special education resource lesson plans

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Special Education and Needs Resources

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Special education resources by topic.

Accommodations and Environment Curriculum Support IEP Resources Behavior Management Special Education Inclusion

Understanding that special education resources are applicable to both general education and special education teachers alike, TeacherVision provides resources that can be used as part of an IEP both in the general education classroom and in specialist resources rooms. Our resources have been curated from leading special education partners and publishers, and are easily categorized for the most common uses by both generalists and specialists.

What Is Special Education?

Special education can generally be defined as the integration of instructional, behavioral, social-emotional, developmental, and curricular support services and strategies designed to help students with disabilities learn. Special education resources and services are usually delivered across a variety of school settings, depending on the needs of the child and the availability of school staff and environment.

Some special education students may spend part of their time in an integrated classroom, receiving instruction from generalists and interacting with classmates, with scheduled interventions from specialists (speech, language, behavioral, physical therapy, etc.). Others may spend the bulk of their time in dedicated special services environments, with specialized physical, developmental, and learning supports.

Most students designated for special education services will receive an Individualized Education Program (IEP). IEP special education services take into account the varying needs among special education students, and tailor learning and specialized services for each individual student. In most cases, an IEP special education plan involves the development and implementation of specific accommodations designed to meet the needs of each individual student, both in the general education classroom and in specialist resource rooms.

Accommodations and Environment

These special education classroom resources have been specially selected to help general and special education teachers with instructional and environmental accommodations and supports, such as assessment accommodation, special education classroom setup, accommodations for disabilities, and more.

Curriculum Support

These resources provide generalists and special education teachers with strategies and tools for developing and implementing special education curriculum supports. Included are special education lesson plans, special education activities, and other materials for academic instruction and support.

Behavior Management

Use these special education behavior management resources to plan and implement behavior management strategies in integrated and special education classrooms.

IEP Resources

This collection of IEP special education resources gives general education teachers, special education teachers, and parents all the IEP forms, accommodations, strategies, and advice necessary for planning and implementing an Individualized Education Plan in both the general ed classroom and specialist resource rooms.

Special Education Inclusion

Various techniques, tips, and suggestions for promoting special education inclusion in integrated general education classrooms are included in these resources, such as, using stories about children with disabilities to teach others, and proactive tips and effective techniques in your classroom.

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Your One-Stop Shop for Special Education Lesson Plans and Resources

TeachTastic Publishing provides a wide range of resources and materials that are specifically designed to support special education teachers in creating effective lesson plans and teaching students with diverse learning needs.

With a variety of materials available for students with different levels of prior learning and learning disabilities, TeachTastic Publishing provides a comprehensive suite of resources that can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each student.

Free Lesson Plan Templates

Whether a teacher is looking for free lesson plans, examples of effective accommodations and modifications in a lesson plan, or strategies for integrating technology into the classroom, TeachTastic Publishing has everything that a special education teacher needs to help their students succeed.

Learn How Our Special Education Lesson Plans Can Help Your Students in all Content Areas

And if you ever get stuck just give us a help request - we are always here ready help out with anything you might need along the way. so what are you waiting for get started on making this school year amazing right now by bookmarking or sharing our smart iep goals and objectives bank today.

Special education lesson plans that are scaffolded and differentiated for students with diverse learning needs.

Lesson plans cover math, reading, and writing and are designed to meet the needs of all students, regardless of prior knowledge or learning disability.

Curriculum for kindergarten through 6th grade includes all major learning objectives.

Nothing makes a special education lesson better than having built-in direct instruction that students understand, along with tips for many learning disabilities.

Providing educators with easy-to-follow directions, thoughtful teaching tip ideas, free resources, and classroom activities to use to help their students with special needs.

Our Comprehensive Curriculum Covers All Major Learning Objectives for Special Education Students in Kindergarten Through Sixth Grade

At TeachTastic Publishing, we provide a comprehensive special education curriculum tailored to meet the needs of students with diverse learning needs. Our curriculum is available for kindergarten through 6th-grade students and covers all major learning objectives. We offer math, reading, and writing lessons that are scaffolded and differentiated for all learning disabilities, ensuring every student has access to quality education and equal opportunities for success.

