Student Guide Corner

Parent: "How was your day?" Student: "Boring."  Parent: "What did you do?" Student: "Nothing."  In the spirit of rethinking a variety of school practices, it is time to revisit the traditional home-school communication method in special education - the home-school communication notebook (HSCN) . It is not uncommon for special educators to use a home/school communication notebook to provide information to parents about their child's day. Before we consider alternatives, let's first explore the importance and benefits of effective home-school communication from Home-School Communication: What's All the Commotion? ): Parents and teachers consider communication the number one factor to increase trust (Adams & Christenson, 2000). Strong communication can also encourage higher and realistic parental expectations. When teachers and parents are on the �same page� ...

I've heard that refrain numerous times. "But... he doesn't want to be seen as different." It's usually uttered in response to specific technology recommendations offered during the IEP team process. The team typically nods their head in agreement; after all, it is a priority that the student completes school tasks in the same manner as their peers, or uses the same school tools as their friends.(Or is it?) Unfortunately, I realize another team is unaware of Universal Design for Learning principles.  If they understood UDL, they would appreciate the importance of offering MULTIPLE methods of engagement, presentation and expression. Instead, they are sticking to the "one size fits all" approach, an approach which fails to meet the needs of all learners. It's an approach that allows teams to agree, "He doesn't want to be seen as different." My challenge to the team is to change the culture, don't let the student be seen as different...