User:Lbrown

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About Me
La Toya Brown has always had a passion for learning and working with kids, especially teenagers and their families. She completed her undergraduate education at San Jose State University where she earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Sociology, concentration Criminology. Meanwhile, she volunteered to help teenagers, and even spearheaded a local community outreach project, targeting at-risk teens, partnering with agencies and businesses of Santa Clara County, the East Bay, and even as far as Contra Costa county. Realizing she wanted to give more, she earned two graduate degrees which include a Masters in Public Administration from SJSU and a Masters in Special Education from the University of Phoenix, with authorizations in Autism Spectrum Disorders and English Language Learners. She is passionate about helping students to reach their full potential with a growth mindset. Additionally, La Toya enjoys activating her entire brain and she embraces cultural diversity. During leisure time, Ms. Brown enjoys partaking in a variety of activities which include: foreign language (ASL & Spanish), Toastmasters International public speaking club, photography & videography, domestic & international travel, visual and performing arts, mixed martial arts (drills & sparring), cycling (both indoor & outdoor) and event planning.

Professional Career

One of my many tasks as a Special Education Specialist are to provide individualized targeted instructional interventions, preserve the privacy of student data, review cumulative (cum) records, and to develop, maintain and distribute an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). My Special Education Specialist instructional intervention and case management job responsibilities are governed by legislation such as California's Ed Code, as well as federal regulations including the Individuals With Disabilities Act (IDEA), Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), and Free And Appropriate Education (FAPE). While demonstrating legal knowledge, I practice due diligence in staying informed on how to effectively deliver targeted response to intervention instruction based on innovative technology.

1. Introductions and Society
Although special education services target a small portion of the population, many of society's stakeholders are involved in developing, implementing and maintaining special education services. While engineers, researchers and educational professionals may design assistive technology to support learning, communities and school districts may be interested in funding stream allocations to support special education services.

Obama Budget Seeks Boosts for Early Ed

“Obama Budget Seeks Boosts for Early Ed., High Schools, Technology,” was chosen because I appreciate the exchange of opinions and ideas in relation to special education. As a teaching practitioner it is also important to stay abreast of funding streams and budget allocations that not only relate to FAPE, but also impact education. This article provides an overview of President Barack Obama's previous 2016 fiscal year budget request. The article emphasizes that biggest opponents are likely to be the Republican Party, or those that would rather earmark funds for something else.

Breaking Down Barriers for Special Needs Children

Needing a better understanding of assistive technologies and legal influence, Breaking Down Barriers for Special Needs Children was an interesting read. Ramasubbu (2016) provides key highlights with the protections provided by special education law. Emphasis is placed on how technology promotes FAPE, while enhancing the special education teacher’s role.

[http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/oct95/vol53/num02/In-New-Zealand-~-Computers-Empower-Students-with-Special-Needs.aspx '''In New Zealand / Computers Empower Students with Special Needs. Educational Leadership''']

The article, "In New Zealand / Computers Empower Students with Special Needs" was selected because I recently accepted a teaching position for students with moderate to severe learning disabilities; these students are non-verbal, autistic and have intellectual learning disabilities. (My previous experience involved teaching students with mild-moderate disabilities within the Resource push in/pull out setting). Also, there continues to be a debate surrounding when special needs students should be using computers / Ipads for learning, as well as the duration of computer / Ipad use. Selby and Nolan (1995) explain that computers can be used to empower these students. A students self-esteem and communicative abilities can also improve because computer based learning is self-directed. The teacher can also tailor the computer intervention program to the student’s learning needs.

 Best Resources 

When comparing the "Introductions and Society" resources, Breaking Down Barriers for Special Needs Children is the most valuable resource, because Ramasubbu (2016) explains how special education teachers can use technological innovation to meet the needs of exceptional students.

2. Privacy
While IDEA ensures that special needs students receive FAPE, FERPA protects student and family record privacy. Privacy affects everyone, especially the families and students being served in the educational school system.

Forum Guide to Protecting the Privacy of Student

As a follow up to recent National Forum on Education Statistics findings, the “Forum Guide to Protecting the Privacy of Student Information,” offers guidelines on how state and local education agencies can best preserve the privacy of student information. A summary of key federal laws, acronyms, and suggestions for the following are made: providing parent access to student records; securing privacy of data that is gathered, used and maintained by the agency; release of student information outside the agency.

