#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 1, 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.
Hi. Peter here. , PhD, ? That's me! I wrote a book! "Screwed up somehow but not stupid"
Hey ! Thanks for joining us! I'm Danielle from Indianapolis!
I am so excited to welcome as a guest co-moderator tonight! She has a lot to contribute to our chat.
Tonight's will classroom accommodations and modifications. Looking forward to great discussions.
Marie Kirkpatrick- Collaborative/Co-teacher for Spec Ed, 3rd grade from San Antonio, TX! Can't wait for more great conversation!
Latia from Las Vegas, Sped Facilitator w/ CCSD
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!
Welcome to Marie! https://t.co/c9SvUfKvSu
Marie Kirkpatrick- Collaborative/Co-teacher for Spec Ed, 3rd grade from San Antonio, TX! Can't wait for more great conversation!
Hello! Sierra Cottrill, special ed major at Ohio University.
Nikki Morrow - inclusion teacher at Decatur Middle School in Indianapolis, Indiana
Chelsea, Massachusetts, 7th grade inclusion :)
Liz from Mo. K-2 resource teacher
Q1: How would you define “classroom accommodation”
Welcome to ! Happy to have you here!
Welcome ! https://t.co/r15bZCnDxe
Nikki Morrow - inclusion teacher at Decatur Middle School in Indianapolis, Indiana
A1: Adapting or adjusting to meet the learners needs
A1: A classroom accommodation is a way to help all Ss access classroom content
Hi . I'm Matt from Central CA. Currently, HS SpEd teacher. First time on Twitter...yikes!
Hi . I'm Matt from Central CA. Currently, HS SpEd teacher. First time on Twitter...yikes!
Accommodations are anything we can use to help students access and perform in GE curriculum/class
A1 How student's access the curriculum/content at a level they are able to perform with. Can be academic or functional
Welcome to ! (And to Twitter!) https://t.co/IDqZ4PURHU
Hi . I'm Matt from Central CA. Currently, HS SpEd teacher. First time on Twitter...yikes!
A1- anything that levels playing field to allow S to participate in grade level curriculum
A1 Any way of making the classroom and lessons more accessible to more students.
A1: Accommodations are the supports we use to help students access the curriculum at a level they can understand successfully
Q2: What is the purpose for classroom accommodations?
A1: Accommodations bridge learning gaps for students with social, behavioral or academic needs...make learning accessible to all
A1 what we can use to help students access GE curriculum/setting
At their level! That is key https://t.co/8fAkTrofvN
A1 How student's access the curriculum/content at a level they are able to perform with. Can be academic or functional
A2 To allow states to save money by putting more special ed kids in general ed
"understand successfully" is key! https://t.co/psYFRX0oNN
A1: Accommodations are the supports we use to help students access the curriculum at a level they can understand successfully
A1: I think a classroom accommodation is something extra that a student could individually use to keep from falling behind.
I like the idea of calling them supports. Everyone can use support. https://t.co/HhVzBzvpLq
A1: Accommodations are the supports we use to help students access the curriculum at a level they can understand successfully
A2 To help ss access the grade level content in a way that helps them be successful
A1: Anything we can do to meet them at their level. Hopefully, we have resources at our disposal...
I did enjoy Doug Fuchs' talk at on why more special education is needed.
A2: A classroom accommodation helps ALL students feel success in school
I like that "level the field"
A1 Accommodations are what we can fairly provide to meet the needs of our students, so they can be successful in the classroom
A2: To allow all our Ss access to the curriculum at grade level w/o falling behind and providing success for all Ss
A2. To ensure ALL students can access curriculum
Having resources is key. Do you have other Sped teachers in your building to bounce ideas off of? https://t.co/Aze71l6lY5
A1: Anything we can do to meet them at their level. Hopefully, we have resources at our disposal...
A2 classroom accommodations are what our kiddos need to be successful in the classroom
Yep! Right on! https://t.co/PxRYNGnnsB
A2 To help ss access the grade level content in a way that helps them be successful
A2: The purpose of classroom accommodations is to level the playing field for all students so everyone can succeed.
