High Leverage Practices by Emmalie Grobner

Team Up with Co-Teachers

emmaliegrobner — 2025-01-15 01:55:54 UTC

Co-teaching might be new for some, but it's a game-changer. Start by setting clear roles and responsibilities with your teaching partner. Decide who will lead which parts of the lesson and how you’ll support each other. This approach not only diversifies learning but also models collaboration for students. Regular check-ins with your co-teacher can help refine your approach and ensure both of you are on the same page. Remember, it's about creating a seamless learning experience where students benefit from the strengths of two educators (Friend & Cook, 2016).

Set the Stage with Agendas

emmaliegrobner — 2025-01-15 01:58:49 UTC

Before meetings, circulate a detailed agenda outlining topics, goals, and roles. This helps participants prepare and contributes to a focused discussion. During the meeting, stick to time limits for each agenda item to ensure all topics are covered. Consider using a facilitator to guide discussions and keep the meeting on track (Friend & Cook, 2016).

Keep Communication Open

emmaliegrobner — 2025-01-15 02:00:15 UTC

Establish regular communication channels with families using digital platforms or apps. Share updates on student progress, classroom activities, and upcoming events. Encourage two-way communication by inviting families to share their observations and concerns. This ongoing dialogue helps build trust and ensures that families are informed partners in their child's education (Kraft & Rogers, 2015).

Solve Problems Together

emmaliegrobner — 2025-01-15 02:04:33 UTC

Begin by collecting data from assessments, quizzes, and observations. Look for patterns and trends in student performance. Use this information to group students for targeted instruction or to adjust your teaching strategies. Data meetings with your colleagues can be a great way to share insights and brainstorm intervention strategies. Keep in mind, data is not just numbers—it's a story about your students' learning journey (Hamilton et al., 2009).

Involve Families

emmaliegrobner — 2025-01-15 02:06:52 UTC

Start by building relationships with families through regular communication. Use newsletters, emails, or apps to keep them informed about classroom happenings. During meetings, create a welcoming environment where families feel comfortable sharing their insights and concerns. Encourage questions and provide clear explanations of educational jargon. Engaging families as partners in their child's education fosters a supportive learning environment (Epstein & Sheldon, 2002).

Co-Teaching Model for Special Education

emmaliegrobner — 2025-01-15 02:10:30 UTC

This video is showing what this model looks like and why it is helpful.

What to SAY at the IEP Meeting

emmaliegrobner — 2025-01-15 02:17:03 UTC

This is an experienced Special Education teacher who explains how she prepares for IEP meetings.

Family Centered Collaboration

emmaliegrobner — 2025-01-15 02:19:13 UTC

This shows why this is important and a few real life examples.

Technology

emmaliegrobner — 2025-01-15 17:04:57 UTC

TalkingPoints allows teachers to reach out to parents and the notification gets sent right to their phone. It also can translate, making this much easier for back and forth communication.

Use Data to Guide You

emmaliegrobner — 2025-01-16 01:54:10 UTC

Be Culturally Aware

emmaliegrobner — 2025-01-16 01:57:01 UTC

Make an effort to understand the cultural backgrounds of your students and their families. This can involve learning key phrases in their native language or understanding important cultural practices and holidays. Be mindful of cultural differences in communication styles and decision-making processes. This awareness helps create an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels respected and valued (Gay, 2018).

Set Specific Goals Together

emmaliegrobner — 2025-01-16 01:58:40 UTC

During IEP meetings, work collaboratively with families to set goals that are specific, measurable, and relevant to the student's needs. Provide clear explanations of educational terms and processes, so families can make informed decisions. Regularly review progress towards these goals and make adjustments as needed. This collaborative approach ensures that goals are meaningful and achievable (Turnbull et al., 2013).

Empower Families

emmaliegrobner — 2025-01-16 02:20:35 UTC

Offer workshops or training sessions on topics like supporting homework, understanding the IEP process, or using educational technology. These sessions can provide families with practical tools and strategies to help their child's learning. Consider holding these events at various times to accommodate different schedules. Empowered families are better equipped to advocate for their child's needs and contribute to their success (Dunst et al., 2007).

Tech Tools: Google Workspace

emmaliegrobner — 2025-01-16 02:34:16 UTC

Imagine having a digital toolbox that brings all your teaching resources together. With Google Workspace, you can work on lesson plans, share ideas, and collaborate with colleagues in real time. It's like a virtual teacher’s lounge where creativity and efficiency meet.

Tech Tools: Slack

emmaliegrobner — 2025-01-16 03:30:01 UTC

Slack is your communication hub, perfect for keeping track of various conversations and projects. Whether you're planning a school event or sharing teaching tips, Slack helps keep everything organized and accessible, so nothing gets lost in the shuffle.

Tech Tools: Zoom

emmaliegrobner — 2025-01-16 03:30:36 UTC

When meeting face-to-face isn’t possible, Zoom steps in to make virtual interactions feel personal. Whether it’s brainstorming with colleagues or holding parent-teacher conferences, Zoom’s features help maintain that important connection and engagement.

Tech Tools: Microsoft Teams

emmaliegrobner — 2025-01-16 03:31:20 UTC

Think of Microsoft Teams as your all-in-one meeting space. It brings together chat, video calls, and file sharing, making it easier to organize and conduct meetings with colleagues and parents. It’s like having a digital conference room ready whenever you need it.

Tech Tools: SurveