Wednesday, March 16, 2016
EasyCBM
I had so much fun navigating this website! I love the measures section that offers tons of resources for math and reading. As a teacher, it is nice to know that these measurement tools are available to us and even have the potential to be administered online. By simply checking the "take online" box next to the measure, the teacher can determine the type of feedback the student receives and is also able to preview the measure from a student view. EasyCBM also makes progress monitoring a very convenient and simple task for teachers! Teachers are able to group or individualize their students as needed and all of the data that is collected is organized in one spot. This is something that is very appealing to me because I have always been worried about how to keep all of the data we collect organized. As we all know, teachers are responsible for making data-based decisions. Therefore, we need data, data, and more data. This website makes collecting and monitoring progress data so EASY. I guess that's why they call it EasyCBM! I can definitely see myself using this website as I begin my student teaching.
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Interactive Whiteboards and Flipped Classrooms
Interactive Whiteboards
In recent years, the use of interactive whiteboards has definitely been growing, especially in higher education. I think that the majority of us are more familiar with (or at lest have heard of) Smart Boards. These are the most popular brand/type of interactive whiteboards. I think that interactive whiteboards have the potential to be great resources in the classroom, if they are being used effectively. I know that the use of interactive whiteboards in the classroom is still fairly new and not many educators have mastered using them. Many of my own professors do not take advantage of the Smart Boards in our classrooms because they are unsure of how to use them. I am very interested in learning more about how to use interactive whiteboards in the classroom because they have so much more to offer than a traditional whiteboard. Interactive whiteboards can be used to facilitate multi-sensory learning and can accommodate visual, kinesthetic, tactile, and auditory learners.
As a special educator, I am very excited about the rising trend of interactive whiteboard use in the classroom. I think that this tool is beneficial for all learners, but could be especially helpful in a special education setting. Many children receiving special education need interactive, hands-on activities and instruction. Interactive whiteboards are the perfect tool for this!
Flipped Classrooms
Another rising trend in education is the implementation of flipped classrooms (again, especially in higher education institutions). I am interested in the concept of the flipped classroom but I do not know if it is something I would ever implement myself. I took a math class here at GVSU that was a flipped classroom and at first I really liked it, but as the semester went on it became harder to motivate myself to do the work outside of class. I liked having time to do homework in class, but learning the content at home was difficult at times. I became frustrated when I did not understand the lesson and had to wait for my professor to reply to my email before I could continue on with the material. This classroom set-up is great for students who are independent and motivated and will actually put time into the class. This is a terrible set-up for students who are more dependent on teacher instruction and have difficulty motivating themselves to stay on task. As a special educator, I don't think I would ever consider doing a flipped classroom with my students. Many children in special education require accommodations and support that are not available with flipped classrooms.
In recent years, the use of interactive whiteboards has definitely been growing, especially in higher education. I think that the majority of us are more familiar with (or at lest have heard of) Smart Boards. These are the most popular brand/type of interactive whiteboards. I think that interactive whiteboards have the potential to be great resources in the classroom, if they are being used effectively. I know that the use of interactive whiteboards in the classroom is still fairly new and not many educators have mastered using them. Many of my own professors do not take advantage of the Smart Boards in our classrooms because they are unsure of how to use them. I am very interested in learning more about how to use interactive whiteboards in the classroom because they have so much more to offer than a traditional whiteboard. Interactive whiteboards can be used to facilitate multi-sensory learning and can accommodate visual, kinesthetic, tactile, and auditory learners.
As a special educator, I am very excited about the rising trend of interactive whiteboard use in the classroom. I think that this tool is beneficial for all learners, but could be especially helpful in a special education setting. Many children receiving special education need interactive, hands-on activities and instruction. Interactive whiteboards are the perfect tool for this!
