As someone who has lived with the stigma of being labeled a student with a learning disability and the unique experience of having the honor to teach students with learning disabilities, I think I can share with you why inclusion is extremely important and why it’s not always about academic ability. Inclusion, according to […]
Special Education
Posted inFeatured, Middle School, Special Education, Uncategorized
Do I Have To Go To The IEP Meeting? I’m Not a Special Education Teacher
By: Melanie Taylor Am I required to attend IEP meetings if I am not a Special Education teacher? I’ve been asked that more than once as the Special Education teacher, and especially as a Resource Specialist, also known as Special Academic Instructor.The answer in our state is that at least one general education teacher who has […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Special Education, Uncategorized
5 Ways to Boost Communication in a Co-Teaching Classroom
Recently I read somewhere that said, “Communication is easy.” I would love to know the world they lived in because communication isn’t easy- at all. Talking is easy; however, communication-which means an exchange or communion with another- requires greater skill. Communication requires us to listen and to speak skillfully, not just talk mindlessly. Communication among co-teachers is […]
Posted inSpecial Education, Uncategorized
What Should General Education Teachers Look for in the IEP?
There are so many general education teachers who feel hopeless about servicing special education children. Rightfully so, there is just so much to the program to learn, understand and enforce. However, that can’t be an excuse to not make one aware. It’s simply too risky due to the fact that a general education teacher is required […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, Special Education
Knocking Down Barriers to Inclusion
By now you know that inclusion is here to stay. The education of students with special needs is no longer the responsibility of just special education teachers. The inclusion of students with disabilities in the general education setting is now the norm rather than the exception. However, for many teachers (including special education teachers) there […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Legal, Special Education, Uncategorized
Firm Decisions Before an IEP Meeting May Violate the IDEA
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”] Every teacher is a special education teacher. From attending Individual Education Program (“IEP”) meetings to differentiating instruction to meet the needs of students, every teacher plays some role in educating special […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, Special Education, Uncategorized
Inclusion, Not Always the Answer
I recently read an article in Education Week entitled Improving Special Education in Tough Times. With budgets being cut, especially to special education, the title sparked my interest. As I read, I found myself applauding many of the suggestions presented. But, there was one theme I found myself in total disagreement about, at least on […]