This article explores ways to include self-determination and self-advocacy goals and objectives in individualized education programs (IEPs). It identifies self-determination goals and offers guidelines on selection and writing of self-determination goals. Insets and tables include a review of the literature, definitions of self-determination…

This article describes a process to encourage student-led Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and student ownership for their own education. Sections address preparing for the IEP meeting and research results on students' involvement. Insets summarize three levels of student involvement, relevant sections of the Individuals with…

This idea offers tools and suggested processes to encourage parent participation in (IEP) Individualized Education Program team meetings. It considers aspects of team culture using three examples to illustrate how the meeting environment, culture, and language can discourage parent participation. Suggestions for changing team practices follow.…

A resource room teacher describes a three-part mini-workshop in learning disability awareness for general and special education elementary grade students. An overview of the workshop is followed by description of preworkshop activities and preparation and implementation of each of the three sessions. Insets and tables provide a summary of the…

This article explains how to use the "Jeopardy!" game format both to assess student knowledge and reinforce critical information. It first considers problems with use of the standard game with students who have mild disabilities, then offers suggested modifications to the game to increase its instructional effectiveness. (Contains references.) (DB)

This article identifies questions and strategies to help teachers become more self-aware regarding their interactions with students with behavioral and emotional disorders. Strategies address: (1) identifying and defusing emotional triggers; (2) shifting focus; (3) reducing burnout and nurturing teacher mental health; (4) assessing ability to use…

This article describes use of "comic strip conversations," a type of social story adapted for younger students or those with limited verbal communication skills. It utilizes simple symbols, stick figures, and color to identify key elements of a social interaction. Three steps to implementing the technique are explained and illustrated with…

This article on using mnemonics with students having learning and behavior problems first offers a case study of a 7th grade student and then describes the letter strategy, the keyword mnemonic method, and the pegword method. Seven steps for implementing mnemonic strategies are offered. An inset reviews the research literature on using mnemonic…

This article suggests ways to use tactile teaching strategies with students who have severe and multiple disabilities including blindness. Guidelines address tactile modeling, tactile mutual attention, presenting tactile information, providing effective tactile representation, hypersensitivity to touch, and a team approach. (Contains references.)…

Discussion of college foreign language requirements for students with learning disabilities considers how foreign language courses affect college admission, foreign language as a college graduation requirement, variations in how colleges determine course substitutions, and useful documentation for the substitution process. Insets list suggested…

This article discusses changes in effective teaching practice and characteristics of different levels of acceptance of school cultures. It reports the results of a survey of 72 inclusion teachers showing that teachers believed their attitude toward students was the first or second most important condition needed for successful inclusion. (Contains…

This article is designed to help professionals and parents learn and grow as they work together for the children in their charge. It discusses the levels of awareness parents have about the disability of their child. These include the ostrich phase, special designation of the disability, normalization, and self-actualization. (Contains…

This article provides information about the roles and responsibilities of physical therapists, occupational therapists, therapeutic recreation specialists, and adapted physical educators working with students with disabilities. Examples are provided of individualized education programs that combine the expertise of these professionals. Examples of…

This article describes the Council for Exceptional Children's professional standards for special education teachers, including the content standards and the knowledge and skill standards. Information is provided on how to use the standards to structure a professional development plan, maintain expertise and evaluate competency. Self-evaluation…

The intervention described in this article focuses on providing extra spelling instruction to young children who experience difficulty with literacy learning. The CASL Spelling Program is designed to teach children basic sound/letter combinations, spelling patterns involving long and short vowels, and common spelling words that fit these patterns.…