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Description: As part of Virginia’s Excellence in Co-Teaching Initiative, demonstration sites across the Commonwealth provide opportunities for co-teaching teams and school/district administrators to observe high-quality co-taught instruction in inclusive settings. Visitors have the opportunity to observe model lessons, followed by scheduled time to engage in discussion with the site’s co-teaching team and school administrator regarding implementation practices, instructional planning, and...
Description: New Video: Introducing the Office of Special Education Program's Assistive Technology Guidance and the 2024 National Educational Technology Plan (2:46 mins.) IDEA: Assistive Technology Devices and Services for Children With Disabilities Under the IDEA (Jan. 22, 2024) - The Office of Educational Technology and the Office of Special Education Programs are pleased to share the guidance in support of children with disabilities who need assistive technology (AT) devices and services for meaningful...
Description: Each self-paced professional learning session is offered at no cost to Virginia public school educators and provides 3-5 hours of professional learning. These sessions guide educators in learning about specific HLPs through videos that model exemplar teacher behaviors. Educators may enroll in any of the following professional learning sessions described below: Enroll in School Leaders, Administrators, and Instructional Coaches: Strategies for Teacher Retention & Support...
Description: VDOE's Assistive Technology Network has a newly updated Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) section of their website. What is AAC? When to consider? Assessment Information Gathering Current Communication Skills Access Direct Selection Indirect Selection Decision Making Trials Develop a Plan Prompting Data Collection Tool Selection and Funding Implementation Planning and Support Training Device Set-up Customization Vocabulary Selection And more!
Description: Based on the work of the CEEDAR Center and Council for Exceptional Children, the GMU TTAC Team has created High Leverage Practice Crosswalks in the areas of Prosocial Behavior, Math, Literacy and Transition to support stakeholders in developing personalized professional learning and targeted support, with the goal of bridging research into “practical” classroom practice to improve performance outcomes. The HLP Crosswalks are dynamic documents that will be periodically updated with...
Description: VDOE's Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) webpage - With the passage of the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) in the 2022 General Assembly, Virginia is taking the lead nationwide to improve early literacy outcomes for Virginia’s young learners. Through the VLA, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) will support school divisions through a multi-year effort with tools, resources, technical assistance and funding.
Description: Collaboration HLP Pillars: Rubric - HLP 1 Collaborate with Professionals to Increase Student Success, Rubric - HLP 3 Collaborate with Families to Support Student Learning and Secure Needed Services Embedded HLPs Rubric - HLP 2 Lead Effective Meetings with Professionals & Families DATA-Driven Planning HLP Pillar: Rubric - HLP 6 Use Assessment Data, Analyze Instructional Practices and Make Necessary, Adjustments that Improve Student Outcomes Embedded HLPs: Rubric - HLP 4: Use Multiple Sources...
Description: Collaboration HLP Pillars: HLP Highlight Tool - HLP 1: Collaborate with Professionals to Increase Student Success, HLP Highlight Tool - HLP 3: Collaborate with Families to Support Student Learning and Secure Needed Services Embedded HLPs HLP Highlight Tool - HLP 2: Organize and Facilitate Effective Meetings with Professionals and Families Data-Driven Planning HLP Pillar: HLP Highlight Tool - HLP 6: Use Student Assessment Data, Analyze Instructional Practices, and Make Necessary Adjustments that...
Description: Check out PolyPad: Virtual Manipulatives - Unleash your creativity with the world's best virtual manupulatives! PolyPad is a mathematical playground filled with unique tools that allow students to play and explore - and they're completely free to use.
Description: Check out SPIRAL's Professional Learning - Professional Learning on Language and Fluency, Error Analysis and Directive Word Problems, Routine Word Problems, and SPIRALing into the STAAR.
Description: Specialized Math Intervention to Reach All Learners (SPRIAL) provides various resources for math including: Instructional Platform, Explicit Instruction, Language, Multiple Representations and more.
Description: Mathwords is an interactive math dictionary with enough math words, math terms, math formulas, pictures, diagrams, tables, and examples to satisfy your inner math geek.
Description: This brief video provides an overview of how educators and parents can help youth learn mathematical vocabulary terms at home using the Frayer Model.
Description: GeoGebra Math Resources - Find free, ready-to-use math resources for algebra, geometry, number sense, measurement, operations, statistics and probability across grades 4-8 and high school to enhance student exploration and practice!
Description: Didax Virtual Manipulatives - Free virtual manipulatives from Number Lines to Base Ten, Pattern Blocks to Place Value, Disks our collection of free Virtual Manipulatives gives educators and families access to visual and hands-on digital resources that lead to understanding. Students can use these resources in class and at home to practice math concepts, reinforce their growing math understanding, technology they love in the process.
Description: Youcubed: Elevate Your Teaching with Engaging, Joyful Mathematics - Stanford in-person and virtual workshops, flexible online courses, and ready-to-use resources to help students thrive.
Description: Helping Kids Learn at Home - Educational experts at MCPER have created videos to help parents and guardians use effective practices to teach students at home due to COVID-19. Below, click on any image to read a description, download free resources, and watch the video.
