Students with disabilities are entitled to a free, appropriate education under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, even in the midst of a detrimental staffing crisis. Staff vacancies and shortages, specifically when considering the role of the paraprofessional, can undermine the critical work that needs to be accomplished in the classroom which can lead to less than optimal student outcomes. This session will provide practical considerations for how to overcome staffing obstacles in the classroom while ensuring that students are receiving the effective instruction they are entitled to under IDEA. The presenters will review several strategies that have proven effective when managing classroom and student needs during these tumultuous times including; maximizing instructional opportunities for students (even when short-staffed), classroom organization, systems for preparing and retaining classroom staff as well as strategies for increasing staff morale and building a cohesive school team.
Learning outcomes:
- describe how classroom organizational systems — including organization of classroom environment, instructional time and materials for instruction — can ensure staff and student success
- explain how providing explicit staff training and feedback can improve staff morale and retention
- be able to list 3 strategies for reinforcing staff behavior
Credits: Act 48, EITA/Infant-Toddler, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, BACB, ASHA, PSYCH
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