Promoting Independence: Less Talk, More Time

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 …

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Promoting Independence: The Need for a One on One Paraprofessional

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 …

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Promoting Independence: It’s all about Navigation

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 …

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Promoting Independence: Looking to the Future

The future for your students starts today.  Their success and their possibilities down the road are tightly linked to what you are doing for them now.  In education we often become so hyper-focused on the present that we allow it alone to guide our teaching.  For our students with disabilities, we often first …

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