Research shows that students who experience high rates of success remain engaged and the provision of scaffolding as an evidenced based practice helps maintain high rates of success as students learn new or challenging content (Dickson et al.,1998). Knowing this is a critical component of establishing an effective classroom system, educators can embed key elements… Read More Effective Classroom Practices to Get Ready for the New School Year: #2 Scaffolding
Effective Classroom Practices to Get Ready for the New School Year: #1 Procedures and Routines
As we embark on a new school year, most educators are planning to use a teaching matrix to develop and model expectations within the learning environment. Using a classroom matrix (Robbie et al., 2022, pg. 4) that aligns with the language of the school-wide matrix (Robbie et al., 2022, pg. 5) is critical for success…. Read More Effective Classroom Practices to Get Ready for the New School Year: #1 Procedures and Routines
Supporting Staff through Acknowledgment: Voice, Recognition, & Wellness
As educators, we know that students thrive in a safe, positive, nurturing learning environment. In the same way, it has become increasingly important to recognize that staff also thrive in a supportive community. Teacher retention is a critical problem facing education across our nation. Research clearly shows that a key factor in teachers staying or… Read More Supporting Staff through Acknowledgment: Voice, Recognition, & Wellness
Is Your Summer All “Booked” Up? What to Read to Prepare for a Successful School Year
The summer slam is upon us and with limited time and competing priorities, leaders often find themselves wondering how to select the most important topics to focus on when planning for a new year. In an effort to curate a few resources that align with the VDOE’s Special Education Roadmap and TTAC’s overall mission, we… Read More Is Your Summer All “Booked” Up? What to Read to Prepare for a Successful School Year
Reading For All Students
To get youth interested in reading we need to help them see that reading is fun. Here are a few suggestions to encourage reading in students of all ages and ability levels this summer. Read Aloud America (Summer Reading Program – Read Aloud America). Download a 5-week program full of reading suggestions and activities. Get… Read More Reading For All Students
Personalize Your Literacy Learning
Are you wondering how you can get a running start this summer on your personal professional learning as we are all gearing up for the official launch of the Virginia Literacy Act? Even though we know professional development is already built into division plans in relation to evidence-based literacy instruction and utilizing high quality instructional… Read More Personalize Your Literacy Learning
Embracing the Outdoors: Boosting Mental Health During ESY
In the last newsletter, I discussed mental health concerns for our students on the spectrum and provided free resources to support efforts in fostering a sense of belonging and self-worth in our school communities. An additional simple, yet effective, way to further boost mental wellbeing is by getting outside! With the more flexible schedule of… Read More Embracing the Outdoors: Boosting Mental Health During ESY
