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, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
