Developing Effective Special Educators

How can novice special education teachers improve their practice and grow as professionals? How can veteran teachers remain connected to their profession and share their knowledge and skills? In this readable, research-based guide, the authors outline a program of collaboration to enable novice teachers to gain insight from their more experienced colleagues. The book argues that epistemic empathy is a core attribute to develop in practitioners at all levels of experience in order to apply principles of special education practice in thoughtful and innovative ways. The authors show how to develop the dispositions and repertoire for successful teaching by building bridges across the profession. This dialogical approach is the foundation for sustained growth at all levels of practice, and for deepening the kind of practical wisdom that comes with time.

Book Features:

• Provides a practical review of special education principles, practices, and theory, as well as relevant current research.
• Scaffolds work in the zone of proximal development for novices, their mentors, and supervisors in an effort to improve practice through collaboration.
• Offers plans and ideas for support and refection that will contribute to personal growth and lead to strong leadership.

Alice Tesch Graham is a professor of special education at Salve Regina University. Gia Anselmo Renaud is an assistant professor at Bridgewater State University. Martha McCann Rose is a professor of education and fellow at The Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy at Salve Regina University.

“Building on their decades of experience as teacher educators and special education teachers, Graham, Renaud, and Rose have written an easy-to-read book addressing critical topics in the preparation of special education teachers and built on a framework of epistemic empathy. The very real examples of dilemmas faced by teachers, their mentors, and administrators will encourage readers to consider others’ perspectives when problem-solving challenging situations. The book will be a helpful resource in preparing special education teachers, mentors, or administrators.”
—Lynne Ryan, Providence College

Contents

Introduction  1
How Learning Theory Shapes the Argument for Epistemic Empathy  1
The Promise of Epistemic Empathy  3
Instructional Principles and Practices  5
The Story of Ruby and Her Associates  5
The Metaphor of the Bridge  6
The BRIDGE Solution  7

CROSSING I: THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE  9

1.  Special Education Policy  15
Reviewing ESSA  15
Reviewing IDEA  16
Reviewing Section 504  18
Implementing the Legislation  19
Epistemic Empathy Exercise  20
Bridge Builder  20

2.  Instructional Planning  22
Gathering Data  22
Incorporating Best Practice  23
Considering Additional Strategies  25
Managing Different Levels of Need  27
Epistemic Empathy Exercise  29
Bridge Builder  30

3.  Student Behavior  31
Providing an Environment for Success  31
Applying Positive Behavior Intervention Supports in the Classroom  33
Implementing a Behavior Intervention Plan  35
Making Students Accountable for Their Own Behavior  36
Epistemic Empathy Exercise  37
Bridge Builder  38

CROSSING II: THE ROLLING BRIDGE  39

4.  Curriculum and Assessment  44
Applying Standards to Special Education  44
Meeting Challenges of the General Education Curriculum  45
Reviewing Specialized Curriculum and Assistive Technology  47
Assessing Student Progress Toward Meeting the Standards  50
Epistemic Empathy Exercise  51
Bridge Builder  52

5.  Culturally Responsive Pedagogy  53
Establishing Classroom Climate  54
Fostering Communication  55
Promoting Learning Strategies  56
Understanding Behavior Management  59
Epistemic Empathy Exercise  60
Bridge Builder  60

6.  Social and Emotional Learning  62
Developing Empathy  63
Engendering Self-Determination  64
Teaching Students Who Have Experienced Trauma  64
Building Social and Emotional Skills Outside the Classroom  65
Epistemic Empathy Exercise  67
Bridge Builder  68

CROSSING III: THE MOSTAR BRIDGE  70

7.  Collaboration  76
Recognizing the Perspective of Another  76
Developing Relationship Skills  77
Fostering Relationship Skills and Teaching  78
Enhancing Social Awareness and Communication  80
Epistemic Empathy Exercise  83
Bridge Builder  83

8.  Application  85
Leveraging Social Interaction, Epistemic Empathy, and Disciplinary Knowledge  87
BRIDGE: A Problem Solving Model  87
BRIDGE: In Action  89
Epistemic Empathy Exercise  91
Bridge Builder  92

CROSSING IV: THE PROVIDENCE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE  94

References  96

Index  103

About the Authors  110