Special education teachers know that taking data on our students' progress is crucial! But, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to keep track of how students are performing, especially as they work with different staff members during centers. That is where Data Folders come in! Data folders are an awesome solution for keeping student data organized and updated. Read on to see how these folders work! Set Up a Data Collection System The first step to implementing Data Folders is to ... continue reading...
Search Results for: iep bins
Pre-Referral Strategies for Occupational Therapy
In school-based occupational therapy (OT), caseloads can be quite large [see my blog on how to prep for a new school year with high numbers!]. One beneficial strategy to temper this challenge and make the workload more manageable, it to consider utilizing pre-referral strategies. Rather than going right to an evaluation for all students who are referred, pre-referral strategies empower teachers/parents to support mild delays/needs without special education support. Occupational Therapy ... continue reading...
My Preschool Special Education Schedule
Hello, and welcome to a sneak peek into my half-day preschool special education schedule! Since my program is half-day, I have an AM group and a PM group. I will only be discussing and reviewing my AM schedule in this post, since I repeat the same thing for my PM group. Above is a quick look at my AM preschool special education schedule. You will also see a brief snapshot of me and my paraprofessionals' responsibilities during each scheduled time. Above is a quick snapshot of my large ... continue reading...
Preschool Self Contained Classroom Tour
Hi! Welcome to my special education preschool self-contained classroom tour! My class is a half-day program for 3-year-olds who are not quite old enough to stay for full-day pre-k. I love a very structured space that is also fun and welcoming for my kiddos. Come along as I show you how I set up my classroom! Schedule Wall The first stop in my classroom is my backpack cubbies (not shown) and schedule wall (shown above). All of my students are color-coded in my room. This includes their ... continue reading...
A Day in the Life of a Self-Contained Teacher
Welcome to my self-contained classroom! I teach students with multiple disabilities in grades 3-5 at a public intermediate school. Take a look at how a typical day in my self-contained room looks! Starting the Day I arrive at work about 15 minutes before my students arrive. I am not a morning person so I like to take my time at home! After setting up my computer and checking email, I ensure that all the materials I need are ready to go. And, I usually find some time to chat with my ... continue reading...
How to Calculate Behavior Data
Data collection and calculation as a teacher can be tedious and one of the more difficult parts of the job. Behavior data especially can be tricky because so much happens in the moment! Finding simple ways to collect data can help you stress less. My school's behavior data form My school is a behavioral school, so we use a specific form that we refer to as the student's "school note". The school note is broken down by each period of the day in 20 minute intervals, since each period is ... continue reading...
How to Decide What to Include in Centers
Special education classrooms thrive with centers! However, knowing what types of work to include at each rotation can seem like a daunting task. Looking for some center work ideas? Read on to see what I do on my classroom! Types of Centers In my classroom, I do two rotations of four centers each day - once in the morning and once in the afternoon. My morning centers typically focus on reading, while my afternoon centers are math-themed. I typically have four centers. They are: Teacher ... continue reading...
Digital Data Collection with QR Codes
Digital data collection is a fantastic option for keeping data organized, and saving time, paper, and space! It’s also easy to collaborate with other teachers or related service professionals digitally. One of the best parts is that the handy QR codes make life so easy! They allow anyone working with the student can pull up the form quickly and fill it out using their phone or other device. Here are some of the perks of Digital Data Collection with QR Codes! Easily Build Your Data ... continue reading...
Classroom Layout Tips for Elementary Self-Contained Classrooms
Setting up a self-contained classroom can feel overwhelming, but the right layout can make all the difference! In a self-contained setting, structure, routine, and organization are key to helping students succeed. A well-organized classroom promotes independence, minimizes behaviors, and supports smooth transitions throughout the day. Here are some classroom layout tips to help you create a space that works for you, your students, and your staff! 1. Define Clear Learning Zones In a ... continue reading...
Teaching ESY: What Content to Cover and How to Collect Data
Extended School Year (ESY), aka summer school, can be extremely beneficial for students with special needs. It allows them to continue to follow a daily routine and prevents them from the dreaded "summer slide". Here are some tips for what content teachers can cover in ESY, as well as how to collect data on student progress. Image from myprivateprofessor.com Review routines and procedures In my opinion, the best way to start off ESY, especially if you are starting with a new class ... continue reading...
The BEST Data Sheets for Special Education
As special education teachers, we are constantly taking data on our students. Are you looking for the best, and easiest, way to take data in your classroom? Then Simple Data Sheets are for you! What are Simple Data Sheets? The Simple Data Sheets Bundle contains EVERYTHING you need to record information on different aspects of student progress. The sheets included are: How I Use the Sheets One cool thing about the Simple Data Sheets is that they are available in both print and ... continue reading...
What to Teach in Whole Groups vs Small Groups
Self-contained classrooms thrive on centers! Working with my students in small groups or (or individually) gives me a chance to target exactly what they need to work on. However, there are times when I like working with my class in a whole group setting as well! Read on for examples of what I like to teach in whole groups versus in the small group setting. Whole Group Activities Whole group lessons are great for helping expose students to topics. Many of our special education students ... continue reading...
5 Common Myths About Centers
If you’re like me, you probably didn’t start using centers in your classroom right away. Honestly, I was totally overwhelmed just thinking about it. I’d see all these picture-perfect Pinterest setups with bins, labels, and activities that seemed to run themselves. Meanwhile, I was barely keeping my students engaged for more than a few minutes at a time. How could I add centers into that chaos? Turns out, I had some serious misconceptions about centers—just like a lot of other special ... continue reading...
Why Centers Work in the Self-Contained Classroom
If you’re a self-contained special education teacher, you know just how unique your classroom is. With students at varying levels, a broad range of needs, and often limited resources, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and exhausted trying to meet every student where they are. That’s where centers can become your new best friend! In this post, I’m breaking down why centers are the key to simplifying your self-contained classroom, improving student engagement, and freeing up your time. Plus, I’ll ... continue reading...
How to Manage a Data-Based Classroom
Managing a data-based classroom can be extremely daunting and time-consuming. Don't worry, though! I have some tips and tricks to help make it easier for you and your staff! Color-Code Everything First and foremost, one of the easiest ways to organize your caseload is to color-code by student. I color code data folders/binders, cubbies, clipboards, clicker counters, and IEP goal bins. Each year, if I have the same students, their colors remain the same to make it easy on myself and the ... continue reading...