A BIRTHDAY AT THE NY FOUNDLING HOSPITAL - AWARD WINNER - EDUCATION UPDATE
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Award
Award Volume XII, No. 12 • New York City • AUGUST 2007
www.EducationUpdate.com
Winner For Parents, Educators & Students
A Birthday at the NY
Foundling Hospital
u.s. postage paid
VOORHEES, NJ
Permit No.500
PRSRT STD.
10 Special Education ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ AUGUST 2007
From the NYU CHILD STUDY CENTER: ASK THE EXPERT
Taking Giant Baby Steps: Early
What Can I Do If My Child Has Intervention Services Under Part C
Anxiety at the Start of the School Year? According to recent statistics done by the
Developmental Disabilities Branch from the
intervention services for infants, toddlers, and
their families. Some of the questions that he cov-
By Glenn S. Hirsch, M.D. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in ers in his article include:
in school. Children who Atlanta, GA, about 17 percent of children under -What is Part C is out of the IDEA?
As I get older it feels like the summers get are reluctant to attend the age of 18 develop and cope with learning, -What early intervention services are available
busier and shorter each year. And so it is time school often express behavioral and developmental disabilities. Out of and who is eligible for them?
to talk about getting the kids ready to go back some upset in the eve- these children less than 3 percent of those under -What are the signs of a child with a disability
to school. ning before school, the age of three are participating in the feder- and steps to take after diagnoses?
For most children the return to school is greeted especially after a week- ally funded Early Intervention programs. Early Randy Chapman is the Director of Legal
with eager anticipation combined with a mild end, and many children intervention, with proper diagnosis and support, Services at The Legal Center for People with
dose of anxiety. Greeting old friends, sharing with separation anxiety is crucial in these kids development. Disabilities and Older People, Colorado’s
their summer experiences, and wondering who complain of stomach Educational law expert Randy Chapman has Protection and Advocacy System. He is the
the new teacher(s) will be are all part of the mix upset or headaches on answers for parents and educators on how they author of three books, including The Everyday
of thoughts leading up to the first day of class. schooldays. When asked, these children may can use Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Guide to Special Education Law, (The Legal
The new school year presents new possibilities tell you that they are worried about something Education Act (IDEA) to enhance their child’s Center 2005). The Everyday Guide is also avail-
and opportunities, a chance to start fresh, and bad happening to their parents or that they fear development and minimize developmental delay. able in the Spanish/English version, Gui?a de la
make new friends. being kidnapped or their home being burglarized. In his new article, “Taking Giant Baby Steps: Ley de Educacion? Especial. For 29 years, he
A minority of children, however, approach Often they will call home several times a day to Early Intervention Services Under Part C,” Randy has been promoting and protecting the rights of
school with trepidation and fear, and some will be ‘check-in’. answers some people with disabilities.
so paralyzed by their anxiety that they will refuse If your child does express some anxiety at the commonly asked questions regarding early
to go to school. start of the school year, the following suggestions
Preschoolers’ fears are often due to separating are offered by the clinical faculty of our Institute
from their parent. They will often cry and plead for Anxiety and Mood Disorders: But, you may ask, how can I do that if my unhappy, has physical symptoms before leaving
for their mother or father to stay with them when If your child expresses concern about starting child is so unhappy? Try to find ways to enable for school, or develops sleep problems it is time
being dropped off at daycare or preschool. For school, accompany your child on a visit to the the child to go to school. For example, a child is to seek professional help.
most children this anxiety is transient, but for school and meet the teacher before school starts. likely to feel reassured if times are set for him I hope the end of the summer and beginning of
some this may be part of a pattern that includes Do not deny the child’s anxiety or worries, or her to call the parent from school. In extreme the school year are enjoyable and successful.
anxiety and fearfulness going to sleep at night, but acknowledge them and reassure him/her. For cases, a parent may stay with the child in school, This monthly column provides educators, par-
going to a peer’s house for a play date, or being example: “I know you’re worried I won’t be there but only for a specified length of time, which is ents and families with important information
left with an unfamiliar person. to pick you up, but there’s no reason to worry. I’ll then gradually reduced. It is most important to about child and adolescent mental health issues.
By the time children get to elementary school be there.” tell the child exactly what s/he is to expect. There Please submit questions for ASK THE EXPERT
we no longer expect them to experience sustained A child with separation anxiety breaks the heart should be no “tricks” or surprises. to Glenn S. Hirsch, M.D., Medical Director at
separation issues. However, some will continue to of any compassionate person. Yet, the best rem- Do not quiz the child about why s/he feels the NYU Child Study Center at glenn.hirsch@
have the same anxiety they had in the preschool edy is to help the child to not give in to anxieties. scared. The child often does not know why. med.nyu.edu. To subscribe to the ASK THE
years, and others will develop severe anxiety for As much as possible, you should prevent accom- Reiterate that the fears make no sense and that the EXPERT Newsletter or for more information
the IDA-NYC_AVEad_F 12.17.06
first time. Anxiety can be triggered 09:24
simply by modating PM by Page
the child allowing 2him/her to avoid child has to fight them. about the NYU Child Study Center, visit www.
the start of the school year, a move, or change separations. If your child is not flourishing, is visibly AboutOurKids.org or call 212-263-6622.#
“Our son is
failing spelling. Aa-Ss
He tries so
hard, but it’s
not helping.”
If your child or someone you know is struggling
with reading or writing, we can help.
The New York Branch of the
International Dyslexia Association asperger-syndrome
provides information, referrals, Learn about Asperger Syndrome. Children with AS can’t
workshops and support to parents navigate the complexities of social interaction. If they don’t
get enough age appropriate social experiences as they
and professionals on the impact grow, they can become increasingly isolated from their peers.
Treatment and educational intervention are critical. To learn
and treatment of dyslexia. more contact the NYU Child Study Center.
NYU Child Study Center - Giving Children Back Their Childhood
INFORMATION Contact us at 212.691.1930 or visit www.nybida.org. www.AboutOurKids.org - (212) 263-6622
AUGUST 2007 ■ For Parents, Educators & Students ■ Education update 11
Bank Street’s Leadership I will educate tomorrow’s innovators and inventors.
