Welcome to another online addition of the Arizona Promising Practices forum. For those new to this service, each issue, which will now be sent to you on a regular basis, will focus on: (1) Recommended National Educational Websites; (2) A Local or Arizona Website/Practice of Importance; and (3) One promising practice article in condensed form. We welcome your recommendations for improvement to this forum or suggestions on future topics (these will be wide ranging to if nothing in this update interests you, hold on for future editions!) The Arizona Promising Practices Forum and website, www.azpromisingpractices.com is a FREE resource of the Arizona Department of Education.

Mary Urich, ACPE Director murich@mail1.ade.state.az.us

In this issue we focus on Promising Practice Research aimed at addressing Auditory Processing Disorders. Brought to you by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), this research offers practical advice for helping these children learn as well as identifying it correctly.

But first:

National Website focusing on Promising Practice - The National Center for Educational Accountability offers advice and tips on how to measure progress among schools and students - check them out at - http://www.measuretolearn.org/

Arizona Website of Importance -The Southwest Center for Education Equity and Language Diversity works to address multiculturalism and communication among minorities. Check out their website at - http://www.asu.edu/educ/sceed/

Promising Practice Research and Tips

Auditory Processing Disorders: Classroom intervention Strategies

by Sandra R. Ciocci
Bridgewater State College

Auditory processing is what we do with what we hear. Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is the inability to properly process auditory stimuli.

Children with APD may:

* Behave as if they have a hearing loss.

* Respond to speech inconsistently.

* Frequently request repetition

* Often misunderstand what is said.

* Have difficulty locating sounds

* Have a short attention span

* Are easily distracted by auditory and visual stimulation.

* Have difficulty following long directions.

* Have poor memory skills for information presented verbally.

Sometimes children who have APD are misdiagnosed as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Many similarities exist between the behaviors of children with APD and ADHD. However there is a key distinction between the two. ADHD can be treated with medication, APD can't. If a child is diagnosed with ADHD, but medication does not seem to help, they may actually be suffering from APD.

APD can only be diagnosed by an audiologist. They test the child's ability to process auditory information under various conditions.

Some ways to help a child with APD:

 * Reduce background noise and reverberation.

* If you move around in the room, allow the child to move to a seat near where you are.

* Get child's attention before giving instructions.

* Have the child paraphrase directions

* Pre-teach new vocabulary/concepts

* Use a slower speaking rate.

* Allow extra time for the child to respond to questions.