2.4.14 - The Common Core Curriculum & Autism On-Line Education

Melissa brings the audience on a two-part journey on Education with a focus message on " DO YOUR RESEARCH!" * Are you a power parent? do you know what is out there in the education world? How can we protect our kids and steer them in the right direction of education? Answer- through our research and instincts. If something doesn't sound right to you or you get a gut feeling, what do you do? Listen to this show Part 1 and Part 2 and make an hypothesis then take action for what is best for your child and others. Part 1- On the Common Core Curriculum - Meet - Jane Wilcox, a retired elementary school teacher, a wife, mother and grandmother. Jane became concerned about the newly adopted Common Core Curriculum after she did some intense research on it. She then found out she wasnt alone and that there were many others concerned about the ambiguity and questionable education standards that were being "pushed" for states to use by the government. Jane went further to get the word out and wanted to educate people on both views of the Common Core. She then became a founding member of the Common Core Study Group in Massachusetts and organizes presentations with educational professionals. The focus of the group is to bring the "truth" to the discussion on Common Core so that parents can make the best decision for their children. By examining both sides of the issue they are open to anyone who, respectfully, offers facts and opinions. Part 2- Introduction to Autism On-line Education with founder of http://autismsmilesllc.org/- Jasper Steed , who also carries an Autism Diagnosis. Jasper shares the mission and beginning of on-line Autism Education and invites parents and professionals to take a "leap of faith" and try his self designed school, who has a special focus on children who are non-verbal.

Melissa introduces returning guest Lisa Smith, Advocate for children with ASD and a parent who has successfully navigated the special education system and services and desires to share what he has learned with our audience! tune in to this show , as we review the signs and symptoms of Autism from the earliest developmental stages and where you can go from there- there is HOPE!

Melissa introduces returning Special Guest Attorney Katherine Martin to go in depth about Transitionins your child from High School . She will answer your questions - should you accept the diploma? going to college? what isa social graduation? other opportunities and when you should prepare! She is presently the president of www.spedwatch.org and is an active advocate for children and families that are navigating through the special education system? Katherine Martin, J.D. kmartinchc@aol.com Kathy received her J.D. degree from Suffolk University Law School, and she holds a B.A. in Political Science from Keene State College. She completed the Certificate Program for Women in Politics and Government at Boston College (now part of the UMass Boston McCormack Institute) where she received the Outstanding Alumna Award for Community Service. A member of the Mass Bar, Kathy has worked as a Compliance Officer for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination for the past 24 years and also served as the Commission’s liaison to the statewide council on disabilities for 5 years. She also recently launched a private practice: Exceptional Kids Advocacy. She is President of the Chicopee Public Schools Sped Pac and is a volunteer with the Western Massachusetts Special Olympics. She lives with her son Zachary, and their dog Corduroy, in Chicopee.

Melissa introduces returning guest Marion King on Special Education Activism and what to expect when your child turns 14 on an IEP. Marion brings her personal experience and expertise in special education to our world-wide audience . This show will help new and veteran parents understand and navigate the special education system. BIO: Marion King is the mother of two children, one of whom is on the autism spectrum. She has been a SPEDWatch member from its inception in 2006. Her contributions to our efforts include organizing demonstrations, speaking with Governor Deval Patrick at public events, providing support and information to our members via our listserv, and tirelessly spreading the word about our organization and its purpose through her routine daily contacts and occasional speaking engagements. Marion is a full time single mom and long term part time college student working towards her bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in women’s and gender studies. She has many years of experience in book keeping and an Associate’s degree in Paralegal Studies, which she was drawn to because of her multitude of experiences with violations of special education laws and regulations.She credits the family support she has received as critical to her ability to make the contributions she has and to fully participate in our mission. She lives with her children in Foxborough, MA.

Melissa welcomes - World known Book author Russell Irving as he returns by popular demand, to share his invaluable insights on How to Empower the Fathers/ Husbands in our lives. Some of the subjects we focus on... **What are some myths regarding men as fathers? **What are some things that a mother can do in order to make things work better at home? **Do Fathers get along better with daughters than with sons and vice-versa? **What can a mother say or do to make the dad be more involved in their childs life? What about dads who have children from another relationship? if you would like to learn more about Russell Irving , please visit his website - www.dontoverlooktheobvious.com and check out his books on improving your marriage, teens improve your lives and much more.... and don't forget to share this podcast and our website www.somersetspecialstormradio.com

Meet Goddess Oceana who is a life coach as an intimacy and sensuality expert, shamanic healer, tantra teacher, and thought leader. Oceana is also a mom of wonderful boy diagnosed with a Sensory Disorder and ADHD and a wife of a wonderful husband of 20 years. She will share with us, on how to empower ourselves as moms of children with special needs. Oceana will help us get out of victim mode as a parent of special needs and show us how the experience of having a child with SN is the key to a fulfilled life.* They are a gift to us- it was not an accident you were chosen to be a mom of a child with needs.* Learn how to get Romance back in your life, be in-tune with yourself , the earth and good energy. Oceana will also share successful Holistic approaches and Homeopathic remedies that has helped her son's sensory needs. you can read more about Oceana and her work at http://goddessoceana.com/ * though this show will have a focus on moms', every woman listening will benefit from this most empowering message !

