Bay Area High School Students Walk Out After Donald Trump Named President

Title, Author, Date: Bay Area High School Students Walk Out After Donald Trump Named President, written by Lisa Fernandez and Pete Suratos, November 9th 2016

Source: NBC Bay Area News   

Key Points:  4 high schools in the bay area walked out of class in fear of the unknown with Trump being elected.  Freedom of speech is the students rights and students off all races spoke out about their feelings.  The superintendent wrote a letter reminding students, staff, and parents that, "During times of stress and turmoil where we must resolve to be out best selves.  We must embrace the rules of our democracy and at the same time reflect upon what got us here.  We all need to be caring, fully-informed critical thinkers."   Allowing time for discussion and reflection in the classroom if you feel that students can handle it.  They all need the time to reflect just as much as staff members due.  

Relevance: This is relevant to all teachers right now because there are students in all classrooms that are scared, are crying, and feel unsafe.  Teachers need to set there own political views aside and create a safe space for these students to come to each and everyday.  Our first and foremost job is making sure that students feel safe at school and in the classroom and learning comes second during this time.  They need time to process just like the teachers do and this may mean verbally to a teacher or writing it down.  You as the teacher know your students best and know what you can do to support them.  On the other hand we also need to remember that the students have the right of free speech but you also need to remind them of school or district rules around talking politics or religion in a school setting.    

"Student Success in High School Varies by State and Circumstance"

In this article, "Student Success in High School Varies by State and Circumstance" from EDWeek, a thought on SPED is brought up. It was written by Caralee Adams on June 5, 2015. This article references another article that was posed to our blog, "Students Face Uncertain Paths After Special Education." This article brings to light the idea of students with disabilities attending college and how their success in high school can help. As the other article also pointed out, self-advocacy has a big impact on success for all students including students with disabilities. This article is directed towards teachers, students and those interested in student success. It is relevant as it talks about student success and the things that help.

For Students With Disabilities, Transition From High School Requires Self-Advocacy

Key Points: This article reviews the controversy of how support services in special education can cause students to have a harder time transition to college. The transition to college is more difficult because students don't have self advocacy skills.

Relevance: The article is relevant because self advocacy is an important skill for an individual to be independent. We need to support our students to becoming as independent as possible for the real world.

Intended Audience: Educators, Parents, Special Education Students, Administrators, Program Director/Coordinators

Published Date: 5/29/15

URL: http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2015/06/04/for-students-with-disabilities-transition-from-high.html

For Students With Disabilities, Transition From High School Requires Self-Advocacy - Education Week

For Students With Disabilities, Transition From High School Requires Self-Advocacy - Education Week
Education Week
June 5, 2015
By Sarah D. Sparks
Audience:
Educators, Students, Parents

Key Points:
Post High School Transition is a challenging time for students, especially those with disabilities.
Students need assistance to help them start to find their own voices.
Federal Law requires transition planning no later than age 16 this includes self advocacy but there is no  specific reporting on it.

Relevance:

 Transition is a time when many students fumble through the process of learning to be independent.  Students with disabilities, who are now graduating from high school are  entering higher education at greater numbers than ever before. Students with disabilities are no longer provided accommodations and services through the IEP.  There are are 2 other federal laws that provide services but not at the same level.