Executive Function Accommodations for Students in the Classroom
Discover practical executive function accommodations for students with ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities to support organization and time management.
Simple Home Activities to Support Executive Functioning in Special Education
Executive functioning is a set of mental skills that help students manage their thoughts, actions, and emotions so they can get things done. These skills are important because they help children plan ahead, stay organized, follow directions, and manage time. For students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or other learning needs, executive functioning challenges can […]
25 Questions IEP Teams Should Ask When Transition Planning
Transition planning is essential for students with disabilities because it prepares them for life after high school, ensuring they have the skills, resources, and confidence to succeed independently in their next stage of life. Without a structured plan, students may struggle with further education, employment, and independent living tasks, leading to decreased opportunities and independence. […]
How Students Can Help with Data Collection
As special education teachers, one of our primary goals is to ensure that our students with individualized education programs (IEPs) make progress toward their goals. Traditionally, data collection has been the responsibility of the teacher alone. However, involving students in the process not only empowers them to take ownership of their learning but also enhances […]
Fostering Self-Advocacy: Discussing Accommodations and IEPs with Students
Inclusive education is crucial for students with disabilities to thrive academically and socially. Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) ensure students receive the necessary accommodations and support to succeed in their educational journey. However, it is equally important for students to understand their IEPs and actively participate in discussions surrounding their accommodations. This post will delve into […]
When You Don’t Feel Heard at an IEP Meeting: What to Do
Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings can be stressful for both parents and educators. The goal of the meeting is to discuss the student’s needs and come up with a plan that meets those needs. However, sometimes one may not feel heard in these meetings, which can be frustrating and discouraging. If you find yourself in […]
The Importance of Teaching Self-Advocacy Skills
Self-advocacy or representing one’s views and interests is not something that is often focused on in teaching. Students are taught how to accomplish tasks and meet their IEP goals, but there is not much emphasis placed on teaching them how to stand up and advocate for themselves. The reality is that self-advocacy is one of the […]
AAC Devices Students and Teachers Love
Augmentative and altered communication (AAC) devices are a necessity for students who struggle to communicate through speech. They break down the barriers of communication and allow students to communicate with their teachers, aides, and classmates. While there are a variety of AAC devices and programs out there, there are a few that stand out. If […]
9 Functional Skills for Independence
Functional skills are skills that students need in order to gain independence and live independently. They range from simple to complex, but all of them have one thing in common: they help the student prepare for the world outside of school. When including functional skills in an IEP, which is typically done in the Transition […]
Including Students in the IEP Process
For some special education teachers, the thought of including students in the IEP process is energizing, and for other special education teachers, this thought is incredibly overwhelming. Both sets of feelings are valid. The vast spectrum of student needs that fall under the special education umbrella allows for a wide variety of participation possibilities within […]