high school social/emotional resource room. SUBJECT: full inclusion Date: 96-08-25 22:25:23 edt From: Mndy Sharp As a Resource Specialist, I would like ideas for working with full inclusion students. SUBJECT: Re:Special Ed and Block Schedu Date: 96-08-27 20:25:04 edt From: Apple ahh I just started a new job in a high school that uses block scheduling. It seems to be hard on resource students. I'm trying to learn how to alter activities more. SUBJECT: Power Struggle with aide Date: 96-08-27 20:35:29 edt From: Apple ahh This is my very first time to have a full time aide assigned to me. I'm finding myself in a power struggle with her. I would love to get tips from teachers that have experienced this. Please e-mail me or leave a message on the board. She wants to be the teacher and she's taking over my job. Another teacher suggested that I send her on errands and have her take one or two students to another room for one-on-one help. I make use of that suggestion every chance I get. I can't keep her out of the room all the time. Sometimes she's very helpful but I find I am not able to set the climate in my classroom. Today she even took over my conversation with the a school police officer. SUBJECT: RR in the elementary school Date: 96-08-27 21:08:57 edt From: Robfaith We are two RR teachers seeking others to share ideas and vent! Welcome back to school! Of special concern are issues with push-in model and accommodating severely NH students in the mainstream. SUBJECT: Re:Resource Room Social Studie Date: 96-08-27 22:27:31 edt From: DeEtteMC What a wonderful idea. I'll have my kids send you a postcard from Atlanta! SUBJECT: Reading Curriculum Date: 96-08-27 22:56:15 edt From: HoganDog I am a first year resource room teacher and am interested in hearing about good reading and writing curriculums for primary and intermediate. Please e mail me. Thanks SUBJECT: Re: Need help W/Remedial rea Date: 96-08-27 23:13:56 edt From: Linnins I use the SRA Reading Mastery Program and have found it to be very useful for my students. It is a very structured, phonetically based program that is scripted. This helps beginning teachers feel comfortable with the program but can get boring if you teach it year after year. My students have made good progress using this program. SUBJECT: Re:Power Struggle with aide Date: 96-08-28 00:14:00 edt From: SusanS29 "Sometimes she's very helpful but I find I am not able to set the climate in my classroom. Today she even took over my conversation with the a school police officer." The next time this happens you simply have to assert yourself. When someone like this comes, immediately assign her something to do -- "I need to talk to the officer. Please circulate among the students and make sure they don't need any help. I should be back shortly." You cannot tolerate this and maintain control, and eventually that will lead to problems maintaining authority over the students. SUBJECT: Re:Stevenson Date: 96-08-28 16:08:55 edt From: Pjkl3 I have also used the Stevenson method for teaching reading and have found it very successful. I know that the stories are boring, but you don't have to do each and every story. After a letter pattern is introduced, just do one or two of the related stories to make sure that they get the pattern, then you can go on to other activities. My students enjoyed playing teacher by going to the board and explaining why the letter patterns made a specific sound (using the mnemonic that they were taught). They also enjoyed playing games with letter pattern cards and searching for specific letter patterns in easy-to-read literature books. With a little creativity, you can follow the Stevenson philosophy but not bore them to death by only using the stories in the readers. SUBJECT: Re:New RR teacher needs help Date: 96-08-28 17:37:16 edt From: JGowans My co-worker has had great success with SRA reading and writing (morphographic) programs. Jr. high and high school L.D. kids. They retain it! SUBJECT: resource room-el ed Date: 96-08-28 22:27:48 edt From: Robfaith We are two resource room teachers looking to share ideas and vent when necessary.Welcome back to school!!!! SUBJECT: Re:Power Struggle with aide Date: 96-08-29 10:31:19 edt From: LuckyHope Been there, done that... A couple of ideas: 1. She needs to be needed. Tell her that YOU NEED HER. YOU NEED HER SO MUCH that you want her to take over responsibility for one entire area in your classroom. Open up several NON-CURRICULUM choices--bulletin boards, paperwork/records, etc. Let her think she is making a terrific choice. Carve out a classroom niche--even a desk and chair in the corner and encourage her to use it as a personal work-station. THANK GOD