Our Lesson Plans

Scaffolding and differentiation strategies for teaching math to special education students.

Math Lesson Plans TeachTastic Publishing’s math lesson plans are designed to help students with diverse learning needs understand mathematical concepts.  

We offer differentiated and scaffolded lesson plans for all learning disabilities, making math accessible to every student. Our math lesson plans include strategies such as modified worksheets, task analysis, graphic organizers, peer tutoring, and mnemonics, ensuring that students understand the material and make progress.

Even More Lesson Plans

Incorporate Direct Instruction Strategies into Your Lesson Plans for Maximum Student Learning & Success

Direct Instruction TeachTastic Publishing’s lesson plans include built-in direct instruction to help students understand and retain the material. Our direct instruction strategies are designed to be engaging and effective for students with diverse learning needs. Our direct instruction strategies include strategies for math, reading, and writing lessons and are tailored to meet the individual needs of each student.  

K-12 Internet Resource Center

A totally free index of Internet resources for the K-12 Community.

Special Education: Free Lesson Plans and Resources

Share My Lesson’s collection of prek-12 special education resources has resources to support every child’s learning journey, wherever they may be. Educators and parents know that one size doesn’t fit all, and this collection is designed to be a gateway to embrace learner variability and provide the support that every student deserves. Share My Lesson also offers specialized materials for students with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia. These resources aren’t just about coping but about thriving.  This collection also provides a variety of lesson plans with accommodations, ensuring that every student can participate and learn effectively.

Attributes: Lesson Plan

Resource Link:  https://sharemylesson.com/collections/special-education ( Link may be down. We are checking into it. )

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Special Education Lesson Plans

Have you been looking for new ideas for special education classroom lesson planning?

Don't miss the the update and my reflection on the special education lesson plan process below!

I've been asked to share ideas on lesson planning, but first – I have a few questions for you!  

• How does your school or grade-level team lesson plan?  
• Do you lesson plan together as a team, vertical plan based on content, or individually plan for your own class?  
• Are you required to submit special education lesson plans to a “coach” or administrator?  
• Is there a required lesson plan template that you follow?
• Do special ed lesson plans look different than general education?
• Our grade-level teams plan in the following way: each teacher tackles one content area: Math, Comprehension, Writing, Language, Vocabulary/Morning Message, and Phonics. This general education teacher writes the unit plans and assessments, weekly lessons, resources for class (flipcharts, activity pages, exit tickets), and homework. These lesson plans are shared out 2 weeks (10 days minimum) in advance on our “intranet” where we can upload files. Each teacher is also required to presubmit their lesson plan to a designated Teacher Development Leader (often an administrator) for review. This review is a big process at the beginning of the year with constructive feedback, and then often falls into a “check for completion” after the first quarter of the school year. 
• We backwards plan the year, so the scope and sequence and unit plans/calendar are already shared out before the school year starts (we work during the summer!). This “big picture” is extremely helpful to the special educator (me!) and I access them often. Weekly grade-level team meetings often include discussions regarding timing adjustments to the completed plans due to field trips, snow days, and/or data review (i.e.: our students need more practice!).
• The lesson planners also meet vertically with other grade levels planning the same content area. For example, the first grade teacher planning math will meet with the kindergarten and 2nd-4th grade math teachers to discuss key teaching points. 
• As the special educator, I download the general education weekly lesson plans and then differentiate them for students on my caseload. I'd love to say I do it the same way every week/month/year, but as my students' needs change,  so does my planning!
• This year, I've often “stuck to the script” for comprehension, phonics, and math, and then differentiated the presentation  (small groups, more guided practice, parallel teaching).  Next, I supplement and add in tons and TONS of spiral review based on data analysis (I collect data daily!). In previous years, my students have been in a completely different place than the general education population, so my lessons were following a  different (more “bare bones”) scope and sequence. It completely depends on my students' IEP goals and objectives and their areas of strength/growth. VERY interesting, especially because my first graders seem to grow and change WEEKLY!  This makes my job exhausting exciting! 🙂
• I submit my lesson plans 10 days in advance to my team leader. This is the accountability piece our school has built in for every teacher. I find that my lesson plans can be cumbersome and I don't refer to them too often throughout the week. Still, they are a great resource when I'm prepping and/or a student is absent and we need to find a way to catch up the instruction. 

