One common problem students with special needs face is imply not using their allowed accommodations such as longer test time, etc. Learn why this is such an issue and how you can help overcome it.

One of the easier things you can do to help students with special needs perform better on tests is to simply familiarize students with the test format. Here are some tips on modifying your teaching to get students prepared for testing.

Many students with special needs want to do well on exams, but face a multitude of challenges. Some of which are low self-esteem and text anxiety. Learn tips on building up your student’s confidence and decreasing their stress levels.

The last thing a Special Education teacher should do is expect students with special needs to perform the same as a typical student in all areas. Instead, learn effective techniques to help these students improve confidence, self-esteem and test-taking skills.

One of the proposed changes to the DSM V includes updating the criteria for diagnosing Autism. Many are worried that the new standards will no longer include students currently diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. Is this a real concern?

Create situations that encourage expressive language when designing verbal intelligence goals. Allow learners to reason throughout the day by expressing their thoughts on real events and experiences.

Decision-making skills and problem-solving skills are not the same thing. Skillful decisions are required with each step of the problem-solving process, when creating IEP decision-making goals. These decisive actions systematically analyze the situation.

Managing behaviors can be challenging whether working with individuals with disabilities, mental health diagnoses or other needs. Targeting behaviors to support client, or student, success will benefit all stakeholders involved in treatment or educational services.

Service dogs give valuable assistance to disabled children in various ways; alerting them to danger or opening doors. Are schools that bar these working dogs discriminating against special needs children? Do they violate the ADA by refusing the dogs access? Here’s one side of the story.

A student’s IEP is often their lifeline to academic, social, and emotional success. Incorporating assistive technology into this plan helps to strengthen that lifeline. Writing good goals will help evaluate progress and effectiveness objectively.

How do you know if a student is meeting his or her IEP goals? Charting progress can be tricky if you aren’t keeping data. Find ideas for simple progress tracking and a sample form here.

Turning data into measurable objectives and goals can be a difficult task. Learn about gathering information for IEP goals and find sample objectives and goals in the areas of reading and math for primary level students.

IEP goals in written expression should include individual goals in various areas including content, fluency and focus. The following sample goals for writing can be used for primary level students with needs in the area of written expression.

Learn how to use vendor and manufacturer’s programs, Medicaid, private insurance, school districts, charitable organizations, and tax-advantaged accounts as resources for funding adaptive equipment for people with disabilities.