WikEd Activities
Juvenile Diabetes WikEd
Link to my WikEd: Juvenile Diabetes
I chose to
compose a page on the subject of juvenile diabetes in the classroom for a
number of important reasons. The first reason is an obvious one to me because
my son has juvenile diabetes which is also known as type 1 diabetes. With his
diagnosis of this disease I became aware of all the symptoms and signs of
trouble with this disease and became aware of the legal rights that he had to
help to insure he receives a proper education and the manners in which his
rights could be guaranteed.
The second
reason I chose to compose this page on juvenile diabetes was what I saw as a
general lack of knowledge about diabetes in the schools. From my own
experiences with my son’s teachers I found that very few actually understood
what diabetes actually was and very few were aware of the signs of trouble. His
teachers learned the symptoms over time but I wanted to create this so that my
fellow educators could become more aware of the symptoms and legal rights that
diabetic students have.
With this
background for why I chose this topic of juvenile diabetes I can now layout
what I did in constructing this page and offer some important links that I
found while researching this topic.
While
constructing this website I decided to first present a description of diabetes
and the symptoms that are associated with this disease. I presented the general
information for how juvenile diabetes was a caused by a lack of production of
insulin by the Beta cells of the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. I also
gave a brief glimpse into the general symptoms of diabetes which were all
resultant from a lack of insulin production and ranged from high blood sugar
(hyperglycemia) to the dangerous Ketoacidosis which can cause a host of
problems because of acidic blood levels.
I composed
this information found in this section from my own general knowledge of the
subject that I had acquired through my experiences with my son. I also compiled
this information from the very informative website that is run by the non-profit
organization known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. JDRF was a
valuable source of information because it presents a wide range of information
pertaining to diabetes in a straight forward manner. The main website is the
following and from their one can find any information that they desire: http://www.jdrf.org/
I then
decided to create a section on the suspected cause of this disease to help
teachers understand how such a disease could come about. I presented the two
prominent theories which both involved a virus playing a role in triggering an
autoimmune reaction that culminated in the destruction of the Beta cells of the
pancreas. I used a few sources from prominent medical journals pertaining to
diabetes. I used the main gateway of the University of Illinois’s
library system to find three prominent journals that helped to give insight
into the suspected cause of juvenile diabetes. I used the following three
prominent journals to give the necessary information: Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Countdown, and Diabetes: Type 1 Annual Report.
With this information
presented I then moved on to present information pertaining to the basic rights
that the student is guaranteed by law. Relying on the website maintained by
JDRF I presented information pertaining to the protection of students with
diabetes. All children with juvenile
diabetes are protected by a federal statue known as Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973. These students have agreements known as 504 plans
which are written agreements with the schools to guarantee special services for
the student. This site revealed the most common rights that the students were
guaranteed by law and helps to give educators a sense of what the student may
require to treat their diabetes during the school day.
From
here I presented information pertaining to the warning signs that teachers
should be aware of so that they can tell when a diabetic student is having
trouble. I presented the common signs associated with both hypoglycemia (low
blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), which are both dangerous to
an individual with diabetes. I compose this information through the use of a
website maintained by the Department of Health and Human Services that contains
information about diabetic students and how to be properly prepared for
treating them. This sight also made suggestions to help to aid students by
recommending that teachers have quick reference guides to help students notice
signs of trouble. The useful information from the Department of Health and
Human Services was found at the following website: http://www.ndep.nih.gov/diabetes/pubs/Youth_NDEPSchoolGuide.pdf
Finally
I used the Department of Health and Human Services guide for educators to
present information for what a teacher should do when confronted with a
diabetic student who displays any signs of trouble. In conjunction with this I
also presented information to make teachers aware that even behavioral changes
could be a sign of abnormal blood glucose levels.
Useful Websites
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation: http://www.jdrf.org/
“Department of Health and Human Services: Helping the Student with Diabetes
Succeed”: http://www.ndep.nih.gov/diabetes/pubs/Youth_NDEPSchoolGuide.pdf
Contributions to Others Wiked Pages
Accelerated Math
Accelerated Math was first introduced as an enrichment program at my school. In
a quest to increase standardized test scores, it is now required to be
incorporated into the weekly curriculum in each class. Initially the teachers
(who have over 20 years experience) were hesitant to change their curriculum but
with weekly use they have come to like the program. The differentiated learning
provided by the Accelerated Math has been great to meet the individual needs of
the students. The separate period set aside for Accelerated Math has inspired
the students to learn more math and to learn that math is fun. The program
teaches test taking skills- filling out scantrons and increasing math
vocabulary. Sometimes teachers who have taught for a long period of time are
reluctant to try anything new. When the teachers at my school were asked if they
could change anything about the program they replied they replied that no change
was necessary because it was proving to be a success. Students and teachers
alike are in favor of Accelerated Math. To have a program that both groups like
is wonderful. Ann Harty.
