IEPs and Beyond

This list includes valuable resources to help you prepare and implement Individualized Education Programs, as well as articles on everything you need to know about the IEP process. Use these articles to define, organize, and enhance the functioning of IEPs. Our teaching strategies, tips, and assessment accommodation resources will help you meet the special needs of your students. You will also find useful printables to streamline your tasks.

Preparing IEPs Effective Accommodations for IEPs A complete chart to help IEP teams find specific accommodations in instruction, assessment, classroom management, organization, and more. This printable resource will be especially valuable to new teachers who are becoming accustomed to IEP's. Guidelines for Behavioral Observations The guidelines outlined in this article will be helpful in performing a thorough behavioral observation. New teachers will find this resource particularly valuable. Positive Descriptions of Student Behavior An extensive list of verbs and phrases that will help you to prepare positive, descriptive statements about a student's behavior. New teachers will find this resource particularly valuable when they're writing their first report cards and progress reports. Preparing for an IEP Use these questions to focus your thoughts and those of other IEP team members. The IEP Cycle: The General Educator's Role The general educator's role in the IEP process is an extremely important one from beginning to end. The IEP Team Members The IEP team consists of a group of people who are responsible for developing, reviewing, and revising an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Using General Education Standards with IEPs A chart that outlines whether or not to change or modify a general education standard for an IEP (Individualized Education Program). What to Include in an IEP Find out what must be in your child's Individualized Education Program. IDEA Requirements This page outlines the legal requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Strategies for Effective Document Management Managing mounds of paper requires organization. These suggestions are successful strategies for creative and efficient document management. Learning Disabilities: Glossary of Terms Discover a glossary that provides definitions of important terms related to learning disabilities. Curriculum Planning Universal Design for Learning A definition of universal design for learning. Effective Teaching Strategies Use a list that provides a quick reference to the methodology of effective teachers. Assistive Technology for Students with Mild Disabilities These simple adaptations can improve the learning experience of many children. Educating Children Who Are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Tips to help you ensure deaf and hard-of-hearing students are learning in your classroom. Teaching Mathematics to Gifted Students in a Mixed-Ability Classroom Tips on how to teach math to gifted students in your regular classrooms. Repeated Reading Use a variety of repeated reading activities to improve reading skills.

Inclusion Summary of the Six Principles of Effective Curriculum Design An overview of six curricular design issues that ensure teachers are teaching inclusively. Keys to Successful Inclusion Learn about activities and support systems commonly found in successful inclusion programs. Frequently Asked Questions on Inclusion Learn more about inclusion and how it impacts the classroom. Adapt Lessons to Reach All Students An overview of six curricular design issues that help ensure appropriate inclusive teaching. More Inclusion Resources Bilingual & Bicultural Education Reducing Overrepresentation of Diverse Students in Special Education A summary of strategies to reduce overrepresentation of diverse students in special education. Communicating with Culturally Diverse Parents of Exceptional Children A list of helpful suggestions and strategies for communicating with culturally diverse parents of exceptional children. Bilingual Special Education An article on how to properly combine special education and bilingual education. Explaining Assessment Accommodations to Families: Spanish Version Give this pamphlet to Spanish speaking families to help them understand assessment accommodations. Assessment Accommodations Guiding Principles for Assessment Accommodations Guiding principles for assessment accommodation. Explaining Assessment Accommodations to Families This pamphlet explains test-taking accommodations to the families of special needs students. Accommodations Checklist Use this checklist to ensure appropriate assessment accommodations are used in test taking. More Assessment & Accommodation Related Resources Adaptations and Modifications for Students with Special Needs Accommodate your Special Needs students by making the easy modifications and adaptations detailed in these articles and resources. These adjustments will help you challenge each member of your class. Special Needs Web Resources Use this comprehensive list of Websites about special needs to help with all kinds of issues, such as ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, special education, and more. Special Needs – Teacher Resources Inform yourself about curriculum strategies and classroom management for students with different learning needs. We have resources on everything you need to know about teaching special needs students effectively. ADD/ADHD Resources for Teachers These articles will help you learn about ADD/ADHD. Check out our teaching strategies, parent information, and advice for working with children who are both gifted and have attention deficit disorder.

Provided in partnership with The Council for Exceptional Children.

Back to School

It's time to go back to school! Prepare your lesson plans and your classroom for the first day of school by taking steps to ensure that you're organized. Plus, get tips on behavior management and learn new teaching methods that will keep your students engaged. Good luck on another great year!

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September Calendar of Events

The month of September is full of holidays and events to include in your classroom. Our Educators' Calendar outlines activities for each one, including Rosh Hashana (Sept. 8), Patriot Day (Sept. 11), Grandparents Day (Sept. 12), Yom Kippur (Sept. 17), and the beginning of Autumn (Sept. 22). Plus, celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (Septe. 15-Oct. 15), and Library Card Sign-Up Month all September long!

Causes We Support: We Give Books

Visit We Give Books, an ever-growing, free online library of children's picture books! For every book read on the site, a brand-new book will be donated to a children's literacy campaign of your choosing. Read aloud to students or encourage them read independently, and you'll teach them to help others at the same time. Giving is as simple as reading!