Systematic Screenings of Behavior to Support Instruction

Book Description for Systematic Screenings of Behavior to Support Instruction:

"Straightforward, practical, and user friendly, this unique guide addresses an essential component of decision making in schools. The authors show how systematic screenings of behavior—used in conjunction with academic data—can enhance teachers' ability to teach and support all students within a response-to-intervention framework. Chapters review reliable, valid screening measures for all grade levels, discuss their strengths and weaknesses, and explain how to administer, score, and interpret them. Practitioners get helpful guidance for evaluating their school's needs and resources and making sound choices about which tools to adopt."

Interested? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu to check out this title or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

Challenging Ableism

Looking for a sourcebook that moves disability from a medical or economic concern to a social justice concern? Challenging ableism, understanding disability, including adults with disabilities in workplaces and learning spaces might be just the ticket. The authors present the perspectives of individuals with disabilities, service providers, parents, and teachers and offer analyses that range from the personal to the broadly political.

Want to know more? Send us an email at cedir@indiana.edu to check out this title or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

Seventh Grader Wins Essay Contest

The City of Bloomington Human Rights Commission recently sponsored a local essay contest on the theme “What I’ve Learned from People Different from Me.” Seventh grader Mari Walter-Bailey, daughter of Institute employee Wendy Walter-Bailey, won the contest. Congratulations Mari! Below is her essay in its entirety.

What I’ve Learned from People Different Than Me

By: Mari Walter-Bailey

            The U.S.A.  is often known for its diversity. Some people accept it, some people enjoy it, and some people deny it no matter how obvious it is. Personally, it teaches me that I have to accept, and respect others’ beliefs, dress, and ways of being.

            Everyone is different. I am my own, unique individual, and nobody in the whole world has done the exact same things that I have. No one knows my whole life, and I don’t know anyone else’s life. I do know though that some people are trapped in one small town for their whole life, and some people move around so much they don’t have their own bedroom. Others don’t have anything or any place to call their own. I have learned in my 12 years of life that I live a charmed life compared to some people, but to others I may appear to have nothing. Everyone should be thankful since there is always someone who has less.

            I’ve discovered that people are extremely judgmental. In this day and age, you’re judged based on your appearance, skin tone, height, weight, wealth, housing, quality of clothes, hair, religion, disabilities and more. Lots of people my age are very, very rude to people with mental, physical, and/or emotional disabilities.   I can tell, when I look in those kids’ eyes. I see pain. Even if they don’t know what people are saying, they tell me how lucky I am. I have a friend in a wheelchair. I am utterly astonished by the poor way people treat her, as if she is a very inconvenient table in the hallway. People act as if she can’t hear, as if her small problem defines her. I have an Indian friend too. I think teachers are often very ignorant themselves, like they don’t hear the racist Indian jokes.  In fact, most people that are hurting people are usually teacher’s favorites: popular people who think they rule the world.

               I also hear people call some people “Jelly Belly”. What they don’t know is that he/she may have a serious disease, causing her/him to be overweight. Most judge completely on dress. Not many can afford pricy brand names, though. I know for a fact that no matter who you are, or where you live, you ALWAYS want more than what you have. There is always one person you look at with envy. If you have short hair, you want long hair. If you have blue/green eyes, you want brown eyes and vice versa.

               The one thing I always think is, “Why should I dress like someone else?” I should create my own style. People can inspire me, but they can’t change me. I’ve realized that I would hate it if everyone had the exact same shirt. If everyone was a painting, being different is the one thing everyone would truly appreciate.  I learned that life is different, based on your perspective, and everyone should respect that.   

Reprinted with permission from the author

World Down Syndrome Day

World Down Syndrome Day

21 March 2012 marks the 7th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day and, for the first time in 2012, this day will be officially observed by the United Nations. Each year the voice of people with Down syndrome, and those who live and work with them, grows louder.

For more information, visit: http://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/

Simplifying RTI

What are the four essential guiding principles of RTI, you ask? In Simplifying RTI: Four essential guiding principles, you will find effective answers to implementation questions.The four essential principles of pyramid response to intervention explored in the book are:
  1. Collective responsibility - A shared belief that the primary responsibility of each member of the organization is to ensure high levels of learning for every child
  2. Concentrated instruction - A collaborative process that focuses teacher teams on the skills and knowledge most important to the student and his or her future
  3. Convergent assessment - An ongoing process of collecting targeted information to add depth and breadth to the understanding of each student s individual needs, obstacles, and points of learning leverage
  4. Certain access - A systematic process that guarantees every student will receive the time and support needed to learn at high levels

Want to know more? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu to check out this title or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

The Special Educator's Toolkit

Are you an overwhelmed special educator? Reduce your stress and support student success with this practical toolkit for whole-classroom organization. The Special Educator's Toolkit: Everything You Need to Organize, Manage, & Monitor Your Classroom is great for special educators in any K-12 setting. This book-and-CD set will help teachers expertly manage everything, from schedules and paperwork to student supports and behavior plans. Every special educator, from the first-year teacher setting up a new classroom to the seasoned veteran who wants a down-to-earth guide to current best practices, will come away empowered and motivated to get and stay organized and they'll see the positive results year after year in their classrooms.

Want to check it out? Email us at cedir@indiana.edu or use worldcat.org to find it in a library near you.

Mobile App Monday - soundAMP R

Looking for an alternative to hearing aids? Try soundAMP R. Sounds are sent to your earbuds in real time. Hear what you’d like to hear. Record what you’d like to record! Works in many situations, around the table at home, watching TV, in lecture halls, at parties, wherever you’d like to hear, or overhear, the people around you!

Interested? Visit: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/soundamp-r/id318126109?mt=8