Entries by James

IRIS Module review and reflection

December 19, 2025 /0 Comments/in /by

IRIS Module review and reflection REQUIRED READINGS & ONLINE RESOURCES Read: Pages 315–399 Introduction to Contemporary Special Education, Smith (2018) Read: Perspectives of Effective Teachers of Students with Low-Incidence Disabilities retrieved from Teaching Exceptional Children Plus https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ966520.pdf, October 9th, 2018. Watch: Kaufman, R. (2012) Low Incidence Disabilities Mission Possible. Retrieved November, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Nrhu7g-frc Watch: Holzrichter, […]

Modifying Lesson Plan

December 19, 2025 /0 Comments/in /by

Modifying Lesson Plan An essential part of being a special educator is writing and implementing IEPs and lesson plans associated with goals on IEPs. Due to legal requirements, special educators should understand the steps that go into planning effective lessons and appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities. Being able to translate IEP goals into learning […]

Field Experience A: Special Education Teacher and General Education Teacher Interviews

December 19, 2025 /0 Comments/in /by

Field Experience A: Special Education Teacher and General Education Teacher Interviews The role of the special education teacher is collaborative and requires a specific skill set and understanding of the laws and regulations related to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the IEP process, and implementation of the IEP. Additionally, special education teachers frequently […]

“Diagnostic Assessment Graphic Organizer Template.”

December 19, 2025 /0 Comments/in /by

“Diagnostic Assessment Graphic Organizer Template.”     Teachers who understand the characteristics of technically sound formal and informal assessments are better prepared to create such assessments and analyze the data they produce. Academic, cognitive, behavioral, and functional living assessments provide specific insight into the strengths and needs of students. In turn, teachers can use assessment […]

Field Experience B: School Psychologist and Administrator Interviews

December 19, 2025 /0 Comments/in /by

Field Experience B: School Psychologist and Administrator Interviews School psychologists play a critical role in evaluation and determination of eligibility for special education services. They often consult with teachers and families about characteristics of disabilities and types of services and supports available in the school system and community. As leaders, school administrators must have a […]

Final IEP

December 19, 2025 /0 Comments/in /by

Final IEP Review Elli Smith’s Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP) to complete your Final IEP assignment. To complete this assignment, fill in the Blank IEP provided (highlighted portions) as if this IEP meeting is occurring at the beginning of Elli’s 2nd grade year. Look for the instructions throughout the IEP and […]

Wax Museum Assessment

December 19, 2025 /0 Comments/in /by

Wax Museum Assessment Creating formative and summative assessments for your assignments is an essential part of guiding instruction for learning. Not only are assessments ensuring that learning is taking place, they are checking for mastery of skills taught. In Topic 4, you created a wax museum project for your students. In order to modify, strengthen, […]

ELA Lesson Plan and Rationale

December 19, 2025 /0 Comments/in /by

ELA Lesson Plan and Rationale An essential component of being a special educator is adapting lessons and making accommodations for students who are performing below grade level, while still aligning to the state curriculum standards. Meeting the students’ needs is more than simplifying the lesson or teaching on a lower grade level; it is about […]

Disability Comparison Template

December 19, 2025 /0 Comments/in /by

Disability Comparison Template Special education teachers are part of the assessment team that determines eligibility for special education services. There are 14 major eligibility categories defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). For each of these disability categories, educators must have general knowledge of the guidelines for eligibility, characteristics, causes, effects on learning, […]

Key Components in Collaboration and Consultations

December 19, 2025 /0 Comments/in /by

Key Components in Collaboration and Consultations Implementing effective collaboration practices can help educators break down possible barriers and build relationships with students, families, colleagues, and community members. Understanding the characteristics and components of effective collaboration techniques is the precursor to being able to implement them. Part 1: Components in Collaboration Matrix For this part of […]