Powerful Practices for High-Performing Special Educators

"This book has ideas, tools, and starting points for all the situations you could encounter on your first day of teaching or on your thousandth! It is practical and up-to-date on what it is like to be a special educator in schools today." —Alison Martins, Special Education Teacher Seven Hills Charter Public School, Worcester, MA "This book is a new teacher's first stop for everything from 'How should I set up my room the first week of school?' to 'What types of assessments should I be using?'" —Nancy Yost, Associate Professor of Special Education Indiana University of Pennsylvania A valuable toolbox for every situation in the special education classroom! Special education teachers face unique challenges, especially when they are just beginning. This essential resource offers special educators a blueprint for dealing with the most common challenges they face both in the classroom and in the larger school environment. These research-based strategies help teachers meet the academic needs of diverse students with disabilities (including those who are also English language learners) in areas such as setting up a classroom, managing student behavior, designing effective instruction, incorporating technology, embracing diversity, and more. Each chapter features: An overview and objectives A brief research review Step-by-step strategies that can be used immediately Examples and scenarios from real teaching experiences Self-assessments and reflections This all-in-one reference book offers the tools, strategies, and support special educators need for success in their first year and every year thereafter!

Table of Contents:
List of Tables and Figures Publisher’s Acknowledgments About the Authors Introduction 1. Working With Diverse Students Objectives Introduction Wisdom of Practice: The Technicolor World of Truman Armstrong In Brief: What Does the Research Say? Changing Student Diversity The Impact of Diverse Populations in Special Education Programming Professional Practice Summary Self-Assessment and Reflection References 2. Organizing a Classroom for Instruction Objectives Introduction Wisdom of Practice: Ms. Delacatto – See How She Runs! In Brief: What Does the Research Say? Professional Practice Summary Self-Assessment and Reflection References 3. Managing Student Behavior Objectives Introduction Wisdom of Practice: Mr. Downing – The Principal is Watching! In Brief: What Does the Research Say? Professional Practice Summary Self-Assessment and Reflection References 4. Designing Effective Instruction Objectives Introduction Wisdom of Practice: Mr. Rodriquez Makes a Plan In Brief: What Does the Research Say? Professional Practice Summary Self-Assessment and Reflection References 5. Teaching Strategies and Learning Activities Objectives Introduction Wisdom of Practice: Ms. Webster Gets Active! In Brief: What Does the Research Say? Professional Practice Summary Self-Assessment and Reflection References 6. Graphic Organizers Objectives Introduction Wisdom of Practice: Picture the Students! In Brief: What Does the Research Say? Professional Practice Summary Self-Assessment and Reflection References 7. Incorporating Technology Objectives Introduction Wisdom of Practice: Emmalee Jones – Digital Immigrant or Native? In Brief: What Does the Research Say? Professional Practice Summary Self-Assessment and Reflection References 8. Student Assessment and Evaluation Objectives Introduction Wisdom of Practice: Ms. Thomson – What’s in a Number? In Brief: What Does the Research Say? Professional Practice Summary Self-Assessment and Reflection References 9. Promoting Achievement Through Collaboration Objectives Introduction Wisdom of Practice: Mrs. Stanton’s Best Laid Plans In Brief: What Does the Research Say? Professional Practice Summary Self-Assessment and Reflection References Conclusion: Wrapping Up, Reflecting and Celebrating Index