Description: Toy Theater Virtual Manipulatives - Online manipulatives bring all learning and fun without the mess. Toy Theater's math virtual manipulatives help students grasp abstract concepts through modeling.
Description: Advocating for Math Support in the IEP provides ways to advocate for more help at school when a student with a disability is struggling in math.
Description: In this video, Sarah Powell, Assistant Professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Texas at Austin, discusses key considerations when teaching students with math difficulty.
Description: VDOE's webinar on Schema Based Instruction for Problem Solving recording.
Description: October is National Bullying Prevention Month PEATC has recently developed a 30-day Bullying Awareness Toolkit! This toolkit includes a workbook for educators and other professionals, a workbook for students, and family activities. Several school divisions are using the toolkit with their students this month! PEATC is proud to collaborate with these schools in the team effort to stop bullying. What's inside? Quick classroom lessons & activities that get students...
Description: Check out the Navigating the Transition document - Guidance for successfully transitioning students with disabilities from instruction on a modified curriculum and participation in the Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP) to instruction in the general curriculum and participation in the Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments.
Description: Checkout the Transportation Options for Students with Disabilities: Getting to/from School Factsheet for Virginia's Parents -Did you know that bus drivers and other transportation staff have an important role in supporting students with disabilities? The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) reminds schools that when transportation is written into a student’s IEP or 504 Plan, it’s not just about getting a ride, it’s a legally required service that ensures a...
Description: Every state receiving funds for serving students with disabilities (all do) must submit and be measured against established standards. The Virginia DOE standards for accountability regarding implementation of inclusive practices for students with disabilities are as follows. Use this section to determine your school's status with regard to these standards. Practices: Our school is the home (neighborhood) school for students with disabilities receiving their education here. The percentage of...
Description: Instruction in every general education classroom must offer rich, engaging and evidence-based instruction focused on on-grade level standards. If this is not present, students are more likely to experience difficulties in school and be referred for special education services. We must not find students eligible for and in need of special education services in response to poor instruction in the general education classroom. Tier 1 is arguably the most critical state in a Multi-Tiered System of...
Description: The standard for making decisions about a student with disabilities follows the same continuum from least to most segregated settings and we use a clear model for ensuring that each decision is based on the needs and capabilities of the student. Practices: Staffing and scheduling decisions are based solely on the needs of individual students. Decisions are not made on the basis of labels, places or available services or space. Our school uses an objective, student-centered process for...
Description: Many educators believe that inclusive practices are more costly than traditional services offered in ‘pull-out’ settings. Actually, when staffing and other costs are determined on the basis of student needs, staffing requirements typically decrease. Practices: During interviews for new faculty, the expectation of inclusive practices by all teachers and staff is clearly stated. Practices are in place to recruit and retain highly qualified educators who are skilled in implementing effective...
Description: Effective collaboration among general and special educators, related service personnel, and parents represents the hallmark of inclusive schools. Time and support must be provided to increase the success of inclusion. Practices: Special education teachers are members of grade level or department teams and share planning times, professional development, and responsibility for all students. Common planning time is provided to support quality collaboration. General and special education co-teachers...
Description: In truly inclusive schools, the needs of each student determine the setting in which he or she is educated. While there is a strong emphasis on providing the supports needed to enable each student to be successful in the general education classroom, if all options have been explored and services need to be provided outside of the general education classroom for part or all of the day, those services must meet quality standards. Practices: Individual decisions about specialized support reflect...
Description: While physical and academic inclusion are critical for the success of students with disabilities, each school must also focus on providing social inclusion opportunities with same-age peers. This addresses the needs of the ‘whole child’ and has a significant impact on well-being, academic achievement, and post-school success. Practices: Regular and frequent opportunities are planned and provided for adults and youth to work together to solve problems and learn together. School staff provide...
Description: As families, educators and community members recognize the importance of inclusive practices, new and authentic partnerships must be formed. Practices: Family members are included as active members of team making decisions about their child. School/district routinely builds relationships between families and schools through two-way communication, offcampus outreach, non-threatening fun activities, and a positive school climate. Students encourage family involvement through active participation...
Description: The following practices are essential to the success of inclusive practices, closing the achievement gap and creating a sharp focus on the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders. Planning for sustainability should be incorporated into the earliest stages of planning and implementation. Practices: Inclusive education is recognized as a district-wide priority, not the priority of a single department. Leadership sessions are conducted periodically with key personnel to ensure the vocabulary...
Description: Beginning Reading - The National Center for Improving Literacy has gathered its best resources for beginning reading into one convenient link. Topics include: Alphabetuc Principle & Phonics Coaching Steps for Families Engaging Children: Interactive Literacy Activities for Preschool and Kindergarten Fluency with Text And much more!
Description: The mission of NCIL is to increase access to, and use of, evidence-based approaches to screen, identify, and teach students with literacy-related disabilities, including dyslexia. This website includes resources for Parents & Families, Schools & Districts and State Agencies.
