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New Horizons for Learning Online Journal
Vol. XI No. 3, Fall 2005From the Editor
Dee DickinsonAs we post this issue of the Journal in early September of 2005, the United States is in the midst of one of the most enormous natural and human disasters our country has ever experienced. How we respond individually and collectively will have profound effects on the whole world. Our children have much to learn by observing what we do now, but how can we better prepare them for the future?
A strong educational system has always been the foundation of our democracy, and it is even more critical today to equip every individual with the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn in response to change. All of our children must have opportunities to develop their capacities as fully as possible and the wisdom to use them with integrity, responsibility, empathy, and courage. How they are taught, how they learn, and the environments in which they learn make all the difference in how they will survive in a world of unexpected crises. No moment in recent history demands more of us as educators.
The focus of this issue of the Journal is on the gamut of special needs—from students with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities to gifted students with their own special challenges. The topics range from updated, well-researched, traditional special education practices to newer leading-edge strategies that have proven to be successful in helping many students to learn.
We include articles about integrating the arts and other creative activities that not only enrich the curriculum but also raise it to a higher level. Such opportunities are highly motivating and often engage students in learning by utilizing some of their strengths that might not otherwise be recognized.
Also you will find articles about the educational use of new technologies. Like all other tools, it is how they are used that makes a difference in whether or not they affect academic achievement in positive ways.
The past few months of natural disasters, political debates, economic uncertainties, and ethical dilemmas have provided a painful portrait of the kind of world facing children and youth of the current generation. In the face of such complexity, families and schools can play an important role in supporting our youth to become competent individuals and democratic community members. That means professional educators must seek increasing engagement of families in the on-going learning of all our children. "Family" means more than parents, but siblings, grandparents, foster families, and all the other extended-family roles we find in societies around the globe. The Winter issue of New Horizons for Learning will focus on cutting edge research efforts, feisty critiques, and promising practices for engaging families in our children's learning. We invite educational practitioners, parents, researchers, and commentators to submit manuscripts to shed light on this crucial matter.
NEW FEATURE
Let's discuss the transformation of our educational systems! Following are two articles and a PowerPoint presentation on the topic of Organic Education which is being piloted successfully in several areas. Hugh Osborn would like to have your feedback on his ideas. If you would like to send him questions, comments, or suggestions, please go to the Meeting Spaces area. He will be responding to messages several times a week.
Organic Education: Update 2005 Hugh Osborn
The concepts of Organic Education are being applied in the Bright IDEA program with measurable success in academic achievement and students' motivation to learn.North Carolina Education Project Closes Achievement Gap Margaret Gayle
Bright IDEA, a program using gifted techniques to teach all children, is achieving remarkable academic results for students at all ability levels in North Carolina.Organic Education: A National Imperative Hugh Osborn
Hugh discusses the concept of Organic Education in an online audio PowerPoint presentation.
