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Classroom Strategies

114 articles

Teaching, IEPs, inclusion, and the special-ed classroom.

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All Classroom Strategies

114 articles
Avoiding Special Education Disputes: The Power of Communication, Trust, and Documentation Classroom Strategies

Avoiding Special Education Disputes: The Power of Communication, Trust, and Documentation

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The author is not acting as legal counsel for any school district, administrator, or reader. Readers should consult their own legal counsel regarding specific situations.

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Cindy Bowers

Dec 30, 2025 · 5 min read
Flexible Furniture in K-12 Schools: Recommendations for Supporting Neurodiverse and Autistic Students Classroom Strategies

Flexible Furniture in K-12 Schools: Recommendations for Supporting Neurodiverse and Autistic Students

Flexible furniture is increasingly seen as a critical tool in supporting the diverse needs of all students—including those who are autistic or neurodiverse. Research and expert advice underscore that the right classroom furniture can help optimize comfort, support sensory and mo

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L.F. Stebbins

Aug 20, 2025 · 5 min read
Harvard on Why Family Engagement Lowers Litigation Costs Classroom Strategies

Harvard on Why Family Engagement Lowers Litigation Costs

Why Investing in Family Engagement Can Reduce Special Education Litigation Costs District leaders and special education directors know all too well the financial and emotional toll of special education litigation. Due process complaints, mediation, and legal challenges aren’t ju

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Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.

Jul 23, 2025 · 2 min read
From Strained Systems to Sustainable Solutions: Strengthening Special Education in Your District Classroom Strategies

From Strained Systems to Sustainable Solutions: Strengthening Special Education in Your District

Special education programs are under increasing pressure. From rising student needs to inconsistent service delivery and stretched budgets, district leaders face difficult choices. Yet within these challenges lies an opportunity: to shift from reactive problem-solving to proacti

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Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.

May 16, 2025 · 4 min read
5 Differentiated End-of-Year Activities to Keep Special Education Students Engaged Classroom Strategies

5 Differentiated End-of-Year Activities to Keep Special Education Students Engaged

Adaptable for Multiple Developmental Levels & Learning Styles As the school year comes to a close, maintaining engagement in special education classrooms requires thoughtful planning. Students may be at varying developmental stages, with different learning profiles and support n

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Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.

May 16, 2025 · 6 min read
Ensuring Effective IDEA Mandated Extended School Year (ESY) Programs: Strategies to Prevent Skill Regression in Your District Classroom Strategies

Ensuring Effective IDEA Mandated Extended School Year (ESY) Programs: Strategies to Prevent Skill Regression in Your District

Extended School Year (ESY) services are essential in supporting students with disabilities, ensuring they maintain their educational achievements during breaks in the standard academic calendar. Mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), ESY services aim

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Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.

Mar 21, 2025 · 5 min read
How to Prepare for a Client’s IEP Meeting - A Guide for Therapists Classroom Strategies

How to Prepare for a Client’s IEP Meeting - A Guide for Therapists

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legal document designed to outline the specific educational goals, objectives, and services a student with a disability requires to thrive within the public school system. In the United States, this process is governed by the Indivi

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Cindy Bowers

Feb 12, 2025 · 3 min read
Communication Difficulties: The Silent Barrier Classroom Strategies

Communication Difficulties: The Silent Barrier

This article is the first in our series on Key Root Causes of Disruptive Classroom Behaviors and How to Help

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Stages Learning

Sep 25, 2024 · 3 min read
Sensory Processing Issues: Navigating Overwhelming Environments Classroom Strategies

Sensory Processing Issues: Navigating Overwhelming Environments

This article is the second in our series on Key Root Causes of Disruptive Classroom Behaviors and How to Help

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Stages Learning

Sep 25, 2024 · 4 min read
Strengthening the Student-Teacher Relationship as a Foundation for Positive Behavior Classroom Strategies

Strengthening the Student-Teacher Relationship as a Foundation for Positive Behavior

This article is the fifth in our series on Key Root Causes of Disruptive Classroom Behaviors . . . and How to Help

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Stages Learning

Sep 25, 2024 · 4 min read
Empowering Educators: The Crucial Role of People in Enhancing Special Education Programs Classroom Strategies

Empowering Educators: The Crucial Role of People in Enhancing Special Education Programs

The success of special education students relies heavily on the dedication, expertise, and collaboration of the professionals who support them. From teachers and paraprofessionals to therapists and administrators, the people involved in delivering special education services play

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Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.

May 19, 2024 · 6 min read
Streamlining Special Education Programs: The Importance of Effective Procedures Classroom Strategies

Streamlining Special Education Programs: The Importance of Effective Procedures

In the intricate tapestry of special education, procedures serve as the threads that weave together the various components of a program, ensuring a seamless and effective delivery of services. These procedures, which encompass everything from IEP development and compliance to da

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Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.

