Teaching high school students with special needs requires a unique set of strategies and approaches to ensure that every student can thrive in an educational environment.
Here are 20 tips to help guide teachers in creating an effective and supportive classroom for high school special education students.
Strategies and Tips for Teaching High School Special Ed
Understand Individual Needs
Every student has unique strengths and challenges. Take the time to understand each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and specific learning requirements.
Foster Independence
Encourage students to take ownership of their learning. Teach self-advocacy skills and provide opportunities for them to make choices regarding their education. These self-advocacy resources are a huge help!
Use Community-Based Instruction
Incorporate community-based instruction (CBI) into your curriculum. This allows students to learn skills in real-world settings, such as grocery stores, libraries, and local businesses.
Create a Structured Environment
Establish clear routines and expectations. A structured classroom helps students feel secure and understand what is expected of them throughout the day.
Differentiate Instruction
Provide a range of instructional methods to cater to varying learning styles. Use visual aids, hands-on activities, and technology to engage all learners.
Incorporate Life Skills Training
Teach practical life skills that students will need after graduation, such as cooking, budgeting, and job readiness. These skills are essential for their independence. Visual recipes can help a lot in these situations because they cut down on the required reading which may be troublesome for some students.
Utilize Assistive Technology
Leverage technology to support learning. Tools like speech-to-text software, communication devices, audiobooks, and educational apps can significantly enhance student engagement and understanding.
Collaborate with Other Educators
Work closely with general education teachers, specialists, and paraprofessionals to create an inclusive learning environment. Collaboration allows for sharing of resources and expertise.
Encourage Peer Interaction
Promote social skills and peer relationships by incorporating group work and collaborative projects. This helps build communication skills and fosters friendships.
Provide Frequent Feedback
Regularly assess student progress and provide constructive feedback. This helps students understand their strengths and areas that need improvement, keeping them motivated.
Involve Families
Engage families in the educational process by providing regular updates on student progress and inviting them to participate in meetings regarding their child’s IEP.
Offer Job Shadowing Opportunities
Facilitate job shadowing experiences for students to explore potential career paths. This hands-on experience can help them understand the expectations of various professions.
Implement a Daily Schedule
Create a visual schedule that outlines the day’s activities. This provides clarity and helps students anticipate transitions throughout the day.
Encourage Student Participation
Involve students in planning their learning experiences. Allow them to suggest topics or activities they are interested in exploring.
Be Patient and Flexible
Understand that learning takes time, especially for students with special needs. Be prepared to adjust your teaching methods based on student responses and needs.
Use Positive Behavior Support
Implement positive behavior interventions to encourage appropriate behaviors in the classroom. Recognizing and rewarding positive actions can motivate students to succeed.
Incorporate Guest Speakers
Invite guest speakers from various professions to share their experiences with students. This can inspire students and provide insights into different career paths.
Promote Volunteer Opportunities
Encourage students to engage in volunteer work within the community. This not only helps them develop skills but also fosters a sense of responsibility and community involvement.
Create a Safe Learning Environment
Ensure that your classroom is a safe space where all students feel respected and valued. Address bullying promptly and promote inclusivity among peers.
Continually Educate Yourself
Stay informed about best practices in special education by attending workshops, reading relevant literature, and participating in professional development opportunities.
Must-Have Supplies for Teaching High School Special Education
In addition to the tips above, having the items below can also make it easier for you to teach and your students to learn! There are affiliate links below to the items mentioned that might make it easier for you to teach.
3-Ring Binders
Binders are essential for organizing various materials such as lesson plans, student assignments, and administrative documents. Using different colored binders for different subjects or purposes can make navigation easier and help maintain an organized system within the classroom.
Sheet Protectors
These transparent sleeves are perfect for keeping important documents safe from wear and tear, allowing for repeated use. Utilizing sheet protectors for student medical information, lesson plans, or frequently referenced materials can ensure that they remain pristine and accessible throughout the school year.
Laminator and Laminating Sheets
A laminator is a valuable tool for preserving documents and making them durable, which is ideal for items that need to be reused or displayed. By laminating visual aids, flashcards, or interactive materials, you can extend their lifespan and enhance classroom activities. Check out the video below for some of my best laminating tips and tricks!
Trays for Student Work Submission
Providing designated areas for students to submit their work keeps the classroom organized and reduces clutter. Labeling trays by class period or subject streamlines the process of collecting assignments and helps students know exactly where to place their completed work.
Hanging File Folder System
This system allows you to keep track of work for absent students, making it easier for them to catch up when they return. Creating a folder for each student with their name on it can facilitate organization and ensure that all missed assignments are readily available.
Paper Trays
Vertical storage solutions like paper trays help organize papers that need to be distributed or filed later, saving space in the classroom. Using different trays for various types of materials (e.g., worksheets, tests, handouts) maintains organization and makes it easier to locate necessary documents.
Motivational Items
Small rewards can significantly boost motivation and engagement among students, especially those who may struggle with staying focused. Keeping a stash of these items (i.e. – candy, water bottle stickers, etc.) in your desk allows you to use them as incentives for completing tasks or displaying positive behavior.
Colored Pencils
Colored pencils are essential for art projects, visual aids, and hands-on learning activities that enhance creativity in the classroom. Investing in a class set ensures that every student has access to these supplies, fostering collaboration and creative expression in group projects. Besides, a lot of kids just love to color and draw and colored pencils are a great supply for having on hand so they can do so.
Pencil Sharpener
A reliable sharpener is crucial for maintaining writing tools in good condition, ensuring that students can always participate in activities without interruptions. Consider a heavy-duty electric sharpener that can efficiently handle high usage and minimize downtime during lessons.
Class Set of Clipboards
Clipboards provide a portable writing surface that makes it easier for students to work in different environments, such as the classroom, hallway, or outdoors. Using clipboards during group work or outdoor activities allows for flexibility in learning settings and encourages active participation.
Heavy-Duty Hole Puncher
A high-capacity hole punch saves time when organizing large amounts of paper, ensuring everything is neatly compiled in binders. Keeping this tool accessible at your desk allows you to handle paper organization efficiently throughout the day instead of bringing it home with you!
Extra Art Supplies
Having a variety of art supplies available encourages creativity and can be integrated into lessons to support diverse learning styles. Stocking up on markers, crayons, and other supplies at the beginning of the year when they’re often on sale can ensure that you have enough materials for various projects.
Visual Aids and Charts
These tools help reinforce learning concepts through visual representation to support your visual learners. Creating a visual schedule for the classroom can help students understand daily routines and expectations more clearly.
Assistive Technology Tools
Devices or software that assist with learning can significantly benefit students with disabilities by providing alternative methods of engagement. Researching available resources through your school district or local organizations may uncover grants or lending programs for technology that can enhance the classroom experience.
Calm Down Tools (e.g., stress balls, fidget toys)
These tools help students manage anxiety and improve focus by providing sensory feedback during lessons. They’re not just for students in elementary or middle school! Designating a specific area in the classroom where students can request these tools as needed allows them to self-regulate without disrupting class activities.
Storage Boxes or Bins
Storage containers keep supplies organized and easily accessible while minimizing clutter in the classroom environment. Labeling each box with its contents (e.g., art supplies, manipulatives) ensures that students can quickly find what they need without wasting time searching. Label, label, label!
By incorporating these tips into your teaching practice and having a classroom equipped with the necessary supplies, you will create a more effective and supportive learning environment for high school special education students. It will help them achieve their fullest potential and make teaching easier for you!