ARTICLES
Special Education and the Concept of Neurodiversity Thomas Armstrong
A well known educator and author describes how new research on neurodiversity is very much in line with contemporary psychology's new approach to "positive psychology" and will be fundamental in changing the attitudes and outlook of people toward children in special education programs.The IRIS Center for Faculty Enhancement: On-line course enhancement modules and materials for use in the preparation of education professionals
Deborah Deutsch Smith, Georgine Pion, Kim Skow, Naomi Tyler, Zina Yzquierdo, and Janice Brown
A new, free program developed at Vanderbilt University shows how on-line course enhancement modules and materials can be used in teacher education.Stepping Stones to Literacy
J. Ron Nelson
Education professor describes a pragmatic and cohesive early literacy intervention that educators can use to promote the early literacy skills of young children at risk for reading difficulties.When Nothing Seems To Work: Best Practices For Improving the Responsiveness of Students with Chronic Behavioral Challenges to Reading Instruction Greg Benner
University of Washington/Tacoma faculty member discusses specific ways to improve the literacy skills of students with behavioral challenges.School-Wide Positive Behavioral Support: A Continuum of Proactive Strategies for All Students Kristy B. Ausdemore, Ronald C. Martella, Nancy E. Marchand-Martella
University special education graduate student and professors explain the School Wide Positive Support (SW-PBS) technique that leads to more positive behaviors and increases active engagement in learning. They have written an additional article An Overview of Direct Instruction.Students with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: New Developments and Intervention Suggestions Darcy Miller
Washington State University professor explains how a new diagnostic code can be used to describe the variants of fetal alcohol syndrome and suggests methods for successful intervention.Inclusion of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders Melisa Daily
A fourth grade classroom teachers describes why differentiated instruction and inclusion are essential for students with Autism disorders.Service Learning in Special Education
Lori Armstrong Lynass
Special education teacher finds service learning a valuable tool for helping her students to become engaged in successful learning.What Would It Look Like if All Students Felt Included, Part II
Carol Frodge
Administrative Intern charts the development of a small school within a larger middle school in Edmonds, Washington. This is the second in a series of three articles about the project as it evolves.A Survey of Ballard High School Students and Parents: What do they want from their mathematic instructional programs?
Nakonia (Niki) Hayes
A high school math teacher and former principal shares the informative results of a survey on math instruction. Also see Ms. Hayes' other new article Reclaiming Real "Basic Skills" in Mathematics Education.Teaching Strategies for Asperger's Students
Kelly May
Graduate student defines the behaviors of students with Asperger's Syndrome and offers teaching strategies to help these students become successful learners.The Future: Young Scholars' Inquiry Seminar Meets the Special Needs of Highly Capable 5th Grade Students Paula Fraser and Rich Henry
A new program for gifted students creates a "community of inquiry" that can be used with students at all ability levels.Setting the Context for Universal Design for Learning and Universal Accessibility John Castellani and Linda Tsantis
Two Johns Hopkins University professors have developed effective ways of helping regular classroom teachers to become familiar with assistive technologies.Photography as a Connection to Reading and Writing
Peggy Zehnder
Middle school teacher develops a unique plan to motivate her students to practice literacy skills needed to help them succeed.Community for Youth: Mentoring Youth, Building Futures, Changing Lives Sean Cameron
How the Community for Youth program has achieved 98% graduation rate for formerly at-risk students.The Powerful Impact of Stress and Calm on Health, Behavior and Learning Victoria Tennant
As high stress increases in classrooms for both teachers and students, a specialist in this field offers timely and helpful suggestions for coping.POLICY STATEMENTS on the teaching of Evolution:
Intelligent Design, or Not: Dr. Strangescience, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Wedge Mark Terry
A high school science teacher discusses how he includes the Theory of Evolution and Intelligent Design in his curriculum along with thought-provoking discussions.Cornell President Hunter R. Rawlings' recent "State of the University" Address
OTHER ARTICLES related to learning:
Returning to Cambodia John Morefield
A retired school principal and member of the UW Center for Educational Leadership returns to Cambodia as part of a new school reform program in that country.Developing 21st Century Teaching and Learning: Dialogic Literacy Nicholas Abbey
Australian educational researcher and consultant explains how structured dialogue can build robust learning environments and improve learning outcomes.Inspiring Student Learning with the Real World Wendy Church