Flipped Classrooms
Another rising trend in education is the implementation of flipped classrooms (again, especially in higher education institutions). I am interested in the concept of the flipped classroom but I do not know if it is something I would ever implement myself. I took a math class here at GVSU that was a flipped classroom and at first I really liked it, but as the semester went on it became harder to motivate myself to do the work outside of class. I liked having time to do homework in class, but learning the content at home was difficult at times. I became frustrated when I did not understand the lesson and had to wait for my professor to reply to my email before I could continue on with the material. This classroom set-up is great for students who are independent and motivated and will actually put time into the class. This is a terrible set-up for students who are more dependent on teacher instruction and have difficulty motivating themselves to stay on task. As a special educator, I don't think I would ever consider doing a flipped classroom with my students. Many children in special education require accommodations and support that are not available with flipped classrooms.
Friday, February 12, 2016
Fair Use
Copyright law provides copyright holders with exclusive rights to the works that they have created for a limited period of time. When the copyright term expires, the work moves into "the pubic domain" and the public has unlimited access to the material. But what if individuals want to use copyrighted material before it moves into the public domain? This is where fair use comes into play. Fair use can be viewed as a sort of "loophole" when it comes to using copyrighted material. It is a doctrine that permits limited use of copyrighted material without obtaining permission from the author or rights holder.
So, what's the point of all these laws? Copyright laws give rights holders exclusive rights, which provides incentive for them to contribute creative works to society. Fair use laws are in tact to help minimize the tension between copyright law and freedom of expression. Below is a list of types of uses that have been recognized as "fair".
STAT: Experts estimate that industries reliant on fair use contributed $2.4 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2008–2009, or approximately 17 percent of the US GDP.1 In comparison.
Retreived from: http://fairuseweek.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/ARL-FUW-Infographic-r4.pdf
The Library of Congress (LOC) provides teachers with materials and tools that they need in order to effectively use primary sources in their classrooms. The LOC assesses all of their materials for legal considerations before placing them online. As an educator, I would feel very comfortable using this site to find primary resources for my classroom, without having to worry about copyright laws.
LOC website: http://www.loc.gov/teachers/
FAQs: http://www.loc.gov/teachers/usingprimarysources/copyright.html
Additional Sites Used
https://www.teachingcopyright.org/handout/fair-use-faq
http://fairuse.stanford.edu/overview/fair-use/what-is-fair-use/
So, what's the point of all these laws? Copyright laws give rights holders exclusive rights, which provides incentive for them to contribute creative works to society. Fair use laws are in tact to help minimize the tension between copyright law and freedom of expression. Below is a list of types of uses that have been recognized as "fair".
- Commentary & Criticism
- Parody
- News Reporting
- Art
- Scholarship &Research
- Time-Sharing
- Search Engines
STAT: Experts estimate that industries reliant on fair use contributed $2.4 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2008–2009, or approximately 17 percent of the US GDP.1 In comparison.
Retreived from: http://fairuseweek.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/ARL-FUW-Infographic-r4.pdf
The Library of Congress (LOC) provides teachers with materials and tools that they need in order to effectively use primary sources in their classrooms. The LOC assesses all of their materials for legal considerations before placing them online. As an educator, I would feel very comfortable using this site to find primary resources for my classroom, without having to worry about copyright laws.
LOC website: http://www.loc.gov/teachers/
FAQs: http://www.loc.gov/teachers/usingprimarysources/copyright.html
Additional Sites Used
https://www.teachingcopyright.org/handout/fair-use-faq
http://fairuse.stanford.edu/overview/fair-use/what-is-fair-use/
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Friday, January 29, 2016
Time Management
My new student teaching placement is significantly different than my last placement. Last semester I was a teacher assistant in a resource room for students K-4 and it seemed as if there was never a dull moment throughout the day! My new placement is in a MoCI (moderate cognitively impaired) classroom and I am working with students whose disabilities are much more intervening, which was something that I had obviously expected. Although I went into the classroom knowing that my new students would be working at a much slower rate, it has still been difficult for me to adjust to this new pace.
I love my new cooperating teacher and know that I will learn so many valuable teaching skills from working by her side. However, I cannot help but feel that there is a significant amount of time throughout the day that is not being utilized as effectively as it could be. I do not have any experience working with students with moderate-severe disabilities, so perhaps the pace that we are working at and the amount of content we are covering is what is appropriate for my students. I just find myself constantly thinking that we could be doing something more valuable throughout certain points of the day.
