Considerations Packets
The following information packets provide a brief overview of current
topics and best practices for serving students with mild/moderate
disabilities.
An Administrative Guide to Creating Inclusive Elementary
Schools
This packet focuses on administrative roles and strategies for
creating successful and collaborative inclusive schools. Descriptions
of academic, social/emotional, physical space, and supervision requirements
are offered. A variety of successful inclusive environments are
discussed. (2005)
Algebra Strategies for Middle School
This information packet addresses strategies that middle
school teachers can implement in teaching algebraic thinking. Algebra
is a strand found in each of the middle school grade levels in the
Virginia Standards of Learning. It is also one of the areas addressed
by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) in Principles
and Standards for School Mathematics. The Algebra strategies
included in this packet addresses the following topics: exploring
patterns, graphs, symbolic manipulation, technology as an aid for
understanding algebraic concepts, discourse in the algebra classroom,
and writing about algebraic thinking. (2004)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
This information packet provides an overview of the characteristics
of three types of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
based on the most current research. Typical problems that children
with ADHD face in the classroom are described and their implications
discussed. Because the degree of difficulty varies depending upon
student's age, gender, intensity, and the demands of the environment,
a variety of practical interventions are presented. (2001)
The Bilingual Special Education Crossroad: Strategies for
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students with Special Needs
This information packet provides an overview of the prevailing assessment
and instructional research strategies related to culturally and
linguistically diverse students with special education needs. Research-based
academic and behavioral strategies for these students are described,
along with web-based resources geared to assist both general and
special educators working with diverse students with special needs.
(2004)
Collaborative Secondary Transition Planning (*Under
revision. Not available at this time.)
This packet highlights transition planning for students with disabilities.
The most common choices facing young people and their families upon
leaving high school include pursuing vocational training or further
academic education, getting a job, and living independently. The
packet contains information on collaboration, the creation of effective
transition teams, community agencies and the services they provide,
and potential consultants to the transition team. (2000)
Co-Teaching
This information packet provides basic information for professionals
currently engaged in or considering a co-teaching model to support
students with mild/moderate disabilities in the general education
classroom. Topics include defining characteristics, getting acquainted
with a co-teaching partner, developing a contract for co-teaching,
variations of co-teaching, effective co-planning, communication
issues, administrative issues, and advantages of co-teaching. Administrative
issues include caseloads, planning time, team identities, and team
continuity. (Revised 2008)
Designing Effective Professional Development
The information packet provides essential information to educators
interested in improving professional development practices. Topics
include standards for designing professional development activities
and programs that lead to improved learning for all students. An
overview of basic information about the major models of professional
development and their effectiveness is followed by specific strategies
for determining if a school or school division is a learning organization.
Finally, key questions for identifying indicators of effective professional
development are also offered. (2003)
Differentiating for Success in Inclusive Classrooms
The philosophy of differentiation is presented in this consideration
packet as it relates to inclusive service delivery for students
with mild to moderate disabilities. Examples of management and instructional
strategies that respond to learners' needs are provided. The packet
was prepared for general and special education teachers who work
with students with mild to moderate disabilities in general education
classrooms. (2001)
Geometry Strategies for Middle School
This information packet describes strategies middle school mathematics
teachers can incorporate into their teaching of geometry. An overview
of the Van Hiele model is followed by a description of how to assess
students' level. Strategies for teaching plane figures, perimeter
and area, geometric solids, and transformations are also included.
(2004)
Grading in Inclusive Classrooms (*Under
revision. Not available at this time.)
This packet provides basic information about grading to teachers
currently teaching students with disabilities in general education
settings. Topics include the questions that teachers ask when grading
students with disabilities in general education settings, effective
grading practices and alternative approaches to student evaluation.
A process for grading in co-taught classes will be explored. (2002)
Graphic Organizers: Guiding Principles and Effective Practices
This packet focuses on how to make the most out of visual displays
and representations of information, commonly called graphic organizers.
Research-based suggestions are offered for making graphic organizers
straightforward and coherent and for teaching students how to use
graphic organizers so that they begin to internalize the organizational
skills of the graphic display. This packet will outline the primary
categories and uses for graphic organizers as well as strategies
to enhance their effectiveness. (2003)
Helping All Students Meet the Standards with Technology and
Project-Based Learning
This packet focuses on the use of multimedia technology by students
of all abilities to showcase or share information gained as a result
of applied or project-based learning activities. An overview of
project-based learning as an essential strategy for facilitating
greater levels of student engagement and productivity, particularly
within inclusive settings will be presented. Practical ideas and
resources for implementing and evaluating multimedia based projects
will also be shared. (2002)
Inclusive Practices for Speech/Language Pathologists
This packet provides information designed to help speech/language
pathologists adopt inclusive and collaborative programs as an alternative
service delivery model for serving students with communication disorders.
Inclusive practices will be defined and described along with their
benefits. Tools for developing inclusive individualized education
programs (IEP) will then be presented, followed by a discussion
of the characteristics of successful inclusion/collaborative teams.
