Showing posts with label professionals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label professionals. Show all posts

Sunday, 18 January 2009

a surprising profession

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/blog/the_dagger/post/Finally-an-answer-to-Whatever-happened-to-Kevi?urn=ncaab,134910
...

So, of course, we want to know what happened to him. Is he playing semi-pro ball? In Europe? Is he ... a middle-school teacher in West Virginia that coaches high school basketball for free? The New York Times found the Pittsnogler, and has the answer:

Now, at 24, he is a middle school teacher in his hometown. He is also an unpaid assistant coach for a high school basketball team. He bowls in leagues three nights a week and occasionally plays bingo at Big Bucks Bingo. His wife, Heather, is a bank teller. They have two children and live in a double-wide trailer, and together they wonder how much appetite they have for uprooting their lives again so Pittsnogle can have one more chance at a basketball career.

It's sort of a sad story -- Pittsnogle seems to be split in two. Half of him wants to play basketball, but the other half of him wants to chill out in West Virginia, teach school, play a little bingo at Big Bucks and live out a life that writer John Branch classifies as the one "he expected and wanted before he shot his way into the national consciousness." And still, he seems torn.


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Wednesday, 24 December 2008

Teachers of Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

http://www.cec.sped.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Ethics_and_Practice_Standards&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=9094

CEC Knowledge and Skill Base for

All Beginning Special Education Teachers of

Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

Standard #1: Foundations


...

BD1K1


Educational terminology and definitions of individuals with emotional/behavioral disorders.


BD1K2


Models that describe deviance.

BD1K3

Foundations and issues related to knowledge and practice in emotional/ behavioral disorders.

BD1K4

The legal, judicial, and educational systems serving individuals with emotional/ behavioral disorders.

BD1K5

Theory of reinforcement techniques in serving individuals with emotional/ behavioral disorders.

BD1K6

Principles of normalization and concept of least restrictive environment for individuals with emotional/ behavioral disorders in programs.

...

Standard #2: Development and Characteristics of Learners

ICC2K1

Typical and atypical human growth and development.

...

ICC2K5

Similarities and differences of individuals with and without exceptional learning needs.

ICC2K6

Similarities and differences among individuals with exceptional learning needs.

...

BD2K1

Etiology and diagnosis related to various theoretical approaches in the field of emotional/behavioral disorders.

BD2K2

Physical development, disability, and health impairments related to individuals with emotional/ behavioral disorders.

BD2K3

Social characteristics of individuals with emotional/ behavioral disorders.

BD2K4

Factors that influence overrepresentation of diverse individuals in programs for individuals with emotional/bbehavior disorders.

...

Standard #3: Individual Learning Differences

...

ICC3K2

Impact of learners’ academic and social abilities, attitudes, interests, and values on instruction and career development.

ICC3K3

Variations in beliefs, traditions, and values across and within cultures and their effects on relationships among individuals with exceptional learning needs, family, and schooling.

...

ICC3K5

Differing ways of learning of individuals with exceptional learning needs including those from culturally diverse backgrounds and strategies for addressing these differences.

...

Standard #4: Instructional Strategies

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ICC4S2

Teach individuals to use self-assessment, problem solving, and other cognitive strategies to meet their needs.

ICC4S3

Select, adapt, and use instructional strategies and materials according to characteristics of the individual with exceptional learning needs.

ICC4S4

Use strategies to facilitate maintenance and generalization of skills across learning environments.

ICC4S5

Use procedures to increase the individual’s self-awareness, self-management, self-control, self-reliance, and self-esteem.

...

BD4K1

Sources of specialized materials for individuals with emotional/behavioral disorders.

BD4K2

Advantages and limitations of instructional strategies and practices for teaching individuals with emotional/ behavioral disorders.

BD4K3

Resources and techniques used to transition individuals with emotional/ behavioral disorders into and out of school and post-school environments.

...

BD4S2

Use a variety of nonaversive techniques to control targeted behavior and maintain attention of individuals with emotional/ behavioral disorders.

Standard #5: Learning Environments and Social Interactions

...

ICC5K4

Teacher attitudes and behaviors that influence behavior of individuals with exceptional learning needs.

ICC5K5

Social skills needed for educational and other environments.

ICC5K6

Strategies for crisis prevention and intervention.

ICC5K7

Strategies for preparing individuals to live harmoniously and productively in a culturally diverse world.

...

ICC5K9

Ways specific cultures are negatively stereotyped.

ICC5K10

Strategies used by diverse populations to cope with a legacy of former and continuing racism

ICC5S1

Create a safe, equitable, positive, and supportive learning environment in which diversities are valued.

ICC5S2

Identify realistic expectations for personal and social behavior in various settings.

...

ICC5S4

Design learning environments that encourage active participation in individual and group activities.

ICC5S5

Modify the learning environment to manage behaviors.

ICC5S7

Establish and maintain rapport with individuals with and without exceptional learning needs.

ICC5S8

Teach self-advocacy.

ICC5S9

Create an environment that encourages self-advocacy and increased independence.

...

