“Larry Kortering’s examination of what factors contribute to [students] dropping out was both useful and insightful to me. We all know what we (teachers) think causes students to decide to drop out. We would never think that we could be the prime motivator. The idea that most students cited a problem that they had with ONE teacher is very scary. I wondered if I might have done that. Wow! Cultivate mellowness. While the viewpoint of the student may just be a rationalization for failure and frustration in other areas, there can be no doubt that they believe the story that they tell themselves and others, and changing this perception could be pivotal.” ~ Rob Ernst, Nikiski Middle and High
Autism in America – Statistics by Year
1960 – 1 in 10,000
2005 – 1 in 260
2010 – 1 in 110
2013 – 1 in 88 (including 1 in 54 boys)
~ Mitch Pioch, Skyview High School
“Social stories and video modeling can be combined. For example, a script, like a social story, can be written and rehearsed. Then the student can be recorded while performing the target skill and the video embedded in a PowerPoint presentation or movie with subtitles. Important concepts to remember for video modeling include: (1) choosing a defined target skill, (2) recording the student performing the skill (not another person), (3) making the video available to the student before the skill is needed and until the skill is mastered, and (4) possibly recording the student performing the same skill in multiple environments to assist with generalization.” ~ Cindy Detrow, Speech Language Pathologist