Holly Cihla - Special Education - Special Education - Parenting/Family

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Expert Profile: Holly Cihla

Expertise: I have been teaching junior high special education for several years but am also familiar with high school and elementary special education. I can accept questions on IEP's, accomodations, testing, goals, behavior plans, learning disorders, placement, parental rights, student rights and am mildly familiar with special education students with addictions. I am NOT able to answer questions on hearing or vision impaired, early childhood, or EMH/TMH/CBI cases.

Experience in the area
I am currently teaching junior high level self-contained learning disabled students and have been for four years. I recently worked with teens dealing with addiction. I have worked with children for 17 years in various capacities and age levels.

Organizations
PBIS- Positive Behavior Interventions and Strategies and Kappa Delta Pi. BR>
Education/Credentials
I carry an LBS-1 lmited certificate for K-12.

Awards and Honors
Honors Student

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Something controversial or provocative about this subject Labeling students for their learning disabilities can be controversial. Labeling is done for various reasons, but not to hurt or harm. It tells a teacher/specialist where, socially, emotionally and educationally the child funtctions. It's hard, and often hurtful, to tell parents that their child is 'mentally handicapped' when they are socially and emotionally at the same level as their peers.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know: I think many people assume that when a child is placed in special education they are not smart. That is an untruth! These are very smart children, they just learn in different ways and at a different pace.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field? My goal is to continue in the educational field and to obtain a masters degree in either special education or social work. I plan to work directly with children for as long as I can.

What do you like about this subject? I love the challenge of working with these children, finding out what makes information click with them, their individuality and personality and the look on their faces when they finally understand.

Average Ratings
Prestige Points: 960
Knowledge	9.93 Best of the best
Clarity of Response	10.0 Best of the best
Timeliness	9.89 Best of the best
Politeness	10.0 Best of the best
Number Of Questions (in Past 24 Hours)		0
Max Questions to be Asked (in 24 Hour period)		5
Total Questions (since joining AllExperts)		157

Recent Reviews from Users

Knowl	Clarity	Time	Politeness	Date
10	10	10	10	07/08/08
10	10	10	10	06/09/08
10	10	10	10	05/21/08
10	10	8	10	05/06/08
10	10	10	10	04/18/08

User Comments

I'm thankful with your answer. You gave us more ideas.
(Rodolfo on 07/08/08)

Thank you so much for the reply. This IEP thing has been very stressful for me as what was being done seemed both illegal and irresponsible. It helps
(Mary on 06/09/08)

Timely and precise response.
(ashley on 05/21/08)

Thank you so much!
(christy on 05/06/08)

Thank you so much for your response. We are having so many difficulties it is hard to navigate the system with a clear mind. I appreciate the advice!
(Lee Ann on 04/18/08)

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Recent Answers from Holly Cihla

2008-07-29 Dysgraphia: Gail- thank you for the question. I understand his frustration and embarrassment, it's totally normal. He does need to understand that this accommodation does not indicate that he's not as smart as...

2008-07-24 Special Education- Beginning Teacher: Megan- thank you for the question. Congratulations on your new career! This age group is one of the hardest to work with, I think. They don't really want to leave childhood behind but want to be...

2008-07-24 Dual IEPs: Carolyn- Her diagnosis of ADHD will be added to her current IEP. Things will only change if they make that her primary diagnosis. You should get copies of the formal ADHD diagnosis to the school so...

2008-07-23 Dual IEPs: Carolyn- thank you for the question. I'm going to do my best to sort through this and give you an answer. There must be a discrepancy between ability and IQ to qualify for special education. If the...

2008-07-09 Grandson: Geri- thank you for the question. It's hard to say. It depends on the child, the situation, what type of special education they are in and other things. Any child can pick up habits of others in...