When I asked my cooperating teacher about things that take more time than she would like them to. She told me that there is always so much paperwork and documentation that needs to be completed and organized. IEPs alone take up so much time because of all of the testing and meetings that are associated with them. She also spends a lot of time finding and pulling material for her students because they do not have a set curriculum that they are working out of. Often times she creates her own informal assessments and charts to monitor their progress. Despite all of the time and attention that she is giving to these things, she still manages to establish strong, constructive relationships with each of her students!
I love my new cooperating teacher and know that I will learn so many valuable teaching skills from working by her side. However, I cannot help but feel that there is a significant amount of time throughout the day that is not being utilized as effectively as it could be. I do not have any experience working with students with moderate-severe disabilities, so perhaps the pace that we are working at and the amount of content we are covering is what is appropriate for my students. I just find myself constantly thinking that we could be doing something more valuable throughout certain points of the day.
When I asked my cooperating teacher about things that take more time than she would like them to. She told me that there is always so much paperwork and documentation that needs to be completed and organized. IEPs alone take up so much time because of all of the testing and meetings that are associated with them. She also spends a lot of time finding and pulling material for her students because they do not have a set curriculum that they are working out of. Often times she creates her own informal assessments and charts to monitor their progress. Despite all of the time and attention that she is giving to these things, she still manages to establish strong, constructive relationships with each of her students!
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Blogging in the Classroom
Blogging has the potential to be an incredibly positive and effective tool in the classroom. Blogs can be run by the class as a whole or individually by each student. Students can personalize their own blogs, allowing their creativity and personality to shine through their work! Blogs are meant to help individuals share their ideas and opinions in their own voice. The great thing about blogging is that it is an expressive and receptive tool. Students are free to express themselves through their writing while receiving feedback and new ideas from their peers. There is really no limitation on communication through blogging!
I love the idea of using blogging in my classroom because the product is something that my students will be able to hold onto. My students will forever be able to edit and add to their blogs as they see fit. I also love the fact that communication is open among peers and the public and can continue for any desired amount of time. This is something that google and word documents do not offer. I hated writing anything in high school because I knew that all I needed to do was write up something that my teacher would like, get the grade stamped on the top, and then I could throw my work in the recycling bin. Blogging allows students to write to a broader audience and receive feedback from multiple points of views. The conversation pertaining to a particular piece can go in many different directions.
Blogs are a great tool for students, but they can also be great for teachers! Let's be honest; there is never enough time in the school day to cover EVERYTHING that we want to. Blogs allow teachers to expand their lessons and go into greater detail than they are able to in the classroom! The students in your classroom could use the blog as a resource for further information, or perhaps to even study for an exam. Teachers can use blogs to communicate with students, parents, and fellow teachers. They are a great way to post updates on what is being done in the classroom, display students' work, and give reminders of due dates, exams, parent-teacher conferences, etc.
Blogs can be utilized in many more ways than a simple Google/Word document. They have a place in any classroom, regardless of subject. I definitely plan on taking advantage of this tool in my classroom someday!
I love the idea of using blogging in my classroom because the product is something that my students will be able to hold onto. My students will forever be able to edit and add to their blogs as they see fit. I also love the fact that communication is open among peers and the public and can continue for any desired amount of time. This is something that google and word documents do not offer. I hated writing anything in high school because I knew that all I needed to do was write up something that my teacher would like, get the grade stamped on the top, and then I could throw my work in the recycling bin. Blogging allows students to write to a broader audience and receive feedback from multiple points of views. The conversation pertaining to a particular piece can go in many different directions.
Blogs are a great tool for students, but they can also be great for teachers! Let's be honest; there is never enough time in the school day to cover EVERYTHING that we want to. Blogs allow teachers to expand their lessons and go into greater detail than they are able to in the classroom! The students in your classroom could use the blog as a resource for further information, or perhaps to even study for an exam. Teachers can use blogs to communicate with students, parents, and fellow teachers. They are a great way to post updates on what is being done in the classroom, display students' work, and give reminders of due dates, exams, parent-teacher conferences, etc.
