Volume 5, Issue #50 AND 51 for Weeks of 12/13 AND 12/20/04

Compiled by David Grapka (mailto:David@Trecenter.org)

Technology Resources for Education (T.R.E.) Center TRECenter.org

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Note: Some links are time-sensitive. Access to some may require registration or free subscriptions.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Good leadership consists in showing average people how to do the work of superior people. John D. Rockefeller

UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING WEBSITES OF THE WEEK:

http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/showStoryts.cfm?ArticleID=5390 Educators, researchers, and technology makers at the annual Technology Innovators' Conference in Washington, D.C., Nov. 16 got a first look at some of the most revolutionary solutions currently under development for special-needs students.
http://www.ascd.org/cms/index.cfm?TheViewID=2360&flag=2360&showsubs=0,342,2361 Understanding by Design (UbD) is a framework for designing curriculum units, performance assessments, and instruction that lead your students to deep understanding of the content you teach.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A1337-2004Sep6.html?nav=hcmodule It has been said that Multiple Intelligences is a concept that lends itself to understanding Universal Design. This article could change your thinking on that matter.

ACCESSS SOLUTIONS:

http://www.onestoptoolkit.org/statelocal.cfm a state by state listing of tools, guides and other resources for people with disabilities.
http://www.customsolutions.us/keyboarding Re: a website created by to providing training and testing for people using alternate input methods for typing as well as a wide range of different adaptations and add-on programs.
http://www.customsolutions.us/mouse free mouse testing site
http://www.customtyping.com An enhanced site that includes ongoing record of scores, measurement of progress, and comparison of performance based on the type of assistive technology being used. This site will literally allow for training and testing for users using systems such as: Dynavox, Co:Writer, Dragon Naturally Speaking, Intellikeys keyboard, and almost any computer adaptation, windows accessibility options, alternate keyboard you can think of. (the preceedint three sites provided by Bridgette of the QIAT Listerve.

ADMINISTRATIVE SOLUTIONS AND CONCERNS:

http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/idea/home.html Current information about IDEA reauthorization including a memo from Rebecca Cort summarizing the changes.
http://www.techlearning.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=51201362 The Virtual Administrator: How to Mentor Online: Mentoring in the virtual world is not just putting two people together. It is a school-wide commitment to continue the culture of a virtual school. Read about the 7 Essential Components of a successful mentoring program. From TechLearning News Nov 16, 2004 - Vol. 3, Issue 46
http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/sec504.index.htm “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Section 504”

ADVOCACY SOLUTIONS:

http://www.pencilsdown.org the meeting place for parents, educators and citizens concerned with the miseducation of children in the name of higher standardized test scores. We plan to use grassroots organization, public education, civic participation and humor to stem the destructive tide of the standardized testing craze.

BLIND SOLUTIONS:

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/02/technology/circuits/02next.html ?8cir=&adxnnl=1&oref=login&adxnnlx=1102099203-iNcWYPnT+gnfl+WmC3y4dg An article on new technology to enable the blind to cross streets safely.

COMMUNICATION SOLUTIONS:

http://www.astechnz.com/ software for all children learning switch skills and computer mouse skills.

COUNSELING SOLUTIONS:

http://www.counseling.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=PUBLIC_POLICYThe American Counseling Association’s site for resources that impact us all. This link is their take on the Reauthorized IDEA and its impact on counseling.

DEPARTMENT SOLUTIONS:

http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2005801 A new document by the National Forum on Education Statistics offers recommendations to staff in schools and school districts about best practices for data entry and getting things right at the source.

FUNDING SOLUTIONS:

http://www.eschoolnews.com/resources/reports/CostConscious/ E-school’s collection of articles and resources on how to control all Technology costs.

MATH SOLUTIONS:

http://www.mathdrill.com/index.php3 Here is the perfect site for teachers and parents looking for math practice for their middle school students at all levels.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS:

http://www.techlearning.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=53200311 Leaders' Edge: Can the Spam! Some districts are using Really Simple Syndication (RSS) reader software because it can be useful in significantly reducing spam. Find out more. (from TechLearning)
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/203984_brain16.html Thought powers computer. Researchers find that a man is able to play a video game with just the power of his brain. By TOM PAULSON, SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

PARENT SOLUTIONS:

http://www.copaa.net/content/IDEA97-04COMP.html A Comparison of IDEA ’97 with IDEA 2004.

READING SOLUTIONS:

http://www.texasat.net click on "Training Modules" and select the "Reading Module" you will find a PowerPoint presentation, speaker notes and the file that is labeled "Technology Links for Reading" - a reference tool of a wide range of strategies and technology supports. From Beth Goodrich, MS, OTR, ATP
http://64.65.232.102:591/chartsonline.htm The Stages Curriculum Software Chart Search is a searchable version of the software Feature Comparison Charts found in the Stages Assessment Framework. The printed version of this database is included in the Stages Assessment Software documentation for each Stage.

REHABILITATION SOLUTIONS:

http://www.medgroup.com/rehab/index.html MED’s National Rehab Network is comprised of companies specializing in rehabilitation and assistive technology. Rehab Network providers are known for their expertise, product knowledge, and dedication to meeting the needs of customers and referral sources.

TEACHING SOLUTIONS:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/tikkabilla/games/emotion.shtml This BBC emotions story-game for younger kids lets them hear a story and click the emotions that go with how the character is feeling. As a bonus, you get a narrator with a gentle British accent, and a wacky song at the end.
http://www.seussville.com/games/ Hooray for Diffendoofer Day! Game - 6 teachers have lost their rooms - match the sounds in the rooms to the teacher, e.g. which one teaches yelling, listening, and some other goofy stuff. The book itself celebrates diversity and silliness. There is also a song, lesson ideas and printable activities.
http://www.cyke.com This web site has lots of stuff for kids on health and emotions and even music - looks interesting, but didn't load right for me all the time. There are multiple choice activities on depression, anger,dependency, and worry at Adventure Station.
http://www.socialskillbuilder.com/produces The Birthday Party, My School Day, and My Community CD-ROMs on social skill building. The creators suggest My Community is targeted at "5-15 years"
http://www.do2learn.com They have a free activity on facial expressions. (all of the above in this section from Ann Orr, EdD.

VENDOR PARTNER WEBSITES AND NEWS:

* http://www.accessiblebookcollection.org Accessible Books

* http://www.aacconnections.com AAC connections

* http://www.ablenetinc.com Ablenet

http://www.alphasmart.com Alphasmart

* http://www.closingthegap.com Closing The Gap

* http://www.colligo.us/ Reading: Access and Comprehension

* http://www.cricksoft.com Crick Software

* http://www.ea-software.com Educational Activities Software

* http://www.enkidu.net/ Enkidu joins Dynavox

* http://www.greatleaps.com/ Great Leaps Reading

* http://www.infogrip.com Home of the “BIGtrack”

* http://www.inspiration.com/ Inspiration

* http://www.intellitools.com IntelliTools, Inc.

* http://www.judylynn.com/prog_win.htm#P219 Judy Lynn Software

* http://www.kurzweiledu.com/products_k3000win_demo.asp Free copies of the Kurzweil 3000 trial CD are available through our web site.

* http://www.laureatelearning.com Laureate Learning Systems

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