#spedchat Archive
#spedchat is a Twitter hashtag used for (1) daily, continuous research and resource sharing on issues related to and effecting students with disabilities, & (2) a scheduled weekly Twitter chat on Tuesday nights from 9:00-10:00 EST.
Tuesday February 2, 2016
Welcome to - Introduce yourself, tell where you are from, & what you do. Don't forget to use the hashtag for each tweet.
Welcome to - Introduce yourself, tell where you are from, & what you do. Don't forget to use the hashtag for each tweet.
Jeremiah from Sioux Falls. School Psych.
Hi Jeremiah! Glad to have you joining us for
I am so excited to welcome as a guest co-moderator tonight! will return next week.
Hey Jeremiah! Nice to have you here!
Hi friends - Erika here from . Long time no see! Really stoked about tonight's topic for
Hey Lady! Glad you are joining us. Looking forward to your insight on this topic!
Tonight's will discuss mental health issues and how they impact our Ss. Looking forward to great discussions.
We will post questions as Q1, Q2, etc.. Please tweet your response with A1, A2, etc. Don't forget to add to each tweet!
We will post questions as Q1, Q2, etc.. Please tweet your response with A1, A2, etc. Don't forget to add to each tweet!
Join in on what is bound to be an awesome conversation this evening! https://t.co/u2001ZCdNJ
Tonight's will discuss mental health issues and how they impact our Ss. Looking forward to great discussions.
Q1: Do you have the knowledge and skills needed to work effectively with students who have a mental illness?
Hi ! Danielle from ! Stoked about tonight's topic...always need tips in this area!
Hey Danielle! So glad you are joining us for tonight!
A1: Hard question, I hope but I can always learn more and improve.
A1: I would say I have experience, some knowledge/skill but always need more support on this issue
A1: This is an area that I think the more support the better!
A1: I have a basic knowledge but sometimes I fly by the seat of my pants. Building trust and respecting boundaries is a start
I agree! It's not an area I have had much PD on. Thanks for joining tonight.
As much as the skills and knowledge may be lacking, it is sometimes the platform, infrastructure, and supports that hold us back.
A1: yes & no. I think so much depends on the individual student. I have basic training but would LOVE more
Totally Agree. Everything starts and ends with relationship.
Hey Alicia! So true, just when I think I have a good understanding something I've never seen pops up! https://t.co/zo7MXe10II
A1: I would say I have experience, some knowledge/skill but always need more support on this issue
Agreed! I hope you are able to go to the Mental Health Training coming up! :)
Q2: How can adults at your school make all students feel supported, both in school and in other areas of their lives?
Sorry running a little late. I'm Rachel from NE Indiana, HS Sped Tchr.
Hey Rachel! No worries..just jump on in. Glad you are here for
A2: Talk about the ways that students are diverse. Read books like “Catch a Falling Star”
A2: By championing a message of holistic health and its impact on Ss learning; mental health being one piece of the puzzle
Ahhhh! I didn't realize. I may have you plug it on Friday! :)
A2: By being present for our Ss, understanding some days aren’t good school days, by expecting great things & never giving up
A2: Bouncing of off - build relationships, show students you care. Forgive mistakes, every day is clean slate
Well said! https://t.co/42K3qYqwwQ
A2: By championing a message of holistic health and its impact on Ss learning; mental health being one piece of the puzzle
Hello! I LOVE your handle name! :) Welcome to .
I love the idea of holistic health, any good reads to recommend? https://t.co/ovVQ4JbELk
A2: By championing a message of holistic health and its impact on Ss learning; mental health being one piece of the puzzle
Q3: How well do you think adults in your school respond to students with mental health problems?
"some days aren't good school days" love that. Every get questions from other Ss about that?
https://t.co/QMURPUYlm5
A2: By being present for our Ss, understanding some days aren’t good school days, by expecting great things & never giving up
A1: On the job training, but always feel unqualified in the mental health arena. More mental health experts needed in schools.
A2: Be flexible and show empathy. Ss deal with so many issues. At times we may need to adapt and adjust to support them.
Remembering that Ss can and should honor their feelings about this. Allow this and validate this.
Remembering that Ss can and should honor their feelings about this. Allow this and validate this.
A3: They would respond honestly; willing to be vulnerable & share personal experiences, or discslose lack of experience altogether
A3: CPI in our schools is a great start. Helps bring awareness and creates good conversations.