Blogs can be utilized in many more ways than a simple Google/Word document. They have a place in any classroom, regardless of subject. I definitely plan on taking advantage of this tool in my classroom someday!
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Blogs from Educators
The Tattooed Teacher: Rachel is an elementary school teacher who LOVES to craft pull ideas from Pinterest. She offers free teacher resources on her blog and also shares fun tutorials of creative/crafty things to do in your classroom.
4 The Love of Teaching: Lana is a 5th grade teacher who teaches at a private Christian school. She shares about her classroom in a very interactive way and encourages feedback and advice from anyone who reads her blog.
Ms. Cassidy's Classroom Blog: Kathy is a 1st grade teacher who uses her blog to tell the world about what her students are doing in their classroom. She posts videos and pictures of their work so that people can read and comment on it. Her students love this because they literally have a world-wide audience.
ScienceFix: Darren Fix is a middle school science teacher who shares various science lessons and experiments on his blog. He posts entertaining videos of all the fun activities that take place in his classroom.
A Year of Reading: A couple of teachers created this blog to help fellow teachers discover and use new children's books in the classroom. Their blog includes reviews and suggestions of how a certain book may be used in the classroom.
Learning Is Messy: Brian Crosby shares his experiences blogging and using technology in the classroom. Conducting broadcasts in the classroom using Skype is just one of the creative ways that he uses technology.
Reality 101: The bloggers are members of Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) who have been selected to share about their experiences teaching students with special needs. This is a great way for special educators to connect, share stories, and offer advice to one another.
Teacher Sol: Maria Angala is an Exceptional Needs Specialist who shares about her efforts to improve special education. She also shares her lesson plans and teacher-made resources.
Special Education Strategies and More: Michelle has been a teacher at the preschool and elementary level for nearly 20 years. She strives to help teachers and parents of children with special needs find positive and effective strategies that promote academic, social, and emotional growth.
Teachers at Risk: Elona Hartjes is a special educator who shares insights and strategies to teaching students with special needs. She has developed an online professional learning community where people can share ideas and support one another.
4 The Love of Teaching: Lana is a 5th grade teacher who teaches at a private Christian school. She shares about her classroom in a very interactive way and encourages feedback and advice from anyone who reads her blog.
Ms. Cassidy's Classroom Blog: Kathy is a 1st grade teacher who uses her blog to tell the world about what her students are doing in their classroom. She posts videos and pictures of their work so that people can read and comment on it. Her students love this because they literally have a world-wide audience.
ScienceFix: Darren Fix is a middle school science teacher who shares various science lessons and experiments on his blog. He posts entertaining videos of all the fun activities that take place in his classroom.
A Year of Reading: A couple of teachers created this blog to help fellow teachers discover and use new children's books in the classroom. Their blog includes reviews and suggestions of how a certain book may be used in the classroom.
Learning Is Messy: Brian Crosby shares his experiences blogging and using technology in the classroom. Conducting broadcasts in the classroom using Skype is just one of the creative ways that he uses technology.
Reality 101: The bloggers are members of Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) who have been selected to share about their experiences teaching students with special needs. This is a great way for special educators to connect, share stories, and offer advice to one another.
Teacher Sol: Maria Angala is an Exceptional Needs Specialist who shares about her efforts to improve special education. She also shares her lesson plans and teacher-made resources.
Special Education Strategies and More: Michelle has been a teacher at the preschool and elementary level for nearly 20 years. She strives to help teachers and parents of children with special needs find positive and effective strategies that promote academic, social, and emotional growth.
Teachers at Risk: Elona Hartjes is a special educator who shares insights and strategies to teaching students with special needs. She has developed an online professional learning community where people can share ideas and support one another.
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Resources on Social Media
Facebook
- Amy Poehler's Smart Girls: Their motto is "Change the world by being yourself." This site promotes curiosity and authenticity among young people and encourages them to explore the world they live in.
- Free Technology for Teachers: Richard Byrne offers free sites and apps for teachers and students.
Twitter
- @drmichaelhart: Dr. Hart has an expertise in learning problems and attention issues. He focuses on helping people find effective approaches to learning.
- @ginabad: Gina Badalaty is the mother of two special needs daughters. She uses her site to motivate other parents with special needs children.
