Note from SENIA's Director |
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| Last week, I had the privilege of virtually attending The Brookings Institute Symposium on Inclusion and Education Systems Transformation. Inclusive leaders from around the world gathered to address a critical issue: |
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"Despite global policy efforts to achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals for equitable education, no nation has succeeded in creating truly inclusive classrooms and school communities on a large scale. While some countries have made significant strides in meeting the needs of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), nearly every nation has fallen short in developing schools as settings for full social inclusion. This requires going beyond physical inclusion to create accessible and meaningful learning environments for all, including children with IDD."
As international school leaders, educators, and families, we must prioritize this concern. Sustainable Development Goal 4 demands that schools be places where all children matter equally, participate fully, and develop the skills, knowledge, beliefs, and practices they need to thrive.
Becoming more inclusive is not easy, but it can be achieved.... |
Peace & Inclusion, Lori Boll SENIA International Executive Director Friendly Reminder: We have lots to share in our newsletter. When you see 3 dots, be sure to click "see more" so you don't miss out on anything. |
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Have you transferred to a new school? Moved to a new country? Ensure we make the move with you by updating your contact details today! |
SENIA World Changer Award |
The SENIA World Changer Award recognizes an individual who actively promotes inclusion in their community while supporting SENIA's Mission and Vision. Our team is looking for our next award recipient - consider nominating someone in your community today! |
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SENIA Virtual Conference Scholarship |
The SENIA Virtual Conference Scholarship offers 10 individual members (not groups) the opportunity to attend a SENIA Conference free of charge. This opportunity is intended for conference applicants who require financial assistance and would be unable to attend without such support. If you are interested in applying, be on the lookout for applications opening in May 2024. |
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SENIA Outreach Scholarship |
The SENIA Outreach Scholarship honors an individual or group who has a project with a financial need that will have a measurable impact in helping to promote inclusion in a current SENIA community. It celebrates the achievements of disabled individuals, encourages awareness of the abilities and aspirations of disabled individuals, and advocates on behalf of inclusion around the world. Stay tuned for the latest Outreach Scholarship recipient announcement, coming soon in May 2024!
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The Highs and Lows of Co-constructing a Personalized Math Class By: Jerome Lingo |
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“Student Agency boils down to students having a voice in the classroom…”
Laurie Manville & Dr. Alva Lefevre
Towards the end of the school year 2022-2023, my class roster started to grow. Students that chose to withdraw from IB classes were transferred to our Math class feeling defeated. It was painful to witness how they don’t fully realize that curriculums are not one-size-fits-all and there are many opportunities for them to be successful given the right placement. Our class was mainly seen as credit recovery, a tick mark to complete the required units for graduation. It was a hard sell to keep them motivated and to top it all off, our first order of business was to administer a diagnostic test and discuss their challenges. That’s when I knew something had to change.
I had an ambitious goal; to co-construct a Math class from scratch with our seniors. My students and I brainstormed, co-planned, and questioned what they wanted to gain from a Math class... |
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SENIA Indonesia, with the support of JIS SENIA Reps, held their local 2nd Annual SENIA Conference on April 20th. The conference had a morning of 9 different workshops, and the afternoon was highlighted by our Student Voices Speeches, ending with our Job Alike groups. We welcomed along with our newly created SENIA Indonesia Board, 130 participants, from 16 different schools, centers, and various domains to this year's 2024 local conference- "Creating a Community of Belonging!" The day was filled with a buzz of learning, connecting, and meeting people from all over in various schools. We look forward to continuing this tradition next year.
~ By Emily Simbaña |
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For more details about local events, please see our events webpage or your Local Chapter Facebook Group or Instagram pages. |
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Host Lori Boll speaks with Heidi Mermis-Cava, the Director of Student Support Services at the Shanghai American School. Heidi recently presented at the in-person SENIA conference in Vietnam, where she received overwhelmingly positive feedback for her work. During the podcast, Heidi shares some of her expertise on distinguishing between English as an Additional Language (EAL), Specific Learning Disabilities, and Language Impairments. This provides a valuable preview of the more comprehensive information she will be sharing at the upcoming SENIA virtual conference. Be sure to join us at the conference to learn even more from Heidi.
