TEACHER INDUCTION PROGRAM

Frequently Asked Questions

Teacher Induction Website
Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I collect data to demonstrate progress on IEP goals/objectives?

 Use a data collection matrix (ask Building Coordinator for examples) with the IEP goals/objectives, %, dates, and activity.  If
accommodations/modifications were used, note them.  Gather data for each IEP goal/objective on a regular basis and try to do so across the curriculum if you are case manager.  All goals/objectives do not need to be taught/assessed throughout the entire year. The IEP represents a year long plan (similar to long range lesson
plans). Try to use a "universal" lesson planning design, incorporating the needs of all students. Include IEP goals/objectives when possible.  Collect data as you do for lesson outcomes (they can be one in the same)/ in accordance with
the IEP requirements.  You may need to develop specific lessons/evaluations if the general curriculum does not address the students' particular goals/objectives.

2. I'm a new special education teacher; how do I approach my co-teacher to share strategies?   Teach more?     Have more classroom responsibilities?

Know the content and your students.   Get a teacher's manual and read ahead.  Have IEP data collection ready, along with any
accommodations/modifications.  Be prepared.  If you feel comfortable, talk with your co-teacher as you are co-planning about what you would like to do and how it would benefit students.  Be "armed" with your knowledge and confidence. When co-planning or when the teacher hands you the lesson plans, provide strategies for lesson implementation and for student learning addressing the IEP and differentiation to meet the needs of all students.

You may need to demonstrate your knowledge during class without usurping the general education teacher's authority/expertise.  Start slowly.  Rotate around the room helping all students, providing strategies; targeting those with IEPs to be implemented in the class.

After the lesson, with the co-teacher, reflect on what went well and what could have gone better, what you will keep and what needs changed and how to make those changes.  Your insight is an excellent means of demonstrating your expertise/value.  Make suggestions on how you could help facilitate learning.  Start slowly.

3. How do I get general education teachers to collect data on IEP goals/objectives?

Meet personally with each general education teacher.  Explain the CCPS expectations for IEP data collection.  Provide your general education teachers with a copy of the IEP goals/objectives in a data collection matrix format (see Building Coordinator for this matrix).  Meet/email with teachers on a regular basis thanking them for their feedback, reminding them of deadlines, etc.  An occasional written thank you and/or candy bar, etc. wouldn't hurt either.  Compliment them to others.  Immediate specific positive reinforcement works well with students and adults.  If all else
fails, speak first with your Building Coordinator.  The last resort would be to involve school administrators.

4. You mean I have a school-based mentor?

Each new teacher has someone within the building assigned to support them.  For special education teachers it is often the Building Coordinator or another special education teacher. Check with your school administrators to inquire about your school-based mentor.

 

 

Links of Interest

http://edservices.ccps.org/languagearts/elem_resources.html  A list of additional links and resources for Elementary Language Arts teachers

http://edservices.ccps.org/languagearts/middle.html A list of additional links and resources for Middle School Language Arts teachers

http://edservices.ccps.org/languagearts/high.html A list of additional links and resources for High School Language Arts teachers

http://www.ccps.org/math/Links.html  A list of Math Links for all grade levels

www.thinkport.org  Everything you need to be a successful teacher in the state of Maryland!  This site has lessons, online activities, field trip ideas, downloadable videos, a project builder, and tons more

http://www.georgian.edu/teacher_resources/Internet_sites.htm  A site containing links of sites devoted solely to first year teachers

ttp://tech.ccps.org/links/links.html A list of websites/resources recommended by the CCPS technology office