"Fairly provide" is key. We are leveling the playing field with accommodations, not changing the game! https://t.co/tFfKHFs2XQ
A1 Accommodations are what we can fairly provide to meet the needs of our students, so they can be successful in the classroom
A2: to provide students with the essential support(s) that promote success in the classroom and link students needs to curriculum
Q3: What are some creative ways to work with teachers to learn what accommodations ss need?
How do we measure successful? https://t.co/J779taVoDz
A2 classroom accommodations are what our kiddos need to be successful in the classroom
A2: Classroom accommodations are an attempt to "level the playing field" - overused expression, but true
A3: I love using google docs or a google shared calendar to keep in constant communication.
A3: I LOVE Google forms for teacher input on accommodations. Empowering Ts to know what to look for helps, too!
Q4: What kind of accommodations have you seen in classrooms?
A3- I ask when/where kids need most help- what's frustrating? And then help find accom to support S and T
Anyone else use google forms? Great thought! https://t.co/GxDdu3X2rH
A3: I LOVE Google forms for teacher input on accommodations. Empowering Ts to know what to look for helps, too!
A3: Common Planning Time - not super creative but the face to face comm is super helpful for all Ts involved in Ss success
A3 I find constant communication is the most ideal-planning, email, phone, etc. Google is an easy platform to use also!
A3 Involved them in the process, show them it's not something else to do and make it easy for them to do
Absolutely...when schedules line up, this is the best! https://t.co/fAi5rfo7xX
A3: Common Planning Time - not super creative but the face to face comm is super helpful for all Ts involved in Ss success
A4- close copy rather than having S copy fr board. Ss get behind and everyone gets frustrated! Rest of class gets off task waiting
YES! Common planning time can be changing! Such a nice idea when schools can make it happen. https://t.co/xbJ2ISQGjJ
A3: Common Planning Time - not super creative but the face to face comm is super helpful for all Ts involved in Ss success
A3 I have been wanting to try google forms, just viewed some tutorials...looks promising
Showing them that this is not just something else to do is SO important! Great point! https://t.co/w8Rc7jS7jc
A3 Involved them in the process, show them it's not something else to do and make it easy for them to do
A1: classroom accommodations are adjustments to the learning process that allow Ss to access general curriculum
A3 Also ask them what they do WELL. That can be a key to finding an accommodation that works for the kid
A4:cue student to stay on task, i.e. private signal
Yes, Google stuffs make sharing info much easier. Teachers seem to appreciate also
A3-Identify what success looks like for student. Then plan steps to get student to that level. Jumping in late. 1st time at ! :)
A4: I have several Ss w/anxiety, so my favorite accommodation in classrooms is a cue for when Ss will be called upon. SO helpful
Q2: purpose of accommodations are to allow the learner to access curriculum in a meaningful way w/o modifying the content
A4 read aloud on test that measure comprehension not decoding
A3: try to be proactive in co-planning with gened Ts, versus reactive. Collaborate to identify areas where students may struggle
A4: Also, extended time on tests eases anxiety on many levels. We definitely use this one at school!
I hate when I walk in a class & see ss trying to copy from the board. such a distraction. Thy lose contnt https://t.co/pnhgwwEso8
A4- close copy rather than having S copy fr board. Ss get behind and everyone gets frustrated! Rest of class gets off task waiting
A4: read aloud tests, small group testing, sitting in close proximity to teacher, hard copy of notes, extended time, breaks
A4 Access to supplemental aids, clarification of directions, check for understanding, copy of notes, small group instruction
also using a timer for transitions sometimes that auditory cue can go a long way
Q5: What are modifications and when is it appropriate to use them?
YES! Such a helpful idea!
A4 Ask questions orally. That gets rid of handwriting issues. Good for some kids. Worked great for me
Good ideas! I also like directions to be written! Ss always forget verbal directions https://t.co/Qn9gjt5gde
A4 Access to supplemental aids, clarification of directions, check for understanding, copy of notes, small group instruction
A3: learning style inventories, assess use of different accommodations, ask Ss about their preferences, review evaluation data
A5: When you bring the curriculum to the level of the Ss - focusing on the BIG idea for comprehension, not the details
A4 Changing the expectations/outcome of grade level content. Appropriate for Ss working well below level but working on the skill
A5- I try to stay away from mods. But I will modify a format on assessment- open ended vs mult choice.
