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What is the difference between a 504 and IEP?

A 504 Plan and an Individualized Education Program (IEP) are both legal documents designed to help children with disabilities succeed in school, but they are used in different circumstances and have distinct features. A 504 Plan, derived from Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, is crafted for students who do not qualify for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) but who still require some accommodation to fully participate in the educational program. It is broader in scope than an IEP and applies to any individual with a disability who needs accommodations to ensure …

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14 Genius Ideas for Creating a DIY Sensory Board in Your Classroom

Introduction: Sensory boards are fantastic tools used to enhance children’s learning by engaging their senses. In education, these boards help students explore, discover, and engage in a multisensory way. Creating a DIY sensory board in your classroom can be an affordable and fun project that encourages creativity and enhances learning experiences. Here are 14 genius ideas to help inspire you when creating your own DIY sensory board. 1. Textured Fabric Swatches: Create a tactile experience by attaching different fabric swatches like velvet, faux fur, or corduroy to the board. This variety of textures will encourage children to touch and explore …

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Why Special Education Teachers Need a Big Support Network

Special education teachers play a critical role in the lives of children with disabilities, ensuring that they receive the proper education, support, and resources to flourish and grow. The daily obstacles they face are unique and often difficult to navigate, which is why a big support network is essential for them to be successful in their profession. Here are several reasons why special education teachers need a substantial support network: 1. Emotional Support: Given the unique challenges that special education teachers face, they often experience job-related stress and emotional exhaustion. A strong support network can provide opportunities for teachers to …

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Why Special Education Teachers Need a Big Support Network

Special education teachers play a critical role in the lives of children with disabilities, ensuring that they receive the proper education, support, and resources to flourish and grow. The daily obstacles they face are unique and often difficult to navigate, which is why a big support network is essential for them to be successful in their profession. Here are several reasons why special education teachers need a substantial support network: 1. Emotional Support: Given the unique challenges that special education teachers face, they often experience job-related stress and emotional exhaustion. A strong support network can provide opportunities for teachers to …

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Here is How I Would Fix Special Education

Education is one of the cornerstones of individual growth and societal development. However, within the broad spectrum of educational systems lies a critical segment that often experiences significant challenges and setbacks: special education. To address these concerns and transform special education into a more effective and inclusive system, I propose several actionable strategies. Firstly, we need to prioritize and increase funding for special education programs. Financial support is foundational to ensure that schools have the resources necessary for specialized instructional materials, assistive technology, and adequately staffed classrooms. By boosting funding, we can reduce student-to-teacher ratios, which is crucial for providing …

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Here is How I Would Fix Special Education

Education is one of the cornerstones of individual growth and societal development. However, within the broad spectrum of educational systems lies a critical segment that often experiences significant challenges and setbacks: special education. To address these concerns and transform special education into a more effective and inclusive system, I propose several actionable strategies. Firstly, we need to prioritize and increase funding for special education programs. Financial support is foundational to ensure that schools have the resources necessary for specialized instructional materials, assistive technology, and adequately staffed classrooms. By boosting funding, we can reduce student-to-teacher ratios, which is crucial for providing …

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How America Fails Special Needs Students

In the sprawling complexity of the American education system, there lies a glaring issue that often goes undiscussed at dinner tables and policy debates: our special needs students are being left behind. This demographic of young learners, who require additional support due to a variety of disabilities ranging from physical impairments to learning and mental health disorders, is frequently overlooked in the pursuit of standardized success. The problem begins with inadequate funding. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which guarantees all children with disabilities access to free and appropriate public education, is chronically underfunded. This shortfall means that schools …

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How America Fails Special Needs Students

In the sprawling complexity of the American education system, there lies a glaring issue that often goes undiscussed at dinner tables and policy debates: our special needs students are being left behind. This demographic of young learners, who require additional support due to a variety of disabilities ranging from physical impairments to learning and mental health disorders, is frequently overlooked in the pursuit of standardized success. The problem begins with inadequate funding. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which guarantees all children with disabilities access to free and appropriate public education, is chronically underfunded. This shortfall means that schools …

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21 Effective Memory Strategies for Special Needs Children

Are you looking for strategies to help your special education student improve their memory skills? If so, keep reading. Teach the learner to identify main points, essential facts, etc. Teach the learner to rely on resources in their surroundings to recall information (e.g., notes, textbooks, images, etc.). When the learner is required to recall information, give auditory signals to help the learner remember the information (e.g., keywords, a brief oral description to clue the learner, etc.). Assess the meaningfulness of the content to the learner. Knowledge acquisition is more likely to happen when the learning content is meaningful, and the …

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21 Effective Memory Strategies for Special Needs Children

Are you looking for strategies to help your special education student improve their memory skills? If so, keep reading. Teach the learner to identify main points, essential facts, etc. Teach the learner to rely on resources in their surroundings to recall information (e.g., notes, textbooks, images, etc.). When the learner is required to recall information, give auditory signals to help the learner remember the information (e.g., keywords, a brief oral description to clue the learner, etc.). Assess the meaningfulness of the content to the learner. Knowledge acquisition is more likely to happen when the learning content is meaningful, and the …

Continue reading “21 Effective Memory Strategies for Special Needs Children”