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Conversations With A Girl

This conversation between a veteran Grade 2 teacher and one of his struggling students (a spirited, chatterbox of a little girl), took place on a cloudy October day after school.
Girl: “Mr. “Jones”, I ask my brothers to help me with my homework and they say no.”
Teacher: “What about your mommy?”

Tips for Teachers in Elementary Education

Like all teachers, I look forward to the new school year being one of great triumphs in my classroom. Yet I know within a short time, I’ll feel somewhat like a hypocrite, trying to instill respect, integrity and a strong work ethic in my Grade 2 students while knowing that there are forces in our world that teach them otherwise.

An Introduction to Education for Gifted Youth

A simple perspective for parents, students, and educators…..

The Chicken or the Egg?

If you are like everyone else you have been asked the age-old question, “What came first, the chicken or the egg?” The answer? Who knows? One can assume the chicken came first but then we are reminded that chickens come from eggs! The debate goes on.

Life Expectancy Increases for Individuals with Down Syndrome

In 1929, individuals with Down Syndrome lived to an average age of 9 years old. 9 years old. That is unbelievable! Today in 2005, the life expectancy is 55 years old with many living into their seventies. So what caused the dramatic change? Are individuals with Down Syndrome being born healthier? No, in fact it is society that has grown into a healthier outlook of these individuals.

What can schools do to help stop bullies and violence?

It's all about talking it out: Child to Child (Peer Mediation), Teacher to Parent (PTO's, PTA's), Teacher to Teacher (in service days), Parent to Child (at home). There should be town meetings involving the parents, students, and entire school faculty to discuss Conflict Resolution. The teachers should also allow the students to give "their" ideas on how they would like situations handled.

Empowering Kids to Deal with Bullies & Low Self-Esteem

Did you know that 23% of 9th graders have carried a weapon to school recently? According to the US Justice Department, one out of three kids will be offered or sold drugs at school and one out of four kids is bullied either mentally or physically every day. Do we really know what happens to our kids when they leave the safety of our homes to go to school?

Inconsistent Performance: Sometimes It’s Up and Down and All Over the Map

Inconsistent performance is the hobgoblin of all students struggling with learning disabilities. But, it seems to particularly plague Gifted LD students.

Testing Accommodations: Consistent Implementation Benefits Gifted LD Students

As this is my introductory column, I really should have tried harder to make this more informative and more worthy of the critical mass of credentials I’ve accumulated in the special education field over the last dozen or so years.

Bullying: Real problem / Real Solutions

Bullying is a hot topic. Children have killed other children. Schools have been put on high alert for weapons. The media sensationalizes the effects of bullying after every high profile event. But that is not the real story.