Weekly Reader Adapted for Special Education Classrooms

An Aug. 2 press release announced the new "Weekly Reader AbleNet Editions" publication for special education classrooms. According to the release, AbleNet, Inc., and Weekly Reader have partnered to create a new series of publications and guides, specifically designed and adapted for students with disabilities and special education teachers.

What makes this partnership such a good one is that AbleNet brings to the table the expertise in developing technological advancements and curricula for students with disabilities and special education classrooms, while Weekly Reader brings its reputation as a highly respected publisher of educational materials for both elementary and secondary students and their teachers.

Jen Thalhuber is AbleNet's CEO. She said the company's "mission has always been to provide strong content, meaningful participation and inclusion in the entire school community. The fact that Weekly Reader publications have been a mainstay of U.S. schools for many decades affords our students the opportunity to access rich standards-based content, while building relationships and connection with their peers."

The release says that the new publications provide special education teachers not only with relevant and quality content, but with materials unique to students with moderate to severe disabilities. In other words, Weekly Reader is now available for special education classrooms in a way that will be both meaningful to the students and helpful to their teachers.

In addition to relevant topics in their classroom materials, the companies use picture communication symbols that are known to be effective in enhancing and improving speech and language skills in visual learners.

Ira Wolfman is the senior vice president for Weekly Reader. In the press release she said: "Weekly Reader is dedicated to producing content that meets both state and federal guidelines, which is important to educators and administrators. To that end, we recognize that content needs to be modified in a way that allows for differentiated instruction while preserving the full integrity of the content itself. Using the AbleNet framework, we're able to preserve the richness of the content, while allowing for differentiated instruction."

As for special education teachers, they can choose one of two formats to meet individual student needs; one format is for students with moderate disabilities, and the other is for students with severe or profound disabilities. There are also choices for elementary students and secondary students, as well as a variety of topics.

Betsy Detlefsen is a special education teacher in Minneapolis, Minn. She reviewed the "Weekly Reader AbleNet Editions" and was thrilled with what she discovered. In the press release she said: "Finally, something for special education classrooms! These publications give my students access to the same information as other high school students, but at their level, and I don't have to create it myself!"

Neal Goff is the president of Weekly Reader Publishing Group. He said this is a groundbreaking partnership the company now has with AbleNet and that it's "always been our mission to reach all students with our publications, and we knew this population of young people needed content adjusted in ways that would allow them to reap the full benefits of our various offerings. Recognizing this unique challenge, we felt partnering with AbleNet was essential. AbleNet has a strong background in curriculum development and the integration of assistive technology ensures participation. The partnership provides assurances that we at Weekly Reader continue to stay true to the No Child Left Behind Act."

Source:

Press release, Weekly Reader Partners with AbleNet in Publishing Adapted Editions for Students with Moderate or Severe Disabilities; http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/8/prweb544113.htm