That was A LOT of information about lesson planning!

Here's what my weekly lesson plan overview looks like:

Sorry about those “fancy” font choices I made back in 2012 😉

UPDATE – Wow, this post brings back a lot of memories! It was originally written in 2012 and has received many revisions along the way.

Upon a lot of reflection and opportunities to have meaningful conversations with other special educators, I actually can't believe the expectations we had way back when. It was a WHOLE lot of extra and while the intentions were well-meaning, it was just so much.

I'm keeping the information here because I think (hope!) it may still be helpful for others, especially if you've tried out many special education activities and lesson formats and still haven't found one that works. Maybe some components of these sped lesson plans will be helpful to you and spark some fresh ideas!

If you interested in learning more about special education lesson planning, check out this video:

I'm Jennifer!

I’m Jennifer and I was a special educator in the elementary school setting over the past decade. I entered the classroom every day dedicated to making learning inclusive AND engaging.

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Special Educator Survival Guide

Mastering Special Education Lesson Plans: Your Ultimate Guide

Are you ready to master your special education lesson plans up to the next level? Prepare to embark on a journey that will revolutionize your teaching experience and empower your students’ success. In this blog post, we unveil the secrets to creating exceptional special education lesson plans. From the what, how, where, and why of the concept to real-life stories and frequently asked questions, this guide will equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to make a lasting impact in your classroom.

Unleashing the Power of Special Education Lesson Plans

The Catalyst for Extraordinary Learning

How can you transform your special education classroom through effective lesson planning?

Special Education Lesson Plans are more than just a roadmap for instruction. They serve as the catalyst for extraordinary learning experiences. By adopting a structured approach and leveraging tailored strategies, you can unlock the potential of each student and ensure their individual needs are met. In this section, we’ll explore the fundamental components and benefits of special education lesson plans.

Crafting Effective Special Education Lesson Plans

From Vision to Execution

How can I create effective lesson plans that cater to diverse learner needs?

Creating effective special education lesson plans requires careful consideration and intentional design. This section will guide you through the step-by-step process of crafting comprehensive lesson plans that engage and empower your students. We’ll explore techniques for setting clear objectives, differentiating instruction, and utilizing appropriate accommodations. Prepare to discover the power of intentional planning and the impact it can have on student outcomes.

Accessing Resources for Special Education Lesson Planning

Your Toolkit for Success- parts of a special education lesson plan

From engaging warm-up activities to meaningful closure, each component plays a vital role in supporting your students’ individual needs. Join us on this journey as we delve into the essential elements that will empower you to master the art of special education lesson planning.

Setting the Stage for Success

Engaging Warm-up Activities

Every great lesson begins with an engaging warm-up activity that sparks curiosity and activates prior knowledge. Learn how to captivate your students’ attention right from the start by incorporating interactive questions, thought-provoking prompts, or intriguing visual aids. Discover the power of setting the stage for success and paving the way for meaningful learning experiences.

Crafting Clear Objectives

Navigating the Learning Path

Clear objectives provide a roadmap for your lesson and guide both you and your students throughout the learning journey. Discover strategies for formulating concise and measurable objectives that address individualized goals and align with academic standards. Learn how to break down complex concepts into manageable steps, ensuring that your students are on track to achieve success.

Differentiating Instruction

Meeting Diverse Needs

Special education classrooms thrive on differentiation, where instruction is tailored to meet the unique needs of every student. Explore techniques for providing multiple entry points, offering varied levels of support, and implementing accommodations or modifications. Discover the joy of watching each student grow and succeed within an inclusive learning environment.

Engaging Activities and Assessments

Fostering Active Learning

Engaging activities and assessments are the heart of any special education lesson plan. Dive into the world of interactive learning experiences, such as hands-on experiments, collaborative projects, or digital simulations. Learn how to design formative and summative assessments that accurately gauge student progress and inform future instruction.