Preparation Institute (LPI) I am a PolyThinker.
As long as New York City schools continue Bank Street, is the program coordinator.
to need leaders dedicated to bringing effec- BETLA, a specialized teacher-leader program,
tive learning to students who represent a wide offers 13 graduate credits to students who take
spectrum of abilities, Bank Street College of a series of courses in advanced curriculum and
Education’s Leadership Preparation Institute instructional practice, staff development and
(LPI) will be there. leadership development. BETLA-trained teach-
“The Institute prepares school leaders for the ers are prepared to lead and counsel other teach-
opportunities, realities and challenges present in ers of English language learners.
urban school contexts,” said Dr. Sabrina Hope Laura Ascenzi-Moreno, a 2004 graduate of
King, the newly appointed LPI Director. BETLA, says she learned at Bank Street how to
The three programs that comprise the LPI regu- develop sound relationships and nurture profes-
larly turn out scores of teacher-leaders, coaches, sional development skills with the teachers she
assistant principals, and principals, all of whom coaches.
are dedicated to the special needs of students at “Now I sit in on classes in my school, then help
all levels of achievement. the teachers without a leadership background by
These programs include: studying how language intersects with their stu-
The Principals Institute (PI), whose goal is to dents’ cognitive experiences,” she said.
increase the pool of women and leaders of color
in the city’s public schools. PI’s mission is to pre-
The third program of the LPI is the Teacher
Leader Program, a certificate program that pre-
Join us for a graduate infosession!
pare public school leaders who are ethical, reflec- pares students to support teacher development
tive, and collaborative. In addition, they leave the in their schools. Similar to BETLA, the Teacher Thursday, August 23rd, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
PI with the knowledge, skills and dispositions to Leader students are prepared to assume formal
create a school environment where staff and stu- and informal roles as teacher leaders while retain- Westchester Graduate Center 40 Saw Mill River Rd. • Hawthorne, NY 10532
dents can reach their highest potential. ing their positions as classroom teachers or while Brooklyn MetroTech Campus Six MetroTech Center • Brooklyn, NY 11201
PI students work towards a master’s degree and gaining release time to assume additional roles. Long Island Graduate Center 105 Maxess Road • Melville, NY 11747
state certification as School Building Leaders, After taking a class in literacy as part of the
which enables them to get jobs as principals and Teacher Leader program curriculum, former stu-
assistant principals. dent Krista Senator decided to become a literacy Inquire about graduate scholarships for education professionals.
Students are assigned into cohorts for the coach in her school.
eighteen-month program, participating in and “A literacy coach is a staff developer focus-
supporting each other in classes together. Each ing on literary professional development, which • biological & chemical science
student is assigned an advisor who meets with helps meet school goals in that area,” she said. • computer science Please RSVP
him or her throughout the program. All three of these programs under LPI focus • engineering
• finance & risk engineering phone: 1-800-POLTYTECH
“The advisors sat with you, helping you to on student mutual support, collaboration with
• management e-mail: gradinfo@poly.edu
become a more reflective practitioner,” recalled instructors and personal as well as professional
• tech writing & digital media online: www.poly.edu/graduate
Trevor Naidoo, principal of Landmark High growth, with an emphasis on group meetings.
School in Manhattan and a graduate of the PI. “Reflective questioning in groups really helps,
Another program under PI is the Bilingual/ESL especially when it is as active as possible. That
Teacher Leadership Academy (BETLA), a collab- kind of group work is key,” said Senator.
orative effort between Bank Street and the New York All three programs, LPI’s King said, “share
Education Department’s Office of Bilingual Education something else in common and that is a strong
and Foreign Languages. Dr. Lillian Hernandez, of commitment to young students most in need.”#
Bergen Academies Telecommunications is also a futuristic take on
education. Working with Cisco Systems, students
NCLB continued from page 4
Instead of what the brief calls “shortsighted
proposals” that merely extend testing require-
continued from page 7 build their own networks from the ground up. ments to high schools or simply reserve portions
The Academy for Visual and Performing Arts • NCLB holds schools accountable for test of current funding streams for high schools, the
labs, is that it is staffed by two medical profes- boasts three powerful strands: music, art, and the- scores, but does not effectively hold high schools Alliance calls on Congress to reauthorize NCLB
sionals, each with decades of experience in genet- atre. At the heart of the music program is a sym- accountable for whether their students actually with “a systemic solution that reflects all that
ics and molecular biology. Students in AMST phonic orchestra, a jazz band, and a host of other graduate. is known about improving high schools from
are learning medical diagnosis through the use ensembles and quartets. The Academy Choir, • 71 percent of the nation’s eighth graders read research and best practice.”
of robotic patient simulators, typically reserved which has been invited to the White House, has below a proficient level, yet there is no federal According to Wise, “Research and best prac-
for training medical professionals. “Sim-Man” won National recognition for excellence. The effort to improve reading and comprehension in tice have demonstrated that there is no excuse for
(robotic patient) can be programmed to exhibit Visual Arts Academy is outfitted with a complete middle and high school as there is in grades K-3. failing to address the needs of our high school
symptoms of hundreds of medical conditions to 4-camera television studio, capable of broadcast- • The limited tools NCLB provides to improve students. NCLB reauthorization must include
challenge students to make accurate diagnoses ing around the world. low-performing schools reflect neither research provisions to improve the calculation of gradua-
based on symptoms obtained through sophisti- The challenge at BCA is not what to sample, nor best practice and are not effective for high tion rates, invest in data systems, support educa-
cated instrumentation. but finding enough hours in the day to experience school reform. tors, drive meaningful accountability linked to
Venture into the nerve center of the Academy of the countless opportunities for learning and self- Wise continues, “The present NCLB does not high school improvement, and ensure the neces-
Engineering and Design Technology and witness growth. At Bergen County Academies, the future effectively reach high schools, and too many sary resources and capacity to provide an excel-
students bringing the blueprints they create in is bright indeed.# children are being left behind by the ninth grade. lent education for every student. Some of these
state-of-the-art graphic design programs to life Danny Jaye is Education Update’s “Outstanding With the law up for renewal this year, this is issues are addressed in existing proposals from
with computerized 3D modeling machinery. Educator of the Year 2005” as well as former the time to build on the ideals of ‘no child left Members of Congress, including the Striving
A visitor to the Academy of Business and chair of the math department at Stuyvesant HS behind’ and pass legislation that will lead the Readers Act of 2007 (S. 958 and H.R. 2289) and
Finance will find students versed in the use of in NYC. nation toward ‘every child a graduate.’” the Graduation Promise Act (S. 1185).” #
SAP, the software that major manufacturers use
to run their companies.