she has come along to help you out with this critical issue! She should be beaming. UNLESS...she insists on doing that job totally and STILL insists on direct student management right along with it. Then try: Shake your head with an admiring grin. "You are a born teacher", you gush. "I think you should get certified. In fact, I could write a reference for your college program. We could TEAM TEACH someday!" She is seriously busting with pride. You lower your voice and touch her arm confidentially. "I really hope you do go for teaching certification," you say. PAUSE. Eye contact. "Unless you are certified in the classroom, state law can't permit you to be the leader in the classroom." Blame that old law thing. Now go in for the kill:"You have so many great leadership qualities. I wish I could give you more opportunities for direct contact with the kids but STATE LAW is pretty strict about instructional and discipline guidelines. We wouldn't want to get audited. Let me know PLEASE if I can help you with continuing ed. You'd be GREAT!" Ever after that when she jockeys for control, smile and be firm:"Sorry, Susie, that's a teacher responsibility." You told her what she needed to get the control she wants. She has to pay the price to move beyond frustrated teacher to certified professional. Until then, the status quo is clear. Don't get mad and don't talk about her negatively. Teachers and aides each fulfill a separate role. SUBJECT: Doctorate in Special Educati Date: 96-08-30 13:48:13 edt From: Phylbird Can you recommend a school that offers a doctoral program in Spec. Ed. SUBJECT: Re: Inclusion Date: 96-08-30 23:03:12 edt From: LORSY I am a new teacher applying for my first job as a resource room teacher. Does anyone have a list of questions that might be asked and hints for my interview? Appreciate any help! SUBJECT: study skills Date: 96-08-31 09:55:19 edt From: TEACHGATES I am looking for study skill programs I can use with high school LD students. Either post information or email me TEACHGATES@aol.com Thanks SUBJECT: Info on career Date: 96-08-31 21:56:57 edt From: MAUI043 Hello, I am thinking about returning to college to become a special education teacher and would like to get some information on this subject if possible. I'm not clear on what the differences are between "special class" teachers, "inclusion", "resource" teachers, etc. If anyone has the time to explain the different classroom settings it would be greatly appreciated. Also, what are the negative aspects to this career? Maui043 SUBJECT: Re:Info on career Date: 96-08-31 23:18:08 edt From: LorBis Inclusion teachers and resource teachers are both certified in Special Education. By "special class", I'm assuming you mean kids in a self-contained class that deals with their disabilities. In this case, the teacher is also a certified Special ed. teacher. On the negative side, I can tell you as a resource teacher that I sometimes have so many kids placed in my class that it's impossible to feel as if any of them are getting the help they need and are entitled to. That's my biggest "downer" about the job. Otherwise, I love the kids, and it's very rewarding when they do learn things other people thought they couldn't. SUBJECT: Re:Info on career Date: 96-08-31 23:26:11 edt From: LorBis Special class teachers usually have a self-contained class where they keep the same students all day long. Some of the different self-contained classes include classes for learning disabled students, classes for mentally retarded students, classes for emotionally disturbed students, and others. It can vary from state to state. A resource teacher usually deals with students who are having difficulties and have been classified as learning disabled. The program is usually a pull-out program, and the students come to the resource center for whatever subjects they need help with. In my state, they can be pulled out for complete replacement of subjects, where I am responsible for their grades, or they can be pulled out for support in the subjects that give them difficulty. Here, the classroom teacher gives them their grades, and I work with the classroom teacher to help them with their programs. Inclusion means that a special ed. teacher will go into a class and kind of team teach with the regular class teacher so that the identified special ed students do not have to be pulled out of their regular class. Hope this helps . SUBJECT: 4th Grade Pen Pals Date: 96-09-01 16:51:38 edt From: RoseTheTAZ I'm a fourth grade teacher in Bradenton, Florida. I would like to hook up with a similar grade level teacher in Canada who would like to have their class become pen pals with my class. I am originally from