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Professional
Development

Paraeducators: Fact or Fiction?

As policy and procedures have evolved over the years within education, the role of teachers and paraprofessionals has also changed.  Managing the work of paraprofessionals has become a more common component of effectively run classrooms.  Paraeducators who were once responsible for clerical duties to support teachers and administrators by preparing materials, taking attendance, and monitoring… Read more

Grantseeking Resources

Finding grants can present an elusive search; websites change, new grant sources are added while others dry up.  Do periodic searches. Know what grant providers do and don’t fund. Carefully read the application process. Don’t give up…there is money out there for your school! Remember, always begin with your district level Grants Office or School… Read more

Ten Hints for Grant Proposals

Used with the approval of Brazos Transit Systems, 504 East 27th St., Bryan, TX 77803 Grants for meeting the needs of in-school populations are made available through a variety of local, state, and federal governmental sources. Private sector funds are often made available for special populations. This is a list of suggestions to guide you… Read more

Resilience

As our nation’s schools reopen, two populations, teachers and students, once again come together striving to create safe and productive learning environments. The difference this year is the extreme vulnerability of both of these populations following the Coronavirus Pandemic.  Research reveals children have likely been experiencing unprecedented emotional stress over the past few months of… Read more

Accommodations in the Classroom: A Guide to Making Them Real

Savvy and successful school principals certainly understand the value of keeping it real.  In a recent training, Stetson and Associates offered a wide array of examples and practical applications.  Each recommendation was designed to help teachers interpret how vital accommodations can realistically happen based on the Individual Education Programs (IEPs) of their students. For many… Read more

A Common Vocabulary in Inclusive Schools

Words are powerful. Consistency in the words we use to describe services and supports for students with disabilities must be clear and consistent across the district for all children, parents, teachers, and community members. This brief tutorial defines inclusion and provides clarity regarding commonly used terms, such as PLAAFP, Curricular Supports, Advanced Supports, Support Facilitation… Read more

Staff Development Survey

Download and share this Staff Development Survey, designed by Stetson & Associates, Inc., to gather data about the professional learning needs in your school. Respondents are asked to evaluate their need for training in specific topics, such as: Differentiated Instruction Cooperative Learning Best Practices for Differentiated Schools Activity Based Instruction Integrative/Thematic Instruction Accommodations and Modifications… Read more

Formalizing External Supports

Collaborative Planning for External Support Services Tool This tool is designed for two teachers to use when determining the specific external supports needed by a special education or special needs student. Note that you can also use this in planning to meet the needs of a student who is struggling in school. How do we formalize External Supports? Step 1… Read more

Characteristics of Effective Teachers

What will you guarantee every single student who steps foot inside your building? Equitable access to the Common Core Learning Standards (CCLS) or general education curriculum? Equitable access to high quality instruction provided by teachers skilled in core content knowledge AND instructional methods designed to engage and bring learning within the reach of every student… Read more

eSchool News Seven Standards for Effective Professional Development

This article by eSchool News Associate Editor, Meris Stansbury, discusses how collaborative teamwork among teachers is a key to 21-st century student achievement. She shares Learning Forward's seven standards for professional learning that increase teacher effectiveness and results for all students. Learning Communities: Groups of teachers who are committed to continuous improvement, shared responsibility, and… Read more