The Academy for the Advancement of Science
and Technology boasts a math team with hun-
dreds of members. Their passion for problem
solving is evident through their practice schedule Expert Electrical Schools & HELP! CHEMISTRY,
PHYSICS TESTS
that includes Saturdays and Sundays.
The Academy for Computers and
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12
H elping C hildren
EDUCATION UPDATE | AUGUST 2007
in Need
A Unique Birthday Celebration
at the New York Foundling H ospital
William Baccaglini Jr., Director, The NY Foundling & Gillian Granoff Gillian Granoff & children
By Dr. Pola Rosen lical Hebrew prayer before eating as well. The
Gillian Granoff, a Brown graduate, had cel- warmth and love in the room was palpable, the
ebrated her 10th reunion at Brown University, exchange of prayers made each person aware
when she decided she would have her birthday and accepting of religious differences.
party with 15 children, ages 4 to 12 whose birth- Covenant House, founded in 1859 by the
days, and indeed existence, had been ignored by Sisters of Charity, was to provide shelter and
absentee parents for years. With her customary respite to poor orphans as well as abused and
thoughtfulness and concern for others, Gillian abandoned children. Today, there is an acute unit
(a reporter for Education Update) planned the for ill children as well as the unit where Gillian
party with the Foundling Hospital’s director had her party which contains a Department of
William Baccaglini Jr., arranging for 6 huge Education School, and in addition, a unit for
pizzas, salad, bottles of soda, cake, pin the tail pregnant teens where their babies can be born
on the donkey, hokey pokey and prizes for all. in safety.
Gillian asked friends and family to bring small Are you having a birthday soon? Follow
stuffed animals and toys in lieu of gifts for her. Gillian’s tradition; consider sharing your spe-
There was lots of fun and good old fashioned cial day with children less fortunate who will
cuddling and hugging of all the children inter- remember your birthday forever and treasure the
spersed with the excitement of the games, good- small toys that no one else cares to give them.#
ies and toys. Contact Gillian at gilagran@aol.com for more
One of the Sisters had the children say a information.
blessing before eating and Gillian shared a bib-
Adoptive Families’
S ummer Reading G uide Gillian & her mother Perry Granoff
It’s July, and time for Adoptive Families’ AF PICKS: Best Memoirs
yearly crop of summer reading picks. Below,
you’ll find powerful adoption memoir •The Waiting Child, by Cindy Champnella
excerpts. To the right, you’ll see our first
annual Best Adoption Books list. Visit AF’s
•I Wish for You a Beautiful Life, Sara
Dorow, ed.
“A life of homelessness and poverty is devastating
bookstore for even more recommendations.
Happy reading!
•Borrowed Finery, by Paula Fox
•ITHAKA: A Daughter’s Memoir of Being
for a child. The stigma of being a social outcast
Love in the Driest Season
Found, by Sarah Saffian
•The Kid, by Dan Savage erodes a child’s sense of self-worth. For a home-
by Neely Tucker •In Their Own Voices, by Rita J. Simon and
“She blinked again. Then she reached out Rhonda M. Roorda less child, education offers probably the only
and, in a wobbling gesture, wrapped her hand •An Empty Lap, by Jill Smolowe
around my little finger....” Read more. •Love in the Driest Season, by Neely road out of his seemingly hopeless situation. It
Tucker
1
China Ghosts
by Jeff Gammage
•The Adoption Reader, Susan Wadia-Ells,
ed.
offers contact with a stable, sheltered world; it
“These kids, with their wan smiles and
growling stomachs, follow you across the
•Secret Thoughts of an Adoptive Mother, by
Jana Wolff
provides examples of strength and courage; it
ocean, move into your house....” Read more.
AF PICKS: Best Adoption Storybooks teaches self-worth and initiative. And it provides
The Mistress’s Daughter
by A.M. Homes •Sam’s Sister, by Juliet C. Bond; illustrated badly-needed skills.”
“I have allowed this because I understand
the need for proof, for some true measure of
by Dawn Majewski
•How I Was Adopted, by Joanna Cole;
Broken Lives: Denial of Education to Homeless
our relationship....” Read more. illustrated by Maxie Chambliss Children. National Coalition for the Homeless.
December 1987
Museum Mile AUGUST 2007 | EDUCATION UPDATE
13
El Museo del Barrio Mummies in Brooklyn
S potlights Museum Collection to
Emerging Artists Undergo S cientific S tudy
By Sybil Maimin on the floor illustrates “the beauty of horror,” in
For those unfamiliar with El Museo del Barrio, the words of Jesus Rivera (Cuba). Adriana Lopez
the exciting Latino cultural institution on Fifth Sanfeliu’s (Spain) photos of women in Spanish
Avenue between 104th and 105th Harlem capture conflicted
Streets in Manhattan, now is a roles in a machista, dominant
great time to become acquainted. white society. An installation
For those who are already fans, the of a floor-based Calder-like
current show, El Museo’s Bienal: mobile that resembles an oil
The (S) Files, which runs until field infrastructure together
January 6, will reward a return visit. with pertinent documents is
Featuring the work of 51 emerging Alessandro Balteo Yazbeck’s
Latino/Latin American artists who (“Venezuela) bitter commen-
currently reside in the New York area, tary on the Iraq war. Fernando
the Bienal is brimming with ideas and Falconi paints himself into
talent. (S) Files means “the selected large-scale copies of illustra-
files” and alludes to the choice of tions in popular children’s text-
most of the work from unsolicited books in his country (Ecuador)
submissions to the museum’s Artists’ Archive. In to reread his nation’s image of itself. Some work The Brooklyn Museum Conservation mine, but it remains unclear whether the paint
addition, a “guest country,” Ecuador, that does not utilizes video, light, sound, and interactive ele- Laboratory is beginning a study of the human itself was manufactured there or, alternatively,
get much exposure in the New York art world, ments and others are site-specific installations. and animal mummies in the Museum’s collec- whether if the lead ingredient was traded to
has contributed the work of five of its artists. The El Museo del Barrio director Julian Zugazagoitia tion, using the tools of modern-day scientific Egypt with the paint then produced locally.
