In my high school special education program, as part of the new grade 8 students enrolling (my school is an 8-12 school), a student entered our program that has challenged many of us within the department. This is a student who struggles academically, socially and displays oppositional defiant disorder type behaviour. My team and I have worked closely together to try and figure out ways to engage this learner, but we have had little success. This student does not believe that they have any sort of cognitive deficit(s), therefore, do not understand why they need assistance. We have tried to explain to this student why they receive the support that they do, but they still do not understand. This individual struggles immensely with peer interactions and will often find themselves in argumentative-type conversations with others. This is a student who is constantly in the back of my mind because nothing I do seems to aid them. My goal for September is to try and build better rapport with this student. It has been challenging, because the defiance often overrides any success that we have with this student.
Does anybody have any suggestions and/or recommendations on how to engage a student with this type or profile, as well as how to foster positive social interactions amongst peers?
I am a first year teacher. I just got hired for the 2020-2021 school year. I am in a self contained high school SpEd class. Any essential tools (ie: organizer bins staplers etc. ) that I should buy. Also any advice would be appreciated. I am fairly young (early 20s) and could use the help from peers who have been in the field. I only see sped teachers from elementary on YouTube.
Welcome to the Special Education community! It is really such a rewarding area to teach in.
Some tools/supplies/things I find valuable to have within my classroom are:
1. Sensory Toys - make sure every student has a bin or a container that is labelled for just them and their support worker, should they have one. This normally is not the case, but with the COVID-19 situation, it is best to have the toys separated for each student. These toys can be easily purchased at a dollar store and could be thinks like, Slinkys, squishy toy balls, Rubik's cubes, stress balls, fidget spinners, etc. Pretty much anything that feels cool, different, or that someone can fiddle with in their hands.
2. To reiterate the other commenter, BoardMaker will be an extremely great asset. A lot of Special Education students use pictorial schedules and this program will be invaluable in creating those 'pecs' for the schedules. If you have extra support in your classroom, it is great to have those assistants become involved in making these, as the program can be challenging to navigate.
3. Not necessarily a supply but be aware of your classroom set-up. Are the lights too bright? Is the room inviting? Is the room over-stimulating with too much for students to be looking at? What are the seating options? Just some things to think about! I wish you the best of luck with this new class! Please post again to update on how things are going once the school year begins!
I'm interested in hearing from high school resource teachers and how they developed a plan for transition activities while balancing classroom support for resource students within their buildings. How have you used blended learning techniques or created personalized learning projects within your program?
I have been a SPED teacher for only three years and the experience has only been at a high school and a middle school. I just accepted a position as an elementary resource teacher and am looking for someone who can help me get oriented with what I need to do to be successful. This is very different than my previous positions. I don't want to start a new job not knowing what I am supposed to do. Can anyone offer advice or support?
I am an online SPED master's student that has just recently begun my program. While there are definitely disadvantages to online learning (like limited classroom hours compared to on-campus learning) it has been ideal for my schedule as a full-time employee and recent undergrad. That being said, I've been a little overwhelmed with finding practicum/fieldwork positions and potentially a mentor (this isn't required in my program but I'm eager to learn). I have years of experience with special needs individuals and am excited to officially pursue a career in education. I currently live in Northern Utah but will be moving to the Denver area before the end of 2020 and complete my program in July 2021 (not including student teaching). I wanted to reach out to see if there were current educators that could recommend the best ways for me to network with teachers/schools and find volunteer opportunities.
504 Plans can be for a student with a disability who needs accommodations implemented by the teacher but does not need additional services/support from SPED personnel.
No. The team would generally need to determine/justify the need for AT to allow the student to communicate, access the curriculum, etc.
Need quick and easy tools to help facilitate collaboration with your co-teacher? Check out the Co-Teacher's Planning Center Store for affordable options!
Welcome to the Special Education community! It is really such a rewarding area to teach in.
Some tools/supplies/things I find valuable to have within my classroom are:
1. Sensory Toys - make sure every student has a bin or a container that is labelled for just them and their support worker, should they have one....See More