Chris Ware Advocacy

Continuing our exploration of the Five-a-day principle, this week we focus on cognitive and metacognitive strategies. These strategies are crucial for managing cognitive load, ensuring that new content is effectively transformed into long-term memory, and providing students with the tools to plan, monitor, and evaluate their learning. Managing cognitive load is essential in helping students retain new information, particularly in a classroom setting with diverse learning needs. Cognitive strategies aim to reduce the mental effort required to process new information, making it easier for students to absorb and remember. This approach is especially beneficial for students with SEND, as it supports them in overcoming challenges related to cognitive overload. Metacognitive strategies involve teaching students to think about their thinking, which helps them become more aware of their learning processes. By encouraging students to plan, monitor, and evaluate their own learning, teachers can ...

The rising incidence of suicide attempts in Australia has brought into sharp focus the urgent need for enhanced mental health services within emergency departments (EDs). As the first point of contact for many individuals experiencing mental health crises, EDs are uniquely positioned to provide critical intervention. However, the increasing number of young people entering these departments with acute mental health needs highlights significant gaps in the current system (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2023). The image of a young adult sitting alone in a hospital waiting room, looking distressed, captures the gravity of the situation. This scene is becoming all too common in Australia'sAustralia's emergency departments. The emergency department sign in the background is a stark reminder of these institutions' role in the broader healthcare system. However, the muted colour palette of this visual speaks to the sombre reality that many of these young individuals fa...

Understanding the Time & Tier-Based Approach to Trauma Introduction: A structured response to trauma is crucial for adequate recovery. The Time & Tier-Based Approach to Trauma provides a clear framework for this process. Here's a quick overview of how this approach works.  The Five-Step Timeline: Immediately: Initiate the trauma response as soon as the event occurs to stabilise the situation (Porges, 2011). Following Days: Begin documentation, assess needs, and plan for long-term support (Herman, 1997). Week: Review the initial response and make necessary adjustments (Blaustein & Kinniburgh, 2010). Month: Conduct a review to ensure ongoing support is effective (Van der Kolk, 2014). Year - Review: Evaluate the response to refine future strategies (Perry & Szalavitz, 2017). Stakeholder Involvement: Different groups of stakeholders are engaged at each stage, from immediate family to the broader community, ensuring a comprehensive support network. Conclusion: The Time ...

Introduction:  The significance of culturally relevant and student-centred social skills instruction for autistic students.A brief overview of traditional social skills instruction approaches and their limitations in addressing the diverse needs of autistic students. Critique of Traditional Social Skills Instruction Examination of traditional methods that emphasise conformity to neurotypical standards and the resulting challenges for autistic students (Koegel et al., 2019; Sigerseth, 2011). Drawing parallels between the experiences of deaf students in mainstream versus special education settings, emphasising the importance of inclusivity and cultural sensitivity (Power & Hyde, 2002; Angelides & Aravi, 2007). The Need for Culturally Relevant Frameworks The importance of aligning social skills instruction with the cultural and personal goals of autistic students (Gresham & Lopez, 1996). Incorporating student voices and preferences in designing interventions, focusing on b...

  Sensory Room Case Studies and Future Directions Several case studies, notably the research conducted by Boston University, have provided compelling evidence supporting the effectiveness of sensory rooms. For instance, these studies have underscored significant improvements in student behaviour, such as a decrease in disruptive outbursts and an increase in on-task behavior, following exposure to sensory environments (ABTABA, 2024). Similarly, students have shown enhanced emotional regulation, with fewer instances of emotional meltdowns and better self-soothing techniques. The findings from these case studies strongly suggest that sensory rooms can serve as a potent intervention for students with diverse sensory and emotional needs (Edutopia, 2022). Things to remember! However, it is crucial to acknowledge the limitations in the current research concerning sensory rooms. Some studies have highlighted the need for more rigorous, longitudinal research to understand sensory rooms' lon...

  Multi-Level Tiered Support Systems and Behaviour - MTSS and Formula One Comparison Multi-tiered support systems (MTSS) have been increasingly adopted in educational settings to address various student needs, focusing on behavior and academic performance. MTSS is a comprehensive framework incorporating multiple interventions to support all students, including those requiring more intensive assistance. Foundational Principles of MTSS MTSS is built upon several guiding principles that aim to enhance educational outcomes through prevention, behavioral support, and systems support. Sugai, Simonsen, and Freeman (2016) emphasize the importance of capacity development within MTSS, advocating for a proactive approach that focuses on preventing behavioral issues before they escalate. This preventative strategy is complemented by robust behavioral supports and systems that ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the MTSS framework. Formula One - Strategic director Much like the Tea...