A2: Today I realized the important of just listening and validating thoughts for Ss w/mental health issues. Show that you care.
A2: Ratio of positive to negative interactions. Kids feel noticed. It's all about relationships. People are what matters.
Agree. Sometimes "academics" are the last thing a Ss needs from us.
Flexibility to students is so importation Treat each student to meet their needs. Fair isn't always same! https://t.co/UItl8OV22J
A2: Be flexible and show empathy. Ss deal with so many issues. At times we may need to adapt and adjust to support them.
A3: I think it depends on how adults perceive mental health problems. The more knowledgeable the more understanding and prepared.
Being vulnerable is the key. It's so honest and hard. But, boy what an example it can set.
Most of my Ss get it. I preach we all have a bad day, today might be S#1’s turn. We treat each other with compassion.
A3: I think those with knowledge and patience can look beyond outward behaviors and respond to S's with solutions vs punishment
Q4: If a Ss had a problem that was serious enough to need counseling, who in the schl wuld be the best person to gv the Ss help?
A3: my coworkers ROCK at helping Ss w/mental health issues find their true potential!
I LOVE CPI! I wish all educators were trained.
A4:Students are most likely to talk to adults they trust, regardless of their training.
It is sad how few ss have people that actually listen to them! https://t.co/DcgWSuSaWZ
A2: Today I realized the important of just listening and validating thoughts for Ss w/mental health issues. Show that you care.
Q4: Great Q! Some needs can be served well at school, but others are best dealt outside of school. Wrap around counseling
A3: Not always proactive.create mountains out of molehill leading 2 outburst.MH issues not being visible lead to misunderstanding
A3: Most are caring, all are thankful for SpEd support and willing to try new plans. Some feel unqualified...or under qualified.
Agreed, I always begin our day by giving my Ss a chance to talk.
A4: The indvl they felt would pass the least judgement; the one they trust most. Goal should be ALL staff on this "VIP list"
Q4cont: I think it comes down to skills over job title. Sch Counselors and Sch Psych's have background, but may have diff training
A3: Our staff is pretty understanding but I do see some are less comfortable. I feel Ss know who to go to and who will help..
YES! Those services together can really save a life https://t.co/gz3oPEUmrG
Q4: Great Q! Some needs can be served well at school, but others are best dealt outside of school. Wrap around counseling
Totally agree. And relationships...It drives every interaction.
Q5: What is the best way to build trust with your Ss and in turn their families?
wow, I really didn't think of the judgement a student likely feels. good point Erika. https://t.co/mwG7UF92Cb
A4: The indvl they felt would pass the least judgement; the one they trust most. Goal should be ALL staff on this "VIP list"
A4: We have employed a social worker who is visible in and around the school and has a chance to make relationships with Ss.
A5: Nonjudgemental problem solving. Everyone gets to share what they need and look for solutions to support each other.
Wow! This is a great resource for staff and students!
A5: Break the taboo first; Say the word "depression", "anxiety", "bipolar" and don't flinch. Listen w/ empathy; seek to understand
Q5: Communication, even when it's uncomfortable. Frequent connections, especially for positive reasons.
A5: Listen, praise, follow through and repeat!
Agreed. Safe empathizing approach helps create opening for clinical connection and support https://t.co/ybdwwVyUvd
A4:Students are most likely to talk to adults they trust, regardless of their training.
YES! Everything I have read talks FIRST about removing the stigma and then how to help! Great point.
A5: Build relationships with students. Play games, talk, host social events with families.
A5: Dealing with older students, you need to be real. authentic. Let them into your life and they’ll let you into there.
A4: Our guidance department rocks and we have an adjustment counselor as well
What's an adjustment counselor?
A5: listen and validate the Ss feelings/fears/ideas. you don't have to agree, but acknowledging feelings goes a long way
Great reminder. You don't have to agree to just show up and listen.
A5: For the last 10 years a sped tchr in our area hosts an over night camp for special needs Ss and families.
It is amazing how playing a game can open the flood gates for conversations. https://t.co/M1QQ6E202I
A5: Build relationships with students. Play games, talk, host social events with families.
A5: By listening to them/being honest with them. If I write home, they write with me, good and bad. Work together. Mutual respect
Q6: Why are mental health services important in a school setting?
