#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 May 3, 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.
My name is Carolyn Messer from Grove City College! I am a freshman
Hello, my name is Monica Boyd and I am a student at Grove City College
Hi! Welcome to . So glad you are here.
Hey I'm Chandler! Im from Kent State University!
Hi ! I'm Danielle, a sped coordinator from Indy. So excited to chat about mental health tonight!
Hi all! Britt, special education teacher at middle school level in Massachusetts...
Hi, ! Jodi from Indiana. SpEd teacher in alternative HS placement and private AT/AAC consultant.
Happy Teacher Appreciation Day to you ALL of you! You are every day heroes to so many students and we honor you!
Christy from Katy TX CoTeach 6/7 Sci & SS
Happy Teacher Appreciation Day to ALL of you! You are every day heroes to so many students and we honor you!
Angie Boone sped teacher at Cheney Middle School in Ks
Tonight's will discuss mental health issues and how they impact our Ss. Looking forward to great discussions.
I am Sydney a Grove City College Pre-service teacher.
Welcome Chandler! is glad you are here.
, PhD. ? That's me! I wrote a book! "Screwed up somehow but not stupid, life with a learning disability"
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!
Howdy Eric HS Sped in NJ almost bed time will try to hang!!!!!
Hello! This is Laura from Indiana with goodwill!
Back at you friend https://t.co/BPyOYYz7Sn
Happy Teacher Appreciation Day to ALL of you! You are every day heroes to so many students and we honor you!
Glad you could join us for tonight!
Nicole, special Ed teacher, WV
Hi. I am Emma Vanderstelt from Lakehead University. I am a Masters student and supply at the high school & sr. elementary lvl
Q1: Do you have the knowledge and skills needed to work effectively with students who have a mental illness?
Welcome to ! Where is Grove City College? What class are you taking that led you to ?
Welcome to ! Where is Grove City College? What class are you taking that led you to ?
Anyone else here actually have a learning disability or was a student in special ed?
Thanks for joining tonight! One of my good friends is a Kent State grad!
Hi, favorite Twitter friend! Thanks for joining tonight!
Good evening ! Tom from Richmond VA grades go in tomorrow but I'll try to add my two cents as appropriate
Howdy Sir! Thanks for joining us tonight.
Welcome to tonight! This should be a great chat!
A1. Definitely not. I always feel like this is an area that I need to grow in
A1: Depends on the day. For days when I don't have answers, I have found resources who do
ummm...I thought I was your favorite? :)
A1 well that's kind if broad kinda depends
Thanks for joining tonight!
Really looking forward to this one
A1 Since I am nto a teacher, it doesn't really apply to me
Hey ! Stacey, from South Dakota, 2nd grade special education teacher.
Glad to see you again tonight for !
Thanks for joining tonight! You picked a great night!
A1: I currently do not. I will pursue AQ courses that specialize there. However, preservice programs don't cover this area
A1: I currently do not have the knowledge I would need but I am hoping it is something that I will be taught at GCC.
A1: All of them? Answer would have to be no at this time.
Brooke, SpEd director from Indians
I have been working with students in special ed for 8 years now and some with mental illness but there is always more to learn!
Rachel, HS Sped Teacher from NE Indiana.
A1: I feel like I am learning more about this every day!
I sure wish they did, though!!
A1:starting to see more Ss with mental health issues, feel as a T I need more training
I plan to be a math teacher, but Special Ed has always interested me and I always want to get to know about it.
A1: It's hard, but always looking for more resources and help!
A1: I'd like to think I have the knowledge to know when to ask for more help & where to refer Ss I can't effectively help.
yes that's the key having the resources and knowing when to use them
A1: Definitely an area of growth for me
Q2: How can adults at your school make all students feel supported, both in school and in other areas of their lives?
A1: I think when I began, I was in over my head but with years and years of experience, I do believe I can handle many issues now
You weren't supposed to see that tweet...
A1:I would not say I have the full experience needed but we learn so much each day that thats hard to say
A1 l I have a ton to learn about working with students with mental illnesses, or even parents. Lucky to have good support staff!
A1: I feel like I need more education to be able to teach in this area, but I feel like I am being well educated at GCC
Awesome example of a great math teacher..sped Ss are in all your classes so always good to have resources! https://t.co/BC8RYbO752
I plan to be a math teacher, but Special Ed has always interested me and I always want to get to know about it.
A1: Mental illness is tough. I work with Ss who have emotional diabilities, so I do have some skills, but not enough.
