#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 September 20, 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.
Thanks . Stick around for if you can!
is about BEHAVIOR! My fav.
I'm Kevin from College Station, Texas. Resource teacher at in Navasota.
Brooke here from Indiana. I'm an assistant sped director.
Welcome back, Kevin! Thanks for joining us!
Hiya! Good to see you again...you are up next week! :)
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!
Hi . Daniel here, Indiana. Director of the PATINS Project.
Hi Libby1 Welcome!! So glad to that you are joining us for
Welcome to as co-moderator! is still feeling under the weather tonight.
Nicole, elem special ed teacher, WV
Jennifer from Ness City, Kansas. I teach 5-8 Special ed in the public schools and provide infant-toddler Sped services
Hi Nicole! Great to see you again at
Hi Jessica! Thanks for joining us. We are fellow Hoosiers! :)
Hi Daniel! Thanks for hanging out for
Q1: How do you define behavior?
Angie Boone middle school sped teacher from small town Kansas
Hi ! I'm Danielle - sped coordinator from Indianapolis
A1: Personally, behavior is any reaction that someone has to whatever is happening. It's what we "do".
A1: Behavior is a form of communication. Every behavior serves a purpose. What is the Ss trying to say?
A1: The response (positive or negative) to a stimulus
A1: The response (positive or negative) to a stimulus
A1: I think I would define behavior as the thing a living being does or says in reaction to SOMETHING else he/she has perceived.
A1: Behavior is what you say and do to convey a message
Ugh, yeah...you are right. oops! I got too excited. :)
Hi Danielle!! Glad you are here. (Wanna co-moderate again?)
Behavior is one's reaction to stimuli
HI Angie!! ;) Thanks for joining
True or even what we don't do sometimes.
Corey from Indiana. I am a HS SpEd teacher.
Andy, self-contained HS math teacher in NYC
Q2: How can parents and teachers work together to identify the function or purpose behind a behavior problem?
Q2: How can parents and teachers work together to identify the function or purpose behind a behavior problem?
of course! Let me know when you need me!
Hi Nice to cross your path again
Hi Andrew! Welcome back to .
A2: Collecting lots of data and sharing. Transparency is key!
A1: Behavior is what results from the conflation of a variety of stimuli, antecedents, and experiences
A2: First, parents and teachers must establish trust in order to be honest about Ss behavior. Don't hide honest observations.
A2: there has to be shared a quick, easy, always-available live messaging & data logging system.
A2: Ah, yes. The most important to prevent the domino... Find the core so all else doesn't fall. https://t.co/eEknIX5SjF
A2: keep data to identify triggers
A2: open and honest communication
A2: There has to be mutual understanding that all behavior happens for a reason & that all behavior can be changed.
LOVE this graphic. Thanks for sharing!
quick is key! otherwise communication will fail. https://t.co/zLVhsYkM0X
A2: there has to be shared a quick, easy, always-available live messaging & data logging system.
A2: there has to be clear lines of comm betweens Ts and parents. Open and honest about all happening with the Ss how and why
That really is KEY. The idea that behavior CAN be changed!
Ur welcome. It's how I've been able to see and visually understand and teach it.
Data! yes, keeps anyone from making judgment statements that could hurt communication https://t.co/HPHJobu4xX
A2: keep data to identify triggers
Q3: What is the best way to de-escalate a behavior?
A2) open communication between all involved; parents, teachers, students...lots of data collection and documentation
, I'm in Jefferson City Mo. I am a special education teacher with a resource class and do push-ins
YES!! This is absolutely my core belief.
Talk about what Ss does at home and what Ts see at school to get a grasp on what is triggering behaviors
A3: Not sure it's the best way, but I try to use humor to de-escalate, both students and adults that may be involved.
A3: Sometimes just a new face can assist in de-escualtion, which is often hard for Ts to pass on to someone else.
yes! keeps everyone on the same page and focused
A3: depends where the st is in the escalation....sometimes you have to let the behavior peak before de-escalation can happen
A3- listen. Just wait and listen. Ask how to help
I like that idea. That would give some great insight tor teachers.
