There is no handbook to being a parent. Much less being a parent of a child with special educational needs. "How do you support your child in school? Where do you even begin to try and access local services? What can you expect from your local authority?" Co-written by a parent who has been there and a SEND professional who understands…

This book highlights the work of Rise for Racial Justice, an organization that launched a public racial literacy campaign in 2020 when the nation's interest in exploring the history and present reality of anti-Black police violence was at a high. Protests following the murder of George Floyd focused the public's attention on anti-Black racism,…

School work is designed to challenge students and help them meet grade-level academic standards. Students with disabilities have the right to learn and participate in the general education curriculum. Public school districts must provide these students with the services, accommodations, and modifications that they need to learn the same material…

A literacy advocate supports or speaks out for someone else's educational needs or rights in reading, writing, and language. As a family member, you know your child best. You have seen your child's literacy skills progress over time. You can embrace your role as an advocate and learn how to work together with your child's school toward common…

An educational advocate, also known as a parent advocate, child advocate, student advocate, or independent advocate, assists parents of students with disabilities in navigating the complex world of special education. This brief guide will help parents: (1) ask interview questions that will help get an understanding of an advocate's approach to…

The twenty-first century Reading War is, in fact, nothing new, but some of the details are unique to our current culture driven by social media. This volume seeks to examine the current Reading War in the context of the historical recurrence of public and political debates around student reading abilities and achievement. Grounded in a media…

Digital learning is defined as "any instructional practice that effectively uses technology to strengthen a student's learning experience and encompasses a wide spectrum of tools and practices." This "School Leader Digital Learning Guide" is a resource to help school leaders consider, plan, fund, implement, maintain, and adapt…

You and the school share responsibility for your child's language and literacy learning. Collaborate with your school to make decisions about your child's literacy education right from the start. Your child benefits when you and the school work together to support her literacy development. Working together promotes faster development and catches…

For many children, their artistic gifts may not be apparent until opportunity or exposure provides a spark. That's why parents and caregivers must understand the many ways they can ignite sparks, nurture artistic talents, and provide opportunities for gifted children to explore the arts. In many communities, opportunities outside of school abound.…

Sometimes parents just do not know where to begin once their child has been diagnosed as deaf or hearing impaired. This booklet helps answer some of the questions these parents might have. A resource section has been included for parents and professionals for future reference. One of the most important things to remember is that, once a child has…

Taking part in literacy experiences at home can develop your child's reading ability, comprehension, and language skills. Activities that you can engage in at home include: joint reading, drawing, singing, storytelling, reciting, game playing, and rhyming. You can tailor activities to your child's age and ability level, and can incorporate…

This booklet provides an overview of the following important topics, which can assist parents in preparations to be made prior to their child's kindergarten entry: (1) Kansas Early Learning Standards; (2) Kindergarten Entry Information; (3) The Kindergarten Transition; (4) Additional Questions You May Have; and (5) Checklist for Entering…

Technology, when used appropriately, can empower learning, engage and motivate students, and help make learning interactive. Students can benefit from educational technology because it can personalize instruction and adapt to their strengths and weaknesses. Today's digital tools and resources support and enhance learning at home and in the…

This guide is the Spanish version of the "Parent and Family Digital Learning Guide". Technology, when used appropriately, can empower learning, engage and motivate students, and help make learning interactive. Students can benefit from educational technology because it can personalize instruction and adapt to their strengths and…

Many parents find it hard to make decisions about screen time for their kids because advice comes from different directions and often conflicts. In the field of child development, there are decades of theory and research that can be very helpful as a guide for screen and digital device use with young kids. These ideas can be a resource for parents…