Supporting Students with Disabilities in General

Education

Perkie CannonSpecial Education Consultant

Learning Resource Center – North SatelliteOffice of Special Education ProgramsNew Jersey Department of Education

perkie.cannon@doe.state.nj.us(973) 631-6345

Agenda

New Jersey’s vision for students with disabilities

Array of supports

Collaborative elements necessary for effective support in general education

New Jersey’s Vision for Students with Disabilities

 

Maximize the development and learning of students with disabilities by ensuring access to the general education curriculum and their equitable participation in general education programs and post-secondary environments with the following outcomes:

New Jersey’s Vision for Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities will: Learn the knowledge and skills needed for

independence; Attain high academic standards; Build and maintain friendships and relationships with

others in the community; Pursue meaningful careers and secure productive

employment; Participate effectively in a democratic society; and Be fully included in the economic, political, social,

cultural and educational mainstream of New Jersey and the nation.

New Jersey Special Education Steering Committee March 2000

Newark’s Message from Marion Bolden

“We will continue to provide all of our young people with equal access to educational opportunities…”

Message from the superintendent http://www.nps.k12.nj.us/super.html

Supports in General Education

Supports in General Education

Do your IEP teams discuss the following? The supplementary aids and services and

program modifications the student needs to enable access to instruction and progress in the general education curriculum, within the general education class

Supports for school personnel that are needed to enable the student to access instruction and progress in the general education curriculum, within the general education class

Supports in General Education

Supplementary aids and services are provided in the general education classroom to enable students with disabilities to be educated to the maximum extent appropriate with nondisabled peers.

Supports in General Education

Decision making for selection of supportsFor each subject area: Consider the format of instruction (e.g., whole

group, flexible small group, activity-based) Consider the task/activity demands (e.g., pacing,

complexity, criteria for success) Consider the materials and equipment that are

used Consider other elements of the classroom

learning environment (e.g., physical layout, lighting)

Consider how student learning and progress are evaluated

Supports in General Education

For each subject area: Consider how supports might be provided

within the existing structure and routine of the general education classroom and by whom (e.g., classroom teacher or peers)

Consider providing consultation services to the classroom teacher before considering other direct adult in-class supports

Consider least intrusive supports Monitor effectiveness of supports Plan to fade intensity of supports over time,

whenever possible

Supports in General Education

Include, but not limited to the following: Curricular or instructional modifications or

specialized instructional strategies Assistive technology Consultation services Teacher aides Related services Integrated therapies In-class supplementary instruction In-class resource program instruction

Collaboration Definition: to work together in a joint

effort What are some characteristics of good

collaborative teams? What are benefits of collaborative

teamwork? For teachers For students For families

Elements for effective implementation of supports

Collaboration Sharing information

Student Curriculum and classroom routines

Communication Problem-solving Planning Materials

Student Information

Student Profile

Student’s strengths and abilities:

Areas of difficulty

Effective learning and behavioral strategies:

Instructional Supports

Learning Objectives

Activity

Review Jake’s student profile.

What did you learn?

How is this helpful?

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information should be shared with special education staff.

Review the “Curriculum Overview” form and “Planning Questions.” What is helpful about this form? How could you use this at your

school?

Classroom Information

What information is needed regarding the classroom routine?

Review the “Assessment of Classroom Procedures.” How would this be helpful to a

teacher’s aide, an in-class resource teacher, or a consulting teacher?

When should this information be discussed?

Communication Strategies

Communication Strategies Ideas• On the fly• In writing (notes, email, notebook,

lesson plans, materials to be used)• During class time• Combined classes

How do teachers currently communicate with each other, with Child Study Team, and/ or with teacher aides?

What are additional ideas for increasing communication between special education and general education staff members?

Planning for Instruction

CurriculumInstructional

Delivery

IndividualAccommodations

Planning for Instruction: Mapping out the Year

Initially

Monthly

Weekly

Daily

Planning What information for planning can be

shared outside of face-to-face time? What information for planning needs to

be shared in face-to-face time? Are the needs for individual students’

accommodations/modifications addressed in planning for instruction?

How often is student progress being monitored, including the effectiveness of supports, to inform needs for adjustment to instruction?

Planning for Instruction: Finding the Time

Now, let’s look at some ideas for scheduling and creating meeting time.

While there is no perfect solution, here are a few strategies you might consider.

Materials Do special education teachers

have copies of classroom texts, including teacher’s editions?

Is there a space or a desk for adult staff members who co-teach?

Are there other considerations for material needs for Special Education staff members?

TEAM

TogetherEveryoneAchieves

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Final Thoughts

Coming together is a beginning;Keeping together is a process;Working together is success.

-Henry Ford