Author Archives: Toby Karten

Understanding Special Education (SE) Beyond the Jargon

Posted on June 17, 2025 by Toby Karten

Why is the sky blue? Why do leaves change color? What is Special Education?      It is a given that light energy scatters in the sky and that seasons change. SE has “a few givens,” too. It is a given … Continue reading →

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Defining ABILITY in the 24-25 year!

Posted on August 24, 2024 by Toby Karten

Perceptions matter as WE learn and grow In the field of education, August and September are months that offer anticipation, excitement, and often anxiety as the new school calendar year begins. Teachers look ahead to the quarters, trimesters, months, weeks, … Continue reading →

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POSITIVE Affirmations

Posted on April 23, 2024 by Toby Karten

Never negotiable. Date: April 14, 2024 Time: 5 am Setting: Edmonton International Airport Characters: USA Customs Border Patrol Agents (CBPs) and Toby J. Karten Plot: Airport Tension Resolution: Stay positive, despite the absurdities of realities created by others. While returning … Continue reading →

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Randie

Posted on October 30, 2022 by Toby Karten

Randie Leibowitz. Her infectious smile. Her joie de vivre. Randie brightened each room she entered, especially the San Pedro, Southern California Easter Seals Zoom meets. Who was Randie? She was a daughter. She was a sister. She was a friend. … Continue reading →

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Sunflowers and Butterflies by Toby J. Karten

Posted on April 15, 2022 by Toby Karten

As I painted the sunflowers on the cedar planked walls of our A-shaped Vermont cabin, I smiled at the field that emerged. Broad and fine brushstrokes gave birth to each root, stem, leaf, and flower. Together they grew as I … Continue reading →

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Disproportionality in Special Education

Posted on May 16, 2021 by Toby Karten

Inequities Fact: Inequities in special education exist for students of color, students from low socio-economic levels, and students with disabilities. These disparities occur because certain racial and ethic groups are inaccurately identified and placed in more restrictive settings. Inappropriate IDEA … Continue reading →

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Nurture Confidence & Courage

Posted on December 21, 2020 by Toby Karten

by Toby Karten Together we grow. Together we learn. Plant the seeds. Support with warmth, water, and smiles. Nurture and believe. Share confidence. Embrace the courage to learn. And the wisdom to fail. So WE can welcome tomorrow’s sunshine.

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Distance Learning Connections

Posted on November 9, 2020 by Toby Karten

by Toby Karten While delivering an online professional development co-teaching session via a Zoom platform, I received one of favorite private messages in the chat. It was from a participant who was seated six feet away from two of her … Continue reading →

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We All Have Special Needs

Posted on September 10, 2020 by Toby Karten

Co-Teaching: Transitions from Online Learning Back into Classrooms Stability and security are essential despite where and how students are learning. Whether the teaching and learning occurs in person or at home, co-teachers collaboratively ensure productivity. Some co-teachers are walking into … Continue reading →

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Writing Strategy: Easy as ABC’s!

Posted on May 13, 2020 by Toby Karten

Often when you ask students to write something, the first  question they ask is “How many words?” This PPT offers an organized way for students to house vocabulary across the curriculum with A-Z listing. You are invited to apply this … Continue reading →

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