Powerful Practices for High-Performing Special Educators

Edited by:

Roberta Kaufman - Nevada State College, USA
Robert Wandberg - Columbia Heights School District, MN

Other Titles in:
Special & Inclusive Education | Teaching Methods & Learning Styles

August 2010 | 200 pages | Corwin

Designed for primary and secondary special educators, Powerful Practices for High-Performing Special Educators offers research-based and coordinated instructional strategies that help meet the academic needs of students with disabilities and provides specific examples and scenarios rooted in the realities of special education classrooms, self-contained programmes, or inclusive settings.

Field-tested in both special education and general education classrooms with diverse populations, the strategies are effective with students who may not have strong literacy skills, whether they are in special or general education classrooms or are receiving instruction for English language learners (ELL). Every section of the book addresses specific concerns voiced by novice teachers and identified by research as influential in retaining special education teachers, and provides an overview of exemplary practices which promote successful outcomes for students on an Individualized Education Program. Chapter features include:

- An overview and objectives

- Strategies for professional practice

- Quick history and research base

- Connecting to diverse student populations

- Examples from real-life experiences

- Links to student achievement

- Myth busters

- Bibliography, websites, and professional organizations

- Self-assessments

- Reproducible forms located in an appendix.

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