A2 advocating for all Ss in the classroom, designing lessons for them not the T. Also reaching out to their extracurric activities
I think a lot of times, kids with may appear to have mental health issues but really don't.
I have had students with learning exceptionalities. Some have IEPs. Some prefer not to use their IEP plan
A2: Breaking stigmas of mental illness is a great place to start. Have the tough convos.
A2: By showing students that we care about, and love them. By going to things they do outside of school is a great way to do that!
A2: By listening/ being authentic/ helping through being open, honest/directing the S to help if they need more than we can give
tough convos are worth it! https://t.co/BBjwjnyIpY
A2: Breaking stigmas of mental illness is a great place to start. Have the tough convos.
I think it is a very good point. Thank you for making it.
A2: By building true, meaningful relationships. Show the students you care by showing up to extracurriculars, etc. outside school
A2: our school has advisory program where small groups are with one teacher everyday, builds relationships
Agreed. Relationships are everything!!
A2: I think we can share interests with students. Talk about what they like, attend their sporting events or fine arts.
A2 being honest and real all about the relationship
A2: adults have to show ss they care...a smile and small talk goes along way. Develop a relationship in which ss feel comfortable
Q3: How well do you think adults in your school respond to students with mental health problems?
A2. Create a school culture of acceptance and awareness.
A2: I know I have said this before, but always practice empathetic listening first and foremost.
A2: Adults can show Ss they support them unconditionally by listening, repeating, asking what the S needs/wants from adult.
And sped strategies are good for even gen Ed Ss https://t.co/XpbIu5VUDa
Awesome example of a great math teacher..sped Ss are in all your classes so always good to have resources! https://t.co/BC8RYbO752
I plan to be a math teacher, but Special Ed has always interested me and I always want to get to know about it.
Agreed. Often times the best thing we can do is just STOP talking....
love that you said a smile goes a long way! cause it truly does!
A3: I think it depends on the adult (their personal views) and the mental illness..
Any tips or known resources for providing insightful math lessons for those with exceptionalities? I would love to improve!:)
A3 in HS had great program for Ss with mental health. Although recently, when a S came in that was challenging they almost gave up
A3: I teach in alternative behavior setting & mental health problems seem to be norm & accepted, expected even.
A3: I think we respond when we get beyond looking at just behavior. Most of the time we are reacting though
Hi ! Nikki Morrow....Inclusion teacher at Decatur Middle School in Indianapolis!
A3: some act like these students need to have special attention when they really just want to be treated like any other student
I have a bunch! Contact me at peterflomconsulting@mindspring.com
A3: Metal health problems are not always discussed as we would OHI. Staff are often not prepared someone must advocates for Ss :(
A2: throwing out academic lesson when social learning situation presents itself
Yep! No learning can take place until behavior is under control.
Q4: If Ss had a problem that was serious enough to need counseling, who in the school would be best person to advise what to do?
A3: Most adults don't know how to respond or think that ss are attention-seeking...especially cutters at the middle school level
A4:Students are most likely to talk to adults they trust, regardless of their training.
Amen! So often, Ts are frowned upon if caught doing this, but so important! https://t.co/9srk9gObsX
A2: throwing out academic lesson when social learning situation presents itself
A3: depends on the adult, most mean well, but may not fully understand needs
most well but definitely a difference between SPED & Gen Ed mostly lack of exposure
A3. I think our schools excel 😜 at that. Yes, our coaches, teachers and ToRs handle Sa extremely well. Great job aligning services
I would agree and wish every school could have the supports in place at The Excel Centers!
A4: We are fortunate to have a social worker in house. Our area also has mental health care providers that have done PD for staff
A2: develop the understanding that teaching goes beyond academics...must teach to the whole child with empathy, empathy, empathy.
A3: I'm lucky in this one. Staff at my school pride themselves in really knowing Ss, so MH issues are less alarming/scary.
A4: We have a great guidance staff, a school psychologist and adjustment counselor to help Ss who require more than I can give
I think we are naïve to some things that occur in the home and carry over to school performance/attitude.
It's why we are every day.
A4 anyone on their IEP or intervention team
A4: Typically the school counselor or TOR if s has an IEP. As the SpEd director I often am contacted for advise
A3: Ts have different skill sets, some are better adept at Ss relationships and others at content
A4 our CST crew & school psychologists are awesome resources
A4: Whichever adult the Ss trust most...simply talking about it to anyone is HUGE!
