What is a Token Economy? Token economies are based on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and emphasize the use of positive reinforcement to target behavior change. Token economies help students to visualize progress, accept and work for delayed reinforcement, learn to self-monitor, and learn to regulate behavior. Developing a Token Economy When developing… Read more Token Economy (for teachers)
Category: Education and Early Intervention
Children and Stuttering (for parents)
What Is Stuttering? According to the Stuttering Foundation, stuttering occurs when the flow of speech is broken by repetitions (li-li-like this), prolongations (lllllike this), or abnormal stoppages (no sound) of sounds and syllables. Unusual facial and body movements amy also be associated with the effort to speak. What Causes Stuttering? While the exact causes of… Read more Children and Stuttering (for parents)
Supporting Students with Emotional or Behavioral Disorders (for teachers)
What are Emotional or Behavioral Disorders (E/BD)? The term emotional or behavioral disorders (E/BD) refers to a variety of conditions and symptoms that impair the learning, social functioning, safety, and behavioral health of children or adolescents. E/BD may occur in conjunction with a variety of other developmental disabilities, and when their presence leads to eligibility… Read more Supporting Students with Emotional or Behavioral Disorders (for teachers)
How to Write a Social Story™ (for teachers)
Social Stories™ are effective methods to provide guidance and directions for responding to various types of social situations. The stories are used to describe social situations specific to individuals and circumstances while promoting self-awareness, self-calming, and self-management. Social Stories™ are not meant to change behavior; rather, they are meant to clarify social expectations. They may… Read more How to Write a Social Story™ (for teachers)
Promoting Communication Between School and Home
Set Up a Consistent Form of Communication Send out a poll to parents to get feedback about communication preferences (i.e., email, phone, text, Zoom, etc.) Utilize existing communication platforms such as Class DoJo or newsletters Use a web-based platform such as Remind.com that allows teachers to text parents without using personal phone numbers Use a… Read more Promoting Communication Between School and Home
Peer-Based Intervention and Autism Spectrum Disorders (for teachers)
Peer-based interventions are evidence-based practices that teach strategies to typically developing peers for facilitating social interactions with children on the autism spectrum. Peer-based interventions can be used to target communication skills, interpersonal skills, and play skills. The effects of these types of interventions often are beneficial for both the student with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)… Read more Peer-Based Intervention and Autism Spectrum Disorders (for teachers)
Autism Tip Sheet (for Librarians)
What is autism? Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the early brain development of 1 out of 36 children. The primary characteristics of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are: Impaired social relating and reciprocity. Impaired use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye contact, facial expression, and gestures. Failure to develop peer relationships or… Read more Autism Tip Sheet (for Librarians)
Including Students with Multiple/Severe Disabilities in the General Education Classroom
Meaningful Participation Every student has the right to actively participate in natural settings within their school and community. In education, inclusion means educating students with disabilities among their peers without disabilities to the greatest extent possible. Inclusion in the general education classroom provides all students the opportunity to participate, learn, and feel a sense of… Read more Including Students with Multiple/Severe Disabilities in the General Education Classroom
Inclusion in the Classroom
Why is it important to include students with disabilities in general education classrooms? Inclusion Is a Legal Right In 1975, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act was passed to ensure that children with disabilities are given the opportunity to receive a public education. In 1990, 1997, and 2004, reauthorizations of this Act took place,… Read more Inclusion in the Classroom
Enhancing Literacy Instruction for Students With Intellectual Disabilities
Current research in reading instruction indicates that children with intellectual disabilities (ID) can obtain higher reading levels than previously believed. Improved reading abilities can lead to independence, employment, and an improved sense of well-being in adults. The following 10 research-based tips are ideas educators and IEP teams should consider as they are planning literacy instruction… Read more Enhancing Literacy Instruction for Students With Intellectual Disabilities