This can be a game changer for ED ss. You actually get to the mastery of content, not the writing issue https://t.co/r4FEXXp9zG
A4 Ask questions orally. That gets rid of handwriting issues. Good for some kids. Worked great for me
A4 - Allow for choice in how Ss show learning - orally, concrete objects, writing. Let Ss have a voice in their learning.
A4: More time usually helps.Providing options for assignments e.g. Google Slides instead of essay
A4Having students filled in cloze notes is also helpful.They still have to pay attention but not overloaded with coping from board
do you have a website you use for learning style inventories https://t.co/zBERAjt8DW
A3: learning style inventories, assess use of different accommodations, ask Ss about their preferences, review evaluation data
A5 Changing the expectations/outcome of grade level curriculum. For Ss working well below level but working on same skills
Q6: How do you, as TOR, make sure accommodations and modifications remain appropriate for ss?
A5: Modifications are edited versions of the curriculum, used when Ss are unable to attend to the curriculum that other Ss can.
A5: modification is a change in the curriculum
Sometimes changing the test format is all it takes to make a student successful https://t.co/KJLkywsuzd
A5- I try to stay away from mods. But I will modify a format on assessment- open ended vs mult choice.
A4: read aloud, apps like Read & Write, Voice Typing, manipulatives, use of X chart, use of number line
A6: occasionally see how ss does w/out the accom or modification
A6: Observe Ss often, get teacher input, talk to the Ss about their success or difficulties
Read and write is so helpful! https://t.co/TN4PBymdaw
A4: read aloud, apps like Read & Write, Voice Typing, manipulatives, use of X chart, use of number line
- Yes! What if more assessments were open-ended? More possibilities for exploring student thinking!
A6: I like to conference and get student feedback, asking their content teachers, and assessing data related to their progress
A6 Ideally TOR are using them consistently & purposefully. Easy to see if an A or M is working if they're being used
I really like the idea of student feedback. That is such a powerful idea when used appropriately.
Q5: modifications are changing the content . Should be used when Ss can't access grade level content meaningfully despite acomm.
I never really thought about taking it away to gauge usefulness...interesting!
I like the idea of getting ss feedback. What age do you suggest getting feedback from?
A3 We meet at least every 3 weeks face to face with all of our SPED students' gen Ed teachers. So beneficial! Way to go lfcisd!
Q7: How can you support teachers to make sure accommodations are happening in classrooms?
my students are 7th grade and are still learning to express their needs so I model and teach in MS
I think it's so important to ask the Ss too! They know best if they feel like it's helping them!
WOW. That is awesome! I bet you learn a lot from these meetings. Way to go! https://t.co/YNTiDYoQ3E
A3 We meet at least every 3 weeks face to face with all of our SPED students' gen Ed teachers. So beneficial! Way to go lfcisd!
I've seen it work! Slowly decreasing behavior accommodations https://t.co/4AiFgEMurW
I never really thought about taking it away to gauge usefulness...interesting!
Q6: It takes collaboration w/gen ed Ts & data collection/analysis
A7: weekly meetings, pushing into classes, PD during staff meetings
A5: Mods=changing learning outcome; appropriate for some students; depends on degree of disability
A7: Teaching Ss to self-advocate for accommodations when appropriate is more impactful than me telling teachers
A7: By being in frequent comm, asking their needs and validating their concerns, and teaching Ss to self advocate when needed
A7- ask! How's it going? How's our pal doing? Do you need help with anything?
A7 I think it's really important to check in with the Ts & Ss! If it's in the IEP it needs to be implemented! Communicate :)
A7: be a part of the planning process, prepare appropriate materials in advance, and use effective co-teaching strategies
A7: And making sure teachers have materials and tools they need is crucial. Offer to help when possible.
A7: Discuss what student learning will look like/sound like with accommodations so we have a clear picture of outcomes.
Yes PD during staff meetings! I'm sorry if you don't like it, but it's the law if it's in the IEP. Use 'em!
Q8: How can teachers explain to the class why some ss receive accommodations and some don't, and should this be explained at all?
self advocacy is a skill they will use forever! Any tips on how to best teach that?
A7: Build a relationship; be in their classrooms; help them. Most appreciate this!
A7: I meet daily with both grade levels classroom teachers during prep periods...communication and collaboration is vital
Absolutely! Working with Ss to reflect by asking, "In what ways did __ help you today?" "What might you try next time?"
