I am teaching general music for 17 classes of students spread out over 3 buildings this year, and I have definitely met a lot of "big personalities" in my classrooms this week. I have IEP Adapations for some of these folks, but (sadly) not for very many just yet. Between the usual "beginning of the year" logistics and the added bonus of so many kids switching schools, information is just flowing a little more slowly than normal.
My question for classroom teachers is this:
When a specialist needs to know more about your students, what is the best way for us to get it? As someone who isn't always available in the same building before/after school from day to day, I struggle with the best way to communicate with classroom teachers. At the same time, I recognize that the classroom teachers know way more about these students than I do.
To the special ed staff among us: What is the best way for me to work as a team with the SpEd staff?
I'm recognizing more and more as I spend more years teaching that the kids really need to see all the adults they work with as a "team," but some days that just isn't very easy to pull off!
As a special education teacher, I always give the specialists the accommodations page of each student's IEP. Then, throughout the year, we either email or talk about issues/solutions regarding the student. For you, email might be the best as you are traveling between buildings.
ReplyDeleteWorking with you last year was a treat. I'm sad my kids won't be seeing you this year. I remember last year simply telling you about student I was concerned about or those who needed extra help or "fidgets". I really appreciated you emailing me or simply asking me about any concerns you had. I personally liked your questions and simply talking to you and working together to help our students! My advice is to keep that up because you did great with that last year!
ReplyDeleteI would agree with the email solution. I have had specialists email, call, or come talk in person. All of those have been great. The one thing I really haven't liked is when a specialist tries to talk to me about a student as I am coming to pick up my class. I know that's when it seems most pressing, but it's tough to have the students wait while we have a conversation. Plus, it's usually information the other kids shouldn't know.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate when a specialists takes the initiative and time to talk to me regarding the needs of a student when they are in their classroom for specials. I know time is valuable for all teachers. So it works well for me when a specialist emails me if they could set up a time/small meeting, to discuss with me concerns/questions/ways I could help. It also helps to include some times they are available and know that I would likely be free as well.
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