Administration

Systematic instruction (HLP 12)  is instruction that is taught in segments and follows sequences that are carefully and logically planned toward a specific goal.  Prioritizing that instruction and creating a logical instructional sequence can be the key to progress for students with disabilities.  Teachers  plan effective instruction when they unpack the grade level content, prioritizeRead More A Plan for Planning Systematic Instruction

Introducing High-Leverage Practices in Special Education: A Professional Development Guide for School Leaders “High-leverage practices in special education reflect new research on the effective methods that help struggling learners succeed (CEEDAR, 2017).” The downloadable online guide is packed with activities for engaging teachers to learn how high-leverage practices (HLPs) can enhance student learning. High-leverage practicesRead More A Professional Development Toolkit for School Leaders

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process that allows children and adults to effectively understand and manage emotions.  It allows individuals to set and achieve goals, feel and show empathy, establish and maintain relationships, and make responsible decisions.  The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) has developed a 3 Signature Practices Playbook to fosterRead More Practical Ways to Introduce and Broaden the Use of Social Emotional Learning

The IRIS Center at Vanderbilt University develops and disseminates free, engaging, online resources about evidence-based practices to support students, particularly struggling learners and those with disabilities. These resources are designed to bridge the research-to-practice gap. As a user-friendly way to learn which of the IRIS resources align with high-leverage practices (HLPs), the center has developed aRead More Alignment Tool: HLPs for Special Education Teachers Resources at the IRIS Center

The Council for Exceptional Children has partnered with the Collaboration for Effective Educator Development, Accountability and Reform (CEEDAR), to develop and publish a set of High Leverage Practices (HLPs) for special educators and teacher candidates.  The fundamental purpose of the project was to identify effective practices for supporting special educators (McKleskey, et al, 2017). TheRead More High Leverage Practices in Special Education

Walk-throughs provide a snap shot of student learning.  Protocols can effectively structure classroom visits and focus them to observe for components of effective instruction.  Brief, frequent, routine classroom visits with explicit “look-fors” can be powerful opportunities for collaboration between educational leaders and teachers (Protheroe, 2009). Literacy Walk-throughs Principals and literacy leaders can access this collectionRead More Leadership Tools and Literacy Walk-through Protocols

Increasing Number of Students with Autism In the 10-year span from 2004 to 2014, the number of students served under IDEA Part B with a disability category of autism rose by 202% (U.S. Department of Education, 2018).  With the continued rise in the number of students with autism, more teachers are faced with the challengeRead More Professional Development to Meet Rising Needs in Autism

The Virginia Board of Education Comprehensive Plan: 2018 to 2023 includes Assistive Technology (AT) as a means to help students use technology to engage in their learning.  AT teams and specialists in school districts, help teachers and IEP Teams to determine and use AT in the classroom. The start of the new school year mayRead More Resources for Assistive Technology Teams