Focus Areas

Overview Early mathematics skills are strong predictors of later academic success, yet young children and/or students in grades K-12 who require extra support to facilitate their learning often have fewer opportunities to engage with math compared to literacy. Storybooks can be an effective and engaging way to teach mathematical concepts at both school and home.…

So far in this series we have explored getting started, holding and using information, and reflecting and adjusting. But what happens when routines change, expectations shift, or things do not go according to plan? Next up in this executive function series is cognitive flexibility.

“Because of impairment to muscle movement, coordination, and posture, individuals with cerebral palsy may have limited access to learning experiences and social interactions.” Beukelman & Light, 2020, p.294 Access is the method that a student with limited motor control uses to select a cell on a communication device or to operate a device.  Access methods…

Transitions in early childhood can feel like standing at the edge of a new wave—full of excitement, uncertainty, and opportunity. Whether a child is moving from Early Intervention to preschool special education services or transitioning from ECSE to kindergarten, families often look to early childhood professionals for guidance, reassurance, and support. Educators and service providers…

This summer, TTAC ODU is expanding our lending library with new, instructional reading materials for educators designed to support inclusive literacy and meaningful engagement for every learner. As you begin planning for the year ahead, these resources are here to help you strengthen access, instruction, and opportunity. We also invite you to listen to a…

Students who access the Virginia Essentialized Standards of Learning (VESOL) benefit from science instruction that is active, engaging, sensory-rich, and accessible. For students with intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, complex communication needs, and multiple disabilities, science learning should include meaningful opportunities to explore, observe, communicate, experiment, and participate. The activities below include accessibility ideas to support…

Listening to Learn: Our 5 Favorite Podcast Picks! We are excited to feature the Cult of Pedagogy podcast this month as a part of our “Listening to Learn” Spring series. If you are looking for practical and relevant tools and tips, this one is for you! Hosted by Jennifer Gonzalez, the podcast explores real-world teaching…

Listening to Learn: Our 5 Favorite Podcast Picks!  During May’s Friday 5, we will be sharing a variety of educationally relevant resources that you can listen to in the office, on your drive, or even while you’re outside relaxing this Spring. Check out the Expert Instruction Podcast on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. They describe…

Notetaking is an important aspect of learning.  Recording new information, reviewing previously learned information, and drafting new ideas can all be retained in a notebook.  But what if you can’t find your notebook or forget it at school or work? What can a student or teacher do? Today’s technology provides lots of options for using…