The student is well aware of what needs to be done. They're comfortable with the materials. The task hasn't been altered either. So why are they still waiting for you to say, “Go ahead”? Sometimes, the missing piece isn't the skill itself; it is
You've likely experienced that instance when you finish a reading group, help a student transition to their next activity, answer a query from a paraprofessional, address a behavioural issue, and then suddenly remember: I was supposed to collect data on that goal! That's the reality of
Some kids may be able to read a word aloud but still not understand what it really means. Others may learn a new word during Monday's class, answer a question about it correctly, but forget it by Wednesday! For many kids with special needs, vocabulary growth does not
A special education paraprofessional can be a vital person in your classroom. They might be helping a student transition from one activity to another, assisting another with their independent work, collecting data for you, managing supplies/materials, and providing immediate support if a student gets dysregulated. And sometimes, they'
"Close your math folder and put it away." "No!" Within seconds, instruction has stopped, the classmates are all watching, and something that began as a short request has evolved into a full-blown standoff. Most educators have been in such situations, and it's pretty easy
Your outfit can help you during the School Day... or make it much harder. Imagine this: You begin your day leading circle time and spend the next hour kneeling beside a young learner during literacy instruction. Later on, you help clean up paint spills before lunch, supervise recess, attend an
If you walk into any special education classroom, you will quickly see something interesting. One student calms down immediately once he hears a familiar song begin. Another who never really speaks much lights up when she starts painting. A third student can clearly express emotions through colours even when she
Preparing students for adult life is about far more than teaching academic content. Many students who receive special education services also require direct instruction in the practical routines needed to navigate daily life with increased confidence. Skills like maintaining personal hygiene, preparing meals, managing money, using transportation, maintaining a home,
Think about a student who can properly retell every tiny detail of a story you just read to her, yet becomes totally blank when asked to read the same story all by herself. Another student refuses to read altogether, takes twice as long as her friends to decipher unfamiliar words,
If you've worked in special education for any length of time, you've likely encountered phrases that sound convincing but aren't necessarily accurate. "IEP students should just stay in a separate classroom." "Accommodations are about making it easier." "Progress monitoring
A typical math lesson is moving along smoothly when a student suddenly knocks books and pencils onto the floor. A few minutes later, another student kicks a paraprofessional during a transition. At the same time, a child escapes through the door because she can’t stand the hallway noise. For
An SLP records a student at 85% accuracy on an articulation goal. A paraprofessional logs 60% later that week. The special education teacher reports that the student is nearly independent. Same student. Same goal. Three very different data points. So what happened? Was someone collecting data incorrectly? Not necessarily. Such