(2004)
Inferential Reading Comprehension
This packet focuses on strategies teachers may employ to improve
students' inferential comprehension skills. Topics include a discussion
of the meaning of the term inferential comprehension, the consideration
of specific sub-skills necessary for making inferences, suggestions
for ways to teach students to make inferences, and ideas designed
to provide a variety of opportunities for students to practice the
skill of inferential comprehension. (2002)
Instructional Assessment
This packet provides a description of an instructional assessment
model that is used to help teachers match instruction to student
needs. Instructional assessment (IA) is a form of curriculum based
assessment (CBA) that is designed to determine the instructional
needs of individual students in order to create the conditions necessary
to optimize and maintain learning (Rosenfield, 1987). The purpose
of IA is to ensure a match between what the student knows and what
the teacher teaches (Gravois & Gickling, 2002). Although this
consideration packet describes the assessment of reading skills,
the method is applicable to all academic areas. (2002)
Paraeducators' Tools for Supporting the Instructional Process
This information packet focuses on tools that paraeducators need
to begin to offer instructional support to classroom teachers. These
tools will assist paraeducators with understanding the basics and
building effective communication and collaboration skills. This
packet offers some suggestions and practical application tips to
strengthen the paraeducators ability to effectively support classroom
instruction. (2003)
Planning for a Brighter Future: Infusing Secondary IEPs with
the Results of Comprehensive Transition Planning (*Under
revision. Not available at this time.)
This information packet is a companion piece for two other packets,
The Heart of the IEP (2001) and Collaborative Secondary
Transition Planning (2002). Together, the three packets provide
guidance in writing legally correct IEPs that meet the intent of
the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Virginia's
regulations regarding IEP development for students in transition
from secondary school to adult life. (2003)
Positive Behavioral Supports
This information packet provides a general description of an approach
to challenging behaviors called Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS).
It includes the basic assumptions or underlying tenets for utilizing
PBS with individual students. The packet also includes information
about additional resources for using PBS at the classroom, school-wide,
or at the division level. (2000)
Practice and Homework - Effective Teaching Strategies
This information packet focuses on practice and homework as instructional
strategies that teachers can utilize daily to increase and maintain
retention of information for all learners. Strategies for practicing
new learning are suggested, including visualization, mnemonics,
quick writes, and effective questioning. Finally, tips for homework
completion are provided for both teachers and parents. (2004)
Reasonable and Effective Accommodations
This information packet defines accommodations, differentiates them
from modifications and adaptations, and addresses their specific
purpose. Three processes for determining "reasonable"
accommodations are presented, and examples of various types of accommodations
are given. (Revised 2008)
Science Strategies
This information packet focuses on strategies teachers can incorporate
into their instruction to enhance student learning in science. This
packet is divided into five strands focusing on: Organizing and
Remembering Information in Science, Reading in Science, Writing
and Reflecting in Science, Learning Together in Science, and Investigating
in Science. (2003)
Strategies for Creating Inclusive Schools
This information packet provides basic information to professionals
currently engaged in or considering inclusive programming for their
students with mild to moderate disabilities. Topics include gaining
support (administrators, teachers, and parents), developing a collaborative
culture and a vision that supports inclusion, selecting capable
and willing participants, and providing ongoing staff development.
Administrative issues that are addressed include establishing balanced
classroom rosters, providing weekly co-planning, and allocating
resources. (2001)
Taking the Mystery out of Software Selection (*Under
revision. Not available at this time.)
This information packet offers practical ideas to assist educators,
technology managers, administrators, and parents in determining
the appropriateness and usability of a given piece of software.
Critical features to look for when evaluating software are discussed
and a sample evaluation form is included. Valuable tips and resources
are shared to assist buyers in making more informed decisions when
they are unable to "preview" the software prior to purchase.
(2001)
Teachers' Tools for Building Productive Relationships with Paraeducators
This information packet focuses on tools that special education
teachers need in order to build effective working relationships
with paraprofessionals. The packet offers some suggestions and practical
application tips to strengthen teacher-paraeducator relationships,
including effective communication and collaboration. (2002)
Techniques for Active Learners
This information packet describes 18 techniques that teachers can
easily implement to increase time on task for all learners. Techniques
are grouped into the following categories: Motivation and Focus,
During Instruction, Cooperative Group Work, and Evaluation. Specific
of the techniques include Whip Around and Pass; I Have, Who Has?;
Pinwheel; Paired Reading; and Outcome Sentences. (2000)
Twice Exceptional: Gifted Student with Learning Disabilities
This packet focuses on providing educators with basic information
for recognizing and understanding gifted students with learning
disabilities (LD). Characteristics of this population are discussed
as well as strategies to engage students in the learning environment
and models for special programming. Finally, tips for teachers and
parents are provided to enhance instruction and interactions to
meet the unique needs of gifted students with LD. (2008)
Unlocking Reading Comprehension: Writing Is the Key
This information packet provides the reader with a brief review
of research supporting the inclusion of writing to enhance reading
comprehension, and highlights the use of a specific instructional
strategy, R.A.R.E. The R.A.R.E. strategy teaches students at both
the elementary and secondary levels how to respond accurately in
writing to specific comprehension questions in all content areas.
This packet also describes how to develop questions that teach and
assess comprehension in all of the purposes for reading. (2003)
A "Word" About Vocabulary
This information packet provides strategies upper-elementary and
secondary school teachers may use to teach vocabulary in a meaningful
way. The word-learning instructional strategies are grounded in
research and are applicable to all content areas. The packet includes
games and other activities that enable students to use newly acquired
words, as well as review groups of vocabulary words in an engaging
manner. (2001)
The Write Tools Can Make a Difference! - Technology Supports
for Students Who Struggle with the Task of Writing (*Under
revision. Not available at this time.)
This information packet offers ideas to the classroom teacher who
is looking for effective ways to support students with mild/moderate
disabilities having difficulty with one or more aspects of the writing
process. Topics include identification of students who struggle
with the process or mechanics of writing, the continuum of support,
the decision-making process, and facilitate writing techniques to
success. (2000)
The Writing Process: A Scaffolding Approach
This packet offers a systematic format to teaching essential writing
skills to all students. The scaffolding approach allows for differentiated
instruction in a diverse classroom. It gradually builds independence
and confidence among young writers. This instructional technique
can be easily adapted to many classrooms, disciplines, and age or
grade levels. (2001)
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