Hanover, Canada myself. If interested, please e-mail me at: Hap704@AOL.com SUBJECT: Teaming with SPED,ESL,TITLE 1 Date: 96-09-01 20:57:25 edt From: Mud Spud 1 AT our elementary school we are pooling resources with SPED, ESL, and Title 1 staff to meet the needs of students. We are trying to maximize our resources and minimize duplication and fragmentation of services. We are in Oregon. I'd be interested in your input. E-mail: Mud Spud 1 @aol.com SUBJECT: New teacher needs help! Date: 96-09-02 15:05:59 edt From: LORSY I am going into my first year of teaching as resource room teacher. Please email with any ideas/info concerning reading programs, discipline, scheduling? Also, 504, IDEA. Thanks so much! Lorsy@aol.com SUBJECT: homework ideas Date: 96-09-02 23:45:58 edt From: LorBis I could use some suggestions for creative ideas for homework. I have several students that I've had for the last 3 years and it's getting hard to come up with homework that will keep them interested, if such a thing exists! Any suggestions will be appreciated. SUBJECT: Thanks LucyHope/SusanS29 Date: 96-09-03 18:16:40 edt From: Apple ahh Thanks to the two teachers that offered suggestions regarding the power struggle with my aide. Those are very good suggestions and I will use them. I thought my problems might be over because it appeared that another teacher needed her. She won't take her, though. SUBJECT: Re:Title1 needs new tricks Date: 96-09-04 00:47:04 edt From: BLJJr After 15yrs of teaching pull out remedial reading, I'm the new Title1 Community Liason. My job consists of half day remedial reading K-2 and half day community resource center. Please, if anyone has information on how to establish resource center, scheduling, community activities or any other helpful hints, Please E-mail me. Thank You !!!! E-Mail- BLJJr@AOL.COM SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-09-04 19:05:16 edt From: Clove44 I felt the same way, when i started teaching special ed. You just have to hang in there, You will enjoy after awhile. SUBJECT: Re:Science/Math Resource Str Date: 96-09-04 19:13:17 edt From: Clove44 Just try teaching students who are on different levels in, You will really have your work cut out for you. When I started. I had books from grades 4 all the way up to the 12th grade. Good advice about the teacher's guide though. Good luck SUBJECT: graduate thesis Date: 96-09-05 07:42:23 edt From: KarinMRH I am preparing my proposal for a graduate thesis in spec ed. anyone have any ideas for me to write about. difficult to get parental permission so my searches are limited! SUBJECT: Re: Inclusion Date: 96-09-05 15:04:48 edt From: JTorpey106 I am begining an idependent study in Graduate School and will be focusing on inclusion. Anyone that can give me any information or experience with this topic would be appreciated? Anyone who has found this program successfull email me. SUBJECT: needs assessment? Date: 96-09-06 02:05:28 edt From: AzDzrtSky My psychologist partner and I are trying to come up with new services that we can provide special education and regular education programs with. We are bilingual and both Ph.D.'s. We would like to know what else besides quality psychoeducational evaluations are needed. We already do ADHD/ADD, school laws, etc., training and would like to expand our inservice business. Can you give me your ideas about what kind of needs are not being met in the schools-any grade? SUBJECT: Maintaining Legal Timelines Date: 96-09-06 23:46:17 edt From: DESERT1Z How are other Resource Specialists coping with the stress of maintaining special ed timelines? Any difficulties coordinating calendars, services, etc. with other team members? I'm looking for suggestions on what seems to be an ongoing problem--atleast with many of the RS's in my district. Thanks! SUBJECT: Re:RE:HELP FOR MILD LD KIDS Date: 96-09-06 23:47:50 edt From: Spedldy What type of summer teacher training did the teachers receive? Can you be specific? I teach in a middle school where our NI, PI, ED students are departmentalized. Many of our regular teachers comment that they never received any training in special education. I am new to AOL and I enjoy reading these messages. I've received several great ideas. Thanks! Spedldy SUBJECT: Re:consultant taechers Date: 96-09-07 12:39:43 edt From: MJ McD P I have been a Resource Room for 11 years. In addition for the last three years I have been working as a Consultant Teacher on the elementary level. I feel very poisitive about the CT program Iwould like to touch base with others involved in the CT program especially in NYC SUBJECT: Re:consultant taechers Date: 96-09-07 20:50:24 edt From: SHEEBA5322 I am sorry I can't help you in