A4. Ideally a social worker, but any trusted adult could work.
The important thing is to know where you fit & which Ss each person has the best rapport with.
Talking about problems is so important! https://t.co/d3HLhzTsFg
A4: Whichever adult the Ss trust most...simply talking about it to anyone is HUGE!
A4: I would inform the principal and then guidance. Administration does a good job collaborating and relying upon community help
A3: more PD & education is needed to raise awareness and help schools develop interventions for Ss with mental health diagnoses
A4: I agree with many of you in finding any adult, but it is really all of our responsibilities to look for signs and support them
A4 we have an amazing school counselor that used to do social work. She is the best! She is my go to.
Q5: What is the best way to build trust with your Ss and in turn their families?
A4: I would probably say one of the special ed teachers that attend their IEP meetings
A4: A trusted adult that the student has built a rapport with. That adult can seek advice, with confidentiality, from others.
So true, those invisible disabilities can some of the most difficult for Ts to understand https://t.co/vhA3O5SB8x
A3: Metal health problems are not always discussed as we would OHI. Staff are often not prepared someone must advocates for Ss :(
A4: The special education teachers and guidance consulors would be really helpful for these students to talk to.
A4: an adult that is well trusted and someone that is reliable to access help
A5: Put in the early investment in building positive relationships. Make the calls, notes, etc. home about the good S is doing
A5: Always communicating honestly with them.
A5: Listen, validate, repeat.
A5 have events outside of school, connect with them regularly! Showing you care is so important
A5: Again, through mutual respect and authentic interest. My Ss and Ps trust me because they know they can count on me
always important to start early https://t.co/CMm1ITbJEq
A5: Put in the early investment in building positive relationships. Make the calls, notes, etc. home about the good S is doing
A5: Communication - consistent, complete, honest, frequent, equal input from everyone. Follow up. More than once. Be involved.
A4: my admin is so supportive, counselor, and social worker are great resources too
again relationships; be honest with Ss and listen, listen, listen
A5 don't be reluctant to contact parents about the positive things their child is doing rather than only contacting for problems
A5: It takes time, but again empathetic listening. Following through and following up. Families in crisis need support.
A5: As supply I have only conversed with Ss.Before class, in halls. Even in public! Can have small talk or debate.They choose
agree positive phone calls are great
One time, a class and I discussed my thesis paper all because they wanted to talk about it.
And they often need long-term support long after most people lose interest in helping after crisis ends. https://t.co/QWgkqCA0SO
A5: It takes time, but again empathetic listening. Following through and following up. Families in crisis need support.
A5: be honest, have high expectations, create a safe learning space, provide authentic positive feedback, know the kids, laugh
Q5: show respect and be a role model that is truth worthy to them
A5: listen with empathy and the intent to understand not to reply, be collaborative and consistent.
Q6: Why are mental health services important in a school setting?
I love positive phone calls, however, parents are often paniced when they see it is me on caller ID. https://t.co/PKdmT95rn2
agree positive phone calls are great
A5: Being genuine, actively listening, & showing respect builds trust. Building therapeutic rapport after any meltdown is key!
I have an agreement w/several parents to call from my cell for good calls & only bad calls from school phone.
does long term support mean check in? Or a a long-term program that involves scaffolding?
A6: No learning will occur until we address primary needs. Trying learn in a crisis is absurd.
A6: I feel that social/emotional issues have exploded (PARCC testing tomorrow) Academic pressure + a child in crisis=big need
A5: I spend 3 years with Ss, it is so important to have an open line of comm with both Ps and Ss
Both. Either. Whatever is appropriate for the specific student/family & their existing support system.
A6: We must address mental health needs to maximize learning. We teach the whole child, not just academics.
Here's an online resource some school staffs have told they use to help detect signs of depression. https://t.co/GzpZk5LbEq
A6 so that every single student knows they are loved and supported! every student should be fought for
I do, too. Parents who frequently get bad calls from admin are the ones I promised to call from my cell.
A6 well really that's where it's needed, so many Ss are victims of this we are vital to be there for them
A6: I think of Maslow's Heirarcy of Needs & how mental illness can affect needs being met. Needs need to be met for Ss to learn.
A6: All children have the right to the same education.
Q7: What are some strategies you could use in your classroom to help Ss relieve stress or anxiety?
A6 basic needs must be met before we can accomplish other things at school... Sometimes we forget that.