Director for Facing the Future invites educators to explore the benefits of this organization's standards-based global issues curriculum and new book.Kidz America TV Show: Giving Youth a Voice Gary Goldman
The International Quality Leadership Institute is launching the Kidz America TV Show that will provide a voice and forum for kids to engage in dialogue with community leaders about critical issues.Will the Real Leader Please Stand Up? Kimberley McLeod
Texas Southern University Professor discusses the needs of Black students and the role of school leaders in closing the achievement gap.Limbic Limbo Leah Mann
An accomplished dancer and gymnast describes the importance of helping all students to develop imagination and creative thinking, tapping into their inner artist.The Arts Journey in Progress AnnRené Joseph
The Program Supervisor for the Arts at the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction updates her report on Washington State's arts assessment program to assure the inclusion of the arts as an Essential Academic Learning Requirement in the K-12 curriculum.Visual Thinking: Symbolic Ways Of Representing Ideas: A Need For More Symbols Nancy Margulies
Mind-mapping expert discusses how "making ideas visible, using both words and images, means that we are making our very process of thinking visible."The Value of Posters Robert E. Bear
An art teacher describes the values of working poster design into the teaching and learning of many different subjects.Letter from Dakar, Senegal July, 2005 Greg Tuke
Director of Passports to Global Learning writes of his experiences at an educational conference in Africa.Questions for Potential Online Instructors Nancy Prince-Cohen
Online educator addresses some pedagogical, sociological, and psychological issues educators need to examine before they begin to create an online course.Bridging the Gap Between Two Worlds Erika Pierce
The author discusses how her work as a high school teacher is invaluable in her role as a university professor.Thoughts On Self-Directed Learning In Medical Schools: Making Students More Responsible Professor K. Ramnarayan and Dr. Shymala Hande
Medical College Dean and Professor explain the importance of self directed learning in the education of health professionals.RECOMMENDED READING
Click on book title for more informationTeachers, Change Your Bait! Brain-Compatible Differentiated Instruction Martha Kaufeldt
Visual Thinking: Tools for Mapping Your Ideas Nancy Margulies and Christine Valenza
The Minds Of Boys: Saving Our Sons From Falling Behind in School and Life Michael Gurian and Kathy Stevens
Guiding Lights: The People Who Lead us Toward Our Purpose in Life Eric Liu
Inventions of Teaching: A Genealogy Brent Davis
Engaging Minds: Learning and Teaching in a Complex World Brent Davis, Dennis Sumara and Rebecca Luce-Kapler
Quality Education for Latinos and Latinas: Print and Oral Skills for all Students, K-College Rita and Marco Portales
Los Trastornos del Espectro de Autismo de la A a la Z (Autism Spectrum Disorders From A to Z, Spanish Version) Barbara Doyle and Emily Iland
BULLETIN BOARD
The Journey Toward a Hidden Wholeness: A Morning of Reflection and Renewal with Parker J. Palmer
Anyone seeking encouragement on the journey towards wholeness amidst the challenges of modern life is invited to share a morning of insights, inspiration, and humor with noted teacher and author Dr. Parker J. Palmer.
When: November 11, 2005, Check-in and Breakfast: 8:00 a.m.; Program: 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Where: Campion Hall, Seattle University
Cost: $50 (a small number of scholarships are available, contact CTT for more information)
In support of Washington State Courage to Teach. For more information about Washington State Courage to Teach or to register please call 206-633-2888, E-mail info@wactt.org or visit the website at http://www.wactt.orgPrograms for Child & Family Development: Autism Conferences
Various venues and dates:
Colorado Springs, CO October 19-22nd, 2005,
Seattle, WA, October 3-5th, 2005
Phoenix AZ, September 28th - October 1st, 2005
You may earn one to two college credits through NMSUPresenters: J. McAfee M.D. – Author of Navigating the Social World
R. Donlin, M.S. - Assessing & Understanding Challenging Behaviors in Student's w/ ASD
L. Ernsperger, Ph.D. Author of Just Take a Bite: Effective strategies to get kids with ASD to eat.
Lynn Hamilton – Author of Facing Autism will speak on 'Treating Autism'Contact PCFD for cost, registration forms and any other info: 808-284-8244, pcfd@msn.com, info@pcfdservices.com, http://www.pcfdservices.com
Washington State Association for Multicultural Education: 11th Annual Fall Conference
When: September 30 - October 1, 2005
Where: Broadway Performance Hall & Seattle Central Community College
· 7 Intensive Daylong Workshops, Friday September 30
· 35 Breakout Sessions, Saturday, October 1
· Up to 16 Free Clock hours
Registration Fees:
One Day Only (includes clock hours): $175/person; or teams of 3 or more = $165/person
Two Days/full Conference (includes clock hours): $225/person.; or teams of 3 or more = $215/personFor questions or copy of complete registration brochure and forms, contact WSAME Conference Registrar: 425-709-7611 or Marisa.afzalli@cityu.edu. Or download registration brochure and forms from the WSAME website: http://www.wsame.org.
