In the News - Autism Breakthrough as Study Identifies Genetic Defect Link

Many cases of autism are caused by genetic defects that disrupt the brain's ability to learn, according to new research. The study found that some of the genes are not deleted entirely in autistic children, but are kept switched off by mutations in surrounding control regions of their DNA. This raises the prospect that critical genes could be activated by drugs or behavioral and educational therapies.

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What's New - Improving Special Education Instruction With Software

Merit has released a new report with detailed tips and suggestions aimed at helping special education teachers provide individualized and effective learning programs for exceptional students.

Grants for US Educators - IDEA Grants Provide Funding for Software

Did you know that IDEA grants for special education provide significant funding for software supplements? IDEA grants are specifically aimed at special ed. However, the software purchased using these funds can also be used with other students provided it does not hinder the special ed students' access to the software.

Click here to visit OSEP grants page

Resources for Teachers - Lesson Plans & Interactive Writing Prompts for Popular Books

Merit offers lesson plans and interactive writing prompts for popular books such as Frindle, The Egypt Game, A Lion to Guard Us and many upper elementary texts at www.BookPunch.com. Use Merit's Book Punch program to help students connect with literature, as they learn to think and write about the books they are reading. Merit offers free lesson plans for popular summer reading titles such as Frindle, The Egypt Game, A Lion to Guard Us and many upper elementary texts at . Use Merit's Book Punch program to help students connect with literature, as they learn to think and write about the books they have just read.

Click here to get lesson plans and try Book Punch