In the second of its video presentation series, Nevada County's Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) Special Education Parents Advisory Committee will showcase “The Hidden Curriculum: Teaching What is Meaningful” by Brenda Smith Myles, an associate professor at the University of Kansas, who writes and speaks internationally on Asperger Syndrome and autism.

“(T)he hidden curriculum (is) anything that is not ‘formally' taught in school, however is usually learned through school and other social encounters while growing up,” wrote Chicago Park SELPA Committee member Laura Witt in an e-mail to The Union.

“Many children do not ‘get' this information naturally and have to be taught and/or trained regarding these areas of social function.”

Using numerous everyday examples, Myles emphasizes the importance of teaching hidden curriculum items directly to individuals with autism spectrum disorders and social-cognitive challenges, even if it means skipping other more traditional content for the moment.

Myles offers practical suggestions and advice that will help you teach your child or student with social-cognitive challenges the important subtle messages that most people learn automatically.

Hidden Curriculum will be aired at two presentations this coming Monday, February 6th, 2012. The first being from 9:30-11:30am, the second being from 6:30-8:30 p.m. They will be held 112 Nevada City Hwy. in the Hauser Room.

Questions or RSVP can be directed to Mr. Randy McKean 265-0611 x 203 or via his email: randy.cm@nevco.k12.ca.us