Processes for Transitioning to Various Settings
By Vanessa Nickerson It is important to remember as educators to consider how to assist our students in continued success. Therefore, educators should provide students with opportunities to be a part of different settings. Whether the setting is a different classroom, entering general education, exploring a vocational program, or working in the community, educators must help in these transitions to various settings. Work with Your Team Discuss with the members of your team the goals that are intended with transitioning to the different setting. A knowledgeable and supportive team will be able to give advice, feedback and assist in the transition. Take into account all the information the team has to provide and rely on your team to come up with student centered techniques. Be Proactive and Predictive Many students have difficulties with new of different environments. There are many ways an educator can assist this process. One way is to ready the student through discussion and prediction of the new setting. Allow the student ample time to understand the expectations in the different setting as well as what to expect in the environment. Using you knowledge of the student, attempt to be proactive in potential areas of concern. Focus and Build on Strengths Knowing the student well is very important with presenting a new setting. As stated above, using student centered techniques is very important. Pay close attention to the needs of the individual child. The National Collaborative on Workforce Disability (NCWD) provides a helpful breakdown of strengths and what the educator can do in the classroom to build the strength. Be Flexible It may take many attempts for the student to be successful. What is important to remember is the goals for the individual student and be ready to change how you may assist them in reaching the goal. If needed, go back to your team and look for suggestions and support. Sometimes, it is necessary to change how the transition is approached or executed. |
Health Care Needs for Exceptional Learners
by Kim DeCarlo Exceptional learners are students who may have learning disabilities, physical disabilities, or mental disabilities. Caring for the health and well being of these students can be overwhelming, but with guidance, parents can find many different avenues for support. When planning for the health care of a disabled student, it may be helpful to contact the state health department to inquire about current health care laws, general information about the child’s disability, or information regarding additional contacts and support groups. Health insurance providers should furnish information regarding coverage of the child’s medical expenses, and can refer parents to medical providers such as doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, or behavioral specialists. Schools can provide information regarding parent support groups, workshops, online resources, or student groups. Online web resources are available to support parents in providing proper health care for learning disabled students. Here is a sample of websites that can assist parents: South Harrison Community School Corporation in Indiana has the following “Exceptional Learner Links” websites: http://www.shcsc.k12.in.us/SpecEd/links.html Exceptional Parent Website: http://www.eparent.com The state of North Carolina offers the following support website for parents of exceptional children: http://www.ecac-parentcenter.org |
Role of Paraprofessionals
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Parents & Nonprofessional Staff
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Consultation & Collaboration
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