Mathematics Works for Us All

Dear Parents and Students

As the summer progresses I will take the opportunity to use my blog to share a variety of information with you that will, I hope, be helpful and informative. It seems the start of a new school year always comes around just when we thought the summer had only begun, so I always assume that I better get started before things sneak up on me. As you are likely aware there is a great deal of excitement brewing with the opening of our new middle school and new stuff can be exhilarating but there is always a little apprehension to go along with it. Part of what I want to do with my blogs is eliminate as much of that apprehension as possible before the big day.

In the world of mathematics (need I remind you that is what I teach) it works the same for us all. Math favors no one and will challenge everyone at one time or another. With that in mind I wanted to make you aware of the importance equality of educational opportunities for all students holds for me. There are three major pieces of congressional legislation (laws) that I think are critical in having my classroom, any classroom for that matter, meet the standards of fairness required. I wanted all of you to have some insight into their purpose and know that I fully support their application in my classroom.

The first of these is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This is the bases on which the other two pieces of legislation are grounded and ADA simply defines a disability as "a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities." One of our fellow teachers best summarized this act by saying; “Put simply, the ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities by: employers (both in the private and public sectors); local and state governmental entities (including with respect to public transportation); public facilities (such as hotels, restaurants, and retailers); and telecommunications companies (such as the cable or telephone company).” The following link to Mr. Wardwell’s blog can provide further insight into this landmark piece of legislation: http://willwardwell.blogspot.com/

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the second piece of legislative action. The purpose of IDEA as enacted was not only to provide federal funding to support states activities in this realm but to also regulate instruction through the use of programs that are uniquely designed to meet the individual needs of a disabled student and provide other associated services. The act incorporates a student’s IEP (Individualized Educational Program) as an integral element of service and obtains input on individual goals and methodologies from parents and school professionals alike.

Lastly is the Assistive Technology Act (ACT). Fawn Caveney, the schools eighth grade English teacher, in her recent blog defined the purpose ATA as “assisting states in continuing to support and help meet the needs of individuals and their families with disabilities. This act grants moneys to states for three key areas:”
· To support and increase the accessibility of assistive technology.
· To invest in assistive technology for federal agencies and departments to serve individuals and families with disabilities.
· To offer micro-loans to individuals wishing to purchase assistive technology

Ms. Caneney has provided additional information and relevant links on her bog at http://fawncaveney.blogspot.com/

I have linked a number of references to these laws below and would be happy to assist in directing you to any other resources I am aware of at your request.

I hope all of you are having a great summer you continue to do so. When you have a moment throughout the summer give my blog a quick peak and I’ll try to keep the latest and greatest coming your way.

Warmest regards … Kip DeShazo


Americans with disabilities Act (ADA)
ADA Full Text

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
http://idea.ed.gov/

Assistive Technology Act (ACT)
http://www.disabilityrightsca.org/Pubs/532101.htm
http://www.msprojectstart.org/techact.html