#spedchat Archive
#spedchat is a Twitter hashtag used for (1) daily, continuous research and resource sharing on issues related to and effecting students with disabilities, & (2) a scheduled weekly Twitter chat on Tuesday nights from 9:00-10:00 EST.
Tuesday March 8, 2016
Welcome to - Introduce yourself, tell where you are from, & what you do. Don't forget to use the hashtag for each tweet.
Welcome to - Introduce yourself, tell where you are from, & what you do. Don't forget to use the hashtag for each tweet.
It is never too late to expand the mind of a person on the autism spectrum. - Temple Grandin
Hi, ! Jodi from Indiana. SpEd teacher in alternative HS setting & private AT/AAC consultant.
Tonight's will discuss teacher motivation, engagement, and professional growth. Looking forward to great discussions.
Hey, ! Tonya here from Indiana. Thank you all for joining us tonight. So glad you are here.
Marie Kirkpatrick- Special education collaborative teacher for 3rd grade. San Antonio, TX.
Peter from NYC here. with a PhD. ? That's me! I wrote a book! Screwed up somehow but not Stupid: Life with an LD
Hi! Britt from Massachusetts! Special educator at the middle school level
Alicia from Philly, PA. current sped doctorate student, former AS teacher.
Hi I'm Sally Taylor a pre-service teacher from Grove City College in PA.
Hey Britt! Welcome back to
Thanks for joining tonight!
Glad you could join again tonight!
Hi Laura here from Indiana!
Hi Sally! We share the same last name! :) Welcome to
Hi Everyone- I am Kara from Troy Michigan, Elementary Resource room K-5
We will post questions as Q1, Q2, etc.. Please tweet your response with A1, A2, etc. Don't forget to add to each tweet!
We will post questions as Q1, Q2, etc.. Please tweet your response with A1, A2, etc. Don't forget to add to each tweet!
Q1: What is the BEST thing about your role or job?
Hey there! Hope your night was a success.
A1: Easy one!! The kids!!! I laugh every single day:)
Howdy! Dawn - High school special education teacher
A1 As I am not a teacher, I could answer this but it is probably off topic :-)
A1: I adore my students' hilarious personalities & the things they teach me that I never wanted to learn. :)
Hi ! I'm Danielle from Indianapolis!
A1: Who we serve! The mission. & students. Most importantly the team I spend my days with. Amazing folks who make me laugh!
A1. Seeing our students graduate and get
Evening, director, Texas, glad to be here!
A1: When I feel like I can level the playing field for a stud
I'm not a teacher yet, but I would think that it would be the kinds that I am helping to grow.
A1. Seeing our students graduate and get a job
Q1: I love being able to see my students growth and build relationships!
A1: my students and coworkers rock
Welcome Michael! Thanks for joining
A1: watching students accomplish what others say they "can't" do!
A1: watching staff and students grow and essentially defy societal gravity with access to a great education
A1 - Seeing the connections with kids and teachers!
A1 I'm not a teacher yet, but I'd think that it'd be the kids I was helping to grow
We'd love to hear your answer regardless! :)
Tyler Toews here from Central California! Ed Specialist at a middle school!
When my kids have "aha" moments and when they make progress!
Welcome Ty! Enjoy tonight. Great topic.
Q2: If you had to pick your top 3 areas of expertise, knowledge, or passion related to SpEd, what would they be?
A2: 1. Assistive Tech, 2. Severe/Multiple Disabilities 3. Transition to Adulthood/Adult Services
A2 1. Being myself 2. Having an MA in special ed and 3. Having written a book on being LD
A2. Teacher evaluation, classroom instructional strategies and using data
Hi, Jenee here. A1: my students are the highlight of my day.
A1: Watching students persevere after struggling with a concept! The "Aha" moment that a math concept clicks!
A2: Behavior, Behavior, Behavior....oh, and Behavior. (PS-also Transition Services, Data)
A2: Behavior, Behavior, Behavior....oh, and Behavior. (PS-also Transition Services, Data)
A2 - understanding of law, evaluation, goal development.
A2: Advocacy, differentiated instruction, and progress monitoring. In general I'm passionate about it all :)
Be sure to add to your tweets!
A2: collaborating with parents, backwards design, differentiation
A2: not sure I'm an "expert", but working on it! Top 3 are transition, Autism services, and disability awareness/advocacy
A2: Building relationships with students, teaching foundational reading skills, and making a difference!!