The rise of individualized digital curricula and assessments, introduces new threats to preserving the privacy of student-data. Edweek (2015) features relevant incidents that may be of public concern. This includes schools sharing student data, as well as security breaches stemming from either weak or poorly planned procedures. Edweek (2015) shares proactive steps to alleviate future issues including: a request for Congress to clarify the preexisting unclear and vague legal language; proposing that school districts either implement or improve training systems on maintaining privacy of student data; increased purchasing for insurance to preserve privacy of student data, which are detailed in the list below.
 * A Special Report on Student-Data Privacy
 * Schools, Government Agencies Move to Share Student Data
 * Schools Learn Lessons From Security Breaches
 * Threat of Data-Privacy Litigation Fuels District Insurance Purchases
 * Why K-12 Data-Privacy Training Needs to Improve
 * Educators Hope Congress Provides Clarity, Support on Privacy Issues

IDEA and FERPA Confidentiality Provisions

The U.S. Department of Education. (2014) provides IDEA and FERPA provisions in regards to eligibility for specific federal education funding; confidentiality; consent; inspection and review; retention of records; procedural safeguards; dispute resolution.

 Best Resources 

When comparing the "Privacy" resources, The National Forum on Education statistical report, Forum Guide to Protecting the Privacy of Student is the most valuable resource. As a special education practitioner, this resource can be used to design a classroom organization system, that preserves the safety and privacy of my students.  

3. Copyright
Many teaching credential programs offer guidance on copyright law. Yet, when the teaching practitioner secures a position more emphasis tends to be placed on providing effective academic instruction. Over time, copyright law familiarity may be neglected, when reproducing learning materials for the classroom. But, most educators still have good intentions. Due to inadvertent negligence and legal misunderstandings, a few legal lawsuits may still arise when the teacher violates copyright law.

[http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr280.shtml '''The Educator's Guide to Copyright and Fair Use. Education World''']

Star (2010) refers to several U.S. legal mandates including: U.S. Copyright Office list or works that are not copyright protected; Section 107 of the Copyright Act explanation of fair use; Fair Use Guidelines For Educational Multimedia; intended purpose of software use and electronic communications; district and teacher liability. Educators often commonly assume that reproduction of learning materials is allowed, when the intent is not for profit. Therefore, Reproduction of Copyrighted Works by Educators and Librarians is a useful reference for explaining legal copyright requirements. This law details reproduction of text, pictures, video and audio records; opinions and recommendations are excluded from this document.

Legal Issues in On-Line Education

Alger (2002) presents legal issues that may arise from online education, which include: proprietary rights of materials and course ware; curriculum development; vague contract language; revenue sharing; stakeholder concerns; evaluation systems. Each segment concludes with recommendations on best practices.

Reproduction of Copyrighted Works by Educators and Librarians

The United States Copyright Office (2014) explains the jurisdiction of copyright law governing educators, librarians and activist reproduction of photocopying, videotaping and audio/sound recordings. This publication concludes with the process for recovering damages, following copyright violation.

 Best Resources 

When comparing the "Copyright" resources, The United States Copyright Office (2014) includes the process for recovering copyright violation damages. This is very useful when helping educators develop a thoroughly understand the repercussions of copyright violations. 

4. Crime
Public Officials often come under attack for misappropriation of funds. Within the city of San Jose, California, lawsuits and public complaints have arisen against multiple local district and school site administrators. Having witnessed these misfortunes first hand, the correlation between criminal engagement and disability, as well as misappropriate use of public funding makes these three literary works attractive.

NYC's special education system fails disabled students

Colangelo and Chapman (2016) provide a summary of a recent lawsuit, alleging that the city of New York's special education student information system was ineffective in ensuring adequate distribution of Medicaid reinbursements. This error jeopardized the educational needs of special education students.

Pipeline to Prison: Special Education too often leads to jail for thousands of American Children

[http://www.pacer.org/jj/pdf/JJ-8.pdf '''Students with Disabilities & the Juvenile Justice System: What Parents Need to Know. Pacer Center Inc].'''