sharing CT experiences but perhaps you could help me. I just received dual Prov. Certification in Special/Elementary Ed., New York. I have Masters in Edu. with B.S. Business. Having a difficult time finding a job on Long Island. Going to NYC Board of Ed. recruitment on Monday. Any advice from an eleven year veteran? Please E-Mail any info. to Sheeba5322@aol.com Thanks, Sheeba SUBJECT: Career Advice Date: 96-09-07 23:23:31 edt From: TinSol I am planning to return to work in '97 as a Resource Teacher and would like advice on strategies to prepare myself-books on current teaching methods, test resources, interviewing skills, etc. Thanks!! SUBJECT: Re:SRA Direct Teaching Date: 96-09-08 19:54:26 edt From: MarRigby I would very much appreciate opinions on the effectiveness of the SRA Direct Teaching materials. I'm desperate for a phonics program that works for L.D. resource students in Gr. 5-8. Marilyn SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-09-10 19:58:42 edt From: GSutcli325 I am teaching 4th and 5th grade. Most of my kids are LD some are EI. They all come from a very poor background ( i.e. drug abuse, physical abuse,...) . There are 2 boys that have that real tough guy attitude and are becoming more of a behavior problem. I would appreciate any advice on a behavior management system or a token economy system that is pretty easy to implement. SUBJECT: Resource Room Date: 96-09-10 20:12:21 edt From: Mrs BigGuy Hi, Pat here! Would love to talk to others about populations and congruence SUBJECT: Need Help - congruence Date: 96-09-10 20:38:28 edt From: Mrs BigGuy 2 to 3 classrooms in pull-out grade level uncooperative classroom teachers cl. tchrs set in ways R.R. teacher accpted, but students viewed as problems cl. r'm tchr's instruct major concepts during pull-out principal non-receptive to above concerns HOW DO WE PROVIDE FOR OUR STUDE4NTS? SUBJECT: Re:study skills Date: 96-09-10 23:16:17 edt From: LambKamp Anita Archer, Anita Archer, ANITA ARCHER!!! SUBJECT: Re:SRA Direct Teaching Date: 96-09-10 23:19:33 edt From: LambKamp It's expensive. It works. It's worth the money! SUBJECT: Re:SRA Direct Teaching Date: 96-09-10 23:29:12 edt From: LambKamp Just found this board -- it looks wonderful! How do I sign up? Also, if anyone knows of a worthwhile news group or such, please pass along. I, too, have had some problems with aides, but usually centering on their lack of inherent ability to be sensitive to the nuances of teaching LD kids in general, and my teaching style in particular: "I made EVERYONE read out loud!", mising the whole idea of many assignments, offering unsolicited (nagging) and incorrect assistance -- constantly! -- talking and talking when I have a few minutes and am desperately trying to schedule, write IEPs, etc., continually giving me "wonderful" new ideas for things we might do, and generally being somewhat lacking in a basic middle school school education! She focuses most of her efforts on getting answer keys from teachers, and just doesn't seem to get the idea of teaching SKILLS, not facts. I try very hard to listen, so that there are no hurt feelings, but feel that I am being ground down by having to try to teach her (in 2 minute blip-verts!) things that have taken me decades to absorb and synthesize. As another member said, you just CAN'T keep them out of the room forever! What if the copier is down? SUBJECT: Reinforcement Schedules Date: 96-09-12 16:26:36 edt From: Cutasc What would be an appropriate amt. of time (percentage or ratio) to devote to reinforcement in a resource setting?? Please email me at: cutasc@aol.com Thank You! SUBJECT: Re:Reinforcement Schedules Date: 96-09-12 20:37:40 edt From: SusanS29 Answer: depends (on what the child needs). SUBJECT: Re:New teacher needs help! Date: 96-09-14 19:12:15 edt From: SR92050 Organization is most important! Get as much information as you can from the general education teacher (assignment sheets, schedules for projects, test, labs.....). Work out a large matrix/chart with the students' names and when they are with you. Each morning go thru your info and jot down what needs to be done and when so the kids can see what the expectations are. Make friends with everyone-so they are comfortable with you and the kids. Emphasis that that you are all working together to help the student(s). Good luck! SUBJECT: READING COMPREHENSION Date: 96-09-15 18:10:56 edt From: CaseylB9 I need strategies to improve reading comprehension for elementary and middle school students. I would like mnemonic devices, checklists, practical techniques. Feel free to e-mail me directly with your ideas at CaseylB9@aol.com SUBJECT: Organizational Stategies Date: 96-09-18 19:57:57 edt