Common-Sense Classroom Management for Special Education Teachers, Grades 6-12

Jill A. Lindberg retired from Milwaukee Public Schools in June 2003 and is currently a supervising teacher for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Her teaching experience includes six years as a mentor teacher, assisting both general and special education teachers in Milwaukee Public Schools. She has taught students with specific learning disabilities, students with emotional/behavior disabilities, and students with hearing impairment. She has coauthored five books in the Common-Sense Classroom Management series with educators from the Milwaukee area. She has a degree in exceptional education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Dianne Evans Kelley has taught students with emotional/ behavioral disabilities in both inclusive and more restrictive classrooms for 10 years. Currently, she is an assistant professor in the special education department at Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, WI. She has worked as a special education program support teacher for the Milwaukee Public Schools, where she provided inservice training and classroom-based support to teachers throughout the district. Kelley has worked with middle and high-school beginning special education teachers affiliated with the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee/Milwaukee Public Schools Special Education Internship Program. She has been an educational consultant since 1989 and has presented at the local, state, and national level on such topics as positive behavioral supports for students with challenging behavior and classroom management. Kelley has a master's degree in special education and is currently working toward a doctorate in urban education/special education.

Preface Acknowledgments About the Authors 1. Getting Organized Student Information Supplies and Materials Your Desk and Surrounding Areas Forms and Schedules Room Arrangement Wall Displays 2. Organizing Students Preparing for Class Storage Systems Daily Oganizational Strategies Routines and Rules Peer Buddies 3. Delivery of Special Education Services Determining Level of Educational Services for Students With Academic Disabilities Determining Level of Support for Students With Behavioral Challenges Providing Educational Services Developing Your Schedule to Support Students Sharing Student Information Providing Services to Students With Disabilities Through Collaboration Special Education Instructional Planning 4. Positive Behavioral Supports Classroom Management and Coteaching Providing Indirect Behavioral Support to Students Within the Inclusive Classroom Managing Behavior in the Special Education Classroom Addressing Individual Student Behavior Challenges Managing Special Education Classrooms Designed for Students With Extremely Challenging Behavior Tokens of Recognition and Other Fabulous Prizes Activity Reinforcers Backup Plans for Students Not Earning the Incentive Consequences When You Must Discipline Functional Behavioral Assessment and Behavior Intervention Plan Conducting a Functional Behavioral Assessment Developing a Behavior Intervention Plan 5. General Education Instructional Planning Your Involvement in the General Education Classroom Planning for Academic Success Planning for Behavioral Success Grading Students With Disabilities Coteaching and Co-planning 6. Specially Designed Instruction Implementing the IEP Finding Appropriate Materials Individualized Work The IEP and Assistive Technology Using Assistive Technology as a Learning Support Learning Strategies Transition Planning Transition Planning for Students Bound for Postsecondary Education Instruction in Behavior 7. Legal Issues Changes to the IEP Process as Required by IDEIA Transition Student and Parent Rights Transfer of Rights Functional Behavioral Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plan Manifestation Determination 8. Working With Families Before You Contact Families . . . Establishing and Maintaining a Positive Relationship IEP Meetings Parent Conferences Documentation Assistance From School Support Staff 9. Working With Support Staff The IEP and Support Staff Involvement Support From the Special Education Administrative Staff Support From the School Psychologist Support From the School Social Worker Support From the Guidance Counselor Support From Transition Service Providers Other Support Staff 10.Working With Teacher Assistants Making a Schedule Communication Presenting a United Front Assigning Responsibilities Discussing Concerns 11. Working With Administration Understanding Your Principal's View of Special Education in Your School Communicating With Your Principal Principal Observations and Evaluations Professional Development What Is a Professional Learning Community? 12. Working Within Your School Community Becoming Part of the Team Teacher Buddies and Mentors To Socialize or Not to Socialize The Teachers' Room Ask for Help, Offer to Help Other Supports for New Teachers References Suggested Readings Index

"Uses humor while providing straight forward suggestions for the new teacher. User friendly with pertinent information and resources for the new teacher." -- Kathy Amacher, Special Education Teacher "As I read, I kept thinking to myself just how appropriate the title was. The book is a compilation of just what it says-common-sense solutions and suggestions. I liked the chapter titles because I knew exactly what would be in each chapter." -- Jo Bellanti, Director of Special Education "Teachers will love the straight forward, practical information. The topics and strategies are excellent." -- Debi Gartland, Professor of Special Education "Practical information is presented in a clear-cut, easy-to-read format." -- Toby Karten, Resource Center Teacher "Provides great insight for developing and organizing your overall daily routine, planning, and teaching." -- Mariann C. Carter, NBPTS Certified Exceptional Needs Specialist "Reflects what I've experienced in my co-teaching with three different experienced special education teachers. Reading the chapters on 'Legal Issues' and 'Working with Support Staff' gave me a new appreciation for the amount of out-of-classroom activities for which a special education teacher is responsible." -- Patricia Waller, Secondary Special Education Teacher "Serves as a good resource for the teacher who may be struggling with an aspect of classroom management and is seeking new strategies." -- Sandra E. Archer, NBCT, Special Education Teacher "The authors' ability to collaboratively pinpoint current classroom issues and offer direct problem-solving approaches is impressive. This easy-to-implement resource with its organized chapter outlines and well-crafted format are flexible and adaptable to any grade, subject, or ability level. Abounds with suggestions to assist the educator in creating a positive classroom atmosphere." -- Erin Ann Witty, Special Education Teacher "A valuable reference for any special education teacher. With a focus on classroom management, the guide covers all aspects of teaching from paperwork to professional relationships. New and veteran teachers will find useful tips and indispensable resources to improve their practice and enrich their learning." -- Peggy Holtman, Special Education Supervisor