Believing that students are capable of navigating their career, I find profiling to be both unethical and controversial. Mader and Butrymowicz's (2014) Pipeline to Prison: Special Education too often leads to jail for thousands of American Children, as well as Pacer Center's (2013) Students with Disabilities & the Juvenile Justice System: What Parents Need to Know explain that children are often tracked for prison based on reading and math skills, as early as third grade. Both literary works also explain that teachers often deal with the student’s behavior before the disability; most times this is because the ill prepared school district does not provide adequate deescalation training. Impact on the at risk high profile student may be a series of suspensions, alternative education and eventually imprisonment.

 Best Resources 

When comparing the "Crime" resources, both [http://www.pacer.org/jj/pdf/JJ-8.pdf '''Students with Disabilities & the Juvenile Justice System: What Parents Need to Know. Pacer Center Inc], as well as Students with Disabilities & the Juvenile Justice System: What Parents Need to Know '''are equally valuable resources, because correctional facilities are

5. Work Education
The challenge of teaching is multi-faceted. As a teacher I often serve students originating from low income households; while many own a cell phone there is no computer in their home. To close the achievement gap I am learning that I must help my students access computer technology, to strengthen their chance of being successful in the workforce.

The Impact of Technological Change in Education

Boggs (2014) shares his experience teaching with technological changes, as far back as 1968. He explains that the advancement of educational technology has influenced the students experience. In the classroom teachers and students now have more opportunities to personalize the learning experience using tools such as: electronic web links and video conferencing to teach; personal laptops; computer software to track student performance. Boggs (2014) also explains that the student’s interaction with campus departments such as the Bookstore, as well as Admissions and Records has also changed. Students can now manage enrollment and textbook purchases remotely.

A window on the world: Using Skype in the classroom

Phthisic (2016) provides an overview of Skype, a free web-based videoconferencing tool. Suggestions are provided for implementation in the classroom. The article concludes with suggestions on how to use Skype to teach (e.g. virtual field trips; developing professional communication skills; collaborating with other professionals; having experts virtually visit the classroom).

Creating a "Least Restrictive Environment" with Mobile Devices

Holland (2013) begins by explaining, in Creating a "Least Restrictive Environment" with Mobile Devices that sometimes the presentation of curriculum can further disable a special needs student. This is an ever growing concern as school districts try to save money by presenting everything digitally without the use of paper. The article goes on to suggested electronic devices that offer "text to speech" and voice recognition" software on the IPad, Android mobile applications, and the Google Chrome browser. The article concludes by emphasizing assistive technology allows a student and teacher to tailor the learning experience, encourages the student to present what they have learned using their preferred learning style, while promoting least restrictive environment legal mandates.

 Best Resources 

When comparing the "Work Education" resources, the most valuable Work Education resource is A window on the world: Using Skype in the classroom, because Common Core State Standards requires the K-12 students be able to demonstrate critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration as well as access to technology. Video conference applications such as Skype

6. Grand Challenges
As a special education specialist, I am fascinated with the development, functionality and deterioration of the human brain. Therefore I have selected reverse-engineering of the brain. Science, is an academic discipline in which I have minimal understanding. As a result, in hopes of gaining more clarify, I chose to review multiple articles featuring research spearheaded by Carnegie Mellon University's Computer Science professor, Tai Sing Lee, along with the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition (CNBC); Paul Allen, founder of Institute for Brain Science; Ray Kurzweil, computer scientist and inventor; Eric Kandell, the 2000 Nobel Prize-winning neuroscientist; graduate student Angela Bruno, of The University of Manchester.

Can robots be creative?

Weinberg (2015) explains the ongoing debate between artificial intelligence and artificial creativity. This video also explains that while neurons in the brain would make synapse connections, a computer would create random algorithms to demonstrate creativity.

The Most Amazing Race: Reverse-Engineering the Brain

The essential question presented in this article is "How long will it take for computers to exhibit human-level intelligence?" An ongoing debate between Ray Kurzweil and Paul Allen are referenced, addressing predicted time and methodologies to achieve this goal. While Kurzweil believes in the Law of Accelerating Returns, in which a function (e.g. a computer) will take an infinite value by 2045, Allen disagrees with this time for completion. According to Allen brain mapping’s complexity delays progress in achieving the Law of Accelerating Returns computer power. 