Meaningful Closure and Reflection

Sealing the Learning

Closure is a critical element of effective lesson planning, as it allows students to reflect on their learning and solidify their understanding. Discover strategies for facilitating meaningful closure activities that encourage student reflection, such as exit slips, journaling, or group discussions. Learn how to celebrate achievements and set the stage for future learning.

You have now explored the key elements that make up a successful special education lesson plan. By incorporating engaging warm-up activities, clear objectives, differentiated instruction, engaging activities and assessments, and meaningful closure, you can create transformative learning experiences for your students. Remember, Cultivating Exceptional Minds is here to support you on your journey. Connect with us for further assistance and explore our Special Education Lesson Plan Template product in our TeachersPayTeachers shop. Let’s work together to unlock your full teaching potential and make a lasting impact in your special education classroom.

Overcoming Challenges and Maximizing Success

Navigating Roadblocks to Achieve Excellence

How can you overcome common challenges in special education lesson planning?

In this section, we’ll address common challenges faced by special education teachers during the lesson planning process. From time constraints to individualized accommodations, we’ll explore practical strategies to overcome these obstacles and maximize success. Discover innovative techniques to streamline your planning, effectively differentiate instruction, and ensure the success of every student in your classroom.

Remember, Cultivating Exceptional Minds is here to support you every step of the way. Connect with us for further assistance, explore our Special Education Lesson Plan Template product in our TeachersPayTeachers shop, and unlock your true teaching potential.

You are now equipped with the knowledge and tools to master special education lesson planning. By implementing the strategies and resources outlined in this guide, you can create exceptional learning experiences that meet the unique needs of your students. Read more lesson-planning tips here in this blog post !

Ready to transform your special education lesson plans? Connect with Cultivating Exceptional Minds today for personalized assistance and explore our Special Education Lesson Plan Template product on our TeachersPayTeachers shop. Let’s work together to create exceptional learning experiences for your students!

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Lesson Plans and Activities

These guides can assist you with creating lesson plans and activities in special education and inclusion settings. Find information on special end support, listening comprehension, and project-based learning so you have the tools to support your students' growth.

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Special Education Resources & Activities

There is no doubt about it, no two children are the same, especially when it comes to learning. All children, and people in general, learn at different paces and have different learning styles. Here at Storyboard That, we create resources and lesson plans that take into account various learning styles, needs, and levels, paying close attention to the importance of differentiation. Our visual resources are particularly helpful for visual learners, nonverbal students, and students on the autism spectrum. Check out our special education resources so you can start planning and creating individualized materials to fit each student's needs today!

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Creating a plan for a year in an elementary school classroom for special-needs children requires flexibility and, in many cases, unique activities for each child depending on their situation. This classroom environment can be very rewarding for teachers who have created a solid base in classroom and curriculum design—and because you’re here reading this, you’re no doubt determined to establish exactly that—or perhaps you’re considering getting into special education teaching. Either way, good for you; we’re happy to help.

Below are four tips for making elementary school lesson plans for special education classrooms.

Create a multi-sensory environment

Children in a special education class may have trouble learning or communicating, or be behind developmentally for their age. As a result, they could struggle with processing lessons and expressing their emotions, and most learn best in a slightly different way.

By setting up the classroom with different objects and displays for students to see, manipulate, and hear, teachers can increase the chances that students will find a learning tool they connect with. For example, to teach the seasons, you might use a large visual display, boxes filled with items associated with each season, and a hot-cold station. Students can listen to birds chirp and waves crash as they learn about each season to incorporate new senses into the learning experience.

Understand the IEP

Parents of special needs children develop an individualized education plan, or IEP, with the teachers and schools. Special education teachers should be familiar with both the requirements for an IEP and their role—and the parents’ expectations. Children with a speech delay, for example, will have different requirements than students with physical disabilities.

An IEP will go over a student’s learning style and offer suggestions to accommodate it. ADHD students may need to be told instructions individually, while maintaining eye contact, to be sure they understand. Teachers should meet with parents and administrators at least twice a year to go over the success of an IEP and suggest changes based on the child’s development.

