| News for special education professionals |  |
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- School store teaches practical, real-world skills
Students with disabilities at a Florida school are getting real-world work experience in a student-run school store, where they use practical math skills by counting money, doing inventory and completing other clerical tasks. "It's our first step in a transition program, which is where we take our high schoolers and start switching from basic math and reading to more practical skills," educator Jennifer Tollefson said. Tampa Bay Newspapers (Seminole, Fla.)
(5/16)     
| Educational Leadership | | |
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- Some states prepare to introduce national exam for teachers
At least 25 states are preparing to introduce a national exam for teachers that has been modeled after the Performance Assessment for California Teachers (PACT). Supporters say PACT measures a candidate's strengths, weaknesses and classroom readiness while critics say there is no evidence of the effectiveness of such tests. The Hechinger Report
(5/16)
| Technology Trends | | |
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- The pros and cons of calculators in math class
The availability and efficiency of calculators makes them a useful tool for students, offers middle-school math teacher José Vilson. However, in this blog post, he also points out the potential downside of using calculators -- primarily that they could reduce students' understanding of the work they are completing. Instead, Vilson suggests a middle ground in which students are able to use calculators to solve complex problems but also are taught to understand the number system. Edutopia.org/José Vilson's blog
(5/16)
| Policy News | | |
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- Parents sue for changes to admissions policies to NYC's gifted program
A group of parents in New York City have filed a lawsuit in the state Supreme Court challenging the school system's policies for admission into the gifted and talented program. In the lawsuit, the parents object to a policy that gives enrollment preferences to the qualifying younger siblings of students already in the program. A school system spokeswoman said the claims "lack merit." The Wall Street Journal
(5/16)
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| The Buzz(CORPORATE ANNOUNCEMENTS)
What should you say in a writing conference? How Can I Support You? is a 40-minute DVD that features 7 conferences between literacy specialist Mark Overmeyer and students in grades 3-5. Includes tips for asking effective questions, examples from a wide range of students, and a viewing/discussion guide. Click here now to view a 5-minute clip!
Interested in learning more about advertising in CEC SmartBrief? Contact Joe Riddle at (202) 407-7857 or jriddle@smartbrief.com.
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| Eye on Exceptionalities | | |
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- CDC finds high rate of mental disorders among U.S. youths
As many as 20% of youths aged 3 to 17 have a mental disorder in any given year, CDC researchers reported on Thursday. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was the most common diagnosis, followed by behavioral conduct issues and depression. The annual estimated cost for children's mental health services was $247 billion, the CDC said. Family Practice News
(5/16), Reuters
(5/16)
| CEC Spotlight | | |
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Have you heard? CEC's got a new online community for members!
The new CECommunity is an interactive member-focused place where you can find content that will enhance your practice and connect with your peers. CEC members are discussing topics, such as Common Core State Standards, Teacher Evaluation and Co-teaching. Connect, collaborate and share in the CECommunity today!
| SmartQuote | | |
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 | Divide each difficulty into as many parts as is feasible and necessary to resolve it."
--René Descartes,
French mathematician and philosopher
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| | Recent CEC SmartBrief Issues:
- Thursday, May 16, 2013
- Wednesday, May 15, 2013
- Tuesday, May 14, 2013
- Monday, May 13, 2013
- Friday, May 10, 2013
| | | Lead Editor: Melissa Greenwood
Contributing Editor: Debra Lemoine
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