"Mutual respect"...this is HUGE https://t.co/ZpMdMkg4rd
A5: By listening to them/being honest with them. If I write home, they write with me, good and bad. Work together. Mutual respect
Super late on this chat, but this is a huge issue for my teaching right now, and I wanted to follow the conversation
A6: bc these issues are so, so prevalent. Also, the more supports, the better. Never know who the Ss "person" will be
A6: Similar to why we need nurses; there is specific clinical expertise required to support Ss in this aspect of their journey
A6: MH trumps everything else. Without having Ss stable, they can’t learn and grow. Addressing MH support is a primary need
A6: When we integrate MH services into ed envmts, the school sends the message "all Ss welcome and supported here"
A6: Just like any illness, there is a need for highly skilled and trained individuals to help those with mental health concerns.
A6: To me, it's about prevention and support. School's are like any context of influence...what do you want S's to experience?
I'd love to see how you would use a nurse in your building! https://t.co/FYMfuCOMfa
A6: Similar to why we need nurses; there is specific clinical expertise required to support Ss in this aspect of their journey
I think to few ss actually get these services in many schools :( https://t.co/wErcr8Z3Wl
A6: Just like any illness, there is a need for highly skilled and trained individuals to help those with mental health concerns.
A6: Less that 10% of ss with mental health issues get support. Provide that support in schools, where they spend the most time.
Yep, can't teach them if they can't focus! https://t.co/7gYyR4bp9H
A6: MH trumps everything else. Without having Ss stable, they can’t learn and grow. Addressing MH support is a primary need
. great point-- and connecting w/ prof svcs, we can pract & embed in real life, not in disconnected session
A6: Until MH issues and behavior are under control, no learning can take place.
A6: Until MH issues and behavior are under control, no learning can take place.
Q7: What are some strategies you could use in your classroom to help Ss relieve stress or anxiety?
this is why I am a supporter of wrap around services for Ss and families in need
A7: cue Ss before you plan to call on them or give then Qs ahead of time to prep
A7: Self-regulation tools are huge! PMR, thinking tools, , self-monitoring, journaling, etc. are skills that refocus
A7: let students know it is ok to stress, it is normal! Give them 5 mins to stress/freak then teach them how to brth and see truth
A6: I have seen an explosion in social/emotional diagnosis in the past three years. We need to root out the whys and help our Ss
A7: In my setting it helps to create routine and predictability in there environment by using visual schedules.
A7: praise success. Sometimes these Ss aren't used to compliments.
A7: Laugh! Promote a supportive atmosphere among students.
uhg, that what I was afraid of! Why is this? Is it bc it is hard to measure the educational impact? https://t.co/OwhU6cR0UW
A6: Less that 10% of ss with mental health issues get support. Provide that support in schools, where they spend the most time.
A7: In my setting it helps to create routine and predictability in their environment by using visual schedules.
A7: I have stopped answering, “Did I pass?” I tell the kids if they are in danger, I will let them know. Deemphasize testing
A7: Be proactive.No Ss triggers.Get intune 2 setting events.Individual strategies.Connect.Don’t give up even after you are “burnt”
Love Zones! Works well for many, especially the strategies.
I agree. The academic pressure is overwhelming. Staying focused on learning and growing.
Love that idea gives them an opportunity to meanifully participate and gain ur trust https://t.co/eCj22UKP8k
A7: cue Ss before you plan to call on them or give then Qs ahead of time to prep
: Check out Race to the Top documentary. Addresses the issues with academic pressure on Ss, anxiety, and MH.
Q8: What have you done lately to relieve stress and focus on your own mental health, to ensure you remain an effective teacher?
Im stealing that that https://t.co/Fad19RC3tt
A7: I have stopped answering, “Did I pass?” I tell the kids if they are in danger, I will let them know. Deemphasize testing
I like giving them the choice of "answer" or "echo." They have the option of echoing a peer, if they feel nervous.
A8: Started using Grid Diary app to reflect and set small goals for better work/family/life balance. I needed the structure!
A8: Read, Reflect, Turn off Media, Long walks and laughter. Lots and lots of laughter.
A8: run every morning before work! Also review mental health training guide for tough situations so that I'm not the anxious one
A8: Keep a to do list and when things seem frazzled and chaotic, I go back to that list and remember one step at a time.
Oh, yes..I love a good list. I wouldn't survive without it!