Scientists Begin Work on Reverse-Engineering the Brain

Meanwhile, Carnegie Mellon University's Computer Science professor, Tai Sing Lee, along with the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition (CNBC) are leading a research project involving exploration of the brain in relation to visual processing. Their goal is to make computers duplicate human mental processes, which in turn will have positive effects on neuroscience and artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, Sandra Kuhlman, Carnegie Mellon University Assistant Professor, is looking to track the neural dynamics within a single region of the brain. Ultimately, the intent of the research is to create machines with more human-like qualities, as well as developing improved learning and pattern recognition computer algorithms.

Discovering the complexity in reverse-brain engineering attempts, I enthusiastically completed additional research to increase my understanding.

Inside Paul Allen's Plan to Reverse-Engineer The Human Brain

This article consists of an interview conducted with Microsoft co-founder, Paul Allen, who in 2003 founded the Institute for Brain Science in Seattle. The interview details Allen’s historical interest in brain mapping. This article concludes with Allen’s hope as to future understandings of the brain which involve cell communication, visual system information flow, as well as what occurs in the middle of the brain.

Baby diapers inspired this new way to study the Brain

Neuroengineer, Ed Boyden (2016) explains that the same theory of adding water to a diaper, can also be applied to expanding polymers, images of the brain as well as other chronic diseases. Baby diapers inspired this new way to study the Brain. To achieve this task monomers can be inserted into the brain which will then create a chemical reaction. The 0monomers will wind themselves around biomolecules, thereby creating polymers. The polymers can then be pulled apart, which in turn will enlarge the image of the brain. Biomolecules will be color coded to identify the different types of biomolecules. The hope is that by enlarging the image of the brain cures for brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and epilepsy can be created.

Sea slug provides new way of analyzing brain data

Bruno, Frost, and Humpries (2015) Sea slug provides new way of analyzing brain data University of Manchester Graduate Student, Angela Bruno is spearheading a neuron project, along with the other researchers from the University of Manchester and Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in Chicago. By studying the locomotive movement of sea slugs these scientists are better able to understand brain neuron networks at single neuron resolution. Findings revealed that co-active neurons formed large groups.

 Best Resources 

When comparing the "Grand Challenges," Can robots be creative? is the most valuable resource, because the focus is on whether or not it will be possible for computer systems to duplicate human creativity. Having this familiarity, will help the general community to better understand the efforts and debate of artificial intelligence, exploration of human brain neuron connectors, and super computers.  

7. Control It
Many Students Lack Access to Computer Science Learning

As a follow up to Google's 2014 publication, "Women Who Choose Computer Science--What Really Matters," Busteed and Sorenson (2015) reported on statistical findings from multiple sources in regards to why students do not participate in computer science programs on campus. Lack of exposure and access reasons range from: no access to a computer on campus; no computer science club or computer program on campus; computer science is not taught; administrators and teachers don’t perceive a need for computer science programs; more funding is needed to adequately support computer science programs as well as the core elements of a computer science program.

Students Lack Access to Computer Science Learning 

Kelly (2013) provides an overview of research findings and recommendations prepared by the Technology & Social Change Group, of University of Washington’s Information School. According to this report, although there is a decline in computer and internet access in public venues, there is still a need internationally. Globally people rely on these public venues to access computers and the internet for education, employment and health.

Global study stresses importance of public Internet

When considering Busteed and Sorenson’s (2015) “Many Students Lack Access to Computer Science Learning” article which provided Gallop research findings, Williams (2016) gave a similar report in “Students Lack Access to Computer Science Learning.” The article concludes with lack of computer and internet access implications, as well as suggestions for solving the problem.

