Dealing with the Autism Tsunami
The numbers are alarming. In 1975 one in 5,000 were being diagnosed with autism. Today, one in 68. For boys, it’s one in 42. Over the …
Inconceivable!!!! Lessons for the Special Eductor from the Princess Bride
Mawwiage. Mawwiage is what brings us together today. Today and everyday! It is the coming together of learners who need great educators and educators who need …
Promoting Independence: It All Starts, Goes, and Ends with Love!
“The secret to life is finding out what you love and then finding a way to get paid for it.” This small bit of wisdom was passed my way years ago by a former supervisor, and it’s wisdom I carry close because it echoes in our work every day. In education, we …
Promoting Independence: Playing Frogger
For classrooms where whole group instruction is the prefered mode of teaching, please mind the gap. The gap, the open space between the instructor and the learner is absolutely sacred. It is on this two way highway that information, ideas, and concepts are shared. Information is presented, questions are asked, …
Promoting Independence: Making Routines Routine
If you are getting stuck on which points of the day to really focus on first with independence, look for the common routines. Look for events that take place everyday, at the same time, and have a very similar order to them. This can be a morning entry, getting lunch, math warm-ups, …
Promoting Independence: The 3 Point Prompt
For young learners who frequently struggle with noncompliance the road to independence can be a long one. But every journey begins with a first step. Every journey begins with a plan. The 3 point prompt is not going to be appropriate for every early learner, but for many it can provide …
Promoting Independence: The Prompt Hierarchy
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 …
Promoting Independence: 10 Mantras of the Special Educator!
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 …
Promoting Independence: Be the 1st Man!!!
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 …
Promoting Independence: Schedule This!
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 …