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Dyslexia and Technology - Using Microsoft Tools in the Classroom
Wednesday, May 31st, 03:00pm - 04:00pm
Did you know that in today’s classrooms, it is estimated that one in five students have dyslexia? There are likely far more who have not yet been diagnosed. Join us as we explore the tools in Microsoft Suite that can help educators and families to understand this common learning difference. We will explore these tools so families and teachers can better recognize and support their dyslexic learners, helping them improve their reading and writing comprehension in the process.
Digital Tools to Support Students with Autism
Did you know that April is Autism Acceptance Month? Join us for this session where we take a look at some great digital tools for working with students with autism spectrum disorder. We will discuss why digital tools can be so powerful when working with the autism community. We will also provide some activities, resources, and helpful websites! Of course, we will also explore why STEM and multiple exposures are so crucial for these students. Join us for autism acceptance!
Using Makey Makey to Support Exceptional Learners
There are many benefits of integrating STEM into your curriculum as it can give you the opportunity to make learning fun again for your students. But have you ever wondered how a STEM product, like Makey Makey, can positively affect a class full of exceptional learners? Join us as we explore how Makey Makey can be used to help teach academic content to your students in a tangible, interactive, and hands-on way. Learn how you can support your students as they incorporate Makey Makey into their growing passion for innovation.
Apps to Support the Exceptional Education Setting
This app-centric course will cover a variety of skills and creation-based apps that are useful in any Exceptional Education classroom. In this session, we will not only cover the functionality of the apps, but also best practices to incorporate them effectively with students, like using iPads as a center for assessment or behavior management tool. This session will also reveal some of the best-kept accessibility secrets to help you reach all types of learners.
Tools to Support Center Rotations in the Special Ed Classroom
Are you looking to incorporate center rotations into your classroom? In this session, we will explore the benefits of using centers in your special education class, as well as strategies for getting organized, setting up your centers, and supporting students along the way as they dive into their center activities. We will discuss the importance of creating a schedule for center rotations as well as making sure that your centers are created to set your students up for success in order to meet their learning goals. We will also explore specific center activity ideas for you to try out with your students!
Special education can be an extremely fast-paced and rewarding job. Special educators are challenged to think and act quickly as well as be flexible enough to adapt to any situation. Having a set of tools ready to go at any time can be the difference between successful lessons and negative experiences. Join us for this course as we explore some great educator resources for autism spectrum disorder.
College and Career Readiness for Special Needs Students
As special education teachers, we are equally as responsible as our general education colleagues for addressing college and career readiness in our students. Lessons learned in grades K-12 will pave the way for our students, and we should strive to enable our students to show good decision making skills and transition smoothly to life after graduation. Join us for this session as we share strategies for helping students with special needs, and their parents, to identify a path that will lead to greater success in high school and beyond!
Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 plans are instrumental tools in getting formal help for students in K-12 education with learning and attention issues. While they both focus on giving all students equal opportunities to learn, they are used for different reasons. IEPs are for special education and 504 plans are for physical access to learning. Join us as we go over these differences in depth and give you strategies to help you meet every student's needs according to their plans.
Making Your Token Economy Digital
Are you looking to incorporate a token economy into your classroom? A token economy is a Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support (PBIS) system used to quickly award points and recognize students for meeting goals. While the idea of giving a student a reward for reaching a goal hasn't changed, the structure of keeping track of these rewards and distributing them has. In this session, we will explore strategies for shifting from physical tokens to creating your own digital token economy. We will also dive into the benefits of tracking points, as well as ideas for prizes. Join us to learn more about transforming your token economy!
Assistive Technology (AT) Resources
Teaching students with physical, cognitive, or learning disabilities can be a demanding but rewarding job. Teachers need to think about all possible adjustments and supports that will help these students in the school (and post-school) environment. Having a set of tools ready to go at any time can be the difference between successful lessons and negative experiences. Join us as we explore some great resources for working with students who require assistive technology!
A morning meeting that goes over the calendar and class schedule has always been a staple in primary classrooms as a way to set the tone for the day. What if you could incorporate technology into your morning meetings? How about leveraging them as a way to engage students and bolster your classroom community, even when students can’t be present in the physical classroom? Join us as we explore how to use Lumio to transform your morning meeting activities!