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Why should your school become a SENIA Member School? |
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Annual Consultations with our Board Experts |
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| Discounts on in-person events |
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| Fall Down 7 Times, Get Up 8 by Naoki Higashida Translated by KA Yoshida and David Mitchell Reviewed by Miggie Shum
Naoki Higashida is an autistic young adult who uses a Japanese alphabet grid to communicate with individuals around him. In 1997, at the age of 5, he was diagnosed to be severely autistic and non-verbal. He published his first book, The Reason I Jump, when he was in middle school. |
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Fall Down 7 Times, Get Up 8 is a collection of short essays and an interview written by Higashida between the ages of eighteen and twenty-two. In these short chapters, he talks about his frustrations towards his own actions or being misunderstood, how confusing language can be (What does “Hang on a moment” mean?), his experience with different educational settings, and most important of all, his wish for patience and compassion from neurotypical individuals around him.
“People with autism might need more time, but as we grow there are countless things that we can learn how to do, so even if you can’t see your efforts bear fruit, please don’t quit.” (Chapter 3)
While his words may not apply to every autistic person, it is a powerful read, and a unique journey into the mind of a person who is often assumed to be “less capable” - just because he does not communicate in conventional ways and has different sensory needs. He, too, wants to make decisions about his education; he takes pleasure in achieving something new. He values and is grateful for his family, especially his mother, even though he may not show it in ways others expect.
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Teaching Assistant Certification |
Are you ready to supercharge your impact in the classroom? Step into the world of SENIA's Teaching Assistant Certification Course!
Unleash your passion for empowering students and unlock a treasure trove of knowledge and skills. Delve into the fascinating history of inclusive practices, unravel the mysteries of educational diagnoses, and become a pro at data collection and confidentiality. Master the art of behavior management, discover the secret sauce for positive transitions and routines, and become a friendship-building guru. Are you up for the challenge? Join the SENIA Teaching Assistant Certification Course and embark on an unforgettable learning adventure. Let's make a lasting impact in the lives of our amazing students! |
Level One Educator Certification Next course begins May 13th |
This coursework is perfect for the beginning to intermediate level Learning Support teachers or general educators who want to learn more about supporting students with learning differences. Take one course or all six. Educators who take all six earn a SENIA Level One Educator certification. Sign up for all 6 courses now and get one course free. |
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NEW: Level Two Certification |
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Want regular updates on SENIA Academy? Join our mailing list. Bonus: Sign up for the SENIA Academy mailing list and we'll share 6 hands-on tips for using AI as an Educator! |
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Remfrey Educational Consulting |
Remfrey Educational Consulting leads the way in fostering disability inclusive learning environments through expert professional development and comprehensive school audits. |
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With Understanding Comes Calm |
Julie Skolnick from With Understanding Comes Calm is offering a 6-week FREE live masterclass tailored specifically for 2e adults. The masterclass began on April 11th and will end on May 16th, but register now to gain access to all 6 recordings at the end of the series.
This unique opportunity offers a platform for 2e adults to gain valuable insights into navigating relationships and understanding their unique strengths and challenges. There will also be an opportunity for a Q&A at the end of each presentation.
You won't want to miss out on this enriching experience that promises to be both informative and empowering.
Secure your spot today by registering [https://www.withunderstandingcomescalm.com/6-week-series-2e-adults] and mark your calendars for the start of this transformative masterclass series. |
Northshore Learning helps schools support and retain amazing educators 🌟 🌎
Globally, student academic, social, and mental health needs are at an all time high. Teacher morale and wellbeing, is at a low as a record number of teachers are leaving the profession.*
Northshore Learning offers tailored support to schools to bridge the gap between educator wellness and student needs by enhancing Tier 1 classroom practices and offering personalized professional learning for educators.
(Reports: UNESCO, 2024; International Baccalaureate, 2024) |
Accessibility notice:
At SENIA, we are working towards making all of our spaces and materials more accessible for all of our community. Should you require any accommodations to ensure resources or events are fully accessible to you, or if you have any questions about accessibility, please contact Hannah Peters at hannah@seniainternational.org.
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| SENIA International 18160 Cottonwood Rd. PMB 637 | Sunriver, OR | USA Unsubscribe link
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