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Powerful Practices for High-Performing Special Educators
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Powerful Practices for High-Performing Special Educators

Edited by:


April 2010 | 200 pages | Corwin

"This book has ideas, tools, and starting points for all the situations you could encounter on your first day of teaching or on your thousandth! It is practical and up-to-date on what it is like to be a special educator in schools today."
—Alison Martins, Special Education Teacher
Seven Hills Charter Public School, Worcester, MA

"This book is a new teacher's first stop for everything from 'How should I set up my room the first week of school?' to 'What types of assessments should I be using?'"
—Nancy Yost, Associate Professor of Special Education
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

A valuable toolbox for every situation in the special education classroom!

Special education teachers face unique challenges, especially when they are just beginning. This essential resource offers special educators a blueprint for dealing with the most common challenges they face both in the classroom and in the larger school environment.

These research-based strategies help teachers meet the academic needs of diverse students with disabilities (including those who are also English language learners) in areas such as setting up a classroom, managing student behavior, designing effective instruction, incorporating technology, embracing diversity, and more. Each chapter features:

  • An overview and objectives
  • A brief research review
  • Step-by-step strategies that can be used immediately
  • Examples and scenarios from real teaching experiences
  • Self-assessments and reflections

This all-in-one reference book offers the tools, strategies, and support special educators need for success in their first year and every year thereafter!


 
List of Tables and Figures
 
Publisher’s Acknowledgments
 
About the Authors
 
Introduction
 
1. Working With Diverse Students
Objectives

 
Introduction

 
Wisdom of Practice: The Technicolor World of Truman Armstrong

 
In Brief: What Does the Research Say?

 
Changing Student Diversity

 
The Impact of Diverse Populations in Special Education Programming

 
Professional Practice

 
Summary

 
Self-Assessment and Reflection

 
References

 
 
2. Organizing a Classroom for Instruction
Objectives

 
Introduction

 
Wisdom of Practice: Ms. Delacatto – See How She Runs!

 
In Brief: What Does the Research Say?

 
Professional Practice

 
Summary

 
Self-Assessment and Reflection

 
References

 
 
3. Managing Student Behavior
Objectives

 
Introduction

 
Wisdom of Practice: Mr. Downing – The Principal is Watching!

 
In Brief: What Does the Research Say?

 
Professional Practice

 
Summary

 
Self-Assessment and Reflection

 
References

 
 
4. Designing Effective Instruction
Objectives

 
Introduction

 
Wisdom of Practice: Mr. Rodriquez Makes a Plan

 
In Brief: What Does the Research Say?

 
Professional Practice

 
Summary

 
Self-Assessment and Reflection

 
References

 
 
5. Teaching Strategies and Learning Activities
Objectives

 
Introduction

 
Wisdom of Practice: Ms. Webster Gets Active!

 
In Brief: What Does the Research Say?

 
Professional Practice

 
Summary

 
Self-Assessment and Reflection

 
References

 
 
6. Graphic Organizers
Objectives

 
Introduction

 
Wisdom of Practice: Picture the Students!

 
In Brief: What Does the Research Say?

 
Professional Practice

 
Summary

 
Self-Assessment and Reflection

 
References

 
 
7. Incorporating Technology
Objectives

 
Introduction

 
Wisdom of Practice: Emmalee Jones – Digital Immigrant or Native?

 
In Brief: What Does the Research Say?

 
Professional Practice

 
Summary

 
Self-Assessment and Reflection

 
References

 
 
8. Student Assessment and Evaluation
Objectives

 
Introduction

 
Wisdom of Practice: Ms. Thomson – What’s in a Number?

 
In Brief: What Does the Research Say?

 
Professional Practice

 
Summary

 
Self-Assessment and Reflection

 
References

 
 
9. Promoting Achievement Through Collaboration
Objectives

 
Introduction

 
Wisdom of Practice: Mrs. Stanton’s Best Laid Plans

 
In Brief: What Does the Research Say?

 
Professional Practice

 
Summary

 
Self-Assessment and Reflection

 
References

 
 
Conclusion: Wrapping Up, Reflecting and Celebrating
 
Index

"This is a great book that would be handy for teachers, novice or veteran, to have in their professional library. The ideas really cause the reader to evaluate what they do in the classroom and try new ideas to meet the needs of ALL students!"

Rachel Aherns, Collaborative Special Education Teacher
Westridge Elementary School, West Des Moines, IA

"The Wisdom of Practice sections are realistic and help scaffold learning for novice teachers. The self-assessments and reflections are powerful."

Mary Reeve, Director, Services for Exceptional Students
Gallup-McKinley County Public Schools, Gallup, NM

"Every teacher and administrator should own a copy! This collection of valuable insights and strategies is a must-have and will serve as a favorite reference tool for many years to come. The authors share real-life experiences, ready-to-use materials, and current resources to guide you every step of the way!"

Renee Bernhardt, Special Education Facilitator
Florine Dial Johnston Elementary, Woodstock, GA

"This is a book you will find yourself referring to frequently, as it is full of resources to enhance your options for engaging students as learners. A must-read for not only new and experienced special education teachers but all educators dedicated to reaching ALL students in their classes."

Betty Rivinus, Principal
Baker Prairie Middle School, Canby, OR

"Readers will find a wealth of information as well as easy-to-use strategies, tools, and ideas that can be used across the curriculum and at all grade levels. This is an all-in-one reference book that you will continually refer to whether you are a new teacher or a seasoned professional."

Dawne Dragonetti, Special Education Teacher and Instructional Coach
Center School, Stow, MA

"This book has ideas, tools, and starting points for all the situations you could encounter on your first day of teaching or on your thousandth! It is practical and up-to-date on what it is like to be a special educator in schools today!"

Alison Martins, Special Education Teacher
Seven Hills Charter Public School, Worcester, MA

"The authors have done an excellent job of providing new teachers with very concrete ideas to make their first year successful. The book pulls together material that teachers have covered in various coursework during their university careers. This book can be a new teacher's first stop for everything from 'What should I do to get my room set up for the first week of school?' to 'What types of assessments should I be using for this material?'"

Nancy Yost, Associate Professor of Special Education
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

For instructors

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ISBN: 9781452271477

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