Top Ten Special Education AC Content of 2006

Education, specifically special education, is an important topic to millions of people today because it seems everybody knows somebody with some form of a disability which may require special education services in school. I am a special educator and am always reading to expand my knowledge as well as see what is out there for people who are looking for clear and concise information regarding special education. Here are the Top Ten Special Education AC Content of 2006.

1. Special Education Labels: Necessary or Negative? Is a great article for parents, teachers, and older students to help them understand why special education labels are necessary even though at times they come with negative connotations. It is written by Kaye Siders who has experience as a special educator. She gives good information and an honest perspective on the reality of being labeled as a special education student.

2. Learning Environments for Autistic Children written by Tammi Reynolds is a thorough and informative article about autism and schools. She paints a good, general picture of a child with autism then leads the reader into the ins and outs of the special education process. She references a number of articles making it apparent that she did her research. The article explains how certain learning environments are more beneficial than others for children with autism, citing examples of learning strategies that work best for these special, unique children.

3. Recognizing Undiagnosed Learning Problems by Valencia Higuera is a hidden gem for the reader looking for information on dyslexia. The title of the article is a bit vague because once the reader delves into the article they will see that this is a specifically accurate portrayal of dyslexia (not just "learning problems") and the many misconceptions and hurdles for the child or adult with dyslexia.

4. Understanding ADHD by Michelle Devon is an accurate portrayal of ADHD. It is really a must read for anyone who has contact with a person who has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The article provides the reader with a great definition and examples of ADHD. It also provides specific information on research regarding cognitive reasoning. As a parent of a child with ADHD and an educator of high school students with ADHD, I am impressed with Ms. Devon's writing and information.

5. Manda Spring is the author of Understanding Learning Disabilities. This article is a quick reference guide, which focuses on the specifics of learning disabilities focusing on skills disorders, attention disorders, and possible causes.

6. Types of Learning Disabilities is another great article written by Kaye Siders. This article is informative and educational because it dispels the myth that people with learning disabilities have less than average intelligence, which is not the case at all. Specifics learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyspraxia.

7. An Autism Primer authored by Bailey Landon answers the question: How do you know if it's autism. This AC article provides the reader with a definition of autism as well as providing examples of signs and symptoms. This well written article explains how autism can often be misdiagnosed because many of the signs and symptoms appear to be similar to those of other disabilities.

8. Developing a Full Inclusion Program for Special Needs Students within a Regular General Education Classroom written by Yanni Zack is an article that outlines the necessary steps to have a successful inclusion classroom. The author explains what an inclusion classroom should look like as well as how it should be developed to ensure the success of all students in the classroom. An insightful, well written article for educators as well as parents who are interested in learning more about the inclusion classroom setting.

9. The Effect of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002 on Special Education and Learning by Kyle Dudley is a very informative and educational article that gets to the root of the problems of NCLB laws and special education. Lack of flexibility is a huge concern because financial assistance comes too late, as the government only provides funding after the school has failed. Special education is an area where NCLB needs to be more flexible and adapt to the differences that are so apparent among the special education population in the United States.

10. How to Make Your Students WANT to Pay Attention in Class written by none other than Renee Bodkin is an article that is beneficial for special educators as well as anyone who teaches anything! The Four "R's" outlined in this article are a great guide to increasing students' attention and more importantly, making students want to pay attention and learn in any classroom!