Julie's Journal One
What we know about students
What information does a teacher have about a student with special needs before the first day of class?
As a special education teacher there is much more information I will have about the students. During the summer our special education teachers get together to pass information to one another about students who are moving to a new school (elementary to middle or middle to high) or if they are moving case managers. This also happens when there is a new special education teacher, they have time to meet with the old teacher to get some information. In addition to this information there are copies of the current and previous IEP's and testing information in the students file.
What are the sources of information?
How much does the teacher rely upon the comments of other teachers when getting to know new students?
If you could only know only 2 specific characteristics of each pupil at the end of the first day of class, what would these be? Why?
By knowing what students like it can give you a topic of conversation or a possible topic for assignments. In addition knowing what the student wants out of their life it can be used as a motivator when they are struggling with an assignment. It is also very important for preparing the transition portion of the IEP.