Q3: What topics are engaging for ALL teachers? Why?
A2: teaching mutual respect, self advocacy, passionate about fostering self confidence
A1: I get to share great strategies for using tech in the class with students and teachers https://t.co/2t5xiNqDeY
Q1: What is the BEST thing about your role or job?
A2 As a pre-service teacher I don't consider mysef an expert on anything yet, but I aspire to be!
What are you passionate about? That is what you will be an expert on.
A2: Empathy, understanding, and communication are my top 3
A2: EdTech, Teaching independence, Ditching Learned Helplessness!
A3: Managing behaviors, planning for behavior, live scaffolding/live modification, planned scaffolding/planned modification
AND dancing....obviously!! :)
A3 - Goal development bc it engages process and data.
A3: Alternative output! Not every child learns the same!
Hi! I am in class tonight. We are joining ! https://t.co/nZzwOiTG2F
Tonight's will discuss teacher motivation, engagement, and professional growth. Looking forward to great discussions.
A3: Sensory regulation, emotional regulation, self advocacy and growth mindset are awesome topics for ALL.
A3: Discussion of post-secondary outcome goals and how each individual setting has a purpose for the greater student goal
Working with the diverse personalities of my students and laughing with them and seeing them grow during the year.
That's perfect. You are going to be great with your Ss!
A3: Differentiated instruction .. stakes are higher..I say the Ss don't change, expectations have.
You are an instructional modeling ROCK STAR!
A3: I think advocacy is generally engaging and interesting because it's a big role we play!
A3: Accommodations, because every SPED student's are different and individualized
A3: Properly incorporating technology into lessons!
Q4: How do YOU set the tone and build school culture for students?
A3: RTII or MTSS....all educators should think like sped teachers
A1: I love working with my students! It's what keeps me going when things get rough. https://t.co/B4Lon3pq3G
Q1: What is the BEST thing about your role or job?
Kathryn here- working with my sweet 2nd & 3rd graders, seeing them grow! https://t.co/zcFWnNKhUg
Q1: What is the BEST thing about your role or job?
A4: High expectations combined with love, support and guidance
Students in the class - don't forget to use the hashtag on your tweets! Glad you are joining us tonight!! :)
A2 Working with very special kiddos; writing very detailed IEPs; teaching! https://t.co/9a6fqtFBfn
Q2: If you had to pick your top 3 areas of expertise, knowledge, or passion related to SpEd, what would they be?
A3 Current events and connecting them to the core material.
A4 - model growth mindset and erase unwritten low expectations for students with disabilities.
A4: Accountability! Hold students to standards- don't lower expectations!
The best thing about my job is seeing the progress my students make https://t.co/aDotCO3TLY
Q1: What is the BEST thing about your role or job?
A4: I treat them like any other student and encourage them to participate in school activities.
In my cotaught classes, I am just another teacher. My Ss are not the only Ss I service. We all have strengths and weaknesses
Yes. Love erasing the unwritten rules for students.
A4: Discussion about my class and who they are. We all need different things and learn differently, and that's ok!
The best thing is doing what I love and making students smile! https://t.co/0kQ3kMOW84
Q1: What is the BEST thing about your role or job?
A3: accommodations...teachers want to know what's going on, doesn't matter if you're a sped teacher or a gened teacher!
A4 Collaboration with general education- all of the students in my elementary school are my students!
Thanks! Glad to be here https://t.co/4BKyRZUbnM
Students in the class - don't forget to use the hashtag on your tweets! Glad you are joining us tonight!! :)
A4 By showing students that I believe in them and in their ability to do great things.
A4: Maintain high expectations, teach students "you can!" And self advocacy!
A3 ... Classroom behaviors
:0)
A4: We set the tone and culture by embracing, encouraging and celebrating the uniqueness of ALL people.
Can I get an AMEN!! https://t.co/PMvi4tab18
A4 - model growth mindset and erase unwritten low expectations for students with disabilities.
A4: (1/2) Our work doesn't end when YOU reach mastery, our work is done when EVERYONE reaches mastery
A4 U have become involved in school. Extracurricular,school wide activities.Get other teachers &all Ss familiar w/ u & Ss socially
A4: treat them the exact same as everyone else. Modeling respect goes a long way!
