Category: Special Education

‘A Focus On Visible Learning Practice: Two Teacher Perspectives from Shungnak School’ by Sam Jordan

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Shungnak School students and staff start the school day with movement to energize learning.

This spring, a cohort of educators from four partner school districts  participated in an online professional learning class focused on the implementation of Visible Learning practices in their classrooms. This class was formed as part of a multiyear effort to deepen the use of researched-based practices in classroom instruction through the Increasing Performance and Retention in Alaska’s Rural Schools (IPRARS) initiative, a federal grant managed by the Alaska Council of School Administrators (ACSA). Continue reading ‘A Focus On Visible Learning Practice: Two Teacher Perspectives from Shungnak School’ by Sam Jordan

‘Alaska Traditional Skills Curriculum Supports Culturally-Informed Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities’ by ASDN Staff

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Nova Picks a Fish graphic by Rain Van Den Berg, based on photo by Robyn Chaney. Cold Water Safety and Set Netting Unit.

As high school students with disabilities and their families start to plan for life after their K-12 school experience, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process requires that planning takes place to thoughtfully prepare for any needed supports and skill development to ensure that the transition to adult life is as successful as possible. Many Alaskan students and their families practice traditional Native Alaskan arts and subsistence skills, and a well-rounded transition plan should reflect those family activities alongside career and college readiness. Continue reading ‘Alaska Traditional Skills Curriculum Supports Culturally-Informed Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities’ by ASDN Staff

‘Picturing Your Future When the Internet Is Out’ by Jim Kreatschman at DOL

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It was late August 2020 and I was still hopeful that things would turn around and students would be back in school. I received a call from Robert Whipple, a teacher in Hooper Bay.  He was looking for secondary transition resources for his students in special education.

Public school students who receive special education services have a ‘Transition Plan’ as part of their Individualized Education Program (IEP). The transition plan outlines goals unique to each student’s interests and strengths to ensure a smooth transition from school to college and/or training, work and community living.

Hooper Bay Village

Robert explained how his students had little to no access to the internet away from the school building.  He was only able to work with each student for 30 minutes a week on the phone and needed activities to help them focus on their own transition from school to adult life. Continue reading ‘Picturing Your Future When the Internet Is Out’ by Jim Kreatschman at DOL

‘Keeping the Focus on Secondary Transition’ by Jim Kreatschman

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During these crazy times it’s hard to get what needs doing done! Even more difficult is focusing on planning for the future. Help is here.

The Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (DEED) have partnered with the Southeast Regional Resource Center (SERRC) to build Transition Alaska.org as a virtual classroom for teachers and students to keep the focus on transition. Continue reading ‘Keeping the Focus on Secondary Transition’ by Jim Kreatschman

DVR’s ‘Health Career Connections’ for Students with Disabilities by Jim Kreatschman

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This past December, high school students from Petersburg, the MatSu valley, Shaktoolik and Kotzebue attended ‘Health Career Connections’ in Juneau. Health Career Connections is designed to give students who experience disabilities an opportunity to explore all facets of the healthcare industry to determine if a career in healthcare is in line with their personal interests, skills and abilities. This program is part of the Alaska State Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s (DOLWD) investment in supporting school age students through its Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) Transition Program.

Students learned health care skills at the Health Career Connections program in Juneau.

Continue reading DVR’s ‘Health Career Connections’ for Students with Disabilities by Jim Kreatschman

“I Believe I Can Do Math!” – Fairbanks Summer Math Camp by Mentor Teacher Samantha Wuttig

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Students building and exploring 3D shapes.

This June in Fairbanks about 50 middle school students participated in a three week Summer Math Camp. This year’s camp focused on encouraging students to notice and wonder, to see different ways patterns grow, to persevere in solving problems, and to believe in themselves. Continue reading “I Believe I Can Do Math!” – Fairbanks Summer Math Camp by Mentor Teacher Samantha Wuttig

“Success Looks Like Me!” AKSDHH Releases Video Highlighting Successes by Ann Curry

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This past week, the Alaska School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AKSDHH) released a new video called ‘Success Looks Like Me!’ to celebrate the journey and achievements of our students. The AKSDHH provides pre-k through 12th grade educational options for deaf and hard of hearing students in Alaska.  Continue reading “Success Looks Like Me!” AKSDHH Releases Video Highlighting Successes by Ann Curry