The term autism was coined by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler in 1911 to describe severe cases of schizophrenia. According to Bleuler, autistic thinking was driven by a rejection of reality, substituting the outside world with a hallucinatory fantasy. As new methods for studying developing children were explored, the idea that autistic thinking is characterized by…
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When the internet was first developed, it was nothing like it is today. With limited speed and bandwidth, the early internet was used exclusively by a few government agencies and, later, universities. In the 1990s the internet became a premium consumer service not unlike cable television. Internet access and the required devices—at first computers, then…
The English language is nobody’s special property. It is the property of the imagination: it is the property of the language itself. — Derek Walcott The United States has no official language, but English is the de facto language spoken by millions of native speakers. For both citizens and noncitizen residents, many of whom speak…
If you’re considering applying to a master’s in special education program, you might want to know what your career prospects will be after graduation. Here we explore just a few of the many professional advantages you can experience with a master’s degree in special education. Enjoy a Rewarding Career That Enhances Lives—Including Your Own Few…
Principals and superintendents are sources of inspiration, catalysts for change, and advocates for student success. In your time as a teacher or administrator, you’ve likely come across educational leaders who embodied these ideals—or perhaps you’ve even recognized them in yourself. Today, we’ll be looking at four extraordinary administrators who exemplify what can be done when…
Many teachers are driven by the desire to impart the knowledge and skills that will help students thrive throughout their lives. However, some students have specialized education needs due to a disability or disorder, which means accomplishing this goal may require additional training. If you’re considering pursuing a graduate degree and eventual career in special…
Many young students dread stumbling across an unknown word while reading aloud to the class. Looking for context in pictures or surrounding sentences, students in this situation tend to guess and hope that they’ve landed on the correct pronunciation. The key to word recognition, however, lies not in contextual guessing but in decoding. By identifying…
The terms mainstreaming (integration) and inclusion are often used interchangeably. The careful implementation of these contrasting teaching approaches, however, can have a profound impact on the academic outcomes of students with disabilities. Knowing the difference between inclusion and mainstreaming can help you better reach students with and without disabilities, so we encourage you to join…
Superintendents oversee virtually every aspect of a school district, from ensuring that its curriculum meets approved standards to meeting with parents regarding their child’s education. As leaders, superintendents can enact positive, lasting change that benefits the lives of students, teachers, and administrators. They must be able to set an example, inspire others, encourage teamwork, and…
Over five million students in American public schools are English language learners (ELL), students who are studying to become fluent English speakers. While Spanish is by far the most commonly spoken language by K-12 students with limited English proficiency, other common languages include Vietnamese, Chinese, Arabic, and Hmong. In total, over 400 different languages are spoken by ELLs…