Teachers succeed in increasing learning and engagement for students with disabilities through personalized instruction. Leaders can ensure educators have the tools and resources available to meet each student’s individual needs with a professional learning plan that helps educators leverage technology, differentiate instruction, and create a student-centered environment for all learners.
Focus Area
Shifting to a student-centered classroom requires focus on outcomes and differentiated training for teachers. When measurable outcomes are aligned with professional learning, educators are able to track the improved learning that occurs throughout the year with this personalized approach to supporting students with disabilities. Together, we’ll create an environment where Special Education teachers help students thrive in and outside of the classroom.
The BL Lab contains everything Special Education teachers need for outcomes-based professional learning.
Teachers find resources, engage with coaches, and measure student progress.
Instructional leaders access differentiated supports within our library of self-directed content that can be used to support PLCs, new paraprofessionals, and educator growth that results in more student-centered classrooms and targeted student attention.
Administrators observe a complete view of participant’s professional learning progress inside the platform dashboards. Access data on engagement and completion of professional learning activities with ease.
Designed to bring your team together and normalize new concepts, language, and practices to accelerate student growth, our launch experiences are best done in person and include the teachers, instructional leaders, and building leaders that will work together to begin enacting these changes in practice.
Launching School-Wide Systems to Support Students with Disabilities | In-Person
Educators understand that the work of supporting students with disabilities does not live only with special education teachers and staff, it lives with every single school team.
Starting with a job-embedded 1:1 Coach, Special Education teachers and paraprofessionals plan for success in a supportive environment.
1:1 Job Embedded Coaching | Virtual
Educators work with a Coach to create sustained shifts in practice aligned to target outcomes using our Try-Measure-Learn approach.
Professional learning doesn’t stop when a workshop ends. It happens in the classroom. We’ll support assessment of special education areas of growth and success through our tried and tested Learning Walks. Learning Walks are non-evaluative observation tools used to help Instructional Leaders identify and celebrate areas of progress and growth for teachers working with students with disabilities.
Learning Walk Cycle | In-Person
Leaders can identify evidence of the target outcomes in the classroom and in student learning.
In Virtual Workshops, we work toward outcomes for teachers working with students with disabilities. Setting goals, identifying manageable implementation steps, and creating a plan to reflect on results all contribute to a collaborative professional learning environment.
Developing High Expectations for Students with Disabilities | Virtual
I maintain and evaluate expectations that are both high and realistic for students with disabilities
Technology Strategies for UDL | Virtual
I design lessons that are inclusive for students with disabilities by using UDL principles.
Using Differentiation Techniques to Make Learning Accessible | Virtual
I differentiate instruction to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
Providing Assistive Technology to Make Learning Accessible | Virtual
I differentiate instruction utilizing technology to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
Student Centered IEPs | Virtual
I collaborate with all partners to contribute to IEPs that reflect student strengths and needs.
Depending on your district’s size and goals, the typical implementation timeline is one to three years. Our comprehensive professional learning plans incorporate a variety of learning modalities. We back it up with scaffolded support and create a professional learning plan tailored to district strategic goals. And, it’s always driven by research and focused on outcomes to ensure aligned success.
Outcomes connect every BetterLesson professional learning experience. Each experience ties to an outcome that makes changes in practice impactful for students and teachers. For the Students with Disabilities focus area, we focus on helping educators achieve the below outcomes.
Outcome: I design lessons that are inclusive for students with disabilities by using UDL principles.
Outcome: I differentiate instruction to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
Outcome: I maintain and evaluate expectations that are both high and realistic for students with disabilities.
Outcome: I collaborate with all partners to contribute to IEPs that reflect student strengths and needs.
Outcome: I foster a positive culture in my classroom and school community around disability awareness.
Develop an understanding of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
Help students learn about their strengths, articulate their needs, and become active members of their IEP team.
Ensure that students are seen, heard, treated fairly, and protected so that they can succeed in a learning environment.
Accelerate growth in your schools and stay ahead of the curve.
