One of the more common myths encountered in MTSS implementation is the assumption that it is not the “job” of school staff to teach students what they feel they “should already know.” Staff may express that teaching behavior is not their responsibility, but rather a responsibility of parents or teachers of younger grades, or that… Read More Mindset Shifts: Plan for Instruction
Symbolated Text. Does it make learning to read easier or harder?
Symbolated or picture-supported text is a strategy that some educators use with the intent of making text comprehension easier for their students. The idea behind symbolated or picture-supported text is that connecting symbols to text can help students better understand text. It involves adding a picture or corresponding symbol above or below each word in… Read More Symbolated Text. Does it make learning to read easier or harder?
Spring is Blooming with Opportunities: Resources and Trainings to Support Teachers and Teams
As summer quickly approaches and we begin planning for a new school year, here are a few professional learning opportunities and resources to consider that will help ensure your staff is ready and equipped to provide high quality instruction in the months ahead. HLP Resources The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is hosting a HLP… Read More Spring is Blooming with Opportunities: Resources and Trainings to Support Teachers and Teams
Enhancing Communication in Early Childhood Classrooms
Effective communication is fundamental in any educational setting, but it holds particular importance in early childhood classrooms serving children with language delays. Improving communication within these environments not only fosters better learning outcomes but also enhances social skills and emotional development. The strategies below can be used to optimize communication in early childhood classrooms to best… Read More Enhancing Communication in Early Childhood Classrooms
What Does Your VLA Readiness Look Like?
Whether you are a literacy leader in your school division, or an educator who works directly with students, have you had a chance to pause and really reflect upon on how the Virginia Literacy Act is meant to impact not only students to become more proficient readers, but also how the initiative can support you?… Read More What Does Your VLA Readiness Look Like?
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
Autism: Awareness to Action – A Journey Through History & Tools to Use Today
April is World Autism Month! I invite you to reflect on the evolution of autism awareness initiatives and consider how we can foster supportive and inclusive learning environments moving forward (free resources included)! Out of deep respect for diverse perspectives, I will use both people-first and identity-first language throughout this newsletter. Words are powerful; everyone’s… Read More Autism: Awareness to Action – A Journey Through History & Tools to Use Today
