Broken Promise, 2e Achiever, Events, More

IDEA FUNDING. We’ve noted here in the past that the original IDEA legislation specified that the federal government would contribute 40 percent of its cost — a promise that has never been fulfilled. A writer, Meghan Schrader, at Valerie Strauss’ “Answer Sheet” feature in The Washington Post recaps what happened to her as a result of that broken promise — loss of accommodations, for example, that made it harder for her to succeed in the college prep courses she was taking. Schrader — a disability rights advocate who has a master’s degree — offers a personal, political, and social justice perspective on the treatment of those requiring special ed services — and it’s not a happy perspective. Find the “Answer Sheet.”

DYSLEXIA, NOBEL PRIZE. Just another 2e achiever — that’s Jacques Dubochet, who was recognized with a Nobel Prize in chemistry in 2017 and is profiled at the site of Dyslexic Advantage. The profile notes that his dyslexia diagnosis came at age 14, which he says (tongue in cheek) let him be “bad at everything…and to understand those with difficulties.” Find the profile.

2e BAR MITZVAH. A young man with dysgraphia who is also on the spectrum enlisted his sisters for a project associated with his bar mitzvah. He adapted a book (one he had written at age 10) into performances, one of which was a fundraiser for Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG), according to California’s Jewish Journal. Read more.

OREGON “MENTAL HEALTH” DAYS. Teen activists in Oregon spearheaded legislation allowing students to take mental health days just as they would take sick days. According to the Associated Press, “Mental health experts say it is one of the first state laws to explicitly instruct schools to treat mental health and physical health equally.” Read more.

UPCOMING WEBINARS
— August 1, Understood free webinar (a rebroadcast) on “Dyslexia: Early Signs, Evaluations, and School Supports.” More information.
— August 1, ADDitude free live webinar “Pills and Beyond: A Guide to the Formulations and Delivery Options of ADHD Medication.” More information.
— August 5, Understood free webinar, “Organization Tips for the New School Year.” More information.

ADHD MED BENEFITS, from Science Daily. “An analysis of three previous studies of children and young adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) quantifies for the first time the extent to which stimulant treatment reduces the development of mood disorders, school problems, conduct disorders, substance use disorders and other problems.” Find the study write-up.

From The 2e Resource
At the website of The 2e Resource you’ll find lots of — resources! Resources on giftedness, learning challenges, identification of 2e, the social-emotional side, and much more. Check them out.