A7: I use behavior scripting w/Ss so they have pre-planned script of what to say to the panicked voice inside their head.
A7: yoga & meditation in short doses
A7 for younger ages, have a quiet time area where they can spend 5 or 7 min to calm down or take a breather
A7: My mantra is “ We can only do the best we can do, then we need to let it go”..If you give me your best, I will always be happy
A6: if mental health issues aren't dealt with, academics are going to be difficult
A7: Favorite tool, YOGA! I lead a group every morning for any student who wants to join.
At high school level, the stakes are so high w/standardized testing b/c they have to pass or no diploma.
A6: S's must have their basic needs (safety, physiological, love, belonging) met before any learning can occur. S/o Maslow!
This is such a great idea!
You DO!! That's incredible.
so fun! never thought of yoga being used in the classroom! https://t.co/YwdgoYwSr6
A7: Favorite tool, YOGA! I lead a group every morning for any student who wants to join.
A7: Have a signal for Ss when you expect them to verbally participate
Q7- simply listening sometimes. It is different for everyone in my room...Some want to get energy out, others want to relax.
A7: Teach simple calming/relaxation techniques like deep breathing, visualizing, etc. Many of our elem Ts use videos
A7 snacks, frequent breaks allow Ss to move around being avaliable to talk privately or OK to go to CST
A7. Chunk tests/assignments into small pieces. Celebrate after each small piece. Be active, jump around to get the jitters out
A7: As supply, I encourage breaks. Have conversations not related to school. Snack. Listen to music. Joke. Some IEPs 'walk it off'
A7: 30 second dance party's...obviously.
A7: I shamelessly plug any efforts to teach students self-regulation skills. Concrete, behavioral, pre-teach
A7: Giving students something to squeeze in their hands is a great way to keep them working and not too stressed.
A7: I also say, “There’s nothing in sixth grade, academically, that is worth crying about” Just try and we will figure it out
Sometimes we joke about recent dance moves prob see soon. LOL
A7: my room is a safe place, if issues arise Ss can always come in to decompress
Had S who came w/coping box filled w/activities. She was beating me w/it, screaming "MY COPING & BREATH IS BROKEN!"
Q8: What have you done lately to relieve stress and focus on your own mental health, to ensure you remain an effective teacher?
A6 I think mental health support and stress management strategies are impt for teachers as well as sts in schools
I definitely feel the pressure in middle school..They all say, “Did I pass?” for everything https://t.co/zjtYr5ZrVr
At high school level, the stakes are so high w/standardized testing b/c they have to pass or no diploma.
I've tried limited scripting at times but not overly effective don't think I am doing it as well as I could
A7: I use self regulation techniques with Ss. Teaching students to identify anxious behavior and the tools that can help.
A8 since finals are coming up..taken some time to walk away from work for bit and relax and build better relationships
Ready bodies, ready minds! Love that https://t.co/WeDedKNbfS
A7: Favorite tool, YOGA! I lead a group every morning for any student who wants to join.
Well, is a scripting GENIUS...so ask away!
I'm going to be doing training webinar on behavioral/anxiety scripting for AbleNet in August, if you're interested.
A7: a resource room I was in took brain breaks, when it was needed music was played and students could walk around the room
Q8: Just constant pep talking up to this horror show of two weeks of standardized testing…we’ll get through it together!
A7: chunking of tests/assignments, built in brain breaks, use of fidgets, visuals, hot pass to trusted adult and extended time
No, but now I am going too. Thank you!
A8: I break larger tasks into smaller ones and only focus on the small tasks. I set daily work goals and reward w/ chocolate.
A8: I'm a fan of exercise, prayer, and essential oils to help me through the tough times!
deff interested we will talk before for sure thanks !!
A8: The best stress reliever/preventer I have for myself is to run. Every morning. Gets me ready for the day.
A8: For me, I run…and sleep…and not in that order…
I am super interested in trying essential oils.....
I am a fan of brainbreaks. We love . Gets kids moving and smiling. https://t.co/kkKnbjXKsW
A7: a resource room I was in took brain breaks, when it was needed music was played and students could walk around the room
A8: doing projects that feed my soul, at this time a homeless awareness project w/ MS Ss
I'll let you know when I have dates/times for fall webinars.
A8: I am a big fan of exercise! Run, swim, HIIT, weights. Anything.
Oh yes, I don't share my chocolate.
