This article presents the rationale, evidence base, and strategies for teachers and related service personnel to implement peer-assisted Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) modeling with their students with complex communication needs within inclusive settings across the school day. Specific steps for teaching the student's same-age…

It is the position of the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) that the registered professional school nurse is an essential member of a multidisciplinary education team that identifies, evaluates, and monitors students who may be eligible for services through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA; 2004) or…

The term "neurodivergence" refers to the variation in the human brain regarding socialization preferences, learning, attention, mood, and other mental skills that differ from the societal standards and norms. Every day, schools encounter students whose neurodivergent experiences shape how they communicate, engage, and learn. Sometimes,…

Many teachers are underprepared to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Most have insufficient training and field experiences from their preparation programs, and once they begin teaching, they often lack collaborative professional learning about supporting students with disabilities. This article describes s how a multidisciplinary team…

There is a process within the special education program that directly links a child's educational program with their plans for the future. It is called a Transition Plan and is part of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Transition services are a coordinated set of activities for a child with a disability designed to be used within a…

A nearly unlimited number of technology tools and applications exist to support students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, finding these tools, researching their effectiveness, observing their use, and evaluating their implementation can be a time consuming and daunting task if a technology professional is not…

This report offers 11 indicators and elements of high quality inclusion in the early care and education environment including: (1) physical environment; (2) children's autonomy and child-centered approaches; (3) family partnerships; (4) social emotional learning and development; (5) meaningful interactions with peers; (6) curriculum; (7)…

Parents, teachers, and administrators report concerns and challenges related to the transition from early intervention (EI) to preschool for children who are deaf/hard-of-hearing. The goal of the current article is to assist teachers, administrators, and specialists involved in the transition of a young child who is deaf/hard-of-hearing from EI…

As schools seek to bridge the cultural and linguistic gap between special educators and students at the intersections of learning and language, the case described in this article illustrates how educators can continue to apply one of the key tenets of special education, the strengths-based approach. The hegemony of English has become so pervasive…

Effective collaboration among team members is a fundamental responsibility for all Early Intervention (EI) professionals. EI can be described as a particular type of service and support for infants and toddlers with delays/disabilities under three and their families provided through Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.…

Classrooms today have an increased number of culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students. The ability to provide high quality instruction for a diverse group of learners goes beyond simply knowing good instructional practices. Teachers also need to be aware of how a student's culture and background impact classroom performance.…

The need to improve outcomes among students with disabilities (SWD) by increasing teachers' skilled use of evidence-based practices (EBPs) has been a pressing challenge around the country. Texas, in particular, has a specific focus on supporting the increased use of teachers' EBPs within their State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP). Therefore,…

The ability for students with visual impairments to perform independent living skills is essential for the successful transition from youth to adulthood. Although independent living skills are required to be taught by the teacher of students with visual impairments (TVI) in the expanded core curriculum (ECC), many of these skills are introduced as…

The Individualized Education Plan (IEP) document is a legal plan for special education which is created by a team that includes educators and you, the child's family. The IEP contains goals to promote your child's success in school and should, if needed, include goals on improving their behavior. The IEP provides information about the specifically…

Leading by doing takes an unwavering and visible commitment to an intentional, continuous improvement process. Teams at every system level distribute leadership to support effective practice so outcomes improve. Using a practice-based approach to improving mathematics outcomes, the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) facilitated a continuous…