Description: Check out the AAC Training Planning Tree & AAC Training FAQs Did you know? IEP Teams must consider the need for Assistive Technology (AT) devices and services with the development of each IEP. AT services include any support provided to help a child with a disability to choose, obtain, or use an assistive technology device effectively. These services incorporate training or technical assistance for professionals (e.g., educators, related service providers, rehabilitation...
Description: Check out PEATC's new Resource Document: Understanding Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA) -When behavior gets in the way of learning, it’s not about blame, it’s about understanding. PEATC’s new FBA Resource Document explains how a Functional Behavioral Assessment can help uncover the “why” behind your child’s behavior and lead to more effective, compassionate support at school. This easy-to-read resource walks families through when an FBA is needed, what...
Description: Check out PEATC's Understanding the Parts of the IEP Fact Sheet - The IEP is one of the most important tools in your child’s special education journey — but it can also be one of the most confusing. Our new fact sheet, “Understanding the Parts of the Individualized Education Program (IEP),” breaks it all down in plain language just for families. From present levels and goals to services, accommodations, and transition planning, this guide helps you understand...
Description: Check out the Resource Menu: Supporting Early Childhood Educators in Inclusive Environments - A body of research demonstrates that high-quality inclusion benefits children, families, and professionals. Research also shows that many early childhood educators do not feel adequately prepared to adapt their teaching to meet the needs of children with IEPs in their care. In an effort to support teachers like you who serve young children with and without disabilities, this document offers...
Description: When Parents and Schools Disagree: We’ve Got You Covered - Checkout the Dispute Resolution GuideDisagreements about special education services can be confusing and emotional—but you don’t have to navigate them alone. PEATC’s NEW Dispute Resolution Guide is here to help Virginia families understand your options when things aren’t going as they should. Whether you’re curious about Facilitated IEPs, Mediation, Written State...
Description: Check out the CEC's HLP #7 video - This video provides a definition, background, and rationale for high-leverage practice (HLP) 7 and demonstrates three key components of this HLP through video exemplars from general and special education teachers. The three key components highlighted in this video are the importance of defining and teaching classroom expectations and rules, using a continuum of strategies to acknowledge appropriate behavior with high frequency, and optimizing instructional...
Description: Check out the Beginning of the Year Survey for Families - Early childhood best practices are also trauma-informed practices. As an early childhood educator you are well positioned to provide the responsive, caring, and predictable environments and relationships that research has proven can mitigate stress and trauma. By administering a “Beginning of Questionnaire for Families'' you are centering family, community, and socialemotional wellness at the start of school. Incorporating what you...
Description: Visit Best Messaging Apps and Websites for Students, Teachers, and Parents - These apps and websites for texting, messaging, and communication make it easier for teachers to send out assignments, reminders, and progress reports and communicate with parents and students about conferences, field trips, and volunteer opportunities. This list will help you find a tool to keep your communication consistent, reach parents on platforms they're already using, and, in some cases, give students the...
Description: Visit the PBIS resource: Creating Effective Classroom Environments Plan Template -Educators can download this template and create their own plan to implement PBIS in their classroom. The template includes opportunity to develop a classroom matrix, create lesson plans to teach expected behavior, script prompts or reminders for desired behavior, and plan praise and corrections.
Description: Checkout Effective Classroom Systems by VTSS - Effective Classroom Systems is designed for division and school leadership to develop a plan for the data collection, professional learning and coaching needed at the division and school level in order to promote a sustained focus on the use of effective classroom practices. Classroom practices are the strategies essential to effective instruction and include: arranging the physical environment, active supervision, classroom expectations,...
Description: Check out Lesson Plan: Co-creating Classroom Expecations with Students (PBIS) - The purpose of this lesson is to partner with elementary students to create a classroom matrix together, based on existing schoolwide expectations.
Description: Check out PEATC's new resource, Tips for Transition to Middle School for Students with Disabilities - that offers practical steps Virginia families can take now to prepare their child for success. From reviewing IEPs to building self-advocacy skills and connecting with staff, this fact sheet walks you through what matters most during this key transition. Let’s help our kids move forward with confidence!
Description: Download the Importance of Reviewing Your Childs School Records Factsheet - Did you know that regularly reviewing your child’s school records is one of the most powerful steps you can take as a parent? These records—like evaluations, IEPs, progress updates, and behavior reports—tell the story of your child’s education. They help you stay informed, advocate effectively, and make sure your child is getting the services and support they’re entitled to. Mistakes happen,...
Description: Want to feel confident teaching and including students with autism in your classroom? The Autism Center for Education offers FREE short-term coaching, equipping educational teams with practical strategies and techniques to better support autistic learners in any classroom environment. Schedule now to get ready for the 2025-2026 school year at: vcuautismcenter.org/requests Testimonials: “The real time hands on coaching and skills I could immediately implement were the most useful and the...
Description: Let’s Hear from the Expert—Your Child!Students with disabilities have unique strengths, preferences, and goals, and they deserve a voice in their IEPs. When students share what they’re good at, what they need help with, and what they want for their future, their IEPs become more meaningful and focused. Download PEATC’s easy-to-use Student IEP Input Form and help your child become an active part of their IEP team today!"Let’s build...