art is contemporary and wide ranging in medium, speaks of “the Latin American contribution to investigation to reveal new information about In addition to X-ray fluorescence, the team will
subject, and style. Curator Elvis Fuentes explains, defining the cultural landscape of New York” mummification practices in ancient Egypt thou- use CT scanning: this will permit a non-invasive
“People tend to think there is a style of Latino art.” and his goal of “strengthening support of Latino sands of years ago. The project will bring examination of the mummy interiors, providing
The show “is not about denying traditional Latin artists” in the city. Rodolfo Kronfle Chambers, together scientists from the Brooklyn Museum, medical information related to, for example,
American art, but about showing variety. Artists curator of the art from Ecuador, explains his the Getty Conservation Institute, in Los Angeles the condition of the bones, as well as examin-
look for new ways to express traditional subjects.” nation has “mostly traditional art which is a and the University of Bristol in England. It will ing other burial materials that might have been
Three themes emerge. “A Wild Eye” encompasses problem because artists have to go outside the begin with the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) of the included within the wrapped linens. Carbon 14
nature and global warming. “Adrenaline” includes country to become known.” Participating artists, first-century C.E. mummy known as Demetrios, dating will also be used to help provide an accu-
the cult of hyper-masculinity, violence, and war. several being shown for the first time, are clearly which will be a part of the forthcoming exhibi- rate date of the mummies’ creation. Finally an
“Agora” addresses current “hot” political and appreciative of the opportunity. Reflecting senti- tion To Live Forever: Egyptian Treasures from analytic method known as GC Mass Spec, will
social topics. ments of many of his colleagues, Augusto Zanela the Brooklyn Museum. help determine which chemicals were employed
Florencio Gelabert (Cuba) constructs an eight- (Argentina), whose outsized black and white wall X-ray fluorescence will allow analysis of the in the technical process of mummification and
foot long plywood and resin replica of the island graphic frames entry to the exhibit, speaks of painted surfaces associated with the wrapping how their composition changed during the three
of Manhattan filled with artificial plants but no the show as “very important, the most important of mummies, including painted linen bandages thousand years these techniques were in use.
buildings. It sits on the floor and will be moved show in my career so far.” and shrouds. Preliminary results have shown The Brooklyn Museum’s world-renowned col-
to various locations during the exhibit. Having El Museo del Barrio was founded in 1969 that the red paint used on the Demetrios mummy lection of ancient Egyptian material includes
no space of its own, it becomes a “nomadic in response to concern in the local community may have been made, in part, from components five human mummies and nearly fifty animal
sculpture.” Dulce Pinzon (Mexico) photographs that Puerto Rican culture was not represented in imported from Spain. The lead in the paint is mummies, among them cats, crocodiles, and
ordinary working people doing their jobs dressed New York museums. In 1994, because of local suspected to have come from a Spanish silver birds.#
in super-hero garb in order to question our defini- and national demographic changes, the museum
tion of hero and our indifference to those laboring extended its representation to all Latin American
around us. Melissa A. Calderon (New York City)
explores the stereotype of Latina emotions as
and Latino communities in the United States.
Thanks to the MetLife Foundation, admission The Studio Museum in Harlem
Youth Program
“dramatic and over exaggerated” with a large cas- to the museum will be free during the run of the
cading arc of white, cried-on tissues shooting out Bienal. Tours are given on Saturdays at 1 pm
of a silver box. A large golden rocket standing tall (English) and 2 pm (Spanish).
The Studio Museum in Harlem is dedicated so please RSVP by August 1, 2007 to (212) 864-
Magnificent, R arely
to creating a safe environment for youths to 4500 x264
express themselves creatively. The Museum hosts Family Programs
free programs for high school students outside Are you looking for something fun to do with
S een Tapestries on V iew the school environment. These programs offer
students opportunities to meet and converse
your kids instead of watching Saturday morning
cartoons? Bring the family to the Studio Museum
at M etropolitan M useum
with prominent visual artists, express their ideas and experience art in new and exciting ways!
through discussions, facilitate tours and hands-on The Studio Museum acknowledges the need for
workshops and develop important communica- families to spend time together. Nurturing bonds
From the Middle Ages through the late 18th cen- and noblemen, these woven frescoes embody the tion and critical thinking skills. between parents and their children through art,
tury, the courts of Europe lavished vast resources grandest artistic ambitions of their patrons. The • Hands On: Design with Gregory Grey, the Museum offers programs and activities that
on tapestries made in precious materials after pieces have been selected for their condition and Tuesday, August 14th—Friday, August 17th, allow families to share in the creative process.
designs by the leading artists of the day, and color, and together will provide an unprecedented 2007, 11:00am - 3:00pm Bring the family and explore our exciting exhibi-
works in this spectacular medium were prized by insight to the role of tapestry in 17th–century This fun filled, four-day workshop exclusively tions. Become an artist in a hands-on workshop
the aristocracy for their artistry and also as tools of court culture. for middle school students will provide an oppor- and create works of art with your kids!
propaganda. Tapestry in the Baroque: Threads of The secondary theme of the exhibition is the tunity to work with a professional New York Family programs are designed for families with
Splendor—on view at The Metropolitan Museum stylistic development of tapestry during this designer who will introduce the basics of design children ages 4 to 10 years old. Family programs
of Art beginning October 17—will offer the first era and the contributions of artists like Peter practice. Students will be guided through the are FREE. Pre-registration is required. Please call
comprehensive survey of high-quality 17th-cen- Paul Rubens, Jacob Jordaens, Simon Vouet, process of creating their own functional interior- (212) 864-4500 x264 to register.
tury European tapestry, and will demonstrate the Charles LeBrun, Pietro da Cortona and Giovanni designed spaces based on their own needs, inter- Family Programs are funded in part by public
importance of tapestry as a prestigious figurative Romanelli, as they responded to the challenges of ests and personalities. funds from the New York State Office of Parks,
medium throughout that century. “This exhibi- the medium in unique and individual ways. The This is a great summer opportunity to meet Recreation & Historic Preservation, made avail-
tion will provide one of the grandest displays of exhibition will include about 25 designs and oil other creative teens, learn from a professional able through the office of Assemblyman Keith
Baroque tapestry that has been seen since Louis sketches, demonstrating the thought and artistry artist and develop new skills! Space is limited L. Wright.
