Promoting independence for students with disabilities does involve a number of specific strategies, but it starts with having the right mindset. As it has been said before, culture eats strategies everyday. If school staff wish to empower their special learners in being more independent, each team member first must be bought in. …
Today I am going to throw a bunch of research at you, but it is research that is worth keeping an eye on. It surrounds the hot topic of using a higher level of support in a 1:1 paraeducator for a student in special education. While providing a paraeducator to support a …
“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 …
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 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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
