The Educational App Store offers age-appropriate curriculum-relevant apps for your learner. The apps are teacher reviewed and cover multiple subjects areas. This is a great resource to support learning for both parents and teachers. Check it out here.
Each year, new bills affecting education in California are introduced. The latest, AB 1316, is currently making its way through the California State Legislature. As voters and constituents, you have the ability to let your representatives know where you stand.
There are many ways to share your voices (phone calls, emails, social media). By far, the most effective method is to attend legislative meetings in person or virtually.
One of iLEAD’s parent volunteers, Sharon Lord Greenspan, is offering training every other week through the end of June to demonstrate setting up, running, and following up on a meeting with your representatives. You can email her here if you are interested in attending any of these meetings.
Kimberly Zhe
BCBA, Student Support Coordinator for Behavior, Moderate/Severe Needs, and SST
Kim has worked in the field of education/behavior analysis for the last 20 years in both the school district and home settings. She holds a master’s degree in special education and a graduate-level certification as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Before coming to iLEAD, she worked at a non-public agency that serves individuals with autism and related disorders for ages two through 22 as well as a non-public school serving students with severe needs. She lives in Orange County, California, with her husband and two sons. They enjoy going to the pool or the beach and going out to eat. Kim recently started volunteering on the Community Unity team at her son’s school, which aims to promote acceptance and inclusion for students of all abilities, ethnicities, and cultures.
Fun Fact: Kim’s husband is also a BCBA. They met over 11 years ago at her last job.
Dana Crucil
M.A., BCBA, Behavior Analyst
Since 2008, Dana has worked in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). She is currently a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst living in California. Dana has worked in various settings, including school districts, non-public agencies, and as an adjunct professor. Dana is personally connected to the special needs community by her life experiences with her younger sister, who has autism. Dana serves as an ambassador to the Autism Community in Action, a nonprofit organization that helps empower families affected by autism.
Fun Fact: In the winter, you can find Dana on the mountain skiing.
Brittany Domenick
M.A. Behavior Support Specialist
Brittany grew up in Santa Clarita and received her master’s degree from Arizona State University. She has been working in the education system for 10 years and found her passion in behavioral support. She is also a certified grief and trauma specialist and has her own practice helping both children and adults navigate life after trauma.
Fun Facts: Brittany is dyslexic, so she can read backward faster than she can forward (she calls it her fun party trick). She also used to ride horses and was in a bowling league for several years.
FunBrain is a website that has several interactive games, books, videos, and more to keep your learner engaged and learning. You can browse by grade and search through all kinds of activities for your learner’s level of education. Click here to check it out!
National Geographic has awesome videos with cool mind games and quizzes for kids to play and enjoy. They have lots of animal videos about mammals and reptiles, and even a series called “Spaced Out” where you can learn all about space! This is a great resource for your learner’s education in history, science, and more! Click here to check it out!
The El Dorado Charter SELPA has a variety of resources available for parents on their website. This includes information on parent rights, understanding the IEP process, and even some helpful tools for your learners during COVID-19. Click here to check it out!
What is Testing Anxiety?
While it’s completely normal to feel a bit nervous before a test, some learners find test anxiety debilitating. Racing thoughts, inability to concentrate, or feelings of dread can combine with physical symptoms like a fast heartbeat, headache, or nausea.
How Can I Prepare for State Testing?
1. Realize that there are practice tests available and use them not only to work on your test-taking but also to practice controlling your anxiety level. If you’re afraid of not being able to finish the exam in time, use timed practice questions.
2. Remind yourself of past successes. You can do it!
3. Visualize completing the test successfully despite your anxiety.
4. Get a good night’s sleep for several days before the exam. With adequate sleep, your ability to think clearly and deal with anxiety will improve.
5. High anxiety can increase with high consumptions of caffeine. Try to avoid over-caffeinating on the day of the exam.
6. Eat a nutritious breakfast before the test and pack smart snacks for ongoing energy. Look for foods that offer a steady stream of nutrients, rather than a sugar high followed by a crash.
7. Feeling rushed will only amp up the anxiety. Prepare everything you need for the exam the night before and set your alarm.
Most of our learners will be taking the CAASPP remotely this year. Click here to check out the family resources available to help you and your learner better prepare for test day.
Our Student Support team has put together some webinars discussing mental health, transitioning from middle school to high school, and graduation. We hope these webinars will benefit you and your learners!
Mental Health & Well-Being in High School
Middle School to High School Transitions
