Common-Sense Classroom Management for Special Education Teachers, Grades K-5

Jill A. Lindberg retired from Milwaukee Public Schools in June 2003 and is currently a supervising teacher for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Her teaching experience includes six years as a mentor teacher, assisting both general and special education teachers in Milwaukee Public Schools. She has taught students with specific learning disabilities, students with emotional/behavior disabilities, and students with hearing impairment. She has coauthored five books in the Common-Sense Classroom Management series with educators from the Milwaukee area. She has a degree in exceptional education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Foreword by Patricia A. Yahle Preface Acknowledgments About the Authors 1. Getting Organized Student Information Supplies and Materials Your Desk and Surrounding Area Forms and Schedules Room Arrangement 2. Organizing Students Adequate Storage Teaching Time Savers Student Desk Organization Mailboxes Routines and Rules Classroom Buddies 3. Classroom and Behavior Management Whole-Class Management Considerations for Students with Special Education Needs Managing Small Groups Developing Appropriate and Easily Implemented Behavior Programs Developing and Monitoring Behavior Intervention Plans Incentive Programs Negative Consequences When You Must Discipline... 4. Special Education Instructional Planning The IEP and Planning Grouping Students Finding Appropriate Materials Independent Work The IEP and Assistive Technology Using Assistive Technology as a Learning Support 5. General Education Instructional Planning Coordinating Efforts with the General Education Teacher and Support Staff Planning for Academic and Behavioral Success Co-Teaching and Co-Planning Adapting Lessons Accessing the General Education Curriculum Transition Times Special Education Instructional Planning Your Involvement in the General Education Classroom 6. Record Keeping and Information Management Creating a System Finding Time to Complete Paperwork IEP's and Progress Reports Report Cards and Grading 7. Legal Issues IDEA Reauthorization Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) Manifestation Determination Student and Parent Rights Suspensions 8. Working with Families Before You Contact Families... Establishing a Positive Relationship Ongoing Communication IEP Meetings Parent Conferences Documentation Assistance from School Support Staff 9. Working with Support Staff The IEP and Support Staff Involvement Support from the Special Education Administrative Staff Support from the School Psychologist Support from the School Social Worker Support from the Speech and Language Pathologist Other Support Staff 10. Working with Teacher Assistants Making a Schedule Communication Presenting a United Front Assigning Responsibilities Discussing Concerns 11. Working with Administration Understanding Your Principal's View of Special Education in Your School Communicating with Your Principal Principal Observations and Evaluations Professional Development What is a Professional Learning Community? 12. Working within Your School Community Becoming Part of the Team Teacher Buddies and Mentors To Socialize or Not to Socialize The Teachers' Room Ask for Help, Offer to Help Other Supports for New Teachers Suggested Readings References Index

"Kudos to the authors for developing a great resource for new teachers and veterans in the field. Its organization allows for it to be used as a quick reference . . . (and it) is full of tips and ideas that any teacher can use to prevent problems from occurring. (It) should be in every special education classroom." -- Therese Kwiatkowski, Director of Special Education "As a former special education teacher, I highly recommend Common-Sense Classroom Management for Special Education Teachers K-6 for all those who want to be more effective in every aspect of their work. All of the special education teachers at my school will have copies of this practical guide. It is a wonderful resource!" -- Marybeth Sandvig, Principal "I found the material useful as an administrator who supervises the special education department and new teacher training. This is an easy read." -- Darryl Williams, Principal "A teacher will not have to read the entire textbook to find answers to specific problems...the information is organized in such a manner that it is easy to locate solutions to problems...the suggestions are right on target and very useful. No words are left unsaid." -- Candice Hollingsead, Professor