Curious about the impact of restricted access to mobile technologies I continued to investigate potentially relevant problems internationally. According to a Internet & American Life Project reporting on Pew Internet & American Life Project recent survey findings:
 * 90% of U.S. adults own a cell phone while 58% of U.S. adults own a smartphone
 * 54% of adults living with a disability use the Internet, compared with 81% non-disabled adults
 * Although a majority of the special needs population know how to use the internet, a majority of this population do not have internet access at home.
 * 42% of adults older than the age of 65 years old access the Internet.
 * 63% of adults earning less than $30,000 annual income, are able to access the internet, as compared to 90% of those with incomes over $50,000.
 * 50% of all households in Kansas City KS don’t have a static Internet connection in their homes. This makes KCK #7 among least connected large cities in America (2013 US Census)
 * 80% of low income households within minority neighborhoods do not own computers or have Internet connections. Of this population, 78% reside in multifamily subsidized housing facilities
 * 70% of Kansas City Public Schools students have no Internet at home. 40% move during the school year.

 Best Resources 

When comparing the "Control It" resources the Global study stresses importance of public Internet is the most valuable resource, because international access to the internet helps to preserve safety, a sustainable workforce, while enhancing education in multiple subjects.

8. Risks
The safety of special needs children are threatened by internet accessibility, neglect, and abuse. As a special education teacher, and former classroom aide I am constantly staying alert; looking out for potential safety threats that may arise.

'Children with special educational needs – Internet Safety Concerns

To determine the possible dangers of internet accessibility, Del-Manso et al (2011), distributed a survey to parents of special needs students. Survey respondents disclosed their concerns in regards to their child’s potential access to violent content, adult pornography, online bullying and online grooming. Other risks surround the classroom learning environment. While the risk of being a special education teacher can be legal repercussions or disgruntled families, the physical safety risks are equally high. A student triggered by an uncomfortable environment, undesirable task, or other antecedent may respond violently, often because they do not understand the appropriate behavior. The caring adult might also be injured in effort to accommodate the student’s needs.

Special Education Teachers Face Risks But Find Rewards 

Pohlig (2002) shares the safety risks of working with severely disabled students with behavior problems. This article also explains that the behavior is often a product of the disability and that the focus should be on changing the behavior. This can be achieved if school districts are proactive in providing sufficient de-escalation training, and school districts comply with delivery of cumulative records nationwide.

'Harford special education program under Scrutiny

Often autistic students have either over or under sensory to smell, touch, sound and sight. Green (2015) reported on a recent investigation of Hickory Elementary School’s self-contained Autism Program, of Baltimore, Maryland was conducted. There were concerns regarding abuse and neglect of the students. The students were frequently punished with furniture, potent scents (e.g. markers) and the noise of a rolling pin. Staff also failed to Individualized Education Plans (IEP). But the staff were poorly trained to meet the needs of this population.    Learning about the high incidents of safety risks that special needs students may face, it is important to take proactively protect these children.

Keeping Children With Disabilities Safe    

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities provides guidelines on how to best keep special needs children safe in, Keeping Children With Disabilities Safe. When thinking about the safety of the child one should consider the child's mobility, appropriate safety equipment (e.g. protective head gear, seat belt; smoke detector alarm (which may need to either vibrate for the hearing impaired; hand rails); verbal, hearing, vision and smelling abilities; exploration interests; attention/focus (e.g. a child that has ADD or ADHD may need to learn strategies for managing impulsivity).

 Best Resources 

When comparing the "Risks," Children with special educational needs – Internet Safety Concerns journal article, because internet access can pose multiple risks to children and adults with cognitive delays, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders; these populations are very vulnerable.

9. Mobile
Special Education rapidly improves with technology access. My interest in mobile devices involves exploration of how to more effectively use a mobile device to monitor a student’s progress, while also teaching the student how to monitor their own academic progress.

Uses and Effects of Mobile Computing Devices in K–8 Classrooms

Swan et al (2005) discusses a research study in which 4 primary level classroom technology utilization were investigated to determine how students use mobile computing devices whether or not mobile device use effects a student's motivation and learning process. Although there were research limitations, the findings revealed that student utilization of mobile devices were effective in student learning and motivation. Yet, motivation may be delayed when technical failures or inadequate technical support is available.

