User:Lbrown/Introductions and Society

Obama Budget Seeks Boosts for Early Ed., High Schools, Technology. Politics K-12. Your Education Road Ma p
=== This blog was chosen because I appreciate the exchange of opinions and ideas in relation to special education. As one of many teaching practitioners, it is also important to stay abreast of funding streams and budget allocations that 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. Both parents and teachers also would find it advantageous to understand that Free And Appropriate Education (FAPE) provides protection against school districts attempting to block access to assistive technology, requiring financial support. Ramasubbu (2016) provides key highlights with the protections provided by special education law. Emphasis is placed on how technology promotes Free and Appropriate Education, while enhancing the Special Education Teacher role in providing targeted individualized instruction..

===In New Zealand / Computers Empower Students with Special Needs === 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.