- @abilitycatcher: Cindy McCombe shares stories and details of having a daughter with cerebral palsy; she is also an ability advocate.
- @greggberatan: Gregg is a researcher and activist who focuses on disability rights.
- @coolcatteacher: Vikki Davis writes for a variety of publications and shares tons of information and insight on her page.
- @drselz: Dr. Selznick is a child psychologist and author who specializes in dyslexia and ADHD.
- @brightnotbroken: Diane and Rebecca emphasize how individuals with autism can embrace and utilize their differences.
- @debraruh: Debra Ruh's daughter was born with Down syndrome and created Ruh Global to help individuals with disabilities find employment opportunities.
- @giannajessen: Gianna has cerebral palsy and demonstrates how hard work can help anyone overcome obstacles in their own lives.
- @Coach_Robert: Coach Robert is a professional coach for adults with ADHD seeking to succeed professionally.
Instagram
- @teachinghumor: A fifth-grade teacher shares some teaching humor (which we all need a little bit of!)
- @whattheteacherwants: Rachelle and Natalie (two teachers) share tips and resources for teachers and parents.
Pinterest
- Brittany Washburn: Brittany is a science and technology teacher for first graders and offers many fun ideas and activities that incorporate technology into the classroom.
- Suzy Brooks: Suzy has provided over 50 Pinterest boards that offer ideas, strategies, inspiration and resources for educators.
YouTube
- Alice Keeler: Alice is a Google Certified Innovator who shares lots of great tips and tricks for using Google.
- Amy Mayer: Amy is a Google Education Trainer and Certified Teacher and shares many ideas and advice for using technology in the classroom.
- Hip Hughes: Keith Hughes is a US History and AP Government teacher who makes fun, upbeat videos that cover various aspects of history.
- MrBettClass: Mr. Bett's Class provides funny, educational videos on various topics related to social studies.
Monday, January 18, 2016
Educational Organizations
National-Level Educational Organization - Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Mission and Vision
All of the following information was gathered at CEC's website
Mission and Vision
- Mission Statement - "The Council for Exceptional Children is a professional association of educators dedicated to advancing the success of children with exceptionalities. We accomplish our mission through advocacy, standards, and professional development."
- Core Values
- Visionary
- Integrity
- Inclusiveness
- Premier ($205)
- Full access to print and online versions of articles and research including Teaching Exceptional Children and Exceptional Children
- Timely newsletters and communications including Special Education Today, Policy Insider, Ideas in Practice, CEC Leadership Briefing, and Topical Briefs
- CECommunity access - unrestricted contact with all CEC communities
- Savings and discounts on education programs, books, and resources
- Preferred member pricing on insurance programs
- Participation in CEC Special Interest Divisions and state/provincial unit membership
- Access to CEC Career Center
- Access to two recorded CEC webinars
- One e-book from CEC's bookstore
- Membership in one Special Interest Division
- Full ($115)
- Access to online versions of articles and research including Teaching Exceptional Children and Exceptional Children
- Special Education Today, Policy Insider, and quarterly Ideas in Practice newsletters
- Unlimited CECommunity access
- Savings on educational programs, publications, and resources
- Preferred membership pricing on insurance programs
- Special Interest Division membership (optional) and state/provincial unit membership
- Access to one recorded webinar and the CEC Career Center
- Basic ($65)
- Access to articles in Teaching Exceptional Children online six times per year
- Special Education Today and Policy Insider e-newsletters
- Special Interest Division membership (optional) and state/provincial unit membership
- CECommunity access
- Savings on education programs, CEC publications and resources, and insurance programs available through Forrest T. Jones, Inc.