May 19, 2024 · 7 min read
Transforming Learning Spaces: Enhancing Special Education Environments for Student Success Classroom Strategies

Transforming Learning Spaces: Enhancing Special Education Environments for Student Success

The physical environment in which learning takes place can have a profound impact on the success and well-being of students with disabilities. From the layout and accessibility of classrooms to the incorporation of sensory-friendly elements and assistive technologies, the design

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Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.

May 19, 2024 · 5 min read
Transforming Special Education Through Effective Practices: Insights from the 5P Framework Classroom Strategies

Transforming Special Education Through Effective Practices: Insights from the 5P Framework

At the heart of every successful special education program lies a set of practices that are both effective and compassionate. These practices, which encompass everything from instructional strategies and behavioral interventions to progress monitoring and collaborative planning,

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Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.

May 19, 2024 · 6 min read
Maximizing Student Success: The Critical Role of the Products & Teaching Tools Used in Special Education Classroom Strategies

Maximizing Student Success: The Critical Role of the Products & Teaching Tools Used in Special Education

When it comes to supporting students with disabilities in special education programs, the importance of using the right products and teaching tools cannot be overstated. From curriculum materials and assistive technologies to adaptive equipment and sensory aids, the resources ed

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Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.

May 19, 2024 · 6 min read
How to Conduct a Comprehensive Special Education Program Evaluation: The 5P Framework Classroom Strategies

How to Conduct a Comprehensive Special Education Program Evaluation: The 5P Framework

Are you a special education director or curriculum coordinator looking for a comprehensive approach to evaluate and improve your special education program? Do you want to ensure that your services are effectively meeting the diverse needs of your students with disabilities? A cl

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Angela Nelson, J.D., Ed.M.

May 19, 2024 · 7 min read
Embracing Technology for Special Education Students: What Do the New Federal Guidelines Mean for Our District? Classroom Strategies

Embracing Technology for Special Education Students: What Do the New Federal Guidelines Mean for Our District?

In the realm of education, technology has emerged as a powerful tool to dismantle barriers and forge pathways of learning that were once deemed impassable. The U.S. Department of Education’s latest Federal Report , in concert with the National Education Technology Plan , has iss

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Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan

Feb 20, 2024 · 6 min read
How Can AI Best Serve Special Education Students? Let Me Count the Ways... Classroom Strategies

How Can AI Best Serve Special Education Students? Let Me Count the Ways...

Jen, a neurodiverse student, struggles to communicate her needs. She wants to ask her teacher for an extension because she didn’t finish her homework. She asks an AI-powered robot in her classroom to present her with a few scenarios of how the conversation with her teacher might

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Leslie Stebbins, M.Ed. M.L.I.S.

Feb 4, 2024 · 8 min read
How Can I Get Funding for Homeschooling My Autistic Child? Classroom Strategies

How Can I Get Funding for Homeschooling My Autistic Child?

The financial burden of homeschooling special needs or autistic children can be a significant challenge for many families. The cost of educational materials, extracurricular activities, field trips, and membership fees can add up quickly, even more so now with the rising costs o

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Samantha Russell

Dec 27, 2023 · 5 min read
Leveling Up the Power of Paraprofessionals Classroom Strategies

Leveling Up the Power of Paraprofessionals

Just as a gymnast relies on a spotter, a tree draws strength from its roots, and a musical relies on its stage crew:

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Stages Learning

Dec 6, 2023 · 4 min read
5 Strategies for Employers to Help Autistic Employees Thrive in the Workplace Classroom Strategies

5 Strategies for Employers to Help Autistic Employees Thrive in the Workplace

A neurodiverse friend of mine who works at Trader Joe's has found that the support of her co-workers and managers has allowed her to truly thrive in her job as a cashier.

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Leslie Stebbins, M.Ed. M.L.I.S.

Nov 24, 2023 · 4 min read
How Autism Kids is Working to Increase Autism Acceptance Classroom Strategies

How Autism Kids is Working to Increase Autism Acceptance

Nonprofit is Donating 500 Autism Books to Classrooms When I started Autism Kids, I knew that I wanted our organization to be different. Founded in 2023 in Charlotte, N.C., Autism Kids has found ways to challenge what autism means for children and how society provides support for

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Rebecca Tarrant

Oct 14, 2023 · 3 min read
How to Set Up a Homeschool Classroom for Your Autistic Child: 10 Key Strategies Classroom Strategies

How to Set Up a Homeschool Classroom for Your Autistic Child: 10 Key Strategies

Setting up space in your home to homeschool your autistic child is where your own creativity can come into play. Even in a small home and on a tight budget there are ways to design your space that can have an enormous impact on how well your autistic child can focus and learn. T

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Leslie Stebbins, M.Ed. M.L.I.S.

Oct 5, 2023 · 8 min read
Homeschool Co-ops for Autistic Children: Creating Connection Classroom Strategies

Homeschool Co-ops for Autistic Children: Creating Connection

Homeschool co-ops are regularly scheduled structured gatherings of families educating their children together in a group setting. The purpose of co-ops is to share the load of teaching, combine resources, and collaborate with individuals who are working towards the same goal.

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Samantha Russell

Oct 1, 2023 · 7 min read

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