HAVE YOU SEEN? Related Links
The Venture Program at Bellevue Community College http://www.bcc.ctc.edu/venture/
College credit for developmentally delayed students. Students can earn AA degree in "essential studies." Groundbreaking new program for post-secondary opportunities.The Inclusion Series (Video or DVD) http://www.inclusionseries.com/
A documentary series on inclusion of people with disabilities.The IRIS Center's Online Dictionary http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/onlinedictionary.html
This online dictionary contains terms related to education and special education and their definitions.Brain Injury Group: Hope Through Treatment http://www.brightonline.org
A group whose mission is to promote the translation of cutting edge research into practical treatment options and to provide education and resources for professionals and to the families of infants and children who suffer from developmental delay caused by brain injury.Early Childhood Outcomes Center http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~eco/index.cfm
Outcomes for infants, toddlers and preschoolers with disabilities.The National Down Syndrome Society website http://www.ndss.org/index.cfm
Resources, information about legislation and advocacy.Teacher Quality: Equalizing Educational Opportunities and Outcomes
Gail Sunderman and Jimmy Kim examine the challenges of implementing the NCLB teacher quality provision regarding teaching quality and frames the question this way: "the question of how to achieve the goal of a high quality teacher in every classroom is complicated because of the challenges of attracting and retaining teachers to schools serving large numbers of minority and low-income students, the schools most likely to have the least qualified teachers." The report examines how teacher quality varies by school characteristics, how six different states' policy context affects teacher policies and the barriers to implementing the NCLB requirements using existing data sources. To read the full report, see: http://www.civilrightsproject.harvard.edu/research/esea/teacherQuality.php"Making Schools Work With Hedrick Smith" http://www.pbs.org/makingschoolswork/index.html
No topic worries American families more than the quality of our schools. Making Schools Work with Hedrick Smith offers a rare and often surprising look at success in unexpected places, with enormous implications for public schools nationwide. For broadcast schedule in your area: http://www.pbs.org/makingschoolswork/atp/broadcast.htmlConnecting Math and Art http://plus.maths.org/issue25/interview/index.html
The article is illustrated with examples of math/art projects that are aesthetically beautiful and mathematically interesting.Position Paper: How Puppets Can Help Teachers http://puppetools.com/OECD_Position_Paper.pdf by Jeffrey Peyton
Article: Principles of Learning on Which Civilized Systems of Education Depend http://www.puppetools.com/guide/play_principle.pdf by Jeffrey Peyton
Asian South Pacific Bureau of Adult Education http://www.aspbae.org/
Read reports on educational systems of several countries.Patterns: Systems Thinking and Chaos Theory Network Newsletter http://www.haven.net/patterns/news.html
Workshops on Experimental and Collaborative Learning http://www.cethsol.com/index.htm
Learning is for Everyone http://www.lifeofflorida.org/DesktopDefault.aspx
Empowering families and learners with all the information you need to make informed decisions about education in your life.Interview with artist Bonnie Sherk
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/05/22/CMGNOCF3JQ1.DTL&type=printable
You can view other archived editions of New Horizons for Learning's Quarterly Journal. Special Journal themes include: Differentiation, Special Needs, Out of School Opportunities, Assessment, Positive Outcomes for All, Leadership in Education, Environmental Education, Multicultural Education, New Technologies, and the Arts.
Go to New Horizons Online Journal Archive
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