Work with peer tutors

Since the late 1980s, studies have shown that working briefly in a general education setting helps special education students comprehend language and new information. Today, we call this inclusive education. Besides the academic advantages, peer tutors are an excellent way to give special needs students practice interacting with others in a controlled setting.

Bringing students of the same grade level in daily can also give a special education classroom structure, and students are likely to most feel comfortable in their own classroom when meeting new people. This practice also benefits the general education class, who will learn kindness, acceptance, and patience. Reviewing information by explaining it will give students a deeper understanding, while presenting special needs students with a different way of thinking about the lesson.

Adapt assessments

When developing a special education curriculum, you may want to place more weight on the process and daily improvements than on a final quiz. However, when test time comes around, an alternative assessment may give students the opportunity to show off their knowledge and express themselves.

By creating a collage, acting it out, or explaining something verbally, students who find getting their ideas on paper challenging can prove their understanding. Remember to be flexible and creative. Even students who are comfortable with a more traditional test may need more time or a quiet (or louder!) environment.

You’ve got this

Creating a strong special education lesson plan for elementary students is imperative for a successful year. Like all students, children in special-needs classrooms want structure and consistency. To come up with new ideas, many teachers collaborate with partners or other educators. Even social-sharing sites like Pinterest have dozens of boards devoted to special-needs activities, strategies, and printable worksheets. By over-preparing and adopting non-traditional strategies, you can ensure that your students have a fun and productive year. You can do this!

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Free Reading Resources For Special Education

Instruction and Lesson Plans

It’s important that we have many resources at our fingertips when teaching reading because we never know what will work with our students, their needs, levels, etc. Below are a variety of free reading resources to add to your repertoire.

resources with visual supports

The shared tarheel reader has a variety of books with core boards right on the screen. Plus, there are books in a variety of languages allowing ESL students to read in their language. You can also use switches and change color contrast.

The How To… Life Skills Books are interactive and include the visual supports students need. These books are adapted for special education and speech. They will help students develop matching skills, build language (receptive and expressive) and attending skills.

Boardmaker To Go offers a free unit with visual supports such as core boards and templates.

Target core words

I love these books developed by Tobbi Dynavox that focus on core words. These books include lesson plans with multiple free books for each of the core words in the list. You can print the books or share them on a smartboard or Google Classroom.

Online Tools To Support Learning

The Unite For Literacy site has a large variety of books and read to me options. You can change the language the books are read to you based on your student’s needs as well.

The Oxford Owl ebooks have read to me options as well as annotation tools. Use the tools to highlight words, sounds, punctuation, blends, etc. These books are great when teaching remotely or during shared reading in the classroom. An account is required, but sign-up is free.

Set Up Student Access

Epic is a fantastic website that is free for teachers. It has many topics, leveled books, and read to me options. There is also an alphabet series that is great for highlighting 1 letter at a time. There are options to set up students in your teacher account. Then, you can assign books and quizzes to students, as well as get data on how long and which books students are reading.

Reading activities

Use these reading comprehension sheets in your direct instruction, reading centers, independent work systems, or for homework. They are free in our resource library. Not a member? Click HERE to join our email community.

The Matching CVC words tasks are also free in our resource library!

For students still learning their letters, grab these free alphabet poke cards . They are also in our free resource library.

Check out these blog posts for more info on teaching reading:

• Using Guided Reading In Self-contained Programs
• How To Target Reading and Language With Interactive Books
• Integrate Science and Reading

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PLANNING, SETTING-UP AND MANAGING A RESOURCE ROOM

Being a Special Ed teacher is more than a profession but a passion.  It takes an understanding mind and a loving heart to be an effective one! Not to mention the exceptional attitude one possesses to face everyday challenges.

We believe that a great special ed teacher can be more efficient with the help of a well-planned and managed resource room.

