At some point paraeducators find themselves supporting students who need more than academic help. Paraeducators play an important role in supporting the development of well-adjusted and well-educated students who grow up to be productive, fulfilled adults. While we often associate “school” with academic subjects like reading and math, it’s also a place where students learn…

Whether teaching and learning is happening in person, remotely, or a combination of both, supporting students through the transition planning process is still important. While COVID-19 will likely present challenges during this process, focusing on the key elements of transition planning will help students be successful as they transition to postsecondary life. From early intervention…

Historically, students with disabilities weren’t allowed in schools. In fact, in most states, it was legal to prevent students who wouldn’t reach a mental age of third grade by the time they would graduate from attending school. Students with disabilities wouldn’t get the right to attend school until the late 1970s. It took legal cases…

On-Demand Webinar with Dr. Tara Kfoury It is essential that educational personnel know the impact of adverse childhood experiences and trauma on school children. And it is urgent that educators are able to properly recognize symptoms and behaviors in school children, identify possible sources of childhood and adolescent trauma, and work with families and support…

Trauma is the psychological, emotional response to a life event or experience that’s deeply disturbing or distressing to an individual. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are negative life events witnessed or experienced firsthand by children 18 years old or younger. Trauma is a widespread health concern that has become quite costly for schools around the world.…

We all know that children need a safe and consistent environment in which to thrive. For many students, school is the most structured part of their lives – a place where they can get stability and support. While all school staff play a role in creating these surroundings, the principal is uniquely positioned to lead…

At this very moment, your brain is undertaking a challenging and complex feat: making sense out of symbols on a screen. We call this reading. To many, reading seems like a natural act or something we’re hard-wired to do. That’s simply untrue. As expert reading adults, we underestimate and misjudge how difficult it is to…

The earliest years of life are full of rapid changes and transitions. Early childhood teachers are usually the first to notice when young children are not developing and learning as expected. Simple accommodations and modifications can benefit children with disabilities while others may need more specialized support from special education professionals. According to the National Association…

Autism is a neurobiological developmental disorder that has undergone several changes in identification and classification in recent years. It’s now characterized by a spectrum of disorders. People with ASD have difficulty with social communication and interaction, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. However, these challenges and behaviors vary across people. For most children, ASD appears in…

October is ADHD Awareness Month and since nearly all school staff members – not just teachers – interact with students with ADHD, it’s a good time to make sure that they have a foundational understanding of ADHD and are familiar with the strategies and interventions that can be used to help these students be more…