Let's Revisit Executive Skills

This year I'm taking on an (old-ish) skill development program/framework/curriculum for helping students.  Executive Functioning is not a new phrase, yet there is so much work being done by researchers, scientists, and teachers.  I feel I need to revive it with my students.  I need to place the power on them to analyze themselves, reflect, set goals, and improve.

**Executive functioning is an umbrella term for the regulation of working memory, reasoning, task flexibility, and problem solving.  This term also includes planning and the execution of plans.

Experts are now aware that a students' executive functioning skills are a truer indicator of success than intelligence tests. (Galinsky)

These skills begin developing early... we're talking at 2-3 years old.  As a teacher working with kindergarten through 6th graders, I see executive skills as a blinding issue in all areas.  My students are wonderful, kind, bright, interesting people, yet all of them (and all of us) have executive skill deficits of some kind.  And I believe we all know a few students whose personalities and skills are not "fitting" with how classrooms are run.

The ways in which I'm using the research on executive functioning to better my students' skills and school experience include:

• Students take questionnaires to target areas of weakness. 
• Students make SMART goals based on their deficit areas.
• Lessons often include movement.
• Color code materials and class information.
• Students are given TIME to organize lockers, folders, etc.
• Students are given the time and opportunity to talk through problems with peers.

I'm really just getting started integrating executive functioning into my teaching, and I'm already seeing the value and importance! 

Here are some reads I've found helping...

    

And here's a great resource for more information : http://rnbc.org/education/a-focus-on-executive-function/

Demystify the IEP

IEP "At-a-Glance" Google Doc

Together We Are Better!  I'm excited to share with you a great tool for merging the invisible gap between special education lingo and other areas of our kiddos' education.

"IEP" can be a mysterious term for any teacher.  In order to "demystify" a student's IEP (Individualized Education Program), teachers need/want the facts and details that will help them teach the student, meet their unique needs, and provide the most appropriate learning environment.  While all information in the IEP is confidential, it is important to bring teachers into the circle of trust for helping out kids.  Oh yeah, and it is required by law. :)

And so I bring you the Google Doc version of an IEP "At-a-Glance".  This doc is basically a snapshot of the most vital information to a student's ability to learn.  I tested this tool last year by sharing each student's IEP "At-a-Glance" with their classroom teacher, administrators, specials teachers, and all aides the student is in contact with throughout the day. I followed up with the sharing of this information with a face-to-face conversation with each of them sharing a couple of specific details that I wanted to ensure they read.  For this year, I shared the docs with the upcoming classroom teachers back in June, and I will meet with everyone face-to-face to answer questions and plan the environment.  Sending it ahead of time gave teachers time to think and plan over the summer. The first weeks of school are crazy-busy as it is, I like to think I'm giving them a gift of time by sending it in June. 

For example, with the P.E. teacher I shared information regarding a students' need for extra clarification on directions in a sequence.  The teacher was grateful I shared and was able to accommodate for the student's disability in order for him to participate in P.E. with his peers.  This is what I call teamwork!

By sharing a Google Doc, teachers can access the information at any point in the year and I can make changes based on reviews or IEP meetings.  As simple as it seems, teachers want and need to know what the students need. As special educators, we must give them this information in an efficient manner.  We must also discuss things with them face-to-face, Google Docs do not replace good ol' conversation. :)

How can you use the Google Doc IEP "At-a-Glance" to increase communication and help provide for your students the best education possible?  Please share other ideas for us #SpEducators!

If you're linking up, thank you for joining our #SpedChatSaturday Link-Up Hosted by Kelly from A View Into My Classroom!  Visit her blog to check out other ways to communicate!

1st Post: WHY I'm Blogging

Well, here we go!

One of My Blogging Inspirations

I have finally sat down to write my first blog post.  This post has been intimidating me for weeks, as I have been running through ideas and long rambling posts in my head. As I develop as a new blogger, I need to begin with my purpose and I have pinpointed major goals for myself in this journey. Influences for me include the countless inspiring teacher blogs out there that I have been "lurking" on for years and most recently, a book by Starr Sackstein in the Corwin Connected Educators Series" books called "Blogging for Educators--Writing for Professional Learning".  Much of what you'll read next in my "WHY" section has been borrowed/adapted/found in this book.
THANK YOU for being a part of my learning network, as you are reading this blog and joining me in this journey! :)

WHY I'm Here 
In short: I'm Here for my Students and Myself.
1. Reflection- Throughout my first 5 years of teaching (K, 3rd, 5th, and now special education) I have had "REFLECT" on my to-do list every single year.  Now I am finally REALLY going to purposefully reflect, using this blog as my outlet, a home for my thoughts, and a tool to better identify my strengths and weaknesses.  In turn, I will, hopefully, be a better teacher for my students and they will reap the rewards of my improved instruction and practices!

2. Connection- As any human, I long to connect with others.  I am inspired and excited by relating to others, sharing ideas, encouraging, and being supported. I am the sole elementary special educator in my district, and I heavily rely on my digital connections to help me learn and grow.  Thank you, in advance, for your support! :)

3. Growth- As Starr Sackstein introduces "Blogging for Educators", "Generating an online space to openly share ideas and reflections richens the complete education experience." (p.1)  I know there is more to gain and experience as a teacher beyond the classroom, colleagues, and students (while I love them so!).  I am here, blogging, to grow as a professional and personally.  Through creating my own voice online, I hope to become a deeper, more thoughtful educator and person.

Just as I'm "here for my students and myself", I hope you're here for yourself, growing and connecting online and can join me in this journey for growth as 21st century educators.  I hope you're here for those kiddos you teach everyday, the ones who deserve a teacher who is connected and constantly looking to improve.

Sackstein strongly recommends ending each blog post with a question or challenge, so... WHY are you here?  WHAT are your goals as a #TeacherBlogger?

Lots of Love,