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Special ed is failing: Can we do better?
Every year, more students are labeled with a special-ed diagnosis, more money is invested, and yet the results remain the same: Millions of children unable to read, write or calculate proficiently.

Joanne Jacobs
Nov 73 min read
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At calm, focused schools, scores are high, but so is suspension rate
Students -- including those with disabilities -- are learning at Indiana schools that stress structure and good behavior. But suspension rates are high for students with disabilities.

Joanne Jacobs
Oct 63 min read
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Teaching kids the habits of anxious, depressed people isn't working well
Schools, colleges (and parents) are teaching kids the habits of anxious, depressed people.

Joanne Jacobs
Oct 52 min read
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Why special-ed teachers quit: High stress, high risk, low pay
How can districts hire and retain high-quality special-ed teachers?

Joanne Jacobs
Sep 302 min read
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The great divide: Set up 'productive struggle' or teach math step by step?
There's no consensus on the "science of math." Special educators say generalists are pushing ideas that don't work for struggling students.

Joanne Jacobs
Aug 263 min read
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Why did autism rates soar? Look at diagnoses, not vaccines
Autism rates skyrocketed when the diagnostic criteria changed to include mild "Aspie" symptoms.

Joanne Jacobs
Jun 242 min read
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Chaos: Is ADHD an excuse for punching classmate and a teacher?
Special-ed rules make it hard to suspend students for fighting, if parents know their rights.

Joanne Jacobs
May 223 min read
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Ritalin or recess: Why are so many kids on ADHD meds?
Is ADHD a medical disorder best treated with drugs?

Joanne Jacobs
Apr 203 min read
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Denying disabled workers the chance to work isn't 'dignity'
"Dignity in Pay" legislation would make it illegal to pay severely disabled workers less than minimum wage. Few will be able to find work.

Joanne Jacobs
Mar 22 min read
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Many schools 'either warehouse our kids in special ed or warehouse them in gen ed'
In many schools, "they're warehousing our children in special ed or warehousing them in gen Ed."

Joanne Jacobs
Feb 192 min read
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He had a 3.4 GPA, but he couldn't read
Passing special-ed students along with high grades and a diploma -- but no effective instruction --doesn't do them any favors.

Joanne Jacobs
Feb 192 min read
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'I can't learn if I have no idea what to do'
When teachers teach, ask questions, let students practice and provide feedback, students learn more.

Joanne Jacobs
Feb 52 min read
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Do special-ed kids do best in mainstream classrooms? Maybe not
The evidence that mainstreaming special-needs students improves their academic success is "flawed," says a new study.

Joanne Jacobs
Jan 143 min read
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A's in English but he can't read: Deaf student wants job training, given a diploma instead
A deaf student with 3rd-4th-grade reading and math skills was given high grades and a diploma, ending special-ed services.

Joanne Jacobs
Dec 6, 20242 min read
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Why teachers are stressed: Student misbehavior is #1 complaint
Student misbehavior is the "number one cause of job-related stress in teachers," reports Matt Lincoln for CBS12 in Palm Beach County,...

Joanne Jacobs
Nov 22, 20242 min read
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Edumania! McMahon is tapped as education secretary
Pro wrestling executive and former Small Business Administration chief Linda McMahon will be the next and possibly last Education...

Joanne Jacobs
Nov 21, 20242 min read
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Making money matter: More kids in special ed doesn't improve reading
Schools got $190 billion in emergency funding during the epidemic, write Marguerite Roza, director of Georgetown's Edunomics Lab, and...

Joanne Jacobs
Oct 23, 20242 min read
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School choice is on the ballot
School choice measures are on the ballot in Kentucky, Colorado and Nebraska.

Joanne Jacobs
Oct 16, 20241 min read
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Diplomas for all: Massachusetts will vote on ending state graduation standards
A Massachusetts ballot measure ending state graduation requirements is backed by 58% of voters, says new poll.

Joanne Jacobs
Oct 15, 20242 min read
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She can't read or write, but she made the honor roll and got into UConn
A former special-ed student is suing Hartford Public Schools because she wasn't taught to read or write.

Joanne Jacobs
Oct 5, 20242 min read
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