Resources: Special Education

 What is an inclusive classroom environment?

Every student is capable of learning. An inclusive classroom is a space that is prepared (or can be adjusted) to welcome all abilities and differences. The inclusive-classroom teacher is dedicated to finding and providing resources to each student to give them the best chance of quality learning.

Disability Characteristics

What are the definitions and characteristics of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Specific Learning Disabilities, Communication Disorders (Speech and Language Impairments), Emotional Disturbance / Behavioral Disorders, Autism, Other Health Impairments & Orthopedic Impairments (OI) aka: physical impairments, and Mild Intellectual Disability?

Reflections: Learning Disabilities & Life Stories

Valerie’s personal reflections after reading:
Rodis, P., Garrod, A., & Boscardin, M., Eds. (2001). Learning disabilities & life stories. Needham Heights, MA; Allyn & Bacon.  ISBN-13: 9780205320103

A framework for the systematic teaching approach to provide effective instruction to all students, Struggling Students with continuous progress monitoring, for the purpose of adjusting instruction as needed for student success, providing specific interventions to address specific deficits in learning, to the degree necessary for achievement.

Learner Characteristics (Successful vs Struggling Students)

How we teach maers Reach Out to unmotivated, withdrawn students. Let them know you care

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal education law that guides the education of children diagnosed with a disability. It ensures a free appropriate public education to children with disabilities that affect their learning. IDEA outlines special education and related services. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, education, and related services to more than 7.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children, and youth within 14 different disability categories.

Direct [explicit] instruction is part of UDL with the use of straightforward, explicit teaching techniques, usually to teach a specific skill. It is a teacher-directed method, with a plethora of student OTR, through the process of error-less learning (or immediate corrective feedback). Language is simplified and repetitive. Occurs before students have opportunity to fail.

Differentiated Instruction

An instructional approach (part of UDL) that is student centered, proactive, provides multiple approaches to content, process, & product; rooted in assessment; blends whole-class, small group, & individual instruction. Who you teach (we must know our students) • Where you teach (the space and the culture) • What you teach (knowledge, understanding, skills) • How you teach (delivery of your content to students).

Accommodations

Part of Specialized Instruction (IDEA) Students with disabilities who have an IEP or a 504 are entitled to specialized instruction. This instruction includes accommodations needed to meet the unique needs of the child in accessing the general education curriculum including those necessary to maneuver the school.

Social Skills, Self-regulation, & Classroom Expectations

When self-regulation is taught & monitored: results in increased academic achievement & improved appropriate school and social behaviors (as well as the reduction of inappropriate behaviors). What do you expect in your classroom? How do your students know? How do your students do what is expected?

Paraprofessionals

When there is more than one adult present in a classroom, it is essential that roles and responsibilities be clearly delineated and followed. One nonnegotiable is that the classroom teacher (or co-teaching team) must always have the role of primary teacher(s) for all students in the classroom.

Critical Questions for Successful Collaboration

Must-have Conversations Prior to beginning co-teaching