Thoughtco   mentioned that “Resource room is not just a place, but also a placement.  Because the resource room removes a child from a general education classroom for even part of the day, it is increasing the “restrictiveness” which is defined and proscribed except when necessary by IDEIA (Individual with Disabilities Educational Improvement Act.)  Resource rooms is a separate setting, either a classroom or a smaller designated room, where a special education program can be delivered to a student with a disability individually or in a small group.  It is for the student who qualifies for either a special class or regular class placement but needs some special instruction in an individualized or small group setting for a portion of the day. Individual needs are supported in resource rooms as defined by the student’s IEP. ”

(The full article here: “ Introduction to Special Education Resource Rooms ” will inform you about;

• How long is a child in the resource room?
• The teacher’s role in the resource room
• How resource rooms help students’ individual needs.

We know that  Special education is a “service for children rather than a place where such children are sent.”  But children who are in need of a “resource room” can be served better if the said room is well planned and managed.

This guide How to Plan and Manage your Resource Room released by brighthubeducation will help you develop a cozy environment focused on the utmost care and consideration of your students.

• Reviewing IEP’s and Communicating with Parents

One of the most helpful ways to begin is to see what your student’s challenges will be. To do this you may be able to access their files and look through the IEP’s so you can find and provide the best materials for them. Communication with the parents at the beginning of the year is very helpful, because they know the most intimate information.

• Designing a Creative Learning Environment

How can you turn a white-walled, empty room into something of beauty and learning? Begin with the placement of desks and tables, which need to be spaced to where the students have plenty of room so they are not distracted by other learners. Often, children with special needs are very sensitive about personal space and desks should not be placed too close to other students. (Be careful not to make children with special needs feel isolated by placing them too far from other students.) Horseshoe tables can work well for small group work. A small rectangular table can work well for individual testing and art.

• Creating a Calming Space for Individual Students to Regulate Emotions

Designing an area where a child may go if they are angry, sad, or feeling scared can help you throughout the year. students can go there freely or by teacher request if a child is in need of gaining self-control. The teacher or assistant can also be there to help calm the student.

• Developing a Schedule

A busy schedule might begin like this:

Greet students individually as they enter.

Then, they are brought over to get their morning folders where individual goal work awaits them. (For example, some students may be working on writing their name or answering a series of yes or no questions, such as identifying their phone number or their addresses. Other important educational goals such as shapes, addition, or letters, may follow.)

Morning breakfast for some of the children who require this, would be served.

• Communication Circles

Communication Circles can be done on 2 or 3 days a week. In Communication Circles, the students come together to share what they did over the weekend, sharing important events coming up in their lives. Parents of child who is nonverbal could take home a communication device on which the parent can record what their child did over the weekend. Alternatively, the parent could write a note and the teacher could record what the parent wrote. Students, who can speak, share what they did over the weekend.

• Morning Meeting and Centers

Morning Meeting can be done directly after Communication Circle. This is where the calendar, weather and learning topics are shared. Music and big books are very effective to use during this time.

• Project Work and End of the Day

After lunch and recess, project work on a specific topic such as Plants, The Human Body, etc. can be explored. Ending the day with a meeting can be a good way to discuss how the class is doing on project work.

• Creativity and Structure Help with IEP Documentation

As you implement the projects and centers, students will be excited to see what you have in store next and will have an opportunity to work on their personal IEP goals.

So, are you ready to set-up your resource room?

We found this interesting blog entry from astutehoot:tools for the wise teacher, “ Essentials of a Special Ed Resource Room . ”

• Strategy-Based Bulletin Boards and Learning Centers:

2. Reading Corner:

3. Sensory Support:

Knowing that many of my new students would need support with sensory issues, I prepared various options for them.  I have flexible seating arrangements using wiggle cushions, exercise balls, and lap desks.  Also, I put together a sensory basket containing Play-Doh, squeeze balls, Legos, Unifix cubes and a timer for 2 of my students.  Lastly, I signed up for a Go Noodle account and we use this for brain breaks.

Can’t get enough of Resource Room Tips? Here’s another helpful  Resource Room – Tips for a working model by Susan Jones, M. Ed of Resourceroom.net

• Be Prepared.
• Establish communication routines early and thoroughly.
• Be Proactive.
• Be Provocative.
• Avoid the “enabling” trap.
• Avoid the “give them a fish” trap.