Melissa introduces Homeschooling Mom extraordinaire Krysten Callina, who has surpassed public school education both academically and socially for her two sons ages 14 and 11 with ASD. Listen in to hear this most inspiring topic on why she took them out of public school education and how this has proved to be exceptionally beneficially for her children and family. If you have ever considered HomeSchooling your child with Autism then you will not want to miss this show! Check out Krystens' website for more information and resources! http://outsidetheboxhomeschoolers.wordpress.com/

Special Storm Radio has finally returned in 2013! In our debut return show , Melissa brings back--- blast from the past co-host Lisa Smith Watt to bring you Special Needs News world wide with a focus on Autism! Has Parenting Autism changed? Disney World controversy on Autism-do you agree or disagree? What would you do if your child was missing? Listen in to these topics and much more! Lisa will be a returning guest host on the 3rd Tuesday of each month to bring us a focus on Autism and Special Needs News we can use! Thank you to our world wide listening Fans for your support! even while we were gone for 10 months the podcasts kept playing! thank you for helping us reach our goal of over 5,0000 listeners!! contact me - melissa.specialstormradio@gmail.com if you would like to be a guest on the show.. ( we are learning to be skype friendly :)

Does your child or student have a reading or learning disability? do you want to know how to help them? We have the inside scoop here with Reading & Disability Expert- Sally Grimes! Read her bio below then click on the picture to listen in to this hour pact show full of information every parent and educator can use! We also go in depth of the signs to get intervention and how to jump start your child to being a successful reader! ~ Melissa http://www.ncld.org/learning-disability-resources/parent-advocacy-guides/idea-parent-guide Bio: Sally has served in a variety of positions in her 35 years in the fields of Reading and Learning Disabilities. She has taught at levels ranging from Head Start to Graduate School, performed educational evaluations at North Shore Children’s Hospital, served as an Extension Volunteer for a year with migrant workers in Texas, served as Landmark School’s first Admissions Director and as the Assistant Director of its Outreach Program. Sally has provided professional development and consultation in the area of Reading to thousands of teachers and administrators assisting schools with literacy initiatives and serving in several entities, including, but not limited to The Ennis William Cosby Foundation, The Massachusetts Elementary School Principals’ Association, WGBH (Between the Lions) and at a host of conferences and parents’ groups. She has served as an adjunct faculty member at Boston College, Fitchburg State College, Lesley University and Salem State College, often teaching courses she conceived and wrote in the area of Reading. Sally served as one of three Lead Trainers in Massachusetts for the Reading First Grant under No Child Left Behind. Additionally, the Grimes Reading Institute in Rockport, Massachusetts, of which Sally is the Founding Director, was one of three entities awarded the grant designated to design and execute the professional development component of this Grant. Sally’s interest in public policy and public awareness has led to work in the production of and participation in media presentations as well as in the creation of several published articles. Other past activities include serving on the Rockport School Committee, on the Executive Board of the National Council for Exceptional Children, and as an appointed member of both the Massachusetts Governor’s Commission on School Readiness and the Content Advisory Committee of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure. Sally also assisted in the design, training, and delivery of content for the Bay State Readers Grant Program, run by the Massachusetts Department of Education and also the Bay State Reading Institute under the leadership of Barbara Gardner, past Associate Commissioner of Education. Presently, Sally serves on the Massachusetts State Literacy Planning Team. Sally received her Master’s Degree in Reading and Human Development from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and her Bachelor’s Degree from University of Illinois at Chicago. Here is Sally's Contact information and check out her website for more information! Sally C. Grimes, Ed. M., Founding Director The Grimes Reading Institute 2 Francis Way Rockport, MA 01966 Office: 978-546-2144 Mobile: 508-776-2553 E-mail: sallygrimes@comcast.net http://www.grimesreadinginstitute.com and as always , Special Storm Radio would like to thank Andrew from the Wheels of Life studio home to www.andrewdufault.net for airing our show!~Melissa

Melissa & Andrew introduce An AMAZING MOM- Katie Schifino- on her INCREDIBLE journey with her son Dustyn who was born with a life threatening disease. This disease is called Glutaric Aciduria Type One (GA 1). There is 1 in 10 Americans who have a rare disease. GA 1 is 1 in 40,000 among the American population. GA 1 is 1 in 100,000 among the World population. ***Most families don't find out there child has GA 1 or any other metabolic disorder until they have had a "crisis" which is a metabolic stroke or even death. This disease has had many misdiagnosis. For example we all know as "shaken baby syndrome", Cerebral Palsy (CP) and even in some cases GA 1 can show some Autistic traits. But the only way to truly know if your child has this is a DNA test. We cover the details of GA-1, resources, medical challenges and the daily struggles the family encounters from financial to emotional strain and how the sharing of their journey creates awareness and comfort to others that you are not alone. Katie is also in the process of working on a non-profit status HUGS From Dustyn - Dustyn's mission is to spread his HUGS (toys) to children who are warriors like him. Who are also battling chronic; complex medical conditions. In hopes to bring a smile. Please consider helping our with this most beautiful cause ~ http://www.facebook.com/HUGSfromDustyn or website http://www.hugsfromdustyn.com/ & to follow Dustyn's daily progress and for additional resources please visit http://www.facebook.com/dustynabraveboy and as always I would like to thank the Wheels of Life Studio- home to www.andrewdufault.net for broadcasting our Special Storm Radio shows. http://www.facebook.com/SpecialStormRadio?ref=ts&fref=ts <3 ~ melissa