Powerful Practices for High-Performing Special Educators

Roberta Kaufman has been a P-12 special educator and university administrator in the Midwest where she has worked in both rural and urban settings. Her professional experience includes coordinating a partnership between multiple school districts in a metropolitan area and a university to design and implement a teacher preparation program for under-represented populations. Dr. Kaufman initiated a program providing instructional seminars followed by coaching support for individuals hired as special educators in a diverse urban school district. Practices described in Powerful Practices for High-Performing Special Educators were implemented throughout the seminars and observed in classrooms with follow-up coaching. As a result of the coaching and seminars, a dramatic increase in the retention of new special education teachers was documented and maintained beyond two years. She is currently on the faculty of the School of Education at the University of South Dakota. Robert Wandberg currently serves as the Language Diverse Literacy Coach for the Columbia Heights School District in Minnesota. His responsibilities include providing classroom teachers with effective, best practice strategies for working with English language learners, special education students, and low-literacy learners. He is a former middle and high school classroom teacher and state curriculum specialist with the Minnesota Department of Education. In addition to his numerous state, national, and international presentations, Dr. Wandberg has authored 12 middle/high school level textbooks for low-literacy students. He has also co-authored two university-level textbooks focusing on effective classroom practice and several professional journal articles, many of which focus on diverse students in the general education classroom. He also teaches graduate education courses at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

List of Tables and Figures Publisher's Acknowledgments About the Authors Introduction 1. Working With Diverse Students Objectives Introduction Wisdom of Practice: The Technicolor World of Truman Armstrong In Brief: What Does the Research Say? Changing Student Diversity The Impact of Diverse Populations in Special Education Programming Professional Practice Summary Self-Assessment and Reflection References 2. Organizing a Classroom for Instruction Objectives Introduction Wisdom of Practice: Ms. Delacatto - See How She Runs! In Brief: What Does the Research Say? Professional Practice Summary Self-Assessment and Reflection References 3. Managing Student Behavior Objectives Introduction Wisdom of Practice: Mr. Downing - The Principal is Watching! In Brief: What Does the Research Say? Professional Practice Summary Self-Assessment and Reflection References 4. Designing Effective Instruction Objectives Introduction Wisdom of Practice: Mr. Rodriquez Makes a Plan In Brief: What Does the Research Say? Professional Practice Summary Self-Assessment and Reflection References 5. Teaching Strategies and Learning Activities Objectives Introduction Wisdom of Practice: Ms. Webster Gets Active! In Brief: What Does the Research Say? Professional Practice Summary Self-Assessment and Reflection References 6. Graphic Organizers Objectives Introduction Wisdom of Practice: Picture the Students! In Brief: What Does the Research Say? Professional Practice Summary Self-Assessment and Reflection References 7. Incorporating Technology Objectives Introduction Wisdom of Practice: Emmalee Jones - Digital Immigrant or Native? In Brief: What Does the Research Say? Professional Practice Summary Self-Assessment and Reflection References 8. Student Assessment and Evaluation Objectives Introduction Wisdom of Practice: Ms. Thomson - What's in a Number? In Brief: What Does the Research Say? Professional Practice Summary Self-Assessment and Reflection References 9. Promoting Achievement Through Collaboration Objectives Introduction Wisdom of Practice: Mrs. Stanton's Best Laid Plans In Brief: What Does the Research Say? Professional Practice Summary Self-Assessment and Reflection References Conclusion: Wrapping Up, Reflecting and Celebrating Index

"This is a great book that would be handy for teachers, novice or veteran, to have in their professional library. The ideas really cause the reader to evaluate what they do in the classroom and try new ideas to meet the needs of ALL students!" -- Rachel Aherns, Collaborative Special Education Teacher "The Wisdom of Practice sections are realistic and help scaffold learning for novice teachers. The self-assessments and reflections are powerful." -- Mary Reeve, Director, Services for Exceptional Students "Every teacher and administrator should own a copy! This collection of valuable insights and strategies is a must-have and will serve as a favorite reference tool for many years to come. The authors share real-life experiences, ready-to-use materials, and current resources to guide you every step of the way!" -- Renee Bernhardt, Special Education Facilitator "This is a book you will find yourself referring to frequently, as it is full of resources to enhance your options for engaging students as learners. A must-read for not only new and experienced special education teachers but all educators dedicated to reaching ALL students in their classes." -- Betty Rivinus, Principal "Readers will find a wealth of information as well as easy-to-use strategies, tools, and ideas that can be used across the curriculum and at all grade levels. This is an all-in-one reference book that you will continually refer to whether you are a new teacher or a seasoned professional." -- Dawne Dragonetti, Special Education Teacher and Instructional Coach "This book has ideas, tools, and starting points for all the situations you could encounter on your first day of teaching or on your thousandth! It is practical and up-to-date on what it is like to be a special educator in schools today!" -- Alison Martins, Special Education Teacher "The authors have done an excellent job of providing new teachers with very concrete ideas to make their first year successful. The book pulls together material that teachers have covered in various coursework during their university careers. This book can be a new teacher's first stop for everything from 'What should I do to get my room set up for the first week of school?' to 'What types of assessments should I be using for this material?'" -- Nancy Yost, Associate Professor of Special Education