XIV strolled through the galleries of Versailles,” which these woven frescoes required.
said Philippe de Montebello, Director of the About half of the tapestries in the exhibition
Metropolitan Museum. “As a visual experience, it
will be without parallel for a modern audience.”
derive from Flemish workshops, reflecting the
preponderant role of the Low Countries in the
This NEW MUSEUM SECTION
Drawing from collections in more than 15
countries, Tapestry in the Baroque: Threads of
greatest tapestry production of the day. Highlights
of the Brussels tapestry industry include the
will be a monthly feature.
Splendor presents 40 rare tapestries made between
1590 and 1720. Commissioned by kings, popes,
Triumphs of the Church designed by Peter Paul
Rubens for the archduchess Isabella in 1626.#
To advertise, email ednews1@aol.com
14 Special Education ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ AUGUST 2007
Careers in special education
Working with Special Needs Adults in Residences
By Skip Holiday on hand prompting. These are tasks that we tend (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy. Since their this disorder. The goal is to have these consum-
Autism is a perplexing neurodevelopmental dis- to take for granted but for the autistic population functioning and behaviors vary their treatment as ers functioning at a level where they can behave
order that has befuddled the medical community it takes years of treatment plans to learn how to well as their behavior and goal plans are different. and socialize appropriately without the use of
for many years. It is a disorder that surfaces before master these tasks and as direct care staff we help We have consumers that have tooth brushing and medications that can have adverse long term side
a child turns three years old and is more prevalent and guide these consumers to master these tasks. showering goal plans because their functioning is effects such as dementia. But I have found that if
among males than females. It is a disorder that In the residence where I work, two staff mem- behind some of the high functioning consumers. the methodology of ABA isn’t executed properly
can affect anybody regardless of race, social class bers are assigned to a house with four consumers. We also have high functioning consumers who are than it can be useless. That is one of the criticisms
or gender. What makes autism so complex is that We rotate depending on the shift that consists on community awareness and socialization goal that I have about this field and the agencies that
the medical community still can’t pinpoint the of evening and overnights during the week. The plans so they can learn to socialize and integrate are entrusted to treat the autistic population. In
causes and while there are various methods to consumers we work with range from medium to themselves in a community setting. We have con- the agency in which I work, we are trained to
treat autism, there is still no cure for it. high functioning and each of them have their own sumers who are on money management goal plans administer medications and learn how to appro-
I have been working with the autistic popula- behaviors, peeves and disorders. Some of them to learn how to manage their money effectively. priately handle situations of crisis but we have
tion for over three years in a residential setting. only have autism but others have autism along With ABA, a team of QMRP (Qualified Mental no training in ABA therapy and how to execute
I work as a direct care counselor for a mental with other mental disorders such as schizophrenia, Retardation Professionals) implement the behav- these behavior and goal plans properly and that is
health/social services agency in New York City in psychosis and mental retardation. We work with- ior plans and methodologies with the hope of get a problem if we are the ones that work with them
what is called an IRA (Individualized Residential several consumers who have Asperger’s syndrome, ting all of these consumers functioning at an inde- in a residential and community setting.
Alternative). An IRA is similar to a group home which is an autism spectrum disorder common in pendent level where they can maintain a job and When implemented and executed properly
but there are differences between an IRA and a high functioning consumers. These consumers are live on their own instead of a group home setting. ABA therapy can be a wonderful method to treat
traditional group home such an ICF (Intermediate allowed to travel on their own. We also work with Our consumers are also treated with medication autism; when not executed properly, the results
Care Facilities). In an IRA you typically work non-verbal consumers who despite the fact they therapy such as Risperdal, Zyprexa and Prozac. can be mediocre. These consumers didn’t have
with a small number of consumers compared to can’t communicate verbally, can read and write Unfortunately these medications are designed to a choice in being afflicted with this disorder so
an ICF. Also, an IRA is designed for high func- and understand every word that is spoken to them. control and modify behaviors and peeves. There the least the hierarchy of these mental health and
tioning consumers who can complete their ADL Our work in the IRA is fairly simple because is no magic pill that can stop these consumers social services agencies can do is provide these
skills (Activities of Daily Living) independently. most of the consumers can do things on their own from behaving violently when they are upset or consumers with the best chance to succeed and
An ICF tends to be for low functioning consumers such as washing and drying their own laundry, stop making them behave hyperactively when part of that starts with integrating direct care
who need assistance in completing tasks of daily cleaning their homes, cooking their breakfast, they are in a community. There is no miracle sur- counselors in the implementation of these treat-
living that we take for granted such as showering, ironing their clothes and so on. We are also gical procedure that can cure autism and for me ment plans and methodologies that fall under
tooth brushing, shaving, eating and toileting to responsible for tasks such as maintaining a per- that is the saddest part about working with these ABA therapy.#
name a few. These consumers work “one on one” sonal log of their behavior and daily activities as consumers. This disorder doesn’t go away. Skip Holiday is a pseudonym for an employee
with a staff that works with them to complete their well as administering their medications. Through all my years working with this popula- that has worked with autistic individuals for
ADL skills with verbal, gestural and physical hand Their autism is treated primarily with ABA tion, ABA therapy is probably the best way to treat many years.