A3: Control your own emotions and stance, discuss students concerns and emotions, create action plan.
A3: Control your own emotions and stance, discuss students concerns and emotions, create action plan.
A3: Stay calm, focused, and seek to understand
A3: figure out what calms Ss. Model diff coping skills so they can learn to self-regulate.
Q3: The quickest way to de-escalate a behavior is to allow it to work... which often is really NOT what we want to achieve.
A3: communication, understanding, compassion, clarity, and redirection!
A3: Or simply just stop talking. SO much talking happens sometimes.
What grade level does this work best with?
I've found if I can talk to them alone that can help so things aren't happening in front of an audience
OMG, YES!! I say all the time "Just STOP talking" (to the grownups not the kids)
A3: Most often, providing no response and just listening from a non-confrontational distance is most successful "intervention."
A3: new face, avoid power struggles, offer choices, set limits, use humor if appropriate
A3: it depends on the S. Some respond to humor or calm words or just the presence of a trusted adult
A3: Redirection to interrupt the chain of thought but careful to avoid inadvertently giving attention to neg bx
COMPASSION! That is often overlooked when in a behavior situation. nice!
Right? Kinda like Dory "Just stop talking! Just stop talking!"
I work with elementary (1-5). Humor often creates a distraction for my Ss and provides a break in the tension.
A3: also, listen. A problem behavior is always a form of communication
Oh yes, I agree! That way they don't have to "save face" in front of their friends.
it's hard to be objective in an escalating situation, but it helps!
Q4: What is the greatest thing school administrators can do to support teachers dealing with tough behaviors in the classroom
A3: there are often times when ignoring is your best bet! Let the S have some release of emotion.
A4: Allow PD opportunities specified for behavior, along with their Paras
A4: Have a system-wide positive behavior plan in place and HOLD ALL Ss accountable for it, with disabilities or not.
A3: Listen, wait, show you care, find a private location, and let them talk through it
A4- listen. Let Ts vent, verbalize without judging or "supervising"
A4: Admin can support by assuring us they have confidence in what we're doing, as well as offering assistance as needed.
A4:Know and understand the BIP and FBA. Be involved and not just in crisis.
A4: Have an true discussion about what is going on in the instruction, environment, reinforcement, response strategies, etc.
A4: my admin are AWESOME! They have my back when a S is a little out of control and they reiterate what I have previously said.
hello I am a student.
I don't really know what this is for but I found it. Keep doing your jobs greatly 👍
A4 - Be visable often. Visit with those kids outside of office visits.
A4: It also helps when you start school to have a clear understanding of behavior Ss and a plan set in place b4 outburst happens
A4: I like CPI. It's clear and student-centered.
is trainer extraordinaire!! Seriously, the best.
A4: Be present, help understand the "why", avoid punishment as go to consequence, communicate w/parents, build relationship w/st
A4: knowing that my Ss may need modification and accommodation with the general Ed behavior system
It seems that LOUD behaviors r what gets tackled but often it's the silent ones we need to be in tune to as well. Equally import.
A4: Check in with teacher daily, support in classroom, support in front of parents.
A4: Check in with teacher daily, support in classroom, support in front of parents.
Q5: How do you encourage students to independently monitor their own behaviors? What tips and strategies work best?
A5- using zones of regulation this year. love it!
A4: Admins can support by following Ts lead in difficult situations. Ask ?s & learn about Ss needs!
A4: when admin know how severe the student is also helps b4 situations happen
A4: offer other viewpoints on Bx, and back the push for accommodations and modifications
LOVE zones of regulation! How's it going?
A5: Model, Practice, Model, Practice
A5: I use a goal journal with my Ss. We meet the first 10 minutes every morning and establish their behavior goal for the day.
begin and end day with behavior charts Ss fill out. Make it individualized to fit needs of certain Ss.