The Surprising Ways BYOD, Flipped Classrooms, and 1-to-1 Are Being Used in the Special Ed Classroom

xSchaffhauser (2013) explains that special education teachers are beginning to adopt utilization of the same assistive technology devices that are utilized in the general education classroom. Popular mainstream technology now includes flipped classroom approaches, mobile devices, and cloud based computing. Suggested ed tech initiatives include: bring your own device; Read&Write for Google Docs which generates vocabulary lists; customizing generic devices; screen casting in which the teacher flips the classroom by teaching the skill in video. The article concludes by offering advice to IT, from the perspective of the special education teacher.

The Flipped Classroom-Turning Traditional Education on its Head

Knewton Infographics (2016) also explains in The Flipped Classroom-Turning Traditional Education on its Head, that the student is encouraged to do homework in the classroom, so that collaborative work and concept mastery exercises can be performed with the teacher and peers help. The flipped classroom model requires the student to access technology at home. The 3 components of a flipped classroom include: educational technology and learning through activity influences the learning environment.

 Best Resources 

When comparing the "Mobile" resources, Uses and Effects of Mobile Computing Devices in K–8 Classrooms is the most useful resource, because students need to develop 21st century skill by accessing mordern technology to learn.

10. Future
In conclusion, as a special education specialist of 4 years, I have found myself taking a stance on the future of special education. Full Inclusion involves having the special education student in the general education setting 100% of the time. While some believe that full inclusion benefits all special education students, I believe that full inclusion reduces the intent of specialized academic instruction, FAPE and LRE. Full Inclusion also enables school districts to save money, who often consider special education an encroachment. Another issue that I see with full inclusion is that while the special education student's needs may no longer be met, everyone suffers. The general education teacher is ill prepared because their credentialing program may have not focussed on special education. To alleviate this potential problem general education teachers are being pushed to pursue a special education credential. Yet this is unfair because teachers initially selected a instructional discipline because that was their interest not their employer. Other issues involve inappropriate diagnoses; there tends to be over-representation of African Americans and Hispanics both in Special Education, juvenile justice system and prison system. Conduct Disorders have become the new diagnosis for the special needs student that refuses to comply with directives. The articles below elaborate on some of these controversial perspectives.

The future of special education is exciting if we dare to re-imagine It 

Eileen Soon, Special Education Teacher is interviewed by Krishnan (2016). Soon shares her recommendations on missing components of education which include a need for creativity, innovation, tenacity, and vulnerability. She also explains that students need to be encouraged to celebrate and learn from their failures, while discovering which multiple intelligences they can excel in.

Task force unveils plan to overhaul special education' 

California's Statewide Task Force on Special Education recommends an increased integration of special education such as application of evidence-based practices, data tracking, early interventions for children as young as 3 years old, and teacher training. Another goal is to save money by transitioning to full inclusion. However opponents argue that full inclusion may diminish a Least Restrictive Environment, which is tailored around the needs of the special education student.

10 Tips to Achieve Creativity and Innovation in Education

Elmansy (2016), provides an overview of innovation and the instructional strategies that can be used to foster student creativity and innovation. The author explains that when a student discovers a solution or invents something they are innovative. The other also goes on to describe several instructional strategies that foster innovation and creativity such as the Pestalozzi Method, the Montessori Method, the Harness Style, Project Based Learning. The Harkness instructional style diverts away from the linear teacher driven class, in which students are encouraged to share their ideas and opinions by sitting in a circle. Project Based Leaning involves students combining their knowledge on a real-world type project. Pestalozzi Method which encourages students to independently discover solutions to problems. The Montessori Method involves the teacher observing a student’s process of self-learning. The article concludes with reference to a variety of design thinking methods including: Disney model; Serious Play; De Bono Six Thinking Hats; Scamper technique for creative thinking; Problem-solving using Hurson’s product model; Reverse brainstorming.

 Best Resources 

When comparing the "Future" resources, The future of special education is exciting if we dare to re-imagine It is the most valuable resource, because challenging special needs students is emphasized; special needs students need to be pushed to develop college readiness skills.

Reflection
My favorite topic continues to be Reverse-Brain Engineering grand challenge. The most informative resource for providing information on computers and society was "The Most Amazing Race: Reverse-Engineering the Brain." I enjoyed reading this article because the concepts were thoroughly explained. I also appreciated the featured contrasting perspectives on methodologies and desired speed for achieving the reverse-engineering to the brain.