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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
Transition Resources for Educators
It is never too early to begin preparing youth for their next stage in life, whether it be the workforce, trade school, college studies, or other community-based options. We are pleased to share the following resources and professional learning opportunities to support transition planning for your students. T-TAC ODU Lending Library Our free lending library… Read More Transition Resources for Educators
Families – I’m Determined Project
The Virginia Department of Education’s I’m Determined Project offers a wealth of resources for family members of youth with disabilities. You will find informational modules on topics including Pathways to Success and Critical Decision Points. The I’m Determined Project site also includes downloadable tools that support the development of self-determination skills, informative videos for parents,… Read More Families – I’m Determined Project
How to Make Student-Led IEPs a Reality
Students should never be mere spectators during the IEP process. As educators, we must work to address any barriers that limit a student’s voice from being at the forefront. (Biegun, Peterson, McNaught, & Sutterfield, 2020). When some of us hear the term student-led IEP, we might envision a student sitting at the head of the… Read More How to Make Student-Led IEPs a Reality
Online Learning
Online Learning
As follows are some online learning opportunities that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home.
The Center for Literacy and Disability Studies conducts research related to literacy instruction for students with significant disabilities. They have offered access to the handouts and presentation materials from several of their national presentations.
Free literacy webinars are being offered by Don Johnston Inc. You can choose from live webinars and archived webinars that were previously recorded.
The Teaching the Write Way TACtic is an instructional unit for teachers of students with intellectual disabilities. This unit gives a thorough description of the developmental Stages of Writing and how students progress through each. You will also learn about the writing process and how to incorporate it into your instruction. This TACtic features popular ASOL-based writing lessons that are successfully being implemented in local schools. An Activity CD full of resources is included with this unit.
Providing online instruction is now a very important skill for teachers. The Bob Pike Group is offering free webinars on a variety of topics that can help make online learning engaging and interactive.
I'm Determined
I’m Determined
The I’M DETERMINED Project is all about helping students learn self-determination skills. Browse the site to learn about many great resources. You will find tools such as the One Pager and Good Day Plan, which help students take an active role in goal planning, the IEP process, transitioning, and behavior planning. Best of all, you will find templates for the tools, authentic student examples, and videos of teachers & students using these tools.
Resources
Resources
Below are some excellent resources for teachers and parents of children with intellectual disabilities. You will find a collection of documents that will support your lesson planning, videos that may challenge your mindset, and materials that will engage your students. Each resource addresses, in some way, a belief that all students can learn academic content. Enjoy!
Symbols and Learning to Read– I encourage you to check out Dr. Caroline Musselwhite’s discussion of the effect that symbolation has on learning to read.
Do 2 Learn offers a comprehensive list of strategies for supporting students with intellectual disabilities in a number of areas including academics, socialization, communication, daily living, and behavior.
Daily Activities for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities
Professionals in Arkansas developed an extensive resource document for teachers and parents to use together in order to create individualized daily/weekly lessons for students with significant cognitive disabilities (K-12).
T-TAC Online is full of ASOL-based lesson plans and curriculum resources to support academic instruction (lesson plans) and skills assessment for students with intellectual disabilities.
Literacy Possible Writing Modules include 8 short & engaging videos that help frame what quality writing instruction might look like for students with significant disabilities. Sample activities are included!
Tar Heel Reader is a free site that offers thousands of high-interest e-books for students. All texts are switch accessible.
Writing with Alternative Pencils is a great option for students who cannot hold a writing utensil or use a keyboard.
Literacy for All shares a great overview of Predictable Chart Writing.
Carol Dweck offers an engaging video that explains the brain research behind why educators should praise effort rather than talent.
Don’t just be a teacher who writes lesson plans. Become an Educational Experience Designer. Our friend Tucker will tell you how.
