Back-to-School Tips for Special Education Teachers
Along with new smiling faces, a new school year brings special education teachers new IEPs, new co-teaching arrangements, new assessments to give, and more. In order to help you be as effective as you can with your new students, we've put together our top 10 list of back-to-school tips that we hope will make managing your special education program a little easier.
What's New
Effective Reading Interventions for Kids with Learning Disabilities
What does the research say about how to build word recognition and comprehension skills in kids with LD? Get the facts, plus guidance in how to use the research findings to “size up” your classroom reading program.
Routines for Student Success
Student success is often measured by their performance on assessments and graded assignments. However, their success during classroom discussions and practice activities is equally important.
More Highlights
September Thoughts: Reflections on a New School Year
Wise words from LD advocate and expert Rick Lavoie: 'As we lurch toward September, let me offer some advice that may be helpful as you attempt to make special needs kids in your class feel warm, welcome, and wanted. Using the word SEPTEMBER, I have written of nine concepts that I believe can help you in this effort."
At a Glance: Classroom Accommodations for Executive Functioning Issues
Executive functioning issues can make learning difficult. Kids may have trouble planning, managing time and organizing. Fortunately, there are classroom accommodations that can help them stay on top of their work. From our partner, Understood.
Writing IEP Goals
Learn how to write Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals that are SMART (specific, measurable, use action words, realistic, and time-limited) and based on research-based educational practice.
The IEP Team
So — who's on the team? Here's a list, as specified in IDEA, our nation's special education law. Every member has an equal say and important expertise to contribute.
Contributions From You
Today's First Person Essay
Constant State of Motion by Polly G. Haselden
In this "first person" account, a university professor describes how her LD sometimes causes difficulties in managing the duties of her teaching position. She also offers a look at the supports she builds for herself in order to accomplish organizational tasks.