WOWZA! What an amazing idea! How's it going?
Seclusion, anxiety, depression, minimal response if any to bullying
Have you tried WOOP goals? https://t.co/AFmoPIRbVp
A5: I use a goal journal with my Ss. We meet the first 10 minutes every morning and establish their behavior goal for the day.
A5: Love, love, love Intervention Central for tracking/monitoring charts & ideas
Do YOU have one for yourself for your Ss?? ha ha
if my school's trainers were on twitter I'd shout them out!
A5:again model coping skills for Ss especially ones with severe behaviors. Also seeing other Ss with severe behaviors will impact
A4: Be present for the ups and downs of a behavior so they can better understand the individual at their best and worst
A4) took my answer! Don't know her, but she totally just described my admin! https://t.co/ZHgzSdVgdg
A4: Be present, help understand the "why", avoid punishment as go to consequence, communicate w/parents, build relationship w/st
A5: developing vocab about the bx, pair w/ visual supports such as the incredible 5 point scale
A5: I would love ideas, that is not my strong suit!
I am pretty confident that you'd like her.
Developing Voc is very important. Helping Ss actually name what they are feeling.
LOVE this Brooke! You always have the coolest ideas! https://t.co/Az0g2048Li
A5: developing vocab about the bx, pair w/ visual supports such as the incredible 5 point scale
Offering options to communicate, other than just verbal. VISUALS.
Understanding that consequences may be different & need addressed diff is important!
Q6: Do you feel prepared to handle violent behavior? How does your school train/prepare staff to handle these situations?
Yes! Ts need to turn off the special ed terminology for a minute and just be real https://t.co/E9MewFqEly
A4- listen. Let Ts vent, verbalize without judging or "supervising"
A6- CPI plus post conferences to review situation
A5: our school CPI trains staff who would more likely be involved in violent behaviors
Yes! And sometimes that involves tears...of joy and other emotions!
A6: All of our schools participate in CPI training and have a response team in each building. thanks to
A6: I do. I've been CPI trained for the past 6+ years. I've never felt I couldn't handle an issue.
Great idea to unwrap behaviors and debrief!
A5: I feel well prepared if a violent situation would break out with my students. I have all boys so it would be interesting!
A6: We use CPI to manage violent behaviors
A6: We also have a response team to handle violent situations within the school
you can always reflect to see if it could have been handled differently to yield better outcome
A6: I have been trained in CPI, but have never had to use it in a violent situation, very fortunate
A6: CPI training certainly helps! Also, open and easy communication between staff if an emergency arises
Q7: How do you support gen ed teachers & staff to successfully implement/follow behavior plans? Tips for buy-in & follow-through?
A6:Staff training but ALL Ts need 2 kno safe1st Power of plan can ease Ts who r not CPI certified Nothing worse than feel helpless
A7: Reflect on previous success
A7: Reflect on previous success
A7- not really a choice whether to follow, but we have set up for success meetings to review in person
A7: Have them develop them with a colleague. Brainstorming with a trusted person to deve best plan has potential to stick!
A7: Talk about the WHY and give Tts space to create together. Collaboration is key!
A7: I am blessed to have admin that allow me to assure Ts that they may call me immediately and I will be there for them.
A7: be very clear when describing anything to reg ed Ts about the BIP and how the follow through is handled. lots of comm!
A7: take data from FBA to teachers and ask for input when developing BIP. They have some ownership and buy in is stronger
A7: It's tough, but explain the end result will be worth it if the plan is followed & executed
A7: I sit and discuss the behavior plan with them so that they understand how it applies to what may happen in their classroom.
A7: Always keep the student at the center of the focus. All of this is about them. Focus there and the rest will come
A7: Consistency across the board, not some of the time but ALL of the time.
A7: building trust with your colleagues is an important 1st step, then do what you say you will!
Yes, Yes, and Yes...again.