ICC5S14

Mediate controversial intercultural issues among students within the learning environment in ways that enhance any culture, group, or person.

...

ICC5S16

Use universal precautions.

...

BD5K2

Functional classroom designs for individuals with emotional/ behavioral disorders.

...

BD5S2

Use skills in problem solving and conflict resolution.

...

Standard #6: Language

...

ICC6S2

Use communication strategies and resources to facilitate understanding of subject matter for students whose primary language is not the dominant language.

...

Standard #7: Instructional Planning

...

ICC7K1

Theories and research that form the basis of curriculum development and instructional practice.

...

ICC7S7

Integrate affective, social, and life skills with academic curricula.

ICC7S8

Develop and select instructional content, resources, and strategies that respond to cultural, linguistic, and gender differences.

...

BD7S2

Integrate academic instruction, affective education, and behavior management for individuals and groups with emotional/ behavioral disorders.

Standard #8: Assessment

...

Standard #9: Professional and Ethical Practice

ICC9K1

Personal cultural biases and differences that affect one’s teaching.

ICC9K2

Importance of the teacher serving as a model for individuals with exceptional learning needs.

ICC9K3

Continuum of lifelong professional development.

ICC9K4

Methods to remain current regarding research-validated practice.

ICC9S1

Practice within the CEC Code of Ethics and other standards of the profession.

...

Standard #10: Collaboration

ICC10S7

Use group problem solving skills to develop, implement and evaluate collaborative activities.

ICC10S8

Model techniques and coach others in the use of instructional methods and accommodations.

...

1/ "Individual with exceptional learning needs" is used throughout to include individuals with disabilities and individuals with exceptional gifts and talents.

2/ "Exceptional Condition" is used throughout to include both single and co-existing conditions. These may be two or more disabling conditions or exceptional gifts or talents co-existing with one or more disabling conditions.

3/ "Special Curricula" is used throughout to denote curricular areas not routinely emphasized or addressed in general curricula; e.g., social, communication, motor, independence, self-advocacy.

Entry Level Special Educators

http://www.cec.sped.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Ethics_and_Practice_Standards&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=3458

Professional Preparation Standards

For Entry Level Special Educators:

CEC Initial Content Standards

Multicategorical:


For Advanced Level Special Educators:

CEC Advanced Content Standards - * See Reference Information Below *

Other

*Reference Research for Standards* Guide 1-Guide 2-Guide 3-Guide 4

If you are not sure what content standards you should use for your program please refer to our STANDARDS FLOW CHART.

Tuesday, 23 December 2008

Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

http://www.cec.sped.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Job_Profiles&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=2594
Home Professional DevelopmentCareer Center Job Profiles

Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

Therapeutic recreation specialists use sports, games, arts and crafts, music, dance, drama, sightseeing excursions and non-traditional recreation activities to improve or maintain the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of students who receive special education services. Therapeutic recreation specialists have special training and earned credentials that assist children with disabilities to benefit from education and improve the quality of life, increase independent function, and thus improve their quality of life.
Nature of Work
  • Determine the nature and impact of a student's disability to determine goals and planning for lessons or activities
  • Consults regularly with classroom teachers and health and special education professionals
  • Acts as a resource to staff about devices and equipment for students with disabilities
  • Assists students in after school activities that assist them in acquiring new skills or talents
Education Required
  • A bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation or recreation with an option in therapeutic recreation is the standard requirement for most jobs. A master's degree and doctoral degree are also available in this profession.
  • Most employees require therapeutic recreation specialists to be certified.
  • The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCRTC) has been the nationally recognized organization to certify therapeutic recreation specialists.

Personal Qualities

  • Therapeutic recreation specialists in schools are optimistic and patient and enjoy working with students of all ages who have various disabilities. They work well independently but are also good team players with other health care professionals. Therapeutic recreation specialists have excellent observation skills, are creative in adapting activities for their students, and can persuade a reluctant student to join an activity. They also possess good communication and record keeping skills.

Job Outlook and Advancement

  • According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics and National Therapeutic Recreation Society (NTRS), there are thirty thousand therapeutic recreation specialists who currently hold jobs in the United States. Employment is expected to continue to rise through 2005. Persons with advanced degrees are eligible for positions as program directors, supervisors, and college teachers.

How to Prepare for a Career

  • Find out if your school system employs a therapeutic recreation specialist. If yes, ask to talk to the specialist about his or her job. Special education teachers in your school can direct you to resources and organizations about this profession or they might have a personal contact with someone who is employed as a therapeutic recreation specialist. High school students interested in this career should take classes in English, science, physical education, art, music, and drama.

Resources

American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA)
1414 Prince St. Suite 204
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone (703) 683-9420
Fax (703) 683-9431

National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC)
7 Elmwood Drive
New City, NY 10956
Phone(914) 639-1439
E-mail nctrc@nctrc.org

National Therapeutic Recreation Society (NTRS)
22377 Belmont Ridge
Ashburn, VA 20148
Phone (703)858-0784
Fax (703)858-0794
E-mail ntrsnrpa@aol.com