National Institute for the Deaf Receives $900,000 Grant
The National Technical Institute for the Deaf, a dent participants with moderate to profound hear-
Corporate Contributions
to E ducation
college of Rochester Institute of Technology, has ing losses, enrolled in public school programs in
received a three-year, $900,000 Steppingstones of four locations, will receive either real-time note
Technology for Individuals with Disabilities program taking or speech-to-text plus graphics support.
Marsh & McLennan Mentors
grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The research team will examine the effects of
Grant monies will be used for the project, tablet PCs on classroom achievement by conduct-
Evaluation of the Use of Tablet PCs and C-Print ing a study of retention of a simulated lecture with
Bklyn HS’s New Legal Academy
to Support Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students, 90 students, a study of fidelity of implementation
which will be led by Michael Stinson of NTID’s by the service providers, and an observational study
Department of Research and Teacher Education. of 16 classrooms using one of these two options.
Co-principal investigators are Lisa Elliot, The materials that service providers, teachers and
Susan Foster, and Marc Marschark, all of the parents can use to facilitate students’ use of tablet by Joy Resmovits Academy’s first students involved in Pipeline,
Department of Research and Teacher Education. options also will be refined during this project. Two groups huddle on either side of the board- stressed the importance of continuing the pro-
Marschark also is affiliated with NTID’s Center The project will yield knowledge that will be room overlooking a sunny urban panorama, gram. “What more can we do with the group?”
for Educational Research Partnerships. critical in moving toward subsequent widespread enthusiastically negotiating their clients’ claims she asked. She said she hopes the program will
Tablet PCs are mobile computers whose touch implementation of tablet-based note taking and with an insurance company—just like a real “show them that there is more to the legal profes-
screen or “tablet” allows users to operate the speech-to-text services. case. The only difference: the average age of the sion than what they see on TV.”
computer with a stylus or digital pen instead of, NTID is the first and largest technological col- opponents is 16. The next step is a continued mentoring program.
or in addition to, a keyboard and mouse. The lege in the world for deaf and hard-of-hearing The boardroom is in Marsh & McLennan “The goal of Street Law is to promote diversity
computer is linked to a network using a wireless students. One of eight colleges of RIT, NTID Companies’ (MMC) New York office, site of the so that the best and brightest are interested in and
or wired connection. offers educational programs and access and sup- recent culmination of the firm’s collaboration anxious to enter the legal profession,” Crowley
The project will evaluate two options for using port services for the 1,100 deaf and hard-of-hear- with the students of Brooklyn High School for said. “Fear of the unknown may have existed
tablet PCs to provide support services for deaf ing students from around the world who study, Public Services’ nascent Legal Academy. For before this program,” he added.
and hard-of-hearing students. One option uses the live, and socialize with 14,400 hearing students months, attorneys from MMC came into Legal Student feedback was phenomenal when stu-
tablet to provide real-time note taking support, on RIT’s Rochester, N.Y. campus.# Academy on a regular basis to work with students dents read from their evaluations. Erica Moody,
and the other uses it to provide graphics as well For more NTID news, visit http://www.rit.edu/ for the final simulation and for encounters with who claims her attention span is “really short,”
as real-time text. Middle and high school age stu- ntid/newsroom. law later in life. Attorneys had visited the school, said everything was an “attention grabber.”
encouraging students to learn the ins and outs of “My interest got higher in being a lawyer,”
law via games such as the wheel of misfortune, Nikita Felix said.
Are you A nys licensed which entailed matching insurance options to “It expanded me,” Nataki Hemmings said.
unfortunate events. “Negotiations, I loved them. It’s set. I know I
speciAl educAtion teAcher? Corporate Legal Diversity Pipeline made the want to go into corporate law,” she added.
Are you bilinguAlly certified match. Pipeline is an initiative of Street Law and Lee Arbetman, director of US Programs
in chinese or in spAnish? then our Association of Corporate Council that matches
corporate law firms with local high school stu-
for Street Law is also coordinator of the US
Department of Justice’s national law-related edu-
children Are wAiting for you!!! dents in order to engage diverse people to pursue cation program, Youth for Justice, and an adjunct
a legal profession early in life. professor of law at Georgetown University,
Associates for Bilingual Child Development Inc. is After each side negotiated—one side made helped launch pipeline. He co-teaches a Supreme
Seeking Mono/Bilingual Special Ed Itinerant Teachers significantly more money than the other—the Court Summer Institute for teachers. Arbetman
Bilingual Certified lawyers and students reflected on the negotia- stressed not only the pipeline’s goals in involv-
Teach Preschoolers 3-5 years of age tion process. They all recognized that bargain-
ing skills used in court are only applicable
ing diverse groups in legal professions, but also
in teaching law skills that are applicable to daily
Full-Time and Part-Time Opportunity only to law. Kevin Crowley, an MMC attorney, life, such as negotiation. “Street law is practical
Competitive Salary and Rates said he saw “fire in everyone’s eyes,” during law,” he said.
Non BOE Employee Applicants Only the process. Arbetman said that school visits and games
Call: 718-436-5147 At the end of the day, the students gathered in were “attempts to work off kids’ brains, not
Fax resume to: 718-436-6843
the auditorium to evaluate the program. “You adults’ brains.” When he was studying in law
were our guinea pigs today,” Chief Legal Ethics school, Arbetman realized, “the stuff here could
E-mail resume to: abcdinc@verizon.net Officer & VP of Litigation, at Marsh & McLennan be remolded and reshaped into excellent teach-
Visit our website: www.abcdnyc.net Companies, Inc. said of the pilot program. ing materials. It’s too important to leave it all to
Patricia Anderson, teacher of the Legal the lawyers.”#
AUGUST 2007 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ Special Education 15
Resources for Children
with S pecial N eeds
Bronx Central Library Grand Army Plaza Flatbush
Jewish Child Care Association Ave. and Eastern Parkway 11238
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West Bklyn. 11201 Adult Life 10 AM- 1 PM
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Birth to 5 10 AM-1 PM Inc. 116 E. 16th St. 5th Floor NY, NY 10003
November 14, 2007 Advocacy Skills for Parents November 15, 2007 Early Childhood Services:
10 AM-1 PM Birth to 5 10 AM-1 PM
Neuropsychological, learNiNg Disability aND
atteNtioN Deficit DisorDer evaluatioNs aND treatmeNt
Extended time evaluations, Cognitive Remediation,
1
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Children, Adolescents, Adults
J. Lawrence Thomas, Ph.D. Director
Faculty, NYU Medical Center
International Dyslexia Association, Board of Directors
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Nurosvcs@aol.com • WWW.thebraiNcliNic.com
Adaptations What Does Adaptations Offer?