In my class learning how to participate in . Seeing my students experience success!!! https://t.co/OWQjUmsR5O
Q1: What is the BEST thing about your role or job?
Q5: How do you keep from being overwhelmed with paperwork or what helpful advice do you give to colleagues drowning in IEPs?
A4: (2/2) When you reach the "top" - start walking back down the mountain to find someone else to pull up to the top with you
Thanks for joining us tonight for ! So glad you are here.
always! They light up when I wear my "dancing shoes". And I'm not kidding
A5. Set aside one hour each day that you may not be interrupted!
A5: I just plow through. The nature of the beast. Our numbers are through the roof and we can only do our best..just like the Ss
Q5: Keep up with the paperwork! Don't let it pile up. Take your time and do a little bit each day in preparing for IEP's.
The paper work is the part I dread....I'm looking forward to reading other suggestions! https://t.co/NHFFt10UeG
Q5: How do you keep from being overwhelmed with paperwork or what helpful advice do you give to colleagues drowning in IEPs?
Keeping up with it! https://t.co/EqkwaR2GMY
Q5: How do you keep from being overwhelmed with paperwork or what helpful advice do you give to colleagues drowning in IEPs?
A5: Checklists and to do lists!!! What are your "big rocks"? But I don't heed my own advice most days...
A5: I try to predict schedule as far in advance as can. Stuff still comes up, but it helps me stay on top of some IEP paperwork.
A5: Collaborate with other ! Pray and read devos!
A5 make a timeline before school year with IEP/Eval schedule. Make one or two prep periods a week "paperwork time"
A5 I'm not sure for IEPs, but I know for college homework it's best to not get behind!
Amen! could be the battle cry for all special ed teachers! https://t.co/M7xS2ZsriY
A5: Checklists and to do lists!!! What are your "big rocks"? But I don't heed my own advice most days...
A5 - We've pushed digital age and tried to eliminate papers which excites the peeps!
A5: Google is my life preserver!
Schedule everything on Outlook or other calendar. Takes me about 2 preps per semester but saves tons of time!
A5: Post-It notes, organization, Google Calendar (I could NOT live without this!) And collaboration with your peers!
Hey folks dropping in to remind everyone is this Thursday 9pm EST with to chat mathematical vocabulary!
A5: I literally write the annual dates and meetings in my monthly calendars 1 month ahead so I have an entire month to prepare
.... Expertise is in Behaviors....
The best thing about my job is doing what I love and making kids hearts' happy! https://t.co/0kQ3kMOW84
Q1: What is the BEST thing about your role or job?
That is my very favorite thing Christina! The students faces light up when they "get" it :) https://t.co/iTFwHQNCjB
In my class learning how to participate in . Seeing my students experience success!!! https://t.co/OWQjUmsR5O
Q1: What is the BEST thing about your role or job?
Managing caseload of 38 and a few being high profile, take it one day at a time and lots of wine! https://t.co/8efaqoEME4
Q5: How do you keep from being overwhelmed with paperwork or what helpful advice do you give to colleagues drowning in IEPs?
Me, too! In my current job, I'd say 80% of my paperwork happens with no advance warning & it's killing my system!
Hi, I'm Matt. A4: Build relationships w GenEd and Admin. Also provide support.
I also have a binder for each student where I continually file work samples & assessments.It's handy to bring wherever you need it
So true- when I don't schedule in advance or I think I have myself organized is when I get overwhelmed
Hey Matt! Welcome to . Just jump right in!
A5: always plan a month ahead, make lists, lists, and more lists, and use Google forms for quick written teacher input
Q6: What is the best thing you've ever done/experienced at school to re-energize staff when everyone hits a funk?
A6: 30 second dance parties change my life. It works! Do it, you won't be sorry.
A6: 30 second dance parties change my life. It works! Do it, you won't be sorry.
Unless you dislocate something. Or it makes it on YouTube. THEN you'll be sorry.
A6: As we are in a funk right now (R.I.P. February vacation), I’d love to have some input on this one
Q2: 1. teaching reading 2. Assessment 3. Accommodations https://t.co/7V7Z1NqOZE
Q2: If you had to pick your top 3 areas of expertise, knowledge, or passion related to SpEd, what would they be?