Yep, always go back to the goal! https://t.co/4B9Jc3DeO1
A7: It's tough, but explain the end result will be worth it if the plan is followed & executed
A7: communicate, model interventions, make data collection simple, allow for feedback, make sure Ts know BIP is part of IEP
Gotta keep the student in mind. Their safety is always the first priority!
Q8: If you had to tell a new teacher the top 3 things about Ss behavior, what would they be?
Q8: If you had to tell a new teacher the top 3 things about Ss behavior, what would they be?
A7: Frequent meetings and follow ups with gen ed Ts. Keep my door open for others to come observe how I implement behavior plans
yes, consistency and follow through is extremely important
A8- every day is a new day. They are just kids. We must give respect if we want to get it.
A8: 1. Beware power struggles 2. Don't yell 3. Don't be afraid to ask for help
A8: Dont take it personally, you must REPLACE the behavior with a healthier one & laughing about it later is a great stress reliev
A8:
1. Consistency. 2. Consistency 3. Consistency.
A8: stay consistent with how you work with the Ss. They catch onto everything no matter the IQ!
A8: it's not personal, if Ss could stop it they would, and it can change!
A8: Don't take things personally. It's NEVER about you!
A8: talk with them before going to higher power. They are humans too
A8: 1. look for the antecedents 2. Try to understand what's being communicated 3. it's not about you personally!
A8: and my favorite... Kids do well, if they can!
A8: Not always predictable hve patience & what they r feeling is very REAL to THEM, so let's make sure we validate them, FOR them
A8: even if the Ss is blaming you, majority of the time it's NOT you!
Be patient, be clear, communication is important
A3: Remember - the Bx isn't personal, the Bx is a message, and take data on everything
A8: have authentic convo with Ss on reg basis and behaviors may not happen or not as frequent
Yes! It's NOT personal. Some Ts will struggle with disconnecting from that which can escalate the behavior for sure.
Q9: What is your favorite resource for gathering behavior interventions and strategies?
Boom! Remember that they're kids learning & growing. https://t.co/6fqAqXulyP
A8: Don't take things personally. It's NEVER about you!
A8: sometimes bx gets worse b4 it gets better, bx is a form of communication, sometimes bx is an adult problem not a S problem
A9: I love using CHAMPS. I struggled with implementation initially, but have seen my Ss really begin to respond lately.
A9: vet teachers, friends from college who were ed majors, RELIABLE internet sources
A9: Parents and former teachers that were successful with the S
A9: talk with parents ASAP about their concerns, especially if transitioning school buildings and teachers
A9: my PLN on Twitter is a good resource too!
Q10: Take-away from tonight's chat: What thing did you learn/see that sparked your interest? What new idea are you going to try?
A10: That I want to go observe class!
A10: lots of new behavior resources that I can implement in daily routine! YAY!
A10: the idea of behavior journals, will look into using those with specific kiddos!
A10: Daily behavior journals for students to check their own behaviors
A9) My Sped PLN on Twitter
OK, I just have to... "WOOP there it is! WOOP there it is!" Ur welcome.
Def will check out pbisworld. THIS is exactly why I love these chats!
:) I was so waiting for someone to do that bc it's all I could think about!
Time to wrap up tonight! Thanks for the great dialogue & collaboration. Continue to use the hashtag as you finish your chats.
We will storify this chat and post later tonight so you can catch any missed tweets & check out all the posted links & resources.
Thanks for the great chat
Thank you for an AWESOME ! Best ! See you Tuesday, 9/27, at 9:00 pm EST for the next chat.
Thank you for the laughs and amazing learning. Let's go do wonderful things for Ss this week and find th… https://t.co/cny3TYV1pY
Thanks. and
Glad to be able to learn from great Ts and As!
Thanks for a great chat. It was my first time here and I will be back next week
So so glad! Have a great week and see you soon!
My second Twitter Chat is in the books. It was amazing! Thank you and and
Thank YOU for joining! Have a great week! See you next week.
Another great - sorry I was late!!! Thank you ! Hope to see many of you tmr @ 9 EST for