A7: Teach Ss to use technology supports and to be their own best advocate!
A8 Everyone gets what they need
A8- old fav- fair isn't everyone getting the same thing, fair is everyone getting exactly what they need
by expressing to them that we all need help and its OK to seek it out when you need to
Absolutely!!I Working with my 3rd grade SE Ss on this. So important to learn to advocate for their needs! https://t.co/B49WdZvwPg
A7: Teaching Ss to self-advocate for accommodations when appropriate is more impactful than me telling teachers
Relationship building is the most important! How do you make time for that?
A8 I think students are the understanding ones....sometime we have to explain more to our GE teachers
Couldn't have said it better myself. https://t.co/iPBiO6IUlD
A8- old fav- fair isn't everyone getting the same thing, fair is everyone getting exactly what they need
A8: By explaining that everyone learns differently, and different strategies are implemented to help all succeed
- Yep! Also lets Ss know that there's not always one right answer. It's not about the answer, it's about the thinking.
A8: Yes! Teach Ss to appreciate differences. What's fair is not equal.
Follow until 10 and you'll get all the answers!
Do gen ed teachers every question how grades are equal?
A8: Fair is not equal. Not everyone needs glasses to see/read.
A8 We have an open convo at the BOY of how everyone learns differently. We put up this poster! https://t.co/yxeYY6rFJP
Do you bring up accommodations to your entire class? Would be awesome to get a gened perspective to Q8!
Love that! "Its about thinking" wow! That is my new motto!
A8: I think this is why regular differentiation is key for ALL students. Then students are used to differences & it's not an issue
Q9: What are some resources that we can use to help accommodate ss in the classroom?
A8 We also read a book our behavior teacher wrote with a former S with AU. Helps to open their eyes and understanding
very true. If differentiation starts on day 1, students will not even know to question it.
A8: I try to pull students aside for a private convo if they question why they don't receive accommodations.
Part of my day is set aside for resource, so I'm in their rooms a lot. Works well
A9: Each other! Communicate with other teachers to see if they have ideas for accommodations.
A8- Once students learn that they are all different learners they are more likely to accept difference accommodations!
A9: Accommodation resources are everywhere! Google docs has a voice to text option for Ss who need to talk their essays
Sometimes a private explanation is all Ss need to gain a better understanding of this https://t.co/DhjXkiqMeQ
A8: I try to pull students aside for a private convo if they question why they don't receive accommodations.
A8- Once students learn that they are all different learners they are more likely to accept different accommodations!
Very true. Celebrate differences on day one!
A9: I love using voice to text for essays and text to speech for reading
Perfect for those dyslexic and reading LD kids who have the capacity but lack the capability! https://t.co/ubL64gzpAD
A9: I love using voice to text for essays and text to speech for reading
A9: Google file with acc's accessible to all teachers (graphic organizers, x chart) & technology - accessibility tools on iPad
this is such a great tool! It makes writing essay less overwhelming to start.
A9 does anyone know of any apps to make tracking accommodations easier? Google Docs is a good start...any others?
A8: Scaffolding and differentiation may alleviate the need for much explanation, depending on how curious your Ss are
So cool, thank you for sharing this! Asking students what helps them is a great way to help. https://t.co/i2ltI8jnQu
Q10: What was your biggest takeaway from tonight?
I seriously don't know how people were successful teachers before Google everything became a thing. Haha!
A10: The refocus on how important accommodations are!
A10 I really enjoyed hearing how everyone else organizes and uses accommodations! I can always use new ideas! Esp Google!!
A10. Using Google Docs to help keep up with accommodations and great resources mentioned
A10: I have a lot to learn!
A10: LOVED the giant list of accommodations/modifications! Great reminder of the other tools available for our Ss
A10 - I made some new connections around accommodations...Googledocs and other tools, collaborating with each other. Great chat!
A10: I would like to try Google Docs to collaborate w/ Ts & Ps on accommodations so that everyone is on the same page (literally).
9:55 Laura Time to wrap up tonight! Thanks for great dialogue & collaboration. Continue to use the hashtag as u finish chats.
A9: I don't have a shareable link but had an awesome resource for accommodations. Maybe she could share?
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, 3/8, at 9:00 pm EST for the next chat.