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workshops, exercise programs, comedy
offers college-educated young & theater events
adults, people in their 20’s and • A comprehensive website with
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those needing support—the benefits and community access
of a supportive environment as • Participation in The JCC in Manhattan
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they work towards achieving their
• An employment specialist who works on
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wide variety of opportunities—from
• Monthly family support group
social activities to ways to improve
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For more information
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Adaptations is funded through the generosity of donors
adaptations to UJA-Federation of New York and is a joint initiative
of The Jewish Community Center in Manhattan and
F.E.G.S. Health and Human Services System.
adaptations_amny.indd 1 6/25/07 5:42:27 PM
16 COLLEGES & GRADuate Schools ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ AUGUST 2007
Chancellor Recognizes 2007 Graduates CCNY Senior Jessica Tibbets
Who Have Overcome Extraordinary Wins Fulbright Scholarship
Odds To Receive A Diploma Jessica Tibbets, a graduating senior at The of Scholars, which administers the Fulbright
Walton High School graduate Keila Matos diploma City College of New York (CCNY), has Scholar Program.
receives diploma while battling lupus 19-year-old Yulisa Ramirez learned to grow up received a 2007-2008 Fulbright Scholars Ms. Tibbets wrote her senior thesis on the pos-
Keila Matos was diagnosed with lupus when at an early age. When she was five, her parents Award to study Arabic and learn about the deaf sibility of a global sign language. She says she
she was nine years old. The disease left her were deported to the Dominican Republic and community in Yemen. believes a more cohesive and broadly understood
weak, and at times she received home instruc- Yulisa ended up in foster care in Massachusetts. As part of her research, Ms. Tibbets will pro- sign language would empower deaf people who
tion when she was not able to attend school. Eventually, she returned to the Bronx to live duce an ethnography and documentary about currently use different methods of signing.
She is currently in dialysis three times a week with her sister. For the past four years, she has deaf people in Yemen to show to hearing and At CCNY, Ms. Tibbets received the Anne S.
for her failing kidneys. However, she returned to attended Fannie Lou Hamer High School while non-hearing people in Yemen and abroad. The Kheel Scholarship from the College’s Colin
Walton High School in the Bronx for her senior holding down a full-time job. Of the ten children Wichita, Kan. native is expected to graduate from Powell Center for Policy Studies. The scholarship
year and has flourished, despite her physical in her family, Yulisa is the only one to receive a CCNY magna cum laude June 1 with a B.A. in paid her tuition since her junior year.
limitations. Keila will graduate on time with her high school diploma. “To be able to say that I got International Studies with a concentration in She also received the Winston Fellowship from
class, and plans to attend Hostos Community my diploma is amazing,” Yulisa said. “It took a Culture and Communications. CCNY’s International Studies (IS) Program for
College in the fall. “This has been a great lot of work and a lot of effort, but I did it. I am “This is really exciting,” she said of her a study trip to Brazil in 2004 through Columbia
year,” Keila said. “I haven’t felt that sick. I’m very lucky.” Fulbright award. “I spent six months in Yemen University, and taught English in El Salvador in
really going to miss this school, my teachers and Yulisa will attend City College in the fall where last year teaching English so that I could fund my summer 2005 with the Presidential Scholarship.
my guidance counselor.” Keila plans to study she plans to study accounting or psychology. stay while improving my fluency in Arabic and The latter was in conjunction with the school’s
Computer Science. Her teachers say her deter- New York City Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein learning Yemeni sign language and I loved it. I International Studies “Service Learning in El
mination has been an inspiration and motivation will congratulate Keila, Yulisa and other students can’t wait to return to my friends there!” Salvador” program. In addition, she was a mem-
to the entire school community. who’ve beaten the odds to graduate at a ceremony “The award gives me an opportunity to con- ber of the women’s soccer team and was named
Fannie Lou Hamer High School gradu- at Department of Education Headquarters.# tinue my study of Arabic as well as my research All City Player in 2005.
ate Yulisa Ramirez first in family to receive and work with the deaf community in that coun- Currently living in the Bronx, Ms. Tibbets
try,” she added. “I started learning Arabic in my teaches Arabic to second graders at an After
freshman year at City College and fell in love School Program at the Kingsbridge Heights
IN Memoriam with it. That’s the main reason I went to Yemen
last year.”
Community Center and interns at AFS, a not for
profit intercultural exchange program for high
Peggy Benjamin
While there, she decided to apply for the school students.
Fulbright. Yemen’s Ministry of Social Affairs, Ms. Tibbets says she chose to study at CCNY
the Deaf Association in Aden and a research in 2003 because of the College’s highly regarded
center in Sana’a, Yemen’s capital city, backed International Studies Program, beautiful campus
her application. The three organizations provided and diverse student body. She plans a career in
the supporting letters required from all appli- health care policy, particularly as it would benefit
cants by the Council for International Exchange citizens of underdeveloped countries. #
visit us online at www. educationupdate . com
2 million hits per month
Create the
future you
Only 26 years old, she was a heroine to her her radiant smile and large brown eyes were full deser ve in
mother, Josette, her husband Alix and her 3-year- of compassion.
old son Junior. Battling for years with lupus, “Death be not proud” for though she is gone,
Education.
suffering pain and numerous hospital admissions, we will always remember her.