A6: I am on the PBIS committee and this month I planned a surprise assembly with a BMX biker https://t.co/HhUvwps8CV
A6 - sounds silly but we schedule lunch about once a month together.
That sounds like a great morale booster!
A6 Nothing resets my MOJO more than a good sped conference surrounded by newest resources and passionate educators
I think this is a great idea. I did this with a staff and the rule was "no school talk" during lunch!
Seriously, I love you so much. Please come teach with me.
Q7: What makes you mentally check out at school sometimes? How do you support fellow staff when you see them disengaging?
Behavior class , need to integrate students to Gen Ed when possible to promote school culture
A5: always helps me hit the reset button. Such a great to be surrounded by!
We crack jokes! Many of them :) https://t.co/2fZ2pJubjp
Q6: What is the best thing you've ever done/experienced at school to re-energize staff when everyone hits a funk?
A5 Made a grid and matching filing rack, follow deadlines https://t.co/aBKE1yua2v
Q5: How do you keep from being overwhelmed with paperwork or what helpful advice do you give to colleagues drowning in IEPs?
you'd have to tangle with on that one...
A6: Mark up mission statement; Underline 3 most powerful words, list possible synonyms but defend why NO OTHER word could replace
A5: Schedule IEPs early Spread them evenly throughout the school year. Seek help from fellow SpEd https://t.co/1ctto5eDyy
Q5: How do you keep from being overwhelmed with paperwork or what helpful advice do you give to colleagues drowning in IEPs?
Yes I start sending out emails weeks In advance to gather info separate email folders & calenders https://t.co/Z2OGjRGd5x
I also have a binder for each student where I continually file work samples & assessments.It's handy to bring wherever you need it
Well said!!!! https://t.co/oSwgJVAcVi
A4: (1/2) Our work doesn't end when YOU reach mastery, our work is done when EVERYONE reaches mastery
A7 - relentless meetings! Helping out in a class that u don't typically work in.
Advocacy is so important! Our students need us to advocate in their best intrest.
A7: Sometimes I check out after I have a few meetings in a row…I can usually get back into it by engaging with the Ss or my CoT’s..
Give yourself time for the unpredictable.... avoid crunch time for IEPs https://t.co/Y3NPDxYO5p
A5 I'm not sure for IEPs, but I know for college homework it's best to not get behind!
A6: As a leader, I'll showcase excellence video clips captured when no one was looking ;) showing every staff member at their BEST
, maybe would be sorry she made it on YouTube, but I think the rest of this crew would love it
A7: Lack of administrative support or appreciation! Teachers need just like students
And they constantly changes dates, forms & needed info!! https://t.co/eBMq6dh7du
Me, too! In my current job, I'd say 80% of my paperwork happens with no advance warning & it's killing my system!
A7 I can deal w/ a bad day...but a string of bad days(off schedule,outbursts)Kills me! Sometimes I need routine more than Ss :)
Maybe our TOR meeting needs a 30 sec dance party? can lead?
Yes! Every time a kid gets in trouble, I have to hold an IEP conference at the drop of a hat. I can't predict.
OH MAN..Jeans days were the absolute best. Great idea.
Maybe I don't miss those meetings as much as I thought I do... ;)
Yup in my ALT ED class many manifest meetings !! https://t.co/4YdY5QJQwa
Yes! Every time a kid gets in trouble, I have to hold an IEP conference at the drop of a hat. I can't predict.
A7: I ask frankly "what do you need from me right now to get back to 100% immediately for your students?"
I LIVE for jeans day!! :)
Yep. Three more added just today. I'm willing to pay off students. ;)
Q8: If you could plan any prof devel or hire any speaker, what would be most motivational & hv long-lasting impact for all staff?
Lead by example!!! Your acceptance of others can be contagious https://t.co/QNvH4ZOgkG
Q4: How do YOU set the tone and build school culture for students?
sound familiar!? https://t.co/wpTsPbPwxl
A7: Sometimes I check out after I have a few meetings in a row…I can usually get back into it by engaging with the Ss or my CoT’s..
A8: I'd bring in Jullie Jackson from to give her best elevator speech to teachers and instructional coaches
Danielle you can plan the choreography! :)
A8 - no names in mind, but I want a series of former students with disabilities turned success!
A8: Dr. Ross Greene! Duh!!
A8: I loooove hearing from our sped Ss all grown up. Definite motivation.