Creating Schedules for Students with Special Needs
It's the beginning of the school year! We want to start our students off on the right foot, but how do we ensure that they get the best possible start? For many students, organization and having a schedule to follow can mean a more focused and productive day. In this course, we will take a look at how to create, distribute, and keep schedules for special needs students. We will go over tools, tips, and tricks for creating and maintaining consistency to help you and your students start the school year right.
Using Screencastify to Provide Special Ed Accommodations
Teachers now know a lot more about remote learning and have a pretty good idea of what works and what doesn't. However, you may still be struggling with figuring out how to make your assessments more reliable and accessible for your Special Education students. In this course, we'll cover how programs like Screencastify can help you provide Special Education accommodations — such as the “test-read” option — even when students are not learning in a face-to-face setting.
MC: Assistive Technology Certification Session 13- Final Assignment
Congratulations! You have made it to the last session in our Assistive Technology certification series. You are one assignment away from earning your certificate! In this session, we'll provide you with an example final assignment and a detailed look at the rubric that will be used to grade your submission.
MC: Assistive Technology Certification Session 12- Future Innovations in AT
With all of the advances in technology each day, Assistive Technology is no exception. In recent years, calculators, high-def electronic glasses, and smartpens– to name a few, have made their appearance in the AT world. In Session 12 of our AT certification, we will explore the innovation that has been directed toward addressing students with special needs.
MC: Assistive Technology Certification Session 11- Equity & Ethical Concerns
When it comes to Assistive Technology, it's important to consider appropriate funding and sources. In session 11, we will review and discuss equity and ethical concerns and the impact on our students. We'll also explore federal assistance programs in relation to AT and how to best share this information with other members of our school.
MC: Assistive Technology Certification Session 10- Assessing Needs & Technologies
Join us for Session 10 of our Assistive Technology certification to learn about assessing need, IEPs, and more. When it comes to AT, there are many working parts. These can include determining who will join discussions and serve on the child-study team, routine opportunities to meet and analyze the need for AT in different areas like handwriting, communication, recreation, and self-care to name a few. As well as selecting a designee (usually the Special Education teacher) who will illustrate the need for AT in the IEP document itself. Don't miss out!
MC: Assistive Technology Certification Session 9- Evaluation of AT
Assistive Technology in education is about much more than selecting and implementing the specific tool or device. Beyond the preliminary assessment to ensure a “match” between the students' abilities and the features of a device, comes the ongoing monitoring to make sure the tool is achieving its intended purpose. Join us in Session 9 to explore plans for evaluating Assistive Technology.
MC: Assistive Technology Certification Session 8- Software & Internet Accessibility
There are a number of software solutions that fall under the Assistive Technology umbrella. In addition, accessibility features such as screen readers, magnification, and alternative input software help individuals with disabilities with daily assignments in the classroom. In Session 8 of our AT certification, we will explore some of the software and accessibility supports out there to help students with mild to significant physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities.
MC: Assistive Technology Certification Session 7- Hardware & Telecommunications
Did you know that Assistive Technology is any piece of equipment that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a person with a disability? In Session 7 of our AT certification, we will explore examples from low-tech AT such as communication boards made of cardboard or fuzzy felt to high-tech AT including special-purpose computers.
MC: Assistive Technology Certification Session 6- AT in Different Environments
Assistive Technology is used widely in school settings but also prevalent in other environments such as the home, workplace, and various locations in the community. Devices like hearing aids, wheelchairs, and braille systems are just some examples of AT equipment that are geared towards improving the everyday life of people with disabilities. In session 6, we will explore the use of AT devices in various settings outside of the classroom.
MC: Assistive Technology Certification Session 5- Designing Effective Learning Solutions
The Universal Design for Learning aims to eliminate or reduce barriers to academic success. In session 5, we will explore learning solutions and how to design and implement the most effective lessons for our students. In addition, we will discuss the importance of UDL and its place in the educational setting. We'll also explore how to best incorporate Assistive Technology into daily lessons in order to create the most meaningful learning experiences.