she never complained. Tall, slender and beautiful, Knowing Peggy has enriched all our lives.#
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Web site: www.sva.eduAUGUST 2007 ■ EDUCATION UPDATE ■ COLLEGES & GRADuate Schools 17
MSPinNYC at Hunter College: Innovative Teaching Methods At
A Model Educational Program Hunter College Summer School
Stanley Blauser Dr. Faith Muirhead
By Alberto Cepeda concepts and terminologies weren’t the goal of
The two most interesting things that I observed the lesson. The teachers and tutors demanded that
taking place in these classrooms were the teach- their students thoroughly comprehend the material
ing techniques used by the teachers and tutors to through reviews that took place every ten to fifteen
get these at risk students to comprehend the mate- minutes within the lesson.
rial being taught in these classes and the number I was also surprised how proactive these stu-
Dr. Charlotte Frank Ernest Logan of tutors who were in the classroom to provide dents were as they participated and how thor-
support to these students. oughly they explained their answers. It was clear
By Liza Young He, as well, has been able to import techniques The first classroom visited was a living environ- that they fully grasped the lesson which consisted
With mass media exploding with news of he practiced during the summer Education
program to Update
his ment class that consisted of about thirty students of scientific terms such as nucleotides, chromo-
the latest innovations in technological devices, classroom at Truman HS. August 2007 Issue with three teachers and three tutors on hand to somes and DNA. The teachers as well as the
it’s refreshing to see the mentor-mentee model Four teachers involved in a science planning teach them the material. The lesson was centered tutors challenged these students to fully grasp the
used with dramatic success to enable failing P.O. #:
lesson shared how students, working on 19591
a metal on taking scientific terms and breaking them down material which is the key to getting the students
HS students to score high on regents exams reactivity task, engage in inductive reasoning; into concepts from the biggest to the smallest. to succeed.
after a summer at Hunter College. Education while not being told the point of their task, they It was startling to see that the teaching techniques Dr. Faith Muirhead, Program Director of MSP
Update visited Hunter College to see the New discovered on their own a 5determination
5
⁄8 x 7 3⁄8 of being applied by the professors weren’t limited to in NYC and her staff are on the right track to
York City Mathematics and Science Partnership chemical hierarchy through data collection and writing on the blackboard. The teachers challenged meeting the goal of MSP and fulfilling the dreams
(MSPinNYC) summer program at work, hosted examination. the students to explain the terms and how they got of success that every student deserves.#
by Dr. Faith Muirhead, project director of the Muirhead further explained that students use their answers. A simple right or wrong answer Alberto Cepeda is a student at CCNY & an
program, accompanied by guests Ernest Logan, college provided materials such as a petri dish— would not suffice in this class. Memorizing these intern at Education Update.
president of the Council of Supervisors and which some students have never seen
administrators (CSA), Dr. Charlotte Frank, Senior before—to study their everyday inter-
VP, McGraw-Hill, and Marianita D.Damari, ests including mouthwash and sun-
NYC Department of Education MSP Liaison. At screen. Following their experiments
the meeting we observed the comprehensive and some students have exclaimed, “I felt
successful summer program in action with lively like a scientist.”
class discussions, intense teacher planning ses- During our visit to a Math A tutoring
sions, and a tutor analysis meeting with respect meeting, we watched tutors analyze
to student performance. student performance on regents ques-
The MSPinNYC five and a half week summer tions, breaking down student errors,
program is a productive learning experience for tackling misconceptions, and how to
teachers, tutors, and of course for students, with address the math problem from a dif-
2006 data revealing a stunning 70 percent pass ferent angle.
rate on the chemistry regents compared to the Tutors, Muirhead pointed out, actu-
traditional city summer school program pass rate ally take mock regents exams on a
of 27 percent; a 90.6 percent pass rate on living weekly basis, to monitor their exper-
environment compared to 35.8 percent for public tise in the area. This year, MSPinNYC
school summer programs; 58.8 percent passing experimented with recruiting tutors
rate compared to 30.6 percent on the Math B who excelled as well as those who did
regents exam; and a 56.7 percent pass rate com- not, in order to have a more empathet-
pared to 32 percent on the Math A regents exam. ic group of tutors who had grappled
Several complementary factors differentiate with similar problems. Interestingly,
MSPinNYC from traditional summer school pro- as Dr. Frank indicated, research shows
grams including the heavy role of professional that mentors often learn more than
development, where teachers collaboratively dis- mentees.
cuss and analyze lesson plans; use debriefing Careful analysis of class lessons for
sessions after classes for further analysis; and research and evaluation are being con-
incorporate feedback from students to modify ducted this year by college professors,
teaching methods. Tutors, comprised of high based on taped sessions, which will
school and undergraduate students excelling in serve to further enhance the program
math and science, are an essential element of the in the future.
program and play the role of “co-facilitator” dur- Of great interest, currently, is how
ing class sessions, Muirhead indicated, with more to translate the program to additional
traditional tutoring on a three-to-one level during high school sites. Presently, features
the afternoon. of the summer school model are oper-
Participating teachers underscored the unique- ating at two schools, Harry S. Truman
ness of MSPinNYC as collaborative teacher HS and Columbus HS, although the
planning. Stanley Blauser, math teacher at the two schools are using their own gen-
Gateway School for Environmental Research, eral models. MSPinNYC has provided
appreciates the opportunity at MSPinNYC pro-
gram “to see the subject from other teachers’
tutors and professional development
in the incorporation of tutors.
Becoming a Teacher:
points of view.” He has additionally been able At the conclusion of the tour of the A Forum for Career Changers
to test creative approaches to teaching math, and program, President Logan promised
bring them to his regular classroom during the he would work toward incorporating Wednesday, August 30, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
school year. this model in schools throughout the
Hassan Laaroussi, participating math teacher academic year. There are currently Bank Street College Graduate School of Education
from Truman HS also enjoys being able to share partnerships with colleges, where
ideas with other teachers, and experiment with undergraduates majoring in math
610 West 112th Street, New York, NY 10025-1898
INNOVATION IN
new teaching methods. He described the program
as a place in which “wherever kids turn they
and science serve as tutors in high
schools, and the hope is to solidify www.bankstreet.edu 212.875.4404 TEACHING AND LEARNING
will find help. If they turn to the left they will and increase such partnerships in the
find tutors; forward they will find teachers…” future.#You can also read