I'm right there with you at this point in the year! Is it Spring Break yet ?
Too much paperwork & little time Working together and helping each other makes the load lighter https://t.co/FrPDp9iutv
Q7: What makes you mentally check out at school sometimes? How do you support fellow staff when you see them disengaging?
A:7 65 hour weeks! Our team got a room for Ts in sped to have desks in one place. The team time is reinvigorating
True. A teacher in my building walks in my room & says, "How can I help you go home without IEPs in your hands tonight?"
Q9: Why do you show up every day? What makes the hard stuff worth it? How can we help colleagues keep their motivation to show up?
I LOVE this idea!! https://t.co/TKsYRyG1MC
A:7 65 hour weeks! Our team got a room for Ts in sped to have desks in one place. The team time is reinvigorating
Q8: "Show me what breaks your heart and I will show you who you need to serve"
A9: I show up everyday because I give to students exactly what I would give to my own children. I love them all like my own.
A8 He is amazing and innovative, he was our favorite presenter meets
A9: Back to where we started, the kids!!! You need to love those kids!! They make the rest of it worthwhile!
A8 Our best PD has been edcamp style Ts controlled love it https://t.co/6FpvJLKgGp
Q8: If you could plan any prof devel or hire any speaker, what would be most motivational & hv long-lasting impact for all staff?
Rita Pierson for staff motivation https://t.co/QOp5qSW6O3
Q8: If you could plan any prof devel or hire any speaker, what would be most motivational & hv long-lasting impact for all staff?
A9: Support colleagues by collaborating with them. Help them feel success when working with SWD's
A9: (1/2) Every night I go to bed thinking it is NOT FAIR that a kid's destiny is determined by the quality of school they attend
A9 - I can't give up on my staff, kids, and school. It's my emotional responsibility.
bump it up a notch to Lean and Dab!
A9: It's all for the Ss! I live for those days of progress, success, & confidence in who they are. You have to love what you do
You have to adopt a growth mindset. Help students turn negative comments into growth minded ones https://t.co/UbXhlYxy2B
Q4: How do YOU set the tone and build school culture for students?
I was lucky to see the Dalai Lama..He’d be pretty inspirational
Agree! Emotional, Ethical, and life's work for me. I can't imagine doing anything else.
A9: (2/2) Every morning I wake up with a day and the opportunity to fix that problem with a sense of urgency so others will follow
A9 everyday is a new day. chance for change, growth and making a difference
A9: My students are why I show up & why I do hard stuff. I believe in them & they need to know that and see it in my actions.
A4 make sure sped kids are just kids. Sped Ts and sped Ss should be involved in everything- From classrooms to extracurriculars
A9: I show up because every day is different, dynamic, never dull and my Ss inspire me to learn more so I can teach better
Q10: What is your favorite idea from tonight? How are you going to re-motivate & re-engage yourself & fellow staff tomorrow?
A9: Poverty does not take days off or ease up on my students, so I show up every day to give it a hard kick in the rear
A9: 2. reasons. 1: my Ss have had so much against them & I love being the first person FOR them. 2: again, I have the best team
A9. Progress! Seeing progress made (and I will take any progress I can get). When Ss are proud of themselves it's a great day.
Nailed it. https://t.co/rX6S4RUxpw
A9: Poverty does not take days off or ease up on my students, so I show up every day to give it a hard kick in the rear
A10: The thirty second dance party!!
Share with when you do this!! :)
A10 I want to teacher other admin how to be sped leaders!!! Wish I had her support daily! :)
Sharing this twitter chat with one of my students tonight.
Be careful what you wish for..My ALS challenge was epic!
YES! https://t.co/JMao6MIzgK
A9: Poverty does not take days off or ease up on my students, so I show up every day to give it a hard kick in the rear
A9-S led iep's are pretty amazing to watch too. I have had all S led iep's this year (even initial iep's). I have a template-PM me
Time to wrap up tonight! Thanks for the great dialogue & collaboration. Continue to use the hashtag as you finish your chats.
Yes, please!! I have an elem teacher who wants to start this! will you share?
Hi, Brian! Long time, no see!
Again, if you try it..share with !
We will storify this chat and post later tonight so you can catch any missed tweets & check out all the posted links & resources.
See you Tuesday, 3/15, at 9:00 pm EST for the next !