From: Kkrow I need some ideas to share with parents at a Special Education Workshop re: organizational skills and /or study skills for LD and EH students - K - 12 , in local school district setting. SUBJECT: Re:Honeidu's program Date: 96-09-20 21:51:34 edt From: HAYO2U I also teach special education in the elementary schools. I have been involved in many levels of service for special education students over the past ten years, from self-contained to full inclusion. Each year is different because each year the students and teachers that I work with are different. Whatever approach you try, make sure it best meets the needs of your students and do not be afraid to try something new. SUBJECT: Touch Math Date: 96-09-21 12:20:35 edt From: JEDBLACK Can someone give me the phone number where I can order materials for Touch Math? e-mail address is jedblack@aol.com Thanks. SUBJECT: Working with paraprofessionals Date: 96-09-22 10:54:10 edt From: Apple ahh I would like to hear from teachers working with paraprofessionals. I'm finding that the majority of my time is spent planning how to deal with my paraprofessional. SUBJECT: Re:Working with paraprofessi Date: 96-09-22 15:06:45 edt From: HolyFlower 1) Your administrator should delegate to you most of the responsibility for interviewing and hiring your paraprofessional to you. This confers greater authority to you in dealing with the paraprofessional. The applicant should meet the administrator only in the last stage of the hiring process. Ask the applicant to give examples of when she has taken initiative beyond routine duties in previous employment. 2) After the interview, ask for a writing sample. Give standard oral instructions to applicants such as "Would you mind writing a pararaph or two about why you are interested in working in education. This is an opportunity for you to tell us more about yourself , your interests, hobbies, etc." A writing sample can be revealing as academic strengths and weaknesses. 3) Give preference to experience with children and to academic credentials. SUBJECT: Re: Organizational Stategies Date: 96-09-22 15:22:16 edt From: HCTA Just read your message. I gave an orientation for my 6th grade LD students and their parents before school started. Most of it dealt with how to organize. I suggested the use of a 3 inch 3-ring binder.Dividers and pocket folders were color coded for each subject and placed in the binder according to the students schedule. In front of the binder an academic school planner (we use a commercially made one) was placed along with a pencil pouch containing the necessary instruments. A ruler was attached to the rings. It's important that anything the student need be attached to the binder. This way all the students need to be prepared are the binder and textbooks. I suggested homework how-tos also. This year at least the first month of school (and maybe longer) will be spent teaching study skills. I have several resources. If I can help further, e-mail me and I'll get back to you. SUBJECT: Inclusion Cross Categorical Date: 96-09-22 15:34:19 edt From: LRAndrella Next year we will begin inclusion with cross categorical ( LD & DH) grades 3-6. This will involve 3 Special Ed Teachers. We are looking for information regarding success and pitfalls of such a program. Please send replies to LRAndrella via e-mail. SUBJECT: new to resource Date: 96-09-22 18:06:57 edt From: MRagonese I just signed on to AOL and this looks loke an interesting area, however it doesn't seem like anyone has entered a message since Nov. '95, unless I am doing something wrong!! Help! SUBJECT: Re:new to resource Date: 96-09-22 22:35:28 edt From: LorBis You didn't scroll down far enough. Also, hit the button that says "Find New" and it will give you posts since the last time you signed on. Hope you found this message! SUBJECT: Re:New RR teacher needs help Date: 96-09-25 22:41:58 edt From: Walk106003 Dear Simmonsjef, In our classroom we have a program called Corrective Reading. We really love it and see that it is about the only material that can accomplish our goals. It can be ordered through many resources and for 3 different levels. All lesson are about 30 minutes and include skills, comprehension and phonics. SUBJECT: Audio Books Date: 96-09-27 17:08:55 edt From: PastaKitty I am an Inclusion Teacher in a Middle School. I teach LD students in 8th grade. To assist them in getting through the required reading. I am seeking Audio Copied of the books. I have found Audios for The Slave Dancer nad for The Giver. Does anyone know where I might obtain the Audio Version of Under The Red-Blood Sun?? I would appreciate any input. SUBJECT: Re:Audio Books Date: 96-09-27 20:04:28 edt From: