Good Grades and IDEA, More

A’s AND B’s AND SPECIAL ED. Special ed attorney Matt Cohen writes about a recent Court of Appeals case holding that getting good grades is not a basis for denying eligibility when the child’s disability impacts other areas of school functioning. Cohen says that the child in question earned all A’s and B’s in his classes, but that the court still found the child to be entitled to special education. The court stated, “while grades are a consideration in determining whether special education services are necessary, they may not be the exclusive one.” Read Cohen’s summary of the case.

LIKE MOTHER, LIKE SON. The Washington Post tells the story of a woman who grew up smart but struggled in social settings. As a mom of a toddler, she recognized signs in his development that reminded her of herself. Her son was diagnosed to be on the spectrum. Through hers and other families’ stories, the article explores the under-diagnosis of ASD in women. Find the article.

EDUCATION POLICY, LAW, FUNDING
— US News explains how whether the “citizenship question” is on the 2020 U.S. Census will affect educating funding — including for special education grants for students with disabilities. Read more.
— Policy Insider from the Council for Exceptional Children points us to a report called “The Condition of Education 2019.” One section of the report by the National Center for Education Statistics profiles the students receiving special ed services under IDEA. About seven million children receive such services. Find Policy Insider. Find the highlights of the report.

TILT PARENTING’S newest podcast is with psychologist Devon MacEachron on the topic of what to do next after a child is identified as having a neurodifference. (Debbie Reber might have coined a new word there.) Find the podcast.

CHILD MIND INSTITUTE. This week’s newsletter focuses on what PTSD looks like in children. Find it.

KIDS’ HEALTH: ACTIVITY, SCREENS, SLEEP
— HealthDay reports on how working out can help teens learn better. Find the study write-up.
— Science News for Students reports that too much screen time leads to too much sitting and not enough activity. Find the study write-up.
— PsychCenteral reports that when school starts later, teens get more sleep and are more engaged. Find the study write-up.

SPOTLIGHT ON 2e SERIES BOOKLETS. Did you know that you can receive a discount when you order all 12 of the informational booklets in either print or PDF form? The booklets in the series are for parents and educators and cover many aspects of twice-exceptionality. Find out more.