What was life like at Belchertown—a bleak institution for people with disabilities—and how did one young teacher make a difference? Find out in this candid and personal coffee chat with Dr. Howard Shane, author of the spellbinding new memoir Unsilenced. Read More
In this excerpt from Chapter 13 of Unsilenced, Dr. Howard Shane recounts his early experiences teaching his students to use an innovative communication device he invented. It’s a fascinating look into the early days of augmentative and alternative communication. Read More
How can educators use systematic instruction to effectively teach students with moderate to severe disabilities in preK through high school and beyond? Find out in this presentation by Belva Collins, author of Systematic Instruction for Students with Moderate and Severe Disabilities, Second Edition. Read More
Read this excerpt from Unsilenced: A Teacher’s Year of Battles, Breakthroughs, and Life-Changing Lessons at Belchertown State School to get a preview of chapter one. Read More
Read this excerpt from Systematic Instruction for Students with Moderate and Severe Disabilities, Second Edition to get a preview of chapter one. Read More
View this handout to learn what's new in the second edition of Systematic Instruction for Students with Moderate and Severe Disabilities. Read More
Read the excerpt to learn basic components of systematic instruction; how to task analyze a chained task; and describe how it can be taught across three instructional formats: forward chaining, backward chaining, and total task presentation. Upon completion of this excerpt, readers will be able to provide examples of general and specific attentional cues and responses, and describe the rationale for delivering one over the other. Read More
Read the excerpt and learn how to actively create inclusive learning environments that support all students, foster cultural understandings, promote safety and emotional well-being, support positive social interactions, and facilitate active engagement of all students. Read More