Special Education Best Practices

Welcome back to another episode of the Teaching with Valor Podcast. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re delving into a topic that is close to the heart of many educators and parents: Special Education Best Practices. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in an environment that understands and nurtures their unique abilities. 

As teachers, it's our job to make sure that every student, regardless of their challenges, receives the support they need to succeed. 

Today, we'll explore the most effective strategies for supporting students with special needs at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. We'll discuss how to create an inclusive classroom environment, implement individualized instruction, and use a variety of tools and techniques to reach every learner. 

And for our parent listeners, we’ll wrap up with a special bonus segment addressing a common question about how to best support their child's learning journey at home.

So, whether you're a seasoned special education teacher, a general education teacher with students who have special needs, or a parent looking for ways to advocate for your child, this episode is for you. Let's dive right in.

Show Notes

For more information on this topic check out the following resources below:

• Tomlinson, Carol Ann – "The Differentiated Classroom: Responding to the Needs of All Learners": A guide to differentiated instruction.
• Edutopia – Special Education Resources: www.edutopia.org - Articles, videos, and resources on special education best practices.
• The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) – Professional Standards and Resources: www.cec.sped.org - Resources for educators working with students with disabilities.
• Understood – Resources for Special Education: www.understood.org - A resource for parents and educators to support students with learning and attention issues.
• Teaching Channel – Special Education Strategies: www.teachingchannel.org - Tools and strategies for inclusive education.

Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember, every student is unique, and every classroom can be a place where all students succeed. Keep teaching with valor!

