Strategies for Effective Teaching in the Twenty-First Century: A Supplement for Special Education

Louisiana Department of Education. P.O. Box 94064, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9064. Tel: 877-453-2721; Web site: http://www.louisianaschools.net/lde/index

N

93

Teachers; Administrators

Cooperation; Teaching Skills; Teacher Effectiveness; Teaching Methods; Accountability; Teacher Competencies; Teacher Improvement; Special Education Teachers; Faculty Development; Guides; Alternative Assessment; Matrices; Language Arts; Learning Activities; Disabilities; Individualized Education Programs; Parent Participation; Check Lists; School Safety; Task Analysis; Interpersonal Communication; Family School Relationship; Inclusive Schools; Mainstreaming; Educational Environment; Classroom Techniques

The long-range goal of Louisiana's teacher professional accountability programs is to enhance student learning by providing opportunities for teachers to strengthen skill areas and by identifying those aspects of teaching performance that may need improvement. "Strategies for Effective Teaching in the 21st Century" is intended to be used by school administrators, in collaboration with classroom teachers, to improve specific teaching skills. The strategies to be utilized should be discussed by the teacher and the principal (in collaboration with an assistance and/or assessment team, if appropriate) and mutually agreed upon. "Strategies," which provides suggestions and resources for improvement, is keyed to the "Louisiana Components of Effective Teaching" and is used as a resource by teachers as they prepare for assessment. This document, a supplement to "Strategies for Effective Teaching in the 21st Century," focuses on the particular needs of teachers in special education and provides suggestions and resources for improvement. It is indexed by the attributes of the "Louisiana Components of Effective Teaching." Each attribute is accompanied by suggested Strategies, Evidence of Completion, and Resources. Attributes are included under their respective "Components." The Strategies are specific suggestions for gaining knowledge about and practicing teaching skills. A variety of activities are also included in this section. The suggested Evidence of Completion consists of observable means by which teachers and principals can document professional development activities. Principals can use the evidence as a record of progress for Professional Growth Plans. The Resources section of the "Strategies for Effective Teaching" manual lists those materials and persons essential for the successful completion of the activity. It is suggested that every special education teacher have access to a copy of "Strategies for Effective Teaching in the 21st Century" as well as this supplement. Numerous strategies in the general manual can be adapted for use in the special education classroom. In addition, the appendices in the manual contain many aids that special educators will find useful. Appended are: (1) Alternate Assessment Planning Matrix; (2) Coaching Sheets Content Area: English/Language Arts 5-8; (3) Activities List; (4) Ecological Inventory; (5) Nine Types of Adaptations; (6) Best Practices Checklist for Students with Low Incidence Disabilities; (7) IEP [Involved Effective Parents] Review Checklist; (8) General Safety Checklist; (9) Structuring Activities; (10) Sample Task Analysis; (11) IEP Grid; (12) MAPS; (13) Communication Analysis Form; (14) Inclusion Planning Sheet; (15) Ways to Say "Good"; (16) Parent Preferences for Home/School Communication; and (17) Inclusive Education Video Programs. [This supplement was produced by the Louisiana Teacher Assistance and Assessment Program of the Louisiana Department of Education.]

ERIC

2007

ED497756