This lesson plan will work quite well for all grades depending on the complexity of the pictures used:

Objective:
1. The student will be expected to look at a picture of a deserted island and verbally tell the teacher what they would do if they were stranded on the island. This would include what they used for survival, for entertainment, for shelter and for ways that they might escape the island. Sounds like “Gilligan’s Island, “doesn’t it?

2. After the student relates the story to the teacher, he will then write his story using Microsoft Word.

Materials:
A picture of a deserted island is needed to get the student’s creative juices flowing. The pictures may be found on the internet. Art.com is a particularly good sight that allows you to copy a small version of the picture. A recording of the music of waves would be most helpful to help the student to set the scene.

Student materials:
The teacher and access to the computer lab.

Read more »

Section 504 is a part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which is a federal statute, not a state statute. Basically, Section 504 is an anti-discrimination, civil rights statute which insures the needs of students with disabilities are met as adequately as the needs of all students in educational system.

Section 504 (29 U. S. C. 794(a), 34 C. F. R. 104.4(a) “No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States, as defined in section 706(8) of this title, shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance….

Read more »

There is an old sayings that states: "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." Even though it is an old saying, it's a true statement. Everyone must have some fun each and everyday. To the dyslexia student this often seems like a dream. Much of his day is spent spending time after class while the others go out to play, or staying after school is out for the day for extra tutoring. Life can be overwhelming at this point to a young, energetic youngster who needs to let off steam. While a physical activity, such as individual or team sports is important for any child, it is especially helpful for those students with dyslexia. Playing sports, being in the band, hobbies, or any team effort allows the dyslexia child to achieve normalcy.

Read more »

In the spring of 2012, STAAR – the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness – will replace the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) program.

The Texas Education Agency, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and Texas educators worked together to develop a new assessment system as set forth by the 80th and 81st Texas legislatures. The focus was on increasing postsecondary readiness of graduating high school students and helping to ensure that Texas students are competitive with other students both nationally and internationally.

There will be two cut scores, and they will identify three performance categories:
•    Level III: Advanced Academic Performance
•    Level II: Satisfactory Academic Performance
•    Level I: Unsatisfactory Academic Performance

Read more »

School is now once again in sessions. You have prepared your child for the new school year, but are you prepared? As a parent, what do you need to know about your child’s school and his/her rights in that school? What right do you have as a parent? You, as the parent, definitely need to understand the laws of your state and how they work. You need to know all about the school that your child attends, how they work, how they score tests, and how standardized testing is done in that school.

State laws do give our children special rights, but you as the parent must advocate for your child to guarantee that your child gets the proper education that he/she needs. There is one outstanding website that will help you find the information available. This website will assist you in finding everything from how schools view parents to how schools view students. Sections of this website will assist you in understanding tests and measurements. This will enable you to understand test scores to identify a child’s strengths. Basically, only your child’s weaknesses are focused on the school report. You will find it refreshing to find that your child does have many really good points!

Read more »

New findings by the Council of State Government’s Justice Center made a bitter discovery this year when it found that Texas public schools more frequently disciplined children with learning disabilities by in school suspension, out-of-school suspension, and expulsion. Records were evaluated at Texas’s largest school system which enrolls close to one million students. They revealed that 75% of middle and high school students with disabilities had been suspended, expelled, or both at least once. Only 55% of the learning disabled students had not suffered those consequences.

Findings showed that the punishments were equally administered to the disabled students. Of those students suffering from an emotional disturbance, 90% were suspended or expelled at least once between the 7th through the 12th grades. Even more astounding was the fact that half of this group were suspended or expelled more than (eleven) 11 times.

Read more »

The ancient craft of origami got its name from the Japanese word "ori" (folding) and "kami" (paper). Actually origami began in China during the first or second century before traveling to Japan in the sixth century. The most noticeable attribute was the tranquility that the craft provided to the participants. Instead of bringing frustration, the craft developed problem solving skills and heightened thought processes.

In 1794, a small volume, How to Fold One Hundred Cranes was published. The littlebook contained the first set of written instructions for origami. Until then, all origami directions had been by word of mouth and the directions told from one generation to another. The book contained directions on how to fold a crane - the sacred bird of Japan, and relates the story of the Japanese custom that if a person folded 1,000 cranes, he would be granted one wish. With the publication of that book, origami soon became a very popular craft not only in Japan but around the world.

Read more »