Many special education teachers are getting nervous because they have not had training in the new common core standards. They will be evaluated as their students reach the individual learning objectives, derived from the common core standards. They may be similar to IEP goals, but are not necessarily the same.Teachers who are responsible for the ...

Fletcher's Place is a fun and easy to use reading program that has been successful with all types of learners. Check out the website for data. I have been using this program for years and parents are pleased with the reading success their children make. I enjoy teaching with this program because the children become excited and look forward to ...

I hope students get started in the right direction at the beginning of the school year, with IEPs and services in place. Parents and teachers must keep on top of this so students have everything they need. Services and accommodations can be overlooked in the confusion of a new school year.

Hi Joan, I have worked in the field of special education and learning disabilities for over 30 years. The best reading programs I have found are Fletcher's Place for PreK-3 and Reading Revolution for older kids. They work well and kids and teachers love using them. They cover all areas of reading using games and good literature for ...

Did you know that the white background on a page of text can be ''visually offensive'' to some readers? Most definitely! By changing the background color of a page of print, focus, concentration, comprehension, and retention can be improved for many. Certain colors can actually ''unblock'' pathways in the brain, making it possible to ...

Good teachers have a strong interest in and dedication to the success of their students. They know that ALL students CAN succeed---even those challenged with learning disabilities and differences. Parents, too, know they can help their children thrive and enjoy much success in the classroom with the use of the right tools, some good ...

I would like to pass along one more idea that I use in my classroom.  Some students (ADD/ADHD or not) experience more reading comfort with this strategy: *** Try using colored paper for printing all materials including worksheets, outlines, notes, etc.  Experiment with pastels as well as bright shades.  One particular ...

I have been receiving some positive comments about the ADD/ADHD strategies posted earlier this month in my blog.  Thank you to all!  As we are starting to plan again for a new school year, it seemed like a good time to add a few more strategies to this list.  If you have any others to add, please reply to this blog ...