Special Education Inclusion

Inclusion/Special Education Webinar

Considerations for Successful Co-teaching

Topics for Co-teacher Discussions
Instructional Content
Student expectations
Planning
Instructional format
Parity in the classroom
Space
Noise
Instructional routines
Organizational routines
Discipline procedures
Student evaluation
Confidentiality

Planning Time Options

Build in common planning time
Classes team to release teachers
Guest teachers: principals, assistant principals, etc.
Substitute teachers
Volunteer substitutes; retired teachers, teacher trainees
Instructional relevant videotapes and programs
School-based staff development sessions
Late arrival or early dismissal days
Monthly before and/or after school sessions
Two or more educators or other certified staff

Best Practices for Improving Student Achievement
Parental involvement
Homework
Focus on educational goals
Direct teaching
Graphic organizers
Relate present learning to past learning
Multiple learning strategies
Metacognition
Modeling
Guided practice
Application
Mastery learning techniques
Cooperative learning

Modifying Test sand Quizzes
Read test orally
Retake tests
Give credit for improvement
Provide sample/practice tests
Provide study guides in advance
Create modified grading scale
Administer tests in several sessions
Consider alternative assessment (portfolios, etc.)
Administer tests in separate locations
Provide open-book exams
Provide word bank of answers
Include some take-home tests

Grading Options for Inclusive Settings

Modified report card
Anecdotal report
Skills checklist
IEP update
Authentic assessment
Straight credit
Student goal-setting
Mastery level/criterion systems
Student self-comparison
Contracting
Multiple grades
Variation
Point system

Classroom Management
Establishing and enforcing rules and procedures
Carrying out disciplinary actions
Maintaining effective teacher-student relationships
Maintaining an appropriate mental set

Managing Classroom Behavior
Classroom rules/expectations
Motivation/apathy
Functional Behavior Assessments
Behavior plans
Rewards and consequences
Collaborative Problem Solving Approach

(Dr. Ross Greene, The Explosive Child,

Universal Design for Learning

UDL is a framework for providing instructional content in a variety of formats that respond to student learning differences and, therefore, make curricula more accessible for students.

Universal Design for Learning Toolkit, OSEP Ideas that Work, US Office of Special Education Programs, US Dept of Ed., ED.gov.

Universal Design for Learning-website-toolkit

UDL focuses on the following:

multiple and flexible methods of presentation
multiple and flexible means of expression
multiple and flexible means of engagement

Provide multiple examples
Highlight critical features
Provide multiple media and formats
Support background context

Provide flexible models of skilled performance
Provide opportunities to practice with supports
Provide ongoing, relevant feedback
Offer flexible opportunities for demonstrating skill

Activities that capture working memory

Puzzles and problems and games
Possibility of being “put on the spot”
Opportunities to talk about ourselves
Inconsequential competition
Friendly controversy
Physical movement

Inclusion Classroom Strategies

Arrangements
Cooperative Learning Groups
Paired Reading/Writing
Reduced seat time
Specific seating arrangement
Specific Behavior Plan/Cues
Stick to a routine throughout the year
Distribute inclusion students evenly in classes
Refrain from confronting students in front of the class

Materials & Equipment

Books on tape
Videos, Software
Tape recorders
Communication aids
Computers / laptops

Calculators
OT Boxes

Curriculum Aids

Study Guides (Preferably Interactive)
Vocabulary Lists
Main Idea Summaries
Writing Process Aids
Pre-Written Notes
Graphic Organizers
Learning Logs
Organizational Aids
Skeletal/Course Outlines
Highlight Reading Materials
Multi-sensory Presentations
Assign critical vocabulary words and concepts at the beginning of a unit
Write notes on board from left to right
Survey the class before erasing notes
Use an outline format
Write homework assignments consistently in the same place or utilize a weekly assignment sheet
Require students to use a three-ring binder; make sure all handouts are hole-punched

Individualized Support

Facilitation (communication, movement, thinking)
Shortened/Modified Assignments
Oral Tests
Open Notebook Tests
Re-word, Re-phrase Instructions/Questions
Picture Cues
Schedule Boards
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)