We are not affiliated with any educators/bloggers mentioned in this article.  But we thought that they shared valuable tips and thoughts regarding resource room that can help your special ed students unleash their fullest potentials.

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General Guidance

What is a resource room? How much time will students spend there? Do they have opportunities to attend regular classes and

classrooms? Targeted towards parents, this article gives a rundown of what the high school resource room is, as well as dispelling some stereotypes associated with special education.

A Guide to Setting Up a High School Resource Room

Taking into account the diversity of students and learning styles, the author makes some basic recommendations for how to set up the resource room to minimize distractions, allow students and teachers to move around freely, and organize learning materials effectively.

Special Education Classroom Designs: How Important Are They?

How important is the classroom design of a resource room, anyway? In fact, everything in the classroom should contribute to the learning of the students, and a good classroom design will take all the students’ needs into account. This article gives some tips on how to do so.

Autism Support Resource Rooms

A relatively recent development, the autism support room caters directly to the needs of autistic children while striving to gradually mainstream their education. This article defines, describes and gives advantages of the autism support room compared to regular resource rooms and mainstream education.

What Is the Difference Between a Self-Contained Class and a Resource Room?

Self-contained classes and resource rooms educate the students outside of a traditional classroom setting, but there are important differences between the two. In a self-contained classroom, the students are grouped according to learning level and/or disability, and have the same teacher for all subjects. Resource rooms have a variety of teachers, classes and students of different learning levels and special needs. This article explains the differences.

Mainstreaming vs. Inclusion

Mainstreaming and inclusion are other options besides the resource room. With inclusion, the special education student will still spend some time in the resource room. Both strategies involve educating special needs students as a part of the larger school system, rather than in a specialized setting. This article is useful for comparing different education methods. What are the benefits to mainstreaming and inclusion vs. the resource room?

Holistic Learning in the High School Resource Room

The principle of the high school resource room lies in the idea of holistic learning. Generally these teaching methods are more interactive and individualized. This article explains the principles of holistic learning in the resource room, as well as some strategies to incorporate it in classroom structure and in your teaching methods.

Making Reading Interventions in the Resource Room

This article focuses on techniques to develop students’ reading skills, including evidence-based reading instruction, phonemic awareness activities, decoding activities and comprehension activities. The author gives examples of formal and informal teaching activities, such as rhyming to work on phonemic awareness. Several helpful reading programs are also identified as resources for the special education teacher.

Creating Centers in the Special Education Classroom

In your resource room, you might want to create centers within one classroom that each focus on a particular skill set or lesson. This article discusses the challenges posed by creating such centers and gives examples of different classroom setups and situations. Clear instructions are given about how to prepare for and teach in a resource room structured this way.

Strategies for Helping Physically Disabled Students

This article discusses IDEA’s policies and regulations on accommodating students with physical disabilities. Although this article suggests several ideas for integrating physically disabled students into a standard classroom, many of its suggestions and ideas apply to the resource room. Strategies include having resource staff conferences with parents, organizing resource rooms around student needs and using technology to help students with disabilities.

English Language Learners and Special Education

If you are a special education teacher, at some point in your career you may have to deal with English language learners and ESL students who are misassigned to the resource room. The question of how to teach these students is a growing problem. The easy solution — to shunt them off into special education — is a mistake, and something special education teachers are not trained to work with. This article should prepare you for the issues and problems arising from being assigned a student classified as “disabled” because s/he does not speak English.

Using Exercise Balls for ADD/ADHD Students in the Resource Room

This article proposes a creative solution for ADD/ADHD students who can’t seem to focus. In the resource room, a special education teacher can provide them with exercise balls instead of desks. Using exercise balls as desks may seem odd, but this article makes a strong case for it: they promote upright posture, allow the student to move around during learning and help them with body/sensory awareness problems.

With these articles as a guide to the high school resource room, teachers and parents alike should feel more comfortable and informed about the education of their children.

• Jones, Susan, M. Ed. Resource Room - Tips for a working model.

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