During my sophomore year in college I made what many considered to be an odd move in my life. Despite having no previous history or interest, I decided to try out for the cheerleading team. My motives were simple and goal oriented: I wanted to be able to do that. “That” which drove …
“W
hat would it take for my child to have a one on one para professional?” This is the layered and complex question that comes to every special education teacher at least …
I
have often said that your attitude is like glitter: good or bad once it’s somewhere it’s everywhere. Your work, your passion, and your love that you spread …
Ever since I took an entire month to focus on promoting independence I have been told by many how much they have appreciated hearing about getting learners to do more on their own. It’s not that promoting independence is a new concept, …
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 …
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 …
“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 …
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, …
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 …