MC: Assistive Technology Certification Session 4- AT vs. Accommodations
What if we told you that all Assistive Technology devices are classified as accommodations but not all accommodations are categorized as AT? In Session 4 of our Assistive Technology certification, we will dive into the differences between AT and accommodations by taking a closer look at the four main types of accommodations as well as the spectrum of tools and devices that fall under the AT umbrella.
MC: Assistive Technology Certification Session 3- Laws
When it comes to Assistive Technology, there is a wide range of services and devices that children may be entitled to. In Session 3 of our Assistive Technology certification, we'll dive into federal law and review some of the existing laws regarding AT and the progression over time. We'll also explore the terminology and acronyms used in conversations about AT.
MC: Assistive Technology Certification Session 2- Evolution of Assistive Technology
Let's explore what Assistive Technology is all about. In session 2, we'll identify various disabilities and discuss how AT can support those struggling with a physical, sensory, or cognitive disability. We will also discuss the history and evolution of assistive technology to identify the most beneficial tools and devices for our students. Join us as we take a deeper dive into where AT started and how it continues to advance.
MC: Assistive Technology Certification Session 1- Introduction
Join us for the first session in our Assistive Technology (AT) certification! We'll start off the certification with an introduction to the series, and discuss the breakdown of courses, assignment requirements, and support resources. Then, we'll explore the first legal mandates of AT in education, and cover examples of products and equipment that exist to improve learning for people with cognitive problems, physical impairments, and learning disabilities.
Preventing Regression in Your Special Education Classroom
Some students are profoundly affected by lapses in instruction, such as over summer, winter, or spring breaks. In this course, we'll share some apps and games, as well as other online activities and support for parents to prevent regression and provide opportunities for their child to retain the skills they learned in a fun and positive way.
Using Google Chrome's Read&Write Extension in the Special Ed Classroom
Google Chrome’s Read&Write extension is a downloadable software toolbar that helps students that require literacy support to create and access the same content as their peers. Join us as we explore how Read&Write provides a personalized learning experience for each student in your class and helps them to meet their full potential.
Using Newsela for Close Reading in Early Ed
Close reading is a strategy for taking a deep dive into texts in order to gain a greater understanding of the content provided. Newsela is the perfect tool for our early learners to practice close reading strategies at their appropriate reading levels. In this session, we will visit the Newsela website to search and sort by text level and type. We will also share close reading activities and ideas that your students can complete to enhance their reading skills. Join us for some close reading tips and tricks with a digital twist!
Virtual 1:1 Check-Ins with Microsoft Teams
Checking in with your students is important whether you are taking a remote, hybrid, or traditional approach to teaching. In this course we will explore how to use Microsoft Teams to meet face-to-face with your students, share documents, and more!
Web Resources for the Special Ed Classroom
How can we provide meaningful learning opportunities and develop key learning and life skills for our students with special needs? In this session, we will provide you with different web-based tools to satisfy a variety of needs. We'll discuss specific websites and virtual tools to get you started. We guarantee that you will leave this session with a variety of useful resources for differentiating lessons, creating scaffolds, increasing student social skills and more for you to implement in your instruction!
Manipulatives for Anywhere Learning
Manipulatives provide our students with unique learning experiences and lesson engagement. Whether you are in the classroom or working with students remotely, it is necessary to share meaningful resources with students. In this session, we will explore digital manipulatives as well as how we can use household objects to help students understand key concepts.
Creating Virtual Calming Rooms
In times of stress, it is important to have outlets and coping strategies. This is often managed with calming techniques, mindfulness, and dedicated spaces for relaxation. What happens if your students are not physically present in school? In this course, we will go over how to offer social and emotional support and build emotional management skills in your students, whether you are teaching traditionally, hybrid, or remote. Digital calming spaces can be a great resource for students of all ages.
Creating Quality IEP Goals with Remote Learning in Mind
Making changes, such as creating new annual IEP goals, becomes a little more complicated and the process may look different in remote learning situations. Join us as we share some strategies, such as using data collected remotely, to help you maintain the same quality in your IEP writing and ensure that your students are working towards appropriate and attainable goals for the next school year!
Keeping Routines for Special Ed Students
As special educators, we know that schedules, sensory support, and close collaboration with parents and caregivers is crucial during home-based instruction situations. Join us as we share strategies for special education teachers to tailor instructional materials to meet each student’s needs and keep routines as consistent as possible in an alternate setting. We’ll share scheduling templates, suggestions for specialized coaching and instruction, and other digital resources to support behavioral and social needs to help keep students on task no matter the setting.
