This is the prompt hierarchy, an essential component to promoting independence for learners. It provides a continuum of intrusiveness that should be at the forefront of our minds when working with those who are susceptible of becoming dependent on our help. As students navigate their day and are …
Independence is not bought, it is won. Through the small victories provided by passionate educators our leaners do more with less. But every warrior needs a battle cry, every competitor needs a cause, and ever special educator needs a mantra. Not just a reminder about the lives we change, but …
Those who consider themselves part of the Seattle Seahawks fandom pride themselves on their passion, their love, and their impact on the game. And to a large point they have made Seattle one of the best places for a player to call home. They refer to themselves as the 12th man and they …
Just as is it essential to explicitly share behavioral expectations so a student knows how to do something, they must know what to do. While the agenda can be shared on a schedule, all too often we forget to give ownership of the …
Despite giving adequate processing time when expressing behavioral expectations or schedule changes, students may continue to struggle with going from hearing to doing. While the learner may hear the words you are saying they may not be visualizing them accurately and hence …
Are you tired of having to repeat directions over and over? Your students may be too. When expressing simple expectations such as “sit down” or “raise your hand”, we may not immediately get what we are looking for. While it seems like they are just being non-compliant, they may not be …
Our students are taught how to navigate the world within the confinements of a schoolhouse, yet when they enter the real world the schoolhouse is one of the least likely places for them to be. When we make a commitment to increase independence we can’t just limit our teaching tools …
Greater challenges from a student often lends itself to a need for greater supports, and in the eyes of many there is no better support than the acquisition of a one on one paraprofessional for a student. It is this blanket response to challenges in the schoolhouse that can inhibit growth and create a culture …
FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) is what every child is entitled to, but if 
we want our students with disabilities to reach for the stars we have to make sure we are pronouncing this effectively. It is not a FAPEE, …
When a strong focus is taken on promoting student independence, one can set the bar so high that they mistake independence for perfection. Having unrealistic goals can inhibit growth from the compounded frustration of both teacher and student. People who are perfect have complete and full knowledge of the world, they …
