2e Awareness, Ignorance, Advocacy, & More

AIR TIME FOR 2e. A Virginia television station gave air time to two educators who we presume are the founders of Chesapeake Bay Academy in Hampton Roads. While the text intro to the video clip of the interview with the two says the school is “dedicated to serving students with a variety of learning differences,” it turns out that the school’s focus is twice-exceptional students. (It’s great to see educator/advocates articulate exactly what “twice-exceptional” is to a general audience. Here’s hoping lots of viewers watched.) Find the interview.

KID NOT MOTIVATED? In Psychology Today, a teacher/parent/writer/education advocate writes, “We must stop blaming the children when the adults do not have the answers.” By “adults,” she means teachers. She asks, “If all the neuroscience research, the psychological research, and the educational research agree that individuals do not choose the manifestations of their disabilities, why do so many teachers insist on seeing willfulness?” The answers? Ignorance, lack of resources, and insecurity. Read more. (Remember the mantra: If they could, they would. And check out the next item below for a situation illustrating this theme. )

TAKING ON THE SCHOOL DISTRICT. In ADDitude, a teacher/mom writes about the difficulties her son was having in elementary school because of his ADHD. It turns out no one at school had read his 504 plan. What happened next? Here’s a hint: “I never was very outspoken…. However, there’s something inside of you, regardless of what your normal demeanor is, that changes when it has to do with your kid. A warrior unveils herself and refuses to back down.” Spoiler: she won the battle. Find out how.

RESOURCES
— Online videos. “Solutions for Smart but Struggling Students” is a free five-part class to “overcome obstacles and unwrap your child’s gifts.” It’s from Bright and Quirky (Debbie Steinberg Kuntz), and will feature lots of experts familiar to readers here. Sessions begin September 18. Find out more.
— Video on teaching 2e. Tom Ropelewski, producer of “2e: Twice Exceptional” and “2e2: Teaching the Twice Exceptional,” says that both programs are available for streaming (for a fee). Find out more.

GIFTED AND DISTRACTIBLE. Julie Skolnick’s newest edition of this newsletter is out. It features Julie’s blog on how twice exceptional learners may need to understand the big picture before they can concentrate on the details; a variety of articles; and information about the online event 2 Days of 2e. Find the newsletter.

RESEARCH. “Teens who were not in romantic relationships during middle and high school had good social skills and low depression, and fared better or equal to peers who dated, according to new research from the University of Georgia.” Find the study write-up.

UNDERSTOOD ONLINE EVENTS. Coming up from Understood:
— September 12, “Managing Afterschool Meltdowns and Outbursts.” More information.
— September 16, “How to Use Mindfulness to Manage Strong Emotions.” More information.
— September 19, “ADHD and Executive Functioning Issues.” More information.

2e Center Biennial Symposium
The 2019 Vision and Leadership in 2e symposium is to be held October 11-13 in Los Angeles, bringing together educators, professionals, and change agents in our field. According to the Center, some seats are still available. Find out more.