About the Book

"A great resource for new teachers and veterans . . . full of tips and ideas that any teacher can use to prevent problems from occurring. [It] should be in every special education classroom."
-Therese Kwiatkowski, Director of Special Education
Cooperative Educational Service Agency

"As a former special education teacher, I highly recommend this book for all those who want to be more effective in every aspect of their work. All of the special education teachers at my school will have copies of this practical guide."
-Marybeth Sandvig, Principal
Manitoba K-8 School, Milwaukee, WI

Special help for special education teachers means special success for students!

Do you have too many IEPs on your desk? Is it five o'clock and do you still need to contact parents, social workers, and general education co-teachers? Teachers new to special education often feel overwhelmed at the amount of additional planning and information management required.

This practical guide shows you how to shape the structure of the teaching day to ensure that learners with special needs experience success. It includes simple teacher-tested, easy-to-implement strategies needing 5 steps or fewer to:

• Organize students to make the most of the time you have with them
• Use incentive programs and meaningful consequences to achieve desired behaviors
• Coordinate with co-teachers, general education teachers, and staff to maximize your efforts

When the key paperwork is at your fingertips, the lesson plan is prepared, and the to-do list is written, you will find more time in your day for what's most important-your students!

Table of Contents:
Foreword by Patricia A. Yahle Preface Acknowledgments About the Authors 1. Getting Organized Student Information Supplies and Materials Your Desk and Surrounding Area Forms and Schedules Room Arrangement 2. Organizing Students Adequate Storage Teaching Time Savers Student Desk Organization Mailboxes Routines and Rules Classroom Buddies 3. Classroom and Behavior Management Whole-Class Management Considerations for Students with Special Education Needs Managing Small Groups Developing Appropriate and Easily Implemented Behavior Programs Developing and Monitoring Behavior Intervention Plans Incentive Programs Negative Consequences When You Must Discipline… 4. Special Education Instructional Planning The IEP and Planning Grouping Students Finding Appropriate Materials Independent Work The IEP and Assistive Technology Using Assistive Technology as a Learning Support 5. General Education Instructional Planning Coordinating Efforts with the General Education Teacher and Support Staff Planning for Academic and Behavioral Success Co-Teaching and Co-Planning Adapting Lessons Accessing the General Education Curriculum Transition Times Special Education Instructional Planning Your Involvement in the General Education Classroom 6. Record Keeping and Information Management Creating a System Finding Time to Complete Paperwork IEP′s and Progress Reports Report Cards and Grading 7. Legal Issues IDEA Reauthorization Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) Manifestation Determination Student and Parent Rights Suspensions 8. Working with Families Before You Contact Families… Establishing a Positive Relationship Ongoing Communication IEP Meetings Parent Conferences Documentation Assistance from School Support Staff 9. Working with Support Staff The IEP and Support Staff Involvement Support from the Special Education Administrative Staff Support from the School Psychologist Support from the School Social Worker Support from the Speech and Language Pathologist Other Support Staff 10. Working with Teacher Assistants Making a Schedule Communication Presenting a United Front Assigning Responsibilities Discussing Concerns 11. Working with Administration Understanding Your Principal′s View of Special Education in Your School Communicating with Your Principal Principal Observations and Evaluations Professional Development What is a Professional Learning Community? 12. Working within Your School Community Becoming Part of the Team Teacher Buddies and Mentors To Socialize or Not to Socialize The Teachers′ Room Ask for Help, Offer to Help Other Supports for New Teachers Suggested Readings References Index