Something to Make You Smile and Celebrate!

The 2018 Gerber baby was just named, and he is Lucas Warren, the first child with Down syndrome to receive the honor.

The 18-month-old from Dalton, Ga., was selected as “2018 Gerber Spokesbaby” from more than 140,000 photos submitted by parents.

Let's celebrate the widening of America's perspective!

More Great Classroom Advice for Special Learning Needs Students and for ALL Students

Rhonda Barbeau from Township High School District #211 and a current participant in the Institute to Credential Special Learning Needs Resource Specialists shares the following effective classroom strategies:

1. Make sure students understand the directions. Whether it is visually, auditory or however they learn.

2. Show the students what the end project will look like.

3. Show the students on a graph, or checklist, or whatever works, that they are making progress. If a student has stalled at a certain point, it is a flag to me there is confusion and I need to help them out.

4. Every step can be broken down. Even if you think you cannot break down a step anymore, take time to think about it and find a way to break it down even more.

5. Patience, and encouragement every step of the way.

6. Flexibility, flexibility, flexibility! The best-laid plans don't always work. Then drop back 20 and punt. (Sarah's favorite - always good advice - especially good for Super Bowl weekend!)

Thanks Rhonda!

Great Classroom Advice for Special Learning Needs Students and for ALL Students

Marilyn Benjamin from Oakton Community College and a current participant in the Institute to Credential Special Learning Needs Resource Specialists shares the following effective classroom strategies:

• Begin with discussion of the goals and objectives for each lesson
• Use problem-based learning providing a bigger picture unit/lesson question and have students discuss in groups possible solutions or answers
• Offer lesson materials in a variety of learning preferences and include technology
• Do something fun and challenging related to the lesson (games from the Internet , Jeopardy, Family Feud or solve riddles)
• Give formal and non-formal assessments allowing re-teaching of material when necessary
• Use small group work for socialization (needed for work and life skills) and reflection of assigned academic work
• Break skills into smaller steps student(s) can master
• Use mnemonic measures or other retention aids 

 Thanks, Marilyn, for all you to foster student success at Oakton!

Nominate an Outstanding Learner, Teacher, Administrator or Support Staff

So many worthy folks out there! Please nominate someone special today! Go to http://www.iacea.net/ to nominate an outstanding teacher, administrator, learner, or support staff.

More Hard Working Educators!

Thanks to the following individuals from the central-southern group for their hard work honing skills and learning new strategies to give the greatest opportunity for their students to succeed: 

Lisa Gerontes-Bowe, Illinois Central CollegeCheryl Holder, Illinois Eastern CollegeKristina Holland-Deadmond, Kaskaskia CollegeAmy Lambert, Illinois Central CollegeSara Wise, Illinois Eastern College Special addition to the group for last week: Joseph Tully, Wilbur Wright College

Appreciate the Hard Work of our Adult Ed Educators!

Thanks to the following individuals for their hard work honing skills and learning new strategies to give the greatest opportunity for their students to succeed: 

Rhonda Barbeau, Township High School District #211

Marilyn Benjamin, Oakton Community College

Yolanda Bennett, Moraine Valley Community College

Meg Dawczak, Moraine Valley Community College     

Kristy Durkin, College of DuPage                                    

Julie Frost, Township High School District #214

Patrick Lohan, Moraine Valley Community College     

Raylynn Stokes, South Suburban College 

It's such a privilege to work with all of you!

 

Excellent Resource from the Autism Training Technical Assistance Project

Check out this new website: http://autismcollegeandcareer.com/ 

You'll find excellent information for students, families, educators, employers, and community members - in other words - everyone!

The Autism Training and Technical Assistance Project (ATTA) seeks to develop and present resources that assist individuals with Autism in their transition from secondary education to postsecondary education or employment.

The ATTA also seeks to provide training and support to important stakeholders as they work to provide an equitable experience for individuals with autism.