Assertive discipline
In the early part of the 1990s, our faculty was trained in the Assertive
Discipline plan. We were required to stay after school one day a week to watch a
video on the Assertive Discipline Method. This training lasted for several
weeks. This system was incorporated into the classes on a school wide basis.
Many of the ideas were valid but the diverse faculty failed to fit one specific
discipline plan. Students tended to play a check gram with Assertive Discipline.
Three checks resulted in punishment allowing the students to misbehave twice
without consequences. Assertive discipline lasted for the school year but was
abandoned the next year. I agree that school wide discipline plans are not
always successful because all teachers are not the same. -Ann Harty
Accelerated Reader
I use Accelerated Reading in my Fourth grade Reading class. The students are
excited by the incentive program. The problem that I have found with the
Accelerated Reading program is the Star Reading component. Star reading is the
test- mostly vocabulary and contexts clues- to place the student in the right
zpd level to choose their book to read. The test results sometime place the
students in a zpd that doesn't get the student's true reading level in that they
are placed either too high or too low. Sometimes the teacher has to intervene
and place the student at the right level so the student can succeed in
Accelerated Reading. -Ann Harty
Early Elementary Science Education
Early elementary science can foster a love of science. Our school has an annual
science fair that pre-K through eighth grade participates in. The younger grades
do a class group project ranging from dinosaur, planets, "dancing raisins" and
even the study of polymers. The after school science club is in great demand.
The scientific projects are a great way to begin a lifelong love of science.
Last year, our city kids made kites and flew them in the school parking lot. To
most of them it was a new experience. Having fun and learning at the same time
is always a good combination. -Ann Harty
Cooperative learning
My Eighth grade science class is an inquiry based Life Science class in which I
use cooperative learning. I choose the groups that students work in. This
attempt at cooperative learning has proven to be very successful. I like to
observe the dynamics of the group. I believe that most of life is cooperative
learning with everyone learning from one another. If students are trained form
an early age cooperative learning becomes a way of life. -Ann Harty
Education in Romania
One of my former colleagues was originally from Romania. He taught gym at our
school for three years. He was always singing the praises of the education
system in Romania. He would preface much of his conversation about the students
by saying that "in Romania the students would...". At first, the students were
leery of his more dictatorial control in the class. As he learned more about
America and the students learned more about Romania, the class became better.
There was also a great leveler- he was a great soccer player and the students
loved soccer. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with colon cancer at a young age
and had to give up teaching. When I hear Romania, I always think of the many
things that I learned about from him about his homeland. -Ann Harty
Giftedness
Two of my children were part of the gifted program in our school district. The
gifted program was called "Explorations." They were pulled from their regular
class for an hour a day to work on extra projects. My sons thoroughly enjoyed
the Explorations program. It is unfortunate that many of the gifted programs are
now being cut. I am glad my children had the chance to experience this program.
-Ann Harty
Project CRISS
One summer, our entire faculty went for CRISS training. We were then told to
incorporate CRISS strategies into our classrooms. Many of the strategies were
very helpful in increasing reading abilities. Like many programs, it was not for
everyone. Some teachers did not incorporate it into their classroom but overall
project CRISS did give good ideas(SQ4R and KWL). -Ann Harty
Standardized Tests
Standardized testing is a reality that is not going away thanks to the NCLB.
Constant testing seems to be one of the major emphases of education today. I can
see why some students and teachers suffer from test anxiety. I never believed
that major decisions should be based on one test. Other assessments besides
standardized tests should be used. Not all students learn the same or can be
tested the same way. Standardized testing is not a fair evaluation to all
students or teachers. -Ann Harty
Adolescence
Adolescence is truly an age of change. I believe it is probably one of the
hardest ages to teach. Many teachers would not choose this age to educate. As a
junior high teacher (for many years) I find it a wonderful age to work with. I
guess 7th grade is the most difficult for the adolescent. Physical changes
occur. Social and emotional changes are at a peak. I feel that if a student can
be successful in 7th grade that once 8th grade comes around life will be a whole
lot smoother. The adolescent stage teaches skills needed for later life.
Teacher, parent and peer involvement will help the adolescent period to be a
success. - Ann Harty
Cutting
Years ago, before I was even aware of the practice of cutting, one of my
students was diagnosed with this. One of the brightest students in my class was
cutting herself. Luckily, the student was successful in receiving treatment.