SusanS29 Pasta what about Talking Books? SUBJECT: spec ed. preschool Date: 96-09-29 09:15:20 edt From: JIMBWLR Hi! I'm looking for any ideas, units, etc. for teaching preschool special education. I would appreciate anything you could send. Please e-mail me....jimbwlr. Thank you sooooooooooo much! SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-09-29 16:48:33 edt From: DJPartridg I also want to join the data base. Am an English teacher to 7th and 8th grade LD students. Always can use help. Will share any ideas I have. Let me know. Dianne SUBJECT: High School Inclusion Date: 96-09-29 19:32:41 edt From: Kredsmom I am a Salem State College student currently enrolled in a course called the The Contemporary High School. I am working on a project called Inclusion Classes in the high school, how we can make them work. I am interested in any feedback from regular or special education teacher in regards to both good or bad experiences, what works and what doesn't work in high school. SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers in touc Date: 96-09-30 20:11:49 edt From: ACrens9530 ACrens 9530-I teach a primary LBD resource unit in Lex. Ky. SUBJECT: Re: Inclusion Date: 96-09-30 20:14:53 edt From: ACrens9530 he last school I was at had the LD teacher go around to 11 different classrooms and help with their work. She was a wel;ll paid assistant! But on paper everything worked great! A lot of teachers were not pleased SUBJECT: Re: InclusionI Date: 96-09-30 20:16:28 edt From: ACrens9530 Inclusion does not work for everyone!!1!!!! SUBJECT: Re:SRA Direct Teaching Date: 96-09-30 21:55:05 edt From: JSistrunk Try Angling for Words Series by Caroline Bowen, available from Academic Therapy Publications, 20 Commercial Blvd., Novato, AC 94949-6191. It is inexpensive, but excellent. It's based on Orton-Gillingham principals (multisensory, structured, sequential, etc.). I have had great success with it. Recipe for Reading by Nina Traub (from Educator's Publishing Service) is also very good, and I usually use that program with younger children. Good luck! SUBJECT: Re:SRA Direct Teaching Date: 96-10-01 20:02:42 edt From: MarRigby Thank you for your suggestions. I already ordered the SRA series. I've heard some favorable comments about it. But I would sure like to hear some more! :) My next-door neighbor is also a Sp. Ed. Resource teacher, and she likes it, but has suggested making sure that there is also time for literature as well. SUBJECT: Re:SRA Direct Teaching Date: 96-10-02 18:58:17 edt From: SMSS Am in the process of placing my order for the next year. I would love to hear more about SRA Direct Tea hing. I have done Ort-Gil. and would love some phonic based reading programs. SUBJECT: Re:SRA Direct Teaching Date: 96-10-03 00:03:16 edt From: Mmccddss you should look at the cove school program purchased through DLM. it's simple to use but so effective with struggling readers. it's really adaptable for older nonreaders as well. SUBJECT: Re:New RR teacher needs help Date: 96-10-03 20:55:05 edt From: Eszter I suggest that you do writing every day, phonemic awareness, and comprehension skills such as visualization. I'll think of more. I just got home. I teach LH children in a private school SUBJECT: Re:Working with paraprofessi Date: 96-10-03 21:00:14 edt From: TessTea Grat idea, but rare in this life. My experience has been that paraprofessionals are hired separately, by pogram directors, and assignments tend to be pot luck. I once had to take over for someone else, and spent 3 months of sheer hell in dealing with 3 parafrofessionals. Not just 1, but 3 critical eyes, of no help whatsoever. Admin was sympathetic, but not helpful. I was not prepared for this sort of nonsense, and desperatley needed my supv. to lay down the law to the ringleader. I felt as if there were 3 extra children in the room. SUBJECT: Re:Resource Teachers NetworkI Date: 96-10-03 21:00:22 edt From: Eszter I have a learning disabled class in a private school, have my RSP certificate and would like to have contact with your network. My e-mail is Eszter@aol.com Thanks!!!! SUBJECT: Re:Audio Books Date: 96-10-03 21:03:26 edt From: TessTea Have you considered making your own recordings of the required reading? You might be able to use volunteer parents or students to do the reading. Take a look at Marie Carbo's work on the, especially "How to Record Books for Maximum Reading Gains". She is based in the learning styles theiry, but regardless, the technique is useful. SUBJECT: Re:spec ed. preschool Date: 96-10-03 21:04:40 edt From: TessTea Theme-a-saurus is a gread set of resource books for preschool special ed. They're thems based on simple concepts: circles, popcorn, etc.