EAST ISLIP SEPTA

Special Education PTA

 

www.eastislipsepta.org

       

Is your child struggling in school and you don’t know why? Is your child not reading at grade level? Is getting your child to do their homework a nightly battle? If so, you know how emotionally trying it can be on both you and your child. 

 

It's frustrating to watch your child struggle in school, especially if you don't know the cause. There are as many obstacles to learning as there are children.  SEPTA members have already traveled down that road.  SEPTA is not just for parents of children receiving special education, but for all parents with children who are struggling with their academics.  We can help you identify the reasons for your child’s struggles, and guide you through the maze of resources available from the school district designed to help your child.

 

What is Special Education?

 

Special education refers to education for students who may require additional support to be successful students. Special education is governed by federal law.  Under the Indviduals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Special Education is defined as: "Specially designed instruction, at no cost to parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability." 

The overwhelming number of disabilities are neurological.  Neurological disabilities make up the majority of diagnosed disabilities in the world of special education.  Reading disorders (such as Dyslexia), writing disorders, ADHD, central auditory processing, and high functioning autism are the most common.  These children (and adults) look perfectly normal on the outside, and in most cases have high IQ’s. The inside is another story.  Neurological differences in the brain create symptoms that are misinterpreted by neuro-typical people. Neuro-typical people include peers, other parents, school staff, passers by and even some medical professionals. 

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In the 60’s and 70’s, Special Education was stigmatized by being offered only to children that suffered from obvious, debilitating mental disorders such as Down Syndrome and traumatic brain injuries. Fortunately, this is no longer the case. Special education is just that, “special” education, tailored to the specific needs of your child. If your child was in pain and the doctor referred him/her to a specialist who could properly diagnose and treat the cause of your child’s pain, you would go there without question. This is the same model that has been adopted in education. If your child is struggling in school, and doing homework is a nightly wrestling match, and you feel that your child is capable of so much more, there may be a reason for their struggles.  Research has proven that your child may not be taught in the manner in which your child learns best.

Recognizing that every child deserves excellence in education and a quality life, the purpose of the East Islip SEPTA is to serve students and their families by:

1) Providing vital information and support to parents through sponsorship of forums, discussion groups and workshops in order to enhance parent’s efforts to maximize the potential of their children;

2) Training parents to be partners in education through networking opportunities with teachers, educators and other professionals;

3) Creating a mutually supportive environment for parents of both younger and older special education students to share experiences, resources and expertise;

4) Advocating for the issues affecting special education students and their families.

5) To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, and community.

6) To advocate for adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth,

7) To bring into closer relation the home and the school, that parents and teachers may cooperate intelligently in the education of children and youth, and

8) To develop between educators and the general public such united efforts as will secure for all children and youth the highest advantages in physical, mental, social, education.

If your child is struggling in school, and you don’t know why, please visit our website, www.eastislipsepta.org , or join us at our next meeting on Wednesday September 30, 2009 @ 7:30 PM in the district office boardroom, located above the ECC. Feel free to discuss your concerns with our members, either in private (before or after the meeting) or as a part of a general discussion. Our members have all been there, and we can help you start your child on the path to unlocking their true potential. 

 

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SEPTA  also now offers a full schedule of guest speakers on a wide variety of educational topics. Here is the current schedule of speakers. Please check our website for additional speaker dates or last minute cancellations:

 

September 30th   ADHD & Behavior Management-Elaine Learner, MSW,CSW

 

October 28th        Assistive Technology- Dr. Tom Rosati    Ed.D A.T.P.,          Associated  with The DaVinci Learning Center

November 3rd     Rick Lavoie, M.A., M.Ed. (Venue to be determined)

Rick Lavoie has served as an administrator of residential programs for children with special needs since 1972. He holds three degrees in Special Education and has served as an adjunct professor or visiting lecturer at numerous universities including Syracuse, Harvard, Gallaudet, Manhattanville College, University of Alabama and Georgetown. His numerous national television appearances include CBS Morning Show, Good Morning Amedca, ABC Evening News and Disney Channel Presents.

Rick serves as a consultant on Learning Disabilities to several agencies and organizations including Public Broadcasting Service, New York Times, National Center for Learning Disabilities, Girl Scouts of America, Child Magazine and WETA. He is a member of the Professional Advisor Board of the Learning Disabilities Association.    http://www.ricklavoie.com/  http://www.childrenofthecode.org/interviews/lavoie.htm http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JsG7GJfvJI

November 18th  Surviving Adolescence: How Painful Does It Have to Be”  Ellen Benson ACSW, P.D

December 16th   Long Island Talking Books & Programs available through the  Library - Valerie Lewis

 January 27th   Homeopathy Presentation- Dr. Rieter

February 24th   Transition to Post Secondary Schooling- Christina Cacioppo-Bertsch, MA, CCB Educational Consulting Corp

March 24th  Auditory Processing- Shelley Francis

April 28th   Biomedical Treatments- Autism- Dr. Michael Elise

May 19th  “All people affected by substance abuse” – LICADD – Steve Chassman

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The East Islip Septa is proud to present

Rick Lavoie, M.A., M.Ed

On Tuesday evening, November 3rd, The East Islip Septa is honored to be presenting Rick Lavoie (time and venue to be determined). Rick Lavoie is a popular author and nationally acclaimed speaker with more than 30 years' experience in special education. Widely known for a popular PBS video and practical workshops, Lavoie aims to provide information and inspiration to parents and teachers of children with learning disabilities.

Rick has served as an administrator of residential programs for children with special needs since 1972. He holds three degrees in Special Education and has served as an adjunct professor or visiting lecturer at numerous universities including Syracuse, Harvard, Gallaudet, Manhattanville College, University of Alabama and Georgetown. His numerous national television appearances include CBS Morning Show, Good Morning America, ABC Evening News and Disney Channel Presents.

Rick has delivered his message to over 500,000 parents and professionals throughout North America. He has the distinction of having delivered Keynote Addresses for all three of the major special needs advocacy organizations in the United States (Learning Disabilities Association, Council for Exceptional Children, Children with Attention Deficit Disorder).

Please check our website www.eastislipsepta.org , Further information, relating to time and venue, will be available when determined.