Transcript

Don: 0:08

Welcome back to another episode of the Teaching with Valor Podcast. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re diving into a topic that is close to the heart of many educators and parents: Special Education Best Practices. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in an environment that understands and nurtures their unique abilities. As teachers, it's our job to make sure that every student, regardless of their challenges, receives the support they need to succeed. Today, we'll explore the most effective strategies for supporting students with special needs at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. We'll discuss how to create an inclusive classroom environment, implement individualized instruction, and use a variety of tools and techniques to reach every learner. And for our parent listeners, we’ll wrap up with a special bonus segment addressing a common question about how to best support their child's learning journey at home. So, whether you're a seasoned special education teacher, a general education teacher with students who have special needs, or a parent looking for ways to advocate for your child, this episode is for you. Let's dive right in. In our first segment we will look at how to Understand Special Education Best Practices. Lets begin by defining what we mean by special education best practices. Special education is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It involves a range of strategies and methods tailored to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities. These best practices are rooted in principles of equity, inclusion, and individualized instruction. At its core, special education is about seeing each student as a unique individual with their own strengths, needs, and learning styles, and then designing instruction that meets them where they are. The foundation of effective special education begins with creating an inclusive classroom environment. Inclusion means more than just placing students with disabilities in a general education setting. It’s about ensuring that they are genuinely part of the learning community, actively participating, and benefiting from the same educational opportunities as their peers. This requires a shift in mindset: from seeing differences as deficits to seeing them as opportunities for growth, understanding, and innovation. It involves promoting a classroom culture where all students feel respected, valued, and capable of learning. One of the cornerstones of special education best practices is differentiation. Differentiation means tailoring instruction to meet the individual needs of students. This could involve modifying content, process, product, or learning environment. For example, some students may need extra time to complete assignments, while others may benefit from visual supports, such as graphic organizers or picture schedules. In an elementary classroom, a teacher might provide multiple ways for students to engage with a story: some might listen to an audiobook, others might read along with a buddy, and some might use interactive apps that highlight text as it is red aloud. For middle and high school students, differentiation could mean offering a variety of project choices or adjusting the complexity of a task to ensure all students are challenged but not overwhelmed. Another critical component of special education is the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs, or I-E-P's. An I-E-P is a legal document that outlines the specific supports, accommodations, and services a student with disabilities will receive. But it's more than just paperwork; it's a roadmap for ensuring that each student’s educational experience is tailored to their unique needs. Effective I-E-P implementation involves regular communication with parents, setting measurable and realistic goals, and collaborating with a team of professionals: including special education teachers, general education teachers, therapists, and counselors. It's about monitoring progress, making adjustments when necessary, and always keeping the student’s best interests at the center of decision-making. Now that we have a clearer understanding of what special education best practices involve, let’s explore some practical strategies for implementing these practices at different school levels. In this segment we will look at Implementing Special Education Best Practices Across School Levels. Let’s start with the elementary school level. In elementary classrooms, special education practices often focus on building foundational skills and creating a positive, supportive learning environment. One effective strategy is using multisensory instruction. This approach engages multiple senses: sight, sound, touch, and even movement: to help students grasp concepts more effectively. For example, when teaching phonics, a teacher might use letter tiles that students can manipulate, songs that reinforce letter sounds, and visual cues like pictures or flashcards. This kind of multisensory approach helps reinforce learning and ensures that students have multiple pathways to understanding. Elementary teachers should also prioritize social-emotional learning in their classrooms. Many students with special needs struggle with social skills, self-regulation, and emotional awareness. Incorporating social-emotional learning activities: like daily check-ins, social stories, and role-playing scenarios: can help students learn to recognize and manage their emotions, build empathy, and develop positive relationships with their peers. For instance, a simple activity like a morning circle, where students take turns sharing something about their day, can foster a sense of community and belonging. Moving into middle school, the focus shifts towards helping students develop independence and self-advocacy skills. At this stage, it’s crucial to provide opportunities for students to take ownership of their learning. Encourage them to set personal goals, reflect on their progress, and participate actively in their I-E-P meetings. This might mean teaching them how to communicate their needs, ask for help, or use tools like graphic organizers or assistive technology to support their learning. Middle school teachers can also use strategies like cooperative learning, where students work in small groups to complete tasks or projects. This approach not only reinforces academic content but also helps students practice social skills, build relationships, and learn to work collaboratively. For example, during a group science project, each student could be assigned a specific role based on their strengths, ensuring that everyone contributes and feels valued. At the high school level, the emphasis is on preparing students for life beyond the classroom, whether that’s college, vocational training, or entering the workforce. High school teachers should focus on practical, real-world applications of skills. Incorporating life skills training: like budgeting, job applications, or time management: into the curriculum is vital. For students with special needs, this might mean creating opportunities for work-based learning experiences, such as internships, job shadowing, or community service projects. Additionally, teaching self-determination skills: like goal setting, decision-making, and problem-solving: empowers students to advocate for themselves in their next stage of life. High school teachers should also leverage technology to support diverse learners. Tools like speech-to-text software, digital planners, or educational apps can help students with special needs access the curriculum more effectively, stay organized, and manage their workload. For example, using a digital tool like Grammarly can assist students with writing challenges, providing instant feedback on grammar, spelling, and style. Regardless of the school level, collaboration is key. Effective special education requires a team approach. Regular meetings between special education teachers, general education teachers, support staff, and families are essential for sharing insights, strategies, and progress. It's about building a network of support around the student and ensuring that everyone is on the same page, working towards the same goals. Now that we’ve explored practical strategies for implementing special education best practices, let’s address a common question from parents: how can they best support their child’s special education journey at home? A common question we hear from parents is,"How can I support my child’s special education needs at home?" This is an excellent question because parental involvement is crucial to a child's success. First and foremost, communication is key. Stay in regular contact with your child’s teachers and the special education team. Ask for updates on your child’s progress, discuss any concerns or observations you have, and collaborate on strategies that can be implemented both at school and at home. Consistency between home and school can help reinforce learning and behavior expectations. Parents can also create a structured and predictable environment at home. Many students with special needs thrive on routine, so try to establish consistent daily schedules. Use visual schedules, timers, or checklists to help your child understand what to expect and manage transitions more smoothly. For example, setting up a quiet, organized space for homework can help your child focus and feel more in control of their learning. Encourage independence by providing opportunities for your child to make choices and solve problems. Whether it’s choosing what to wear, what book to read, or how to organize their backpack, these small decisions help build confidence and self-determination skills. Finally, celebrate progress—no matter how small. Recognize and celebrate your child’s achievements, whether they’re academic, social, or emotional. This boosts their confidence and motivation and reinforces the idea that they are capable and valued. It's time to wrap up todays episode and remind you of your take-aways! Supporting students with special needs requires patience, creativity, and a commitment to seeing each child’s potential. By understanding and implementing best practices in special education, teachers can create inclusive, supportive environments where all students have the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. Whether you’re working with young children just starting their educational journey, middle schoolers navigating new challenges, or high school students preparing for their next steps, every effort you make to adapt and respond to their needs brings them closer to reaching their full potential. Thank you for joining us on this deep dive into special education best practices on the Teaching with Valor Podcast. For more resources on how to support students with special needs and implement effective strategies in your classroom, check out the links in our episode description. Keep learning, keep advocating, and as always, keep teaching with valor.