In this article, you will learn how SLPs can (1) Support classroom instruction, and (2) Align IEP goals with the CCSS. Read More
Category: Intervention
Common Core: Aligning IEP Goals to the CCSS: Case Study- Monica
AligningIEPtoCCSS_CaseStudy_Monica_1.9.14.pdf
This case study is part of the Alignining IEP goals with the Common Core State Standards series. In this case study you will be asked to (1) Develop the CCS goals and (2) Create short-term objectives for planning and benchmarks for Monica, a 12 year old, 6th grade English language Learner. Read More
Ghana January 2014: Sunyani Professional Development Retreat part III
Today was the third and final day of our 3-day Professional Development Retreat. All teachers who attended the retreat received a certificate and a bag of materials/supplies donated by us TC students and our friends and families. From the teacher surveys, we were all excited to find that most teachers found all of our talks and activities over the weekend to be tremendously helpful and beneficial to their students! Many teachers were eager to make AAC market cards, name tags for students, communication passports, and community request cards, and all were even more eager to implement the materials in the classrooms. We were truly grateful to have had this wonderful learning and sharing experience with the brilliant teachers who care so deeply for their students.
After the retreat ended, we were invited by a Sunyani unit school teacher to visit two of his students and their families. Both students and their families had tremendous stories to share about the skills acquired at the unit school. The parents explained how both students experienced substantial growth; one father proudly told us about how his son can now independently perform activities of daily living and small errands.
Tomorrow morning we embark on a journey back to Accra, where we will be working with speech language pathologists and doctors at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in assessment and treatment of children and adults with speech and language difficulties.
Ghana January 2014: Sunyani Professional Development Retreat part II
As our Professional Development weekend continued, we later presented on various strategies such as how to incorporate the use of a daily schedule and calendar within the morning routine in the classroom. It was awesome to hear how teachers have been using these in their classrooms. Some added physical movements to their “Days of the Week” song and displayed their own hand drawn daily schedules!
“Make and Take” allowed us to work directly with the teachers in creating the actual approaches for them to take back to their classrooms. We worked side by side in brainstorming ideas and bringing them to life. We made sure all of our materials would be replicable and sustainable in Ghana. Each teacher also went home with an “AAC Approaches Booklet” that highlighted every approach to be covered throughout the weekend to reference once they leave.
Before dinner and the evening program, a few of us and one of the clinical supervisors completed an assessment and provided strategies for one of the teachers who stammered (stuttered). Earlier in the day, he asked a question during the presentation of “What is Speech Therapy” about treatment for those who stammer because he has had dysfluent speech since he was a child. We asked him assessment questions and developed strategies based on his responses. He started using these strategies and experienced more fluent and clearer speech almost immediately. In less than 30 minutes we had helped someone who had negative feelings about his speech. The smile on his face was unforgettable.
The evening program included African drumming and dancing by a local, professional troupe. The audience was encouraged to join in. We ended the night with students, teachers, professionals all on our feet. What a great way to end such an inspiring weekend!
Thanks to El’licia Price for the post
Ghana January 2014: A New Year, New People, New Experiences
After the 10 hour transatlantic flight and a 4 hour bus ride, we have arrived! Our first days in Ghana have already been filled with learning and a range of cultural experiences. We rang in the New Year in a country new to most of our group by attending a local church service where Dr. Crowley spoke about the purpose of our trip and our work. We also got to unexpectedly share in the celebration of a young man’s completion of his apprenticeship by participating with his family and friends in pouring baby powder on him, and joining in a drum and dance circle on the beach that we drove past.
Ghana January 2014: Insights through Collaborations: Sunyani Professional Development Retreat part I
En route to Sunyani for our Professional Development Retreat weekend, we made a few stops and learned some more about Ghanaian culture and history. First we stopped to see some coffins on the side of the road. Sounds bizarre right?! Well not in Ghana! In Ghana, funerals are a celebration and the coffins reflect that! For example, if a man spends his life as a priest he may be buried in a coffin that is shaped as a bible, or if he spends his life as a farmer he may be buried in a coffin that looks like a piece of corn. We were able to see a few examples of such coffins and it really was a cool insight into the Ghanaian culture. Then we stopped at Ancestral River Park which is where the slaves took their last bath before they were moved to the slave forts and then later sold. It was so moving to see this place that has now become a museum.
Playlist of Cleft Palate (Paladar Hendido) Videos: Video Tutorials to Improve the Speech of Children with Cleft Palate/ Videos para Mejorar el Habla de Niños con Paladar Hendido
This is a collection of 7 videos in Spanish created by Cate Crowley and Miriam Baigorri while working with children in Guatemala who had repaired cleft palates. The sounds covered include S, K, P, and D. Cate and Miriam also discuss feeding problems caused by cleft palate. Click on the Next or Playlist button to advance to a new video. Read More
Ghana 2012: AAC Professional Development Day at Nkawkaw for Special Education Teachers
Catherine Crowley and Miriam Baigorri lead annual trips to Ghana with their graduate students in speech language pathology from Teachers College Columbia University. They provide therapy to people with communication disorders and work closely with special education teachers, parents, nurses, and doctors. January 2012.
