Rhindelander, WI: Teachers receive autism training

Sept 5, 2017, Northwoods River News, Rhinelander, WI: School district to further enhance teaching methods in 2017-18 http://www.rivernewsonline.com/main.asp?SectionID=6&SubSectionID=47&ArticleID=78545 "This year, we've started to shift into 6-12," the district's director of instruction Teri Maney told the district's instruction and accountability committee Aug 14. "Elementary staff, just by nature, have much more experience. With the middle and high school, we started with a learning disabilities simulation and that was such a powerful experience to kick-start what it means to be a student with special needs or who doesn't necessarily learn the same as you. That really got our staff thinking, and they continue to bring that up and refer to that as we go forward talking about all learners having a right to learn." Over the summer, autism spectrum disorder courses were available to teachers and upcoming inservice days will feature a quick immersion in the program the elementary grades have been working on over the last few years….. Conlin suggested that Maney and director of special education/pupil services Maggie Peterson, who also worked extensively on the overhaul of the teaching method for the district, make a presentation at the school board association conference…. Peterson said the instruction for teachers on how to reach students on the autism spectrum disorders (ASD) by Glenis Benson, PhD will continue throughout the school year. The district had 67 participants last year in her courses and 47 this summer….. The training will teach those professionals the basic characteristics of ASD as well as universal techniques for addressing behavior. They will also develop an understanding of the sensory needs of students and what is appropriate for all grade levels. ...