A8: Good questions! Maybe not enough...but colleague support helps you get through the bad days.
A8: positive self talk, exercise, setting goals for myself outside of work, committing to "date night" :) .
A Grid Diary app? What a cool ideas! I have never thought of using my phone to help w/daily goals. nice! https://t.co/NZdRGUxRtr
A8: Started using Grid Diary app to reflect and set small goals for better work/family/life balance. I needed the structure!
LOVE this! https://t.co/gggH99kKGL
I like giving them the choice of "answer" or "echo." They have the option of echoing a peer, if they feel nervous.
A8: I run, too! Great meditative stress relief! I also try to do more compartmentalizing so I am present at home
I have seen you grow in this I'm so impressed with how you balance the many things you do! https://t.co/nf2Kil9HGe
A8: positive self talk, exercise, setting goals for myself outside of work, committing to "date night" :) .
So many runners in this group!!! https://t.co/jlMHdzANq9
A8: I run, too! Great meditative stress relief! I also try to do more compartmentalizing so I am present at home
A8: workout, workout, workout. Eat, eat, eat... Not sure it's a good cycle! Ha
A8: If you want Ss to believe and treat themselves as worthy, powerful, capable, free human beings - you have to do it as well!
Date night is something we look forward to in the middle of the week. Great stress relief!
it's the best! My goal is 1000 miles in 2016...we'll see how that turns out! Haha!
I agree! One of the best things we do!
Want to watch, but can't keep up with
Q9: Let’s share some mental health and anxiety resources. Where do you go for help? Websites? Books?
I love the Unstuck app for my HS students with anxiety. Helps them identify their problem and move past it
Awesome! Thanks for this tip. I will have to check this out!
A9: Explosive child, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Restorative Justice, , Behavior Doctor to name a few
A9: CPI, CPI, CPI, CPI, CPI
A9: Share away ! This is the best part of the night...love seeing so many great MH resources for Ss!
This is like a list of my favorite things! Just add: Lost At School :)
A9: Ask "How can I help you?" instead of anything else. It makes a huge difference
A9: My favorite mental health book is a memoir by Marya Hornbacher: Madness. Very powerful. . must read
Q10: What’s your biggest ah-ha moment from tonight?
This is no joke. Amazing how well this works. Then be prepared to Google resources to help! https://t.co/rgahGYDf0v
A9: Ask "How can I help you?" instead of anything else. It makes a huge difference
A9: Gratitude. I use an App every day to reflect. Ss could use it also. Great way to stay focused on the positive, set goals.
A9: https://t.co/WQGmOJEbMi It is my local site. Important to look for local sources as they can connect with services
A9: Biggest ah-ha is to stay positive. So often we are support for others and we need to model positivity.
A10: As always, resource exchange! Going to spend the rest of the week exploring! Thanks -ers
A10: That while we may feel frustrated or at a loss at times, we all are striving for the whole child.
A10: As this is my first time here, my ‘a-ha’ moment is learning that you are all here to help and collaborate!! So great to know!
It's the best . I learn so much every week. Hope you can join us again for
That I am not as quick on my tweets as you all. That they are other passionate special educators out there. I'll be back! Thanks!
Time to wrap up tonight! Thanks for the great dialogue & collaboration. Continue to use the hashtag as you finish your chats.
We will storify this chat and post later tonight so you can catch any missed tweets & check out all the posted links & resources.
A10: That this is such an important topic that we need to keep talking about and learning about! We will do this again!
Thanks for all the tips ! This topic came at the absolute best time! Have a good week!
See you Tuesday, 2/9, at 9:00 pm EST for the next chat.
Thanks for a useful and meaningful chat tonight! Enjoy the rest of the week.
A10 (1/2): No one educator is be an expert; MH is complex, nuanced, individual, even situational;
I was just getting ready to say the same thing. I always leave refreshed and energized! https://t.co/PrTy4mzRqw
Thanks for all the tips ! This topic came at the absolute best time! Have a good week!
A10 (2/2): Educators are exactly the people we need to commit to compassion and understanding .
Appreciate that succinct statement. https://t.co/lei4LM4PR3
A10 (1/2): No one educator is be an expert; MH is complex, nuanced, individual, even situational;
Q10 I am not as quick on my tweets as you all. That they are other passionate special educators out there. I'll be back! Thanks!
