“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 a …
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, …
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 …
