EDUCATION TYPES | CUSTAT.ORG

Sanctuary in the Classroom: Calming Corner Ideas for Trauma-Informed Special Education

In a special education classroom, where students often arrive with complex needs and backgrounds that may include trauma, creating an environment of safety and regulation is paramount. A calming corner is not merely a timeout space; it’s a strategically designed sanctuary that serves as a vital tool within a trauma-informed approach. It empowers students to self-regulate, process overwhelming emotions, and return to learning feeling secure and in control. Effective calming corners are thoughtfully stocked and consistently integrated into the classroom routine, making them a cornerstone of emotional support.

Why a Calming Corner in a Trauma-Informed Classroom?

Students who have experienced trauma often live in a state of hyperarousal or dysregulation, making it difficult to focus, engage, or learn. A calming corner provides:

Predictability and Control: A safe, consistent space where students know they can go to regain control.
Sensory Input Regulation: Tools to either calm an overstimulated nervous system

health education

Bridging the Gap: Diabetes Self-Management Education for Low-Literacy Patients

November 29, 2025December 12, 2025 - by Mary Lebowitz

Diabetes self-management is a complex, demanding task, requiring patients to understand medication schedules, dietary restrictions, and blood glucose monitoring. However, standard educational materials often rely on reading levels far exceeding the national average. For the millions of adults with low health literacy, these materials become a barrier, not a bridge, leading to poorer adherence and health outcomes. Therefore, developing highly effective diabetes self-management education materials for low literacy patients is not just beneficial—it is an ethical imperative.

The Imperative for Visual and Simple Communication

Low literacy affects a patient’s ability to understand written instructions, calculate dosages, and interpret charts. Traditional text-heavy pamphlets must be replaced with materials that prioritize visual communication and simplicity.

1. Focusing on “Need-to-Know” Information

Educational content must be streamlined, focusing only on the most critical, actionable information. Instead of explaining the pathophysiology of insulin resistance, materials should focus on the “Four Key Actions”:

Take medication correctly.

special education

From Intention to Action: Creating Measurable IEP Goals for Executive Functioning and Task Initiation

November 23, 2025December 12, 2025 - by Mary Lebowitz

For students with executive functioning challenges, the gap between knowing what to do and doing it—the difficulty with task initiation—can be a major obstacle to academic success. These skills, including planning, organization, and self-regulation, are critical for navigating the increasing demands of middle and high school. When developing an Individualized Education Program (IEP), it’s vital to move beyond general statements and create measurable IEP goals for executive functioning and task initiation that are clear, observable, and trackable.

The Challenge of Measuring Executive Skills

Executive functioning is an internal cognitive process, making it inherently difficult to measure. A goal like “The student will improve their task initiation skills” is too vague. Effective IEP goals must adhere to the SMART criteria: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. They must pinpoint a specific behavior and define the criteria for success.

Key Components of a Measurable Goal

To …

Interactive Mental Health Awareness for High School Students: Cultivating Resilience and Support

November 4, 2025December 12, 2025 - by Mary Lebowitz

High school is a pivotal time, marked by rapid change, academic pressure, and complex social dynamics. For many students, this period also brings significant mental health challenges. Addressing these issues with traditional, passive lectures often falls short. The most effective approach is to implement interactive mental health awareness lesson plans that engage students directly, destigmatize the conversation, and equip them with practical coping skills. The goal is not just to inform, but to empower. A successful high school lesson plan must move beyond defining terms and dive into relatable scenarios and actionable strategies.

Three Pillars of an Effective Interactive Lesson

A truly impactful mental health curriculum must prioritize three core components:

1. Destigmatization Through Shared Experience

Interactive lessons create a safe, judgment-free space for dialogue. Instead of a teacher merely listing statistics, students engage in activities like “Myth vs. Fact” quizzes or utilize anonymous Q&A boxes where they can …

Comprehensive Health Education Approaches for Chronic Disease Prevention

April 19, 2024August 5, 2024 - by Mary Lebowitz

Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and respiratory conditions, are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. While many chronic diseases are influenced by genetic factors and lifestyle choices, public health experts emphasize the critical role of prevention through comprehensive health education approaches. By educating individuals, communities, and healthcare providers about risk factors, early detection, and preventive measures, it is possible to reduce the burden of chronic diseases and improve overall population health. Here are some key strategies and approaches for implementing comprehensive health education programs focused on chronic disease prevention:

Understanding the Burden of Chronic Diseases

Before developing health education initiatives for chronic disease prevention, it is essential to understand the burden and impact of these conditions on individuals, families, and society as a whole. Analyzing epidemiological data, identifying risk factors, and assessing the prevalence of chronic diseases in specific populations can help inform the design and …