Instructional Groups

In our daily classes, students will join instructional groups at their ability level, aligned with their IEP goals.  Each group has 1-8 students and will work for 20-30 minutes on direct, explicit instruction with Ms. Hendricks, followed by guided practice with Ms. Nell, or independent practice activities.  To read about the lessons & objectives for each group, click the buttons above.

Individualized Education

As a special education teacher, I will be implementing your student's IEP (individualized education plan).  All of our learning will be guided by the IEP and focused on the goals set by the team.  I have multiple instructional approaches and curriculum available to help us accomplish these goals.

Instructional Approach

I will be using a combination of inclusion and resource models of instruction.  All decisions about instructional approaches will be made by the IEP team based on available data and student need.  I am here to support your family and we will work together to determine what works best for your student!

The inclusion model will allow me to join the general education classroom to provide support with the general education curriculum, allowing students to fully participate in all general education learning.  

The resource model (sometimes referred to as "pull-out" classes) will allow me to create create small group or 1:1 instructional opportunities to supplement or replace the general education curriculum as needed with appropriate interventions (SPIRE, iReady, Ready Common Core, and Zones of Regulation).

Technology

APS is a 1-to-1 device district.  Every student has an iPad (Kindergarten) or Chromebook (1st - 5th grades) to use for educational purposes in the classroom.  We will use our Chromebooks for iReady reading and math individualized lessons and testing, iStation reading individualized lessons and testing, research, writing, and publishing.

iReady Classroom Mathematics - Math Curriculum & Intervention

iReady Classroom Mathematics is a comprehensive core mathematics program that makes math accessible to all students. This teacher-delivered curriculum based on the Common Core State Standards.  It is rigorious and based on a problem-solving model.  More information about iReady Classroom Mathematics is available here.  

iReady also has a program that provides online, individualized, data-driven intervention for math.  Students are given a diagnostic assessment to determine where they are currently performing and identify skill gaps, then provided with interactive lessons and games to address their personal educational needs.  iReady is also currently used by APS as the district mandated assessment platform.  iReady is available online for all special education students.  More information about the iReady program is available here.

SPIRE - Reading Intervention

SPIRE is a multi-sensory, research-based, data-driven reading intervention.  It is based on the Orton-Gillingham approach to teaching reading and was created to help students who are struggling to learn how to read by building phonological awareness and decoding skills.   In SPIRE lessons we build skills and learn strategies in a highly structured routine using sight, sound, movement, and touch.  Then we apply these strategies to reading real, rich text.  SPIRE is an intervention that is provided in a small group for students who need support with basic reading skills.  More information about the SPIRE intervention is available here.

Sounds Sensible

Sounds Sensible® provides hands-on instruction in the most reliable indicators of reading success: phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge, and understanding letter-sound relationships, as well as handwriting. Our unique 5-step lessons follow a structured literacy approach, helping students quickly master 20 consonants and the short a sound.  It is an n Orton-Gillingham based reading intervention for any grade level that serves as Pre-Level 1 of the S.P.I.R.E.® program.  More information about Sounds Sensible is available here.

SAAVAS myView - English Language Arts Curriuclum

myView is a Common Core State Standards-aligned, science of learning based grade level curriculum used in the general education classrooms to provide comprehensive literacy instruction to culturally diverse classrooms.  In our classroom, we will be using the language development portion, a consistent five-day routine in vocabulary and comprehension instruction that will allow us to dive deeply into high-quality literature and make lasting learning connections.  We will also use the writing component, which provides explicit and systematic instruction in the foundational skills of writing, such as language, handwriting, spelling, and conventions in addition to explicit instruction in writing composition. More information about myView is available here.

Fundations - Primary Level Reading Curriculum

Wilson Fundations provides research-based materials and strategies essential to a comprehensive reading, spelling, and handwriting program.  Students in grades K-3 recieve a systematic program in cricital foundational skills emphasizing phonemic awareness, phonics/word study, high frequency word study, reading fluency, vocabulary, handwriting, and spelling. More information about Fundations is available here.

Picturing Writing

Picturing Writing: Fostering Literacy Through Art is a dynamic evidence-based approach to teaching writing that uses simple crayon & watercolor art techniques and the study of quality picture books to teach the art of writing through the writing process (brainstorming, drafting, editing & revising, publishing).  It has been proven effective for a wide range of learners.  We will complete three or more books this year, including books about Time of Day, Weather, and Animals.  More information about Picturing Writing is available here.

Social Emotional Development: Zones of Regulation & AIMs

Zones of Regulation is an intervention that addresses self-regulation and emotional control.  Using Zones, we will learn to identify emotions, emotional states, and implement coping strategies in order to successfully participate in classroom activities and instruction.  More information about Zones is available here.  The Zones are:    
  Blue (tired, sick, withdrawn)   *   Green (ready to learn, alert, happy)  *  Yellow (anxious, excitable, hyper)  *  Red (out of control)
We all experience emotions in every Zone most days, and will learn healthy ways to express our emotions.  In the class, we strive to be in the Green Zone so we are reading to learn.

The AIMs curriculum blends together the concepts of Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Applied Behavior Analysis. Together the approach seeks to improve the lives of children with or without disabilities who struggle with social and emotional challenges. Or in other words, every child. The AIM “Hexaflex” will guide our work and involves the concepts of:
    Identify ~ Move ~ Present Moment Awareness ~ Values ~ Committed Actions ~ Self-as-Context ~ Defusion ~ Acceptance