It can be intimidating when you are faced with a full roster for your Special Education class which only means one thing: a full set of new IEPs. As national and state standards become more complex and challenging for our students, there is an ever growing need to create a quality IEP, including a well-written PLOP and aligned goals. Join us as we share guidelines to create an exemplary IEP!
Creating a Personal Needs Profile
Are you looking to individualize the testing experience? Do you want to enhance access to the standardized testing administered to your Special Education students? The abundance of accessibility features can be overwhelming for teachers. In this course, we’ll provide guidelines to help you select appropriate, individualized accommodations rather than make a group decision for your class — just in time for testing season!
Resources for Teaching Students with a Specific Learning Disability in Reading
Reading is an integral part of our everyday lives. For students with a Specific Learning Disability (SLD) in reading, something most of us take for granted is for them an extremely difficult task. Join our Curriculum Specialists as we take a look at some great tips and resources to use as you teach students with an SLD in reading.
Resources for Teaching Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students
Teaching hard of hearing students might cause you to change your teaching strategies for the entire class. If you typically speak to give directions, ask questions, or even just have casual conversation in your class — and you have a hard of hearing student — this course is for you! Join our Curriculum Specialists as we take a look at some great tools and techniques to help support your students.
Resources for Teaching Students with Visual Impairments
Teaching students with visual impairments can be a very different experience to teaching students with other disabilities. Join our Curriculum Specialists as we go over some teaching tips and various tools you can use in the classroom to help support these students and create a welcoming environment for all.
Augmented Communication Applications
Augmented communication in the modern day classroom has become more accessible than ever before. Thanks to handheld devices such as tablets, assistive communication is at your fingertips, and it's as easy as downloading an app. Join us as we take a deep dive into some popular augmented communication apps, and help you decide which might be the best fit for your classroom!
Resources for Teaching Students with Down Syndrome
Working with students who have Down Syndrome can be both a difficult and rewarding experience. Trisomy 21 is a genetic disorder which can cause growth delays and intellectual disabilities. Join us as we go through some teaching tips and digital resources to help you be prepared for working with students with Down Syndrome. Having a set of tools ready to go at any time can be the difference between a great lesson and a failed lesson.
Resources for Teaching Students with ADD/ADHD
Students with ADHD/ADD can experience attention difficulty, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Join our session to learn some techniques, strategies, and resources you can use to best support these students.
Supports in SMART Notebook for the Special Education Classroom
When using the SMART Notebook software in your special education classroom, you may want to change the way you use it to better fit the individual needs of your students. In this session we will show you how SMART Notebook activities and content creation techniques can be adapted to address specific IEP goals. We will also provide you with strategies to systematically monitor these teaching adaptations for maximum impact in the classroom.
Resources for Teaching Students with Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, or Dysgraphia
Students with Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and Dysgraphia see and interpret things on paper in a much different way than students without these disabilities. Join our Curriculum Specialists as we show you some techniques to give you a sense of what these students might be seeing, as well as some strategies and resources you can use to support these students.
Differentiation Tips for SMART Notebook
Discover how technology, specifically your SMART Notebook software, can help you address the diverse strengths and weaknesses of the students in your classroom. We'll provide background information on differentiating instruction, along with strategies and resources to help you differentiate planning, instruction, management, and student assessment. This session will focus on creating additional supports to complete SMART Notebook activities for a variety of learners in your classroom.
New Strategies to Reach and Teach Exceptional Students
Exceptional education has a unique set of challenges and expectations. Join us as we address current issues in exceptional education and talk about effective strategies to teach exceptional students. Panel experts will be discussing multi-disciplinary approaches, adapting instruction within diverse educational environments, and addressing learning loss.
Panelists:
Jared Leverington – Exceptional Education Teacher and NLM Content Creator, No Limits Method
Cheyne Joslin – Director of Research & Efficacy, No Limits Method
Roberta Neves – Director of Motor Function & Movement, No Limits Method
Chrissy Rebert-Long – VP Global Instructional Solutions, Teq
