School Psychologists Association of S.E. Manitoba
Present:
Ron Teffaine,
Dale Laird, Bill Stevens, Mary Markesteyn, Karen Pain, Suzanne Robert, Suzanne
Golden, Nelson Fry, Sandra McMullen
Minutes
Dale Laird - conducted a multi-media presentation on “RESTITUTION” as a way of disciplining children in school. Diane Gossen, who used William Glasser’s Control Theory and Reality Therapy to help explain the processes involved, developed the current restitution method for teachers. It is similar to the “Restorative Justice” model in the corrections system. The common ways of disciplining children today fall into four basic categories: the “Punisher” (may result in rebellion, blaming others, and repeated offences), the “Guilter” (may promote hiding, denying, lying, and low self-esteem), the “Buddy” (may foster dependency and weakness), and the “Monitor” (may create conformity and students who are motivated only by consequences). The preferred discipline role is the “Manager” (fosters self-restitution, and strengthening of character and intrinsic values). If anyone is interested in ordering materials relating to this method, phone 1-800-450-4352 for more information.
Ron Teffaine - presented the website developed for the School Psychologists Association of S.E. Manitoba.
Dr. Bill Stevens - presented information about “OPTOMETRIC TREATMENT METHODS” to help children with severe reading problems. Ron Teffaine presented a 1995 article that found significant correlations between eye movement tasks and reading achievement, although phonological awareness had higher correlations with reading achievement. Another article by Barbara Ingersoll & Sam Goldstein did not find studies that supported the efficacy of optometric vision training in the treatment of reading problems. Nevertheless, Dr. Stevens found reference to about 200 studies that supported the use of vision training to treat reading problems. He has personally seen children improve after this training.
Ron Teffaine - presented a new software program called “EAROBICS” to teach children and adolescents phonological awareness skills. For more information, call 1-800-277-8737 or check out the website at http://www.superduperinc.com/products/view.aspx?stid=578#.UmrwyRDJLAY and look under Product Indexes - Computer Software. NOTE - the original EAROBICS software has been replaced with HearBuilder Phonological Awareness software.
Ron Teffaine - presented information about what to look for when INTERPRETING THE CONNERS’ CPT. This information can be found in the “Assessment” Forum of this website’s Discussion Board.
Dr. Bill Stevens - demonstrated some of the MAGIC tricks he uses to develop rapport with EBD students. They involved common materials such as coins and rubber bands. He mentioned that we could find some simple magic tricks at Toad Hall on Arthur Street in Winnipeg.
Dr. Karen Pain - presented a model of SCHOOL-BASED TEAMING involving functional assessments. She provided handouts for all of us.
We tentatively agreed to have the next meeting on Friday April 27th, 2001.