Learning Curve for Teachers:
A new website developed by the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at the University of South Florida is bringing resources directly into the classroom for teachers of students with autism and related disabilities. The CARD Learning Curve website at http://learningcurve.fmhi.usf.edu/ provides interactive stories, ideas, resources and materials for teachers who often have little time and opportunity to learn from and share experiences with other educators.
“The website serves as a resource for teachers in our 14 county service area,” said CARD staff member Mary Reed, who initiated the website development. Mary, as well as other CARD staff, provides training, technical assistance, and consultation for school personnel and families. She also facilitates the CARD ESE workgroup, which brings together the Exceptional Student Education Specialists from the CARD-USF 14 county catchment area.
The idea for the website resulted from Believe in One; Believe in All, a multi-media presentation Mary developed, which illustrated the school experiences of one child with autism included in third grade. “I wanted to capture his success along with that of his peers and the teams that supported him,” said Mary. “We decided to put together a multi-media presentation using still photography and adding voice-over personal perspectives of Matthew’s inclusion team members, family and peers.
“Matthew’s story told through the presentation conveyed something that’s hard to teach,” added Mary. “It influences beliefs and values and shows that team work creates success for everyone involved.” As a result of that project, and Mary’s desire for all educators to see the success of Matthew’s experience, Mary started thinking of training development activities and new ways to provide teachers with resources without leaving the classroom.
“With all the counties we serve, it makes perfect sense to have a website dedicated for teachers, specific to their issues and needs,” said Mary. “We wanted to have a way to put teachers in touch with one another so they could showcase the positive things they are doing and are proud of.
Resources included on the website include feature stories that recognize classroom innovations and successes, illustrated with photos and/or audio/video clips, interactive tutorials, printable materials to use in the classroom, FAQ's from teachers posted with responses from CARD staff and school district resource personnel, summaries of new materials, links for learning, and schedules for upcoming training events. For additional information, contact Mary Reed at CARD-USF at 813-974-6155.