I'll send you details when I have them! I can also share what I already have. :)
A8 dog walks and some really bad mindless TV!! https://t.co/ejLkF3dVNt
Q8: What have you done lately to relieve stress and focus on your own mental health, to ensure you remain an effective teacher?
A8: eating/getting away for lunch, instead of using that time playing catch up 😃
Uh oh - have I misread Q8? My apologies!
When taught life skills, had emergency staff chocolate drawer for after barf or diarrhea diapers.
Thanks, Brooke. I am going to give them a try.
Q9: Let’s share some mental health and anxiety resources. Where do you go for help? Websites? Books?
I wonder if they added something to it about mental illness because now preservice program is 2 years, not 1.
my staff & I give each other with large chocolate bars for hard weeks. I had one on my desk last Friday.
I like to watch people run by my house in the morning. That's my morning routine. ;)
A9 I actually come to chats like these to learn more
Q8 Did U know blowing up a balloon can help reduce stress by increasing breathing depth and focus?
A9: I turn to the internet often…if I have questions, I google and start to read, explore, ask questions and find resources
A9: I sometimes watch YouTube videos to see personal experiences. Some catch their on camera for learning experience
I'm allergic to latex, so that causes me to die. But I bet it would work better for everyone else. ;)
I plan on not running. ;)
Whenever I see a runner (or any exerciser lol), I mentally cheer them on :P
A9 yes my PLN is my best go to
Redesigned tip: if not allergic to anything in balloons did U know it can reduce stress 2 blow one up just for fun?
That wouldn't be good !!! https://t.co/8ArDbwkmic
I'm allergic to latex, so that causes me to die. But I bet it would work better for everyone else. ;)
Thank you. So often the resources I come across are intended for a younger crowd and need adapted.
A9: my sped coop has behavioral specialists and instructional coaches, help findmresources when T is stressed
Q10: What’s your biggest ah-ha moment from tonight?
I always said I would only run if I were being chased but one day I started
bubble wrap could be a good alternative as well. Spent 15 min 1 time popping bubbles. Super satisfying.
A9: I've pretty much lived on this website as I've been planning #MentalHealthAwarenessMonthhttps://www.nami.org/mentalhealthmonth
A9: My mom probably wouldn't appreciate me giving out her # 😉 can't wait to see everyone's resource suggestions
I ran cross-country in HS. Everyone wished I'd quit so could go home since I was always last.
Q10 there are so many professionals out there that are ready to help! Love that!
A10: that people find running relaxing
A9: Twitter, blogs, collaboration w/local mental health center, attend PD, personal experience
A10: We need to get more resources to our general education teachers about mental illness to help meet needs of all students.
That isn’t cool….at least you finished!!
Last. And hours after everyone else. Every time. I rock! https://t.co/bjFwhQiNf3
A10: We need to get more resources to our general education teachers about mental illness to help meet needs of all students.
Whereas I wonder if they need mental health support...
A10: What she said…. https://t.co/twk4Meg7Y0
A10: We need to get more resources to our general education teachers about mental illness to help meet needs of all students.
Strong peer support also impt for reducing stress and for Ts
A10: mental health issues are becoming more and more frequent in school
A10:Everyone is supportive here. I feel very comfortable conversing here. Plus new ideas for mental health! To new perspectives
Wow, that is really neat. I will have to check it out.
So glad, Emma! Hope you join us again for
Time to wrap up tonight! Thanks for the great dialogue & collaboration. Continue to use the hashtag as you finish your chats.
I sure do love my peeps! https://t.co/YqJ9aNfUDN
Last. And hours after everyone else. Every time. I rock! https://t.co/bjFwhQiNf3
A10: We need to get more resources to our general education teachers about mental illness to help meet needs of all students.
Yes it feels pretty amazing to see your name on a book cover! And on something I'm passionate about too
We will storify this chat and post later tonight so you can catch any missed tweets & check out all the posted links & resources.
Thanks for a great discussion.
I had the SAME problem! I talked to universities to see what they use and all pointed me to this. It's great!
A10 How many ppl feel unprepared to teach Ss w/MI (myself included) Not enough prep for this in teacher prep programs.
Thank you for a great discussion :) Time flew by
Agreed! Maybe we should create the courses to offer. :)
Awesome. I added it to my short list of resources. Thanks again!
See you Tuesday, 5/10, at 9:00 pm EST for the next
So many supportive educators out there! thanks for a great chat and great ideas!
Thanks for the great chat
thank you for this helpful chat! loved being able to participate!