- Access to CEC Career Center and ability to serve in CEC leadership
** Students receive 20% off of any individual membership!**
Social Media Outlets
- Twitter: CEC Membership
- Facebook: Council for Exceptional Children
Conferences
- DADD 17th International Conference on Autism, Intellectual Disability, and Developmental Disabilities
- Date: 1/20/2016 - 1/22/2016
- Location: Honolulu, HI
- 2016 Annual NCCEC Conference
- Date: 1/27/2016 - 1/29/2016
- Location: Pinehurst, NC
State-Level Educational Organization: Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE)
Four Focus Areas
- High Quality Student Evaluations - based on rules of State and Federal Special Education Law, best practice standards, and conducted by a highly skilled educational team
- Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) - organized and planned instructional activities
- Skilled Staff - maximizing learning outcomes of students with IEPs through systematic, individualized instruction
- Program Evaluation - investigating the effectiveness of programs
Memberships
- National/International Membership (Price varies)
- Members must already have membership in the International Council for Exceptional Children and the International Council of Administrators of Special Education.
- State Membership ($80)
- Member must be employed as special education supervisor, director, or planner who has primary responsibility for administration, direction, supervision and coordination of special education programs (state, intermediate and local).
- Nonvoting Associate Membership ($45)
- Any individual who does not qualify for the national/international or state membership.
Social Media Outlets
- Twitter: MAASEMichigan
Conferences
- Supervisors of Low-Incidence Programs (SLIP) Conference
- Date: 01/15/2016 - 01/16/2016
- Location: Crowne Plaza Lansing West Hotel
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
About Me
Hello!
My name is Samantha Batdorff and I am a SUPER senior at Grand Valley State University. I am majoring in special education and seeking endorsements in cognitive impairments and learning disabilities. This semester I am student teaching at Zeeland East High School in a self-contained classroom for students with moderate to severe cognitive impairments.
I have not had extensive experience planning and using technology in the classroom. During my time teacher-assisting, I used the projector a few times to display ten frames on the board to help me teach math lessons. My cooperating teacher and I also planned time for our students to play math games using the classroom ipads. When I took Math 322, a few other students and myself created and taught a geometry unit plan to 7th graders. This unit plan required the students to use an online math resource called Geogebra. In order to teach the unit effectively, we were required to master the use of this technology as well.
In my spare time I love to paint canvases and make crafty things. I am also a movie lover and Netflix T.V. show binge watcher. I love cooking and trying out new recipes; however, when it comes to baking I just may be the worst. I LOVE to travel. Three of the most exciting places I have ever been to are Thailand, Zambia, and Ghana.
I absolutely love doing all of these things, but I have not had time to do any of them in awhile. That is because I spend too much time doing my NEW favorite thing. My new favorite thing is to spend all of my time and attention on my sweet baby boy who was born this past summer! His name is Matthew and he is the light of my life. As wonderful and rewarding as it is to watch him grow, my heart breaks a tiny bit every time he hits a new milestone. He's not the itty bitty baby I brought home from hospital anymore! But he is a happy and healthy baby boy and that is more than enough reason to celebrate.
My name is Samantha Batdorff and I am a SUPER senior at Grand Valley State University. I am majoring in special education and seeking endorsements in cognitive impairments and learning disabilities. This semester I am student teaching at Zeeland East High School in a self-contained classroom for students with moderate to severe cognitive impairments.
I have not had extensive experience planning and using technology in the classroom. During my time teacher-assisting, I used the projector a few times to display ten frames on the board to help me teach math lessons. My cooperating teacher and I also planned time for our students to play math games using the classroom ipads. When I took Math 322, a few other students and myself created and taught a geometry unit plan to 7th graders. This unit plan required the students to use an online math resource called Geogebra. In order to teach the unit effectively, we were required to master the use of this technology as well.
In my spare time I love to paint canvases and make crafty things. I am also a movie lover and Netflix T.V. show binge watcher. I love cooking and trying out new recipes; however, when it comes to baking I just may be the worst. I LOVE to travel. Three of the most exciting places I have ever been to are Thailand, Zambia, and Ghana.
I absolutely love doing all of these things, but I have not had time to do any of them in awhile. That is because I spend too much time doing my NEW favorite thing. My new favorite thing is to spend all of my time and attention on my sweet baby boy who was born this past summer! His name is Matthew and he is the light of my life. As wonderful and rewarding as it is to watch him grow, my heart breaks a tiny bit every time he hits a new milestone. He's not the itty bitty baby I brought home from hospital anymore! But he is a happy and healthy baby boy and that is more than enough reason to celebrate.
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