Sex education is not only a necessary component of public school curriculum, but it is also an important opportunity for students with and without disabilities to learn about their own development as emerging adults. Although comprehensive sex education is not federally mandated, many states and districts choose to offer some form of sex education…

Extended school year (ESY) is a summer program available for students with disabilities who meet specific qualifying criteria. Teachers are often hesitant to accept the position of the ESY teacher due to the ambiguities and demands of the position. The purpose of this article is to briefly share the impetus and focus of ESY and give special…

Since the reauthorization of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 2004, standards-based individualized education plans (IEPs) have been an expectation for serving students with disabilities in the K-12 public school setting. Nearly a decade after the mandates calling for standards-based IEPs, special educators still struggle…

"Designing and Implementing Effective Adapted Physical Education Programs" was written to assist adapted and general physical educators who are dedicated to ensuring that the physical and motor needs of all their students are addressed in physical education. While it is anticipated that adapted physical educators, where available, will typically…

Solve serious behavior challenges in K-8 classrooms with this easy-to-use book, the first practical guide to the research-proven Prevent-Teach-Reinforce (PTR) model. Developed by some of the most respected authorities on positive behavior support, this innovative model gives school-based teams a five-step plan for reducing problems unresolved by…

This guide is designed as a reference for District and School personnel working with English learners (ELs). The content of the guide represents a compilation of information, examples, and resources. This guide is a living document and subject to frequent updates. It is recommended to review the document online rather than printing a hard copy.

To ensure the best possible outcomes for young children with and without disabilities, early childhood educators must enter the classroom ready to conduct all types of early childhood assessment--including determining if children need additional services, planning and monitoring instruction, and determining program effectiveness. They'll get the…

"The Complete Guide to Service Learning" is the go-to resource in the fast-growing field of service learning. It is an award-winning treasury of service activities, community service project ideas, quotes, reflections, and resources that can help teachers and youth workers engage young hearts and minds in reaching out and giving back. Author, and…

Elementary special education teachers can enhance the transition of handicapped students into mainstreamed classes by careful planning and preparation of the regular class teachers, nonhandicapped students themselves. Followup communication with the regular class teacher must be maintained. (CL)

An ecological survey is used to collect information about a wide range of variables that can influence a student's problem behavior. The survey enables teachers and parents to identify the settings and conditions in which behaviors are displayed, in order to develop an appropriate behavior change program. (JDD)

This article describes an early childhood special education personnel preparation program designed for family specialists. Specialized family coursework and field-based experiences are provided in addition to training experiences in child-related skills and competencies. (Author/PB)

This organizational kit is intended to help high school clubs associated with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) get started in their mission of introducing students to careers in special education. Topics discussed include: getting started, association with CEC, setting goals for the high school club, CEC's belief statements, suggested…

Multicultural education in teacher preparation programs seeks to sensitize preservice special education teachers to individual differences attributable to culture or ethnicity. Described are the goals and objectives of a multicultural module; teaching strategies; module evaluation; resources used; and such learning techniques as fishbowl…

This article presents a series of steps to help sending and receiving teachers of children with disabilities who are making the transition from preschool to kindergarten. The steps help teachers plan for transition, develop and implement child preparation activities, and integrate preparation activities with existing curricular goals and teaching…

This article describes how a group of elementary teachers set out to master their instructional software to turn the collection into an effective aid for enabling the success of students with and without disabilities. It discusses planning for systematic intervention and positive outcomes through the use of computer programs. (Contains…