Middle-school students receive job training in pre-vocational program
A middle school in Kansas is integrating job skills into its special-education curriculum. The pre-vocational program seeks to teach "soft skills" such as work ethic and punctuality. "A lot of students with education needs don't do so well after they graduate because they don't have the skills in place," school psychologist Mary Jo Staab said. "We give them opportunities in real-world situations and incorporate academic skills like math into the activities." The McPherson Sentinel (Kan.) (1/2)

Teacher uses yoga lessons to help students focus during class
A special-education teacher at an elementary school in Indiana teaches her students yoga to help them focus and relax. Students learn breathing exercises and simple poses to reinforce balance and awareness of their bodies, and to use as coping strategies when they feel anxious or need to concentrate on school work, teacher Lisa Joesten said. "I have some kids who are very active and it helps calm them and refocus all that energy," she said. The Times (Munster-Hammond-Merrillville-Valparaiso, Ind.) (1/2)

Educational Leadership

Why teachers should resolve to get connected in 2014
Teachers should resolve to become connected educators in the new year, according to Isaac Pineda, technology integration specialist at Colegio Inglés, a private school in Monterrey, Mexico. Among other things, he suggests in this blog post that teachers use Twitter to connect with educators and grow professionally. He also suggests educators use blogs to share what they have learned. SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Education (1/3)

Technology Trends

N.Y. schools consider move to the cloud
Several school districts in New York are considering a transition to cloud computing, which would allow students and staff to access files through an online portal. One school recently moved to the cloud and officials there say the technology allows students to collaborate on projects using different devices. "It lends itself to doing a lot more collaboration and being able to access your work from more places," principal Tammy Silvernell said. The Post-Star (Glens Falls, N.Y.) (1/1)

Other News

Policy News

U.S. faces decision on direction of education spending
A deal reached by federal lawmakers last month, which reduces the anticipated cuts to education spending under sequestration by 87%, has led to what could be the next debate over K-12 spending. With limited funds, lawmakers will be faced with whether to spend anticipated increases on programs such as Title I and special education or on the administration's priority programs, including Race to the Top and the School Improvement Grant. Education Week (premium article access compliments of EdWeek.org) (1/2)

Other News

Eye on Exceptionalities

Diabetic ketoacidosis may affect children's neurocognitive functioning
In an analysis of 95 children with type 1 diabetes who did not have cerebral edema, researchers found that diabetic ketoacidosis was linked to increased volume of white brain matter and shrinkage of gray matter. These changes in the brain were associated with lower neurocognitive scores related to attention and memory six months following diagnosis of ketoacidosis. The findings were presented at the World Diabetes Congress. Family Practice News (1/2)

CEC Spotlight

Early bird deadline for CEC 2014 is approaching
Registration and housing for the CEC 2014 Convention & Expo is open! Don't miss THE largest and most respected professional development event focused on special and gifted education. Register by Jan. 15 to take advantage of the early bird discount and save $100 off the onsite registration rate. Register now!

CEC's cutting to the chase on what you Need to Know
With so little time to spare, you'll find this new feature at CEC Today has just what you Need to Know about important topics packaged in short, informative pieces. This month: What you Need to Know about underrepresentation in gifted education, including a checklist to help you ensure equitable access to gifted services. Stop by the new CEC Today.

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