Feb 18 2025

Elementary School Homework to Support All Learners

As a special education teacher, I often have conversations with parents about homework. Parents want to know: Is homework truly beneficial? Should their child be spending time on assignments after school, or would they be better off focusing on other activities? The answer depends. The appropriateness of homework depends on the individual student, their learning needs, and the way the assignments are structured. [Read more…]

Alison Whiteley

Alison Whiteley has been a special education teacher for over 15 years, spending most of her time working with elementary students and families. After graduating from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education and Psychology, she continued her education with a Masters in Reading from Walden University. In addition, she has achieved endorsements supporting Early Childhood Special Education and Diverse Learners which she uses to help identify needs across all learners.

Ms. Whiteley is trained in Wilson Reading System and Yoshimoto Orton-Gillingham. She believes all students can learn to read and be successful. She has served as a Special Education Coach and Mentor to fellow specialists and teachers, facilitated the creation of her elementary school’s Response to Intervention/Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (RTI/MTSS) process and helped parents through the Special Education process as IEP Coach for parents. In 2013 she completed the National Boards of Professional Teaching in Exceptional Needs with recertification in 2022. Her areas of expertise involve working with students with learning disabilities, supporting stakeholders moving through the special education process, and helping parents and teachers understand what they can do to support struggling learners in the public school settings.

She is a founding member of the Colorado Reading League and a member of the International Dyslexia Association in Colorado. Alison has two greyhounds and two nephews who keep her busy outside of school. She is the CEO of Toad-ally Exceptional Learners at http://www.toad-allyexceptionallearners.com. Alison is a valuable source of information to support teachers and parents, although she is not a lawyer and does not give legal advice. Her services support families through the IEP process and how they can be an equal member of the team through positive interactions. She focuses on collaboration and using tools to take IEPs to the new level of helping students achieve.

www.GenParenting.com

Dec 10 2024

What Does Your School’s Student Performance Data Mean

What Does Your School’s Student Performance Data Mean?

Schools are required to share outcomes with parents. Frequently, schools share information about the state student assessment outcomes on the school’s website or they invite parents to an informational session where they share and explain their outcomes. Most schools even have a specific plan for addressing gaps or areas of lower performance, and they often share these plans with parents. But parents need to ask, “Where is my voice in addressing this data?” [Read more…]

Kevin Myers

Dr. Kevin Myers is an Executive Administrator for YPI Charter Schools and the Principal at Bert Corona Charter School. He has served the Los Angeles community as a teacher, administrator, and grant director for over 20 years. He has a passion for developing teachers and educational leaders to engage in the challenging work of bringing equity to our schools and our communities. Dr. Myers has developed an expertise in supporting underserved communities, building effective and cohesive school leadership teams, and engaging parents to uplift their communities through engagement at their children’s schools. He wrote his dissertation on teacher self-efficacy and job satisfaction and is a strong advocate for supporting and working with teachers to build a strong and successful school community. In addition to his work at YPI Charter Schools, Dr. Myers is also a faculty member at Cal State Fresno and works with student teacher candidates to earn their credentials as they work through the CalState TEACH program.

www.GenParenting.com

Nov 12 2024

Internet Safety for Kids

When I was in middle school, I recall watching Channel One, a news program for teens, during my homeroom period every day. The news and the commercials were designed specifically for kids and teens, and I remember one commercial that was played frequently in the early 90s during the daily broadcast of Channel One. I recall a young girl at the front of the screen, and behind her was a road from the perspective of a driver. It looked as though we were navigating very quickly through the curves of the road, as the girl narrated. She talked in a British accent about “The World Wide Web,” something I had never heard of before. Fast forward to high school when we were all on America Online (AOL) and AOL instant messenger. [Read more…]

Kevin Myers

www.GenParenting.com

Oct 14 2024

Special Education Parents Provide School Support and Leadership

Parents of students with special needs know the importance of having a solid plan in place to support their child for success. All students have varied needs, and students with disabilities need specific supports to help them reach the rigor of the academic standards taught in their classes. Resource teachers work with the Individual Education Plan (IEP) team to develop a plan for supports, then share this plan with general education teachers and other support providers. The goal is to ensure accommodations are supports are regularly in place so all of the students can find success. In inclusive classroom settings, general education and special education teams work together to support these needs. But, as many classroom teachers will tell you, even this amount of support is sometimes note enough. [Read more…]

Kevin Myers

www.GenParenting.com

Sep 03 2024

Exploring Nature: Outdoor Adventures for Children

Getting outside nature provides us with opportunities to explore and learn. For everyone, not just for our children, the great outdoors can be both therapeutic and educational, providing growth, relaxation, and joy. In this blog post, I’ll share some practical tips on how to make outdoor adventures accessible and enjoyable for children with various needs.

The Benefits of Nature for Children with Special Needs

Engaging with nature can have profound effects on children with special needs. Firstly, natural settings offer a sensory-rich environment that can help in the development of sensory processing skills. The sights, sounds, and textures of nature can be both soothing and stimulating, offering a balanced environment for sensory exploration. For children with autism, ADHD, or sensory integration disorders, nature can reduce stress, promote calmness, and decrease behavioral challenges.

Furthermore, outdoor activities can enhance physical health through activities that improve motor skills, coordination, and overall fitness. Whether it’s a gentle walk, a structured outdoor game, or a therapeutic riding session, physical activities in nature can be adapted to suit the abilities and interests of each child, ensuring that everyone can participate and benefit.

Cognitive and social skills also get a boost from time spent outdoors. Nature exploration encourages curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

How to Make Outdoor Adventures Accessible

Creating an inclusive outdoor experience starts with understanding the specific needs and limitations of each child. Here are some things to keep in mind to ensure that nature outings are successful and enjoyable:

Plan Ahead:

Research the area you plan to visit. Look for accessible parks, trails, and nature reserves that offer paved paths, quiet areas, and other accommodations that address mobility or sensory challenges. Facilities with accessible restrooms, shaded areas, and seating can make the outing more comfortable for everyone involved.

Engage in Structured Activities:

Having structured activities can help children with special needs by providing a sense of routine and predictability. Nature scavenger hunts, bird watching, or simple craft projects using natural materials can be planned in advance to engage the children’s attention and provide focus to the outdoor experience.

Use Adaptive Equipment:

Depending on the needs of the children, consider using adaptive equipment to facilitate their interaction with nature. This might include all-terrain wheelchairs, noise-canceling headphones for children who are sensitive to sound, or tactile books and maps for visually impaired explorers.

Keep Groups Small:

Smaller group sizes tend to work better, allowing for more personalized attention and less overwhelming social interactions. This setting also makes it easier to manage and adapt activities on-the-fly as needed.

Incorporate Education:

Use the outing as an opportunity to teach about the natural world. This can be done through storytelling, interactive games, or by allowing children to lead parts of the exploration based on their interests.

Prepare for All Scenarios:

Always have a plan B. Weather can change, and so can the moods and needs of children with special needs. Having an alternative plan, such as a nearby indoor location that also offers sensory-friendly experiences, can save the day.

Engaging Families and Communities

Finally, involving families in outdoor activities can enhance the experience for children with special needs. Family members can provide additional support and make the activities more meaningful and reassuring. Additionally, reaching out to local communities or organizations such as your local rec center, co-op, or city parks can provide ideas and sometimes resources.

Outdoor adventures offer a world of benefits for children with special needs, opening new horizons for exploration and development. By making these activities accessible and enjoyable, you can ensure that all children can connect with nature. Whether it’s a quiet afternoon in a local park or a more structured group activity in a nature reserve, the great outdoors is a great classroom and a playground for all.

Alison Whiteley