In my last post, I talked about the difference between an accommodation and a modification, two things that many educators have a difficult time differentiating between. Accommodations and modifications generally get utilized by students with 504 plans and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Differentiation becomes a sticky topic these days, though, as we educators feel the […]
Teresa
Teresa Cooper is a 30-something divorced mom and teacher from North Carolina. She has a Masters of Science in Education for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment from Walden University and a BA in Psychology with a minor in Creative from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Having struggled with anxiety and depression most of her life and later having birthed a child with autism, she is passionate about spreading awareness and acceptance of mental illness and autism. After 13 years in education, she has a wealth of knowledge to share on education and bonding with children.
Posted inFeatured, Special Education
What’s the Difference: Accommodations vs. Modifications
When it comes to accommodations and modifications, very few educators have a solid grasp of the differences between the two. What’s the difference between accommodations and modifications? Here’s how to tell them apart! Accommodations vs. Modifications An accommodation helps a student with learning gaps experience the same curriculum as his or her peers. For accommodation, […]
Posted inConfessions of a Teacher, From the Front Lines, Instructional Strategies, Middle School, Special Education
The Working Hours of a Special Education Teacher
Special education teachers work hard. People see smaller class sizes and equate that with less work, but that’s a fallacy. I can tell you that in my small class, I’m planning three different lessons and within those three lessons, I’m modifying within levels. In my inclusion classes, I modify assignments, and teachers look at it […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher, Current Events in Education, Featured, From the Front Lines, Special Education
How to Apply for a DonorsChoose Grant (And Why You Should)
Less than two months ago, I applied for a grant at donorschoose.org out of pure desperation. I needed supplies for my classroom and I didn’t see any other way that would happen with the current budget crisis in effect. Where I’m at, the special education budget has hit on all-time low, so our resources are […]
Posted inInstructional Strategies, Middle School, Special Education
7 Strategies for Helping Students with Organizational Problems
You’re teaching a lesson on math, and you see Johnny shuffling through his enormous trapper keeper still. Not only can’t he find his pencil, but he left his notes in his locker. At the end of class, he shoves all his papers into the trapper keeper, not bothering to look where he shoves them, nearly […]
Posted inInstructional Strategies, Special Education
During and After the Storm: Everyday Behavior Strategies
Last week, I covered behavior strategies to use prior to behavior incidences occurring as a way of being proactive (call it hurricane preparedness training, if you will). This week, I’d like to cover what to do during and after the storm, so to speak. What happens when you’ve got a student in your room currently […]
Posted inSpecial Education
Before the Storm: Behavior Strategies for Prevention Purposes
Think of that kid in the room that just can’t seem to make it through the class period. Things just seem to set that student off for some reason, and you don’t know what to do. Up until now, you’ve probably used strategies for handling the behavior after it’s already happened. But before you batten […]
Posted inSpecial Education
How To Teach Students with Intellectual Disabilities
As a result of I.D.E.A. (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), teachers will continue to see more and more students with various disabilities in the regular education classroom, including students with intellectual disabilities (ID). As controversial as it is for some to believe, individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) benefit from the same teaching tactics used to teach […]