In the spirit of inclusive practices, let’s consider an instructional strategy that not only works well for students with intellectual disabilities, but for all learners. The school day is full of opportunities for students to make meaningful choices. We can give our students options for how to get new information or ways to demonstrate what has… Read More Increase Engagement by Giving Students More Choices
Strategies for Writing Quality IEP Goals
Drafting an individualized education program (IEP) is one of many duties with which special educators are tasked. It is important that the IEP process remains individualized to each student. It may be helpful to view an IEP as more than a document or an annual meeting, but rather an opportunity for the team of stakeholders to… Read More Strategies for Writing Quality IEP Goals
Try These VESOL Lesson Plans that Promote Cross-Content Instruction
If you use the Virginia Essentialized Standards of Learning (VESOL) in your daily instruction, then it is likely that you are tasked with teaching multiple content areas to your class. Perhaps you are responsible for teaching Reading, Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies to your students. Maybe you are part of a teaching team, where… Read More Try These VESOL Lesson Plans that Promote Cross-Content Instruction
Educational Podcasts for Summer Professional Learning
Congratulations on wrapping up another successful school year! Soon you will be enjoying a family vacation or perhaps some well-deserved quiet time at home. At some point, you will begin thinking about new teaching ideas for the next school year. You might read some teacher journals or sign up for a summer webinar series. Another option is to listen… Read More Educational Podcasts for Summer Professional Learning
Seven Super Ways to Update Your VESOL Instruction
Spring is here. We are in the final quarter of the school year and the VESOL testing window will soon be closed. This is a great time to try a new resource or teaching strategy. Consider the following ideas and pick one or two to try with your students. 1) Content Teaching Academy This June, James Madison University… Read More Seven Super Ways to Update Your VESOL Instruction
Innovative Strategies for VESOL Instruction
On January 18, 2023, T-TAC ODU hosted The VESOL Alliance at the Newport News Marriott. This unique professional learning event offered a range of high-interest sessions and free resources to over 80 attendees from across regions 2 & 3. Our expert presenters shared VESOL-referenced lesson plans that can be used to engage learners of all ages. If you were not able… Read More Innovative Strategies for VESOL Instruction
Integrated VESOL Instruction: Creating Lessons that Address Multiple Content Areas
As we enter the second year of VESOL (Virginia Essentialized Standards of Learning) instruction, there is a better understanding of how to prepare great lessons that set our students up for success. Yet, a few questions remain. One of the most common questions coming from educators is- How do I find time to teach reading, math, AND science… Read More Integrated VESOL Instruction: Creating Lessons that Address Multiple Content Areas