"Cutting" practice seems more talked about today. In the early 1980s, it was not
even covered in teacher training classes. Hopefully since there is more
awareness of cutting, people will get the help they need. - Ann Harty
Junk Food, Marketing, and Behavior
A great majority of the students in my school eat breakfast,lunch,and snack
provided by the free lunch government program.I often worry that the nutrition
of the meals are not sufficient but I know that there is an emphasis on healthy
meals.Another worry is that when schools are not in session are the students
receiving proper meals.The schools are providing services that the home used to
provide-meals and before/afterschool care.I just hope we are providing
sufficient care to meet the students needs. A.Harty
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying has effected the students at many schools.Last year there was an
incident at school(done at home) where one of the student's picture was put on
someone's social network with a derogatory comment.Emphasizing internet safety
often falls on deaf ears to middle school students.Parental,school,and community
invovement is necessary for safety with computer use. Any type of bullying is
not acceptable.Being aware of what your child is doing is an important step in
curbing cyberbullying. A. Harty
Anxiety
I feel for the students who are so nervous that they can't concentrate.The
standardized tests seem to create test anxiety for many.Many students know the
material but can't really do well because they are so nervous.This year my
school gave each child a magic pencil called the "smart pencil" when they took
the test.I don't know if they worked but it made many students less nervous.The
younger students especially believed that the pencil was magical.A.Harty
At risk students
When I first started teaching in 1980, I taught at a school that had many
students that were asked to leave their other schools for various
reasons.Teaching these students made me aware of the world in a way that no
teacher training course had. Many had experienced gang involvement and lack of
parental support. The school did it's best to meet their needs and many were
successful because the students finally had a sense that someone cared. I often
wonder what happened to these at risk students.I hope their life was better than
their childhood had been.A.Harty
Caffeine
I have had only one cup of coffee in my life. I just didn't like the taste.I
confess that I am addicted to caffiene that is in my diet coke that I am
drinking as I type this.A day without diet coke is a bad day for me. I am a diet
coke expert. I can tell if it is fresh or about to expire and I never drink it
from the fountain. It is just not the same.My children don't like diet coke at
all. They would rather have water.I guess if this is my only vice I should be
happy.Maybe I should follow my kids lead and get hooked on water instead.A.Harty
Grade Retention
I do not believe that retention is the solution for students especially at the
upper grade levels.The resentment caused by the retention outweighs the
benefits.The student needs help not to repeat a year.Learning styles are
different for many students and their needs are often not met.Retention seems to
be a negative response.The stigma of retention doesn't always help the student's
social behavior.To me retention is not a productive eductional idea.A.Harty
Role playing
I have used role playing in the past and have found that it can be an effective
tool for teaching students in a variety of ways. First and foremost this
technique allows students to be exposed to new ideas and perspectives from the
role that they play in the activity. Role playing is also important because it
teaches students to understand the importance of being aware that there can be
perspectives that differ from their own and while they may not agree with them,
the students can come to understand this perspective. Ann Harty
Humor and Discipline
I have found that humor can some times be used to help students remember and
retain new information that has been presented to them. Sometimes students seem
to retain information better when they remember a humorous remark that was said
when the information was presented to them in class.By injecting a little humor into a lesson it helps foster an atmosphere of
comfort to the sudents and helps in the area of discipline by allowing problems
to be addressed in this comfortable zone. Ann Harty
Art Education
Art is so important in the education of a child.I am lucky to teach in the city
of Chicago where a teacher has the opportunity to take the students to the Art
Institute and different museums.As a computer teacher, one also has the great
resource of the internet at one's hands. Many museums are on the internet and
the students can take a virtual tour.I hope everyone can incorporate the wonders
of art into their teaching. A.Harty
Luck
Luck is something that I would not rely on.Luck can give false hope to
students.The idea that maybe I will be lucky and the teacher won't collect my
homework so I won't do it.Trust the words of experience.Luck will catch up with
you in the form of bad luck and you'll be in trouble for not doing your
homework.Trying to convince the students of this is another story. A.Harty
Bilingual Education
I am amazed at how quickly young children learn another language.Many come to
school in September speaking very little English, but by the end of the year
they are quite fluent.I can see why different languages should be introduced at
a young age.It would be a great world if everyone could communicate in more than
one language.Maybe there would be less disagreements and more understanding of
each other. A.Harty
Religion and schools
Religious toleration shoukd be included in schools.Teaching the history and main
ideas of religion exposes students to different ways that people think about the
world.Understanding different religions and learning to respect others ideas is
a way to create a more peaceful world.Exposing students to various ideas
encourages critical thinking skills and an awareness of others beliefs. A.Harty
Attitudes
If one wants to learn about attitude, visit a junior high.This is an attitude
building.The students are going through so many physical and emotional changes
that attitude is all around.Dealing with the attitude takes patience, but I have
found that a listening ear and a sense of humor will help the teacher deal with
the attitude.Usually by 8th grade, the attitude is less and the students are
maturing. A.Harty
Children's books
Seeing children read is a wonderful experience.This year I am lucky to have a
class that loves to read.They love the Jack and Annie books which are wonderful
adventures that include historical references.The happiest day in the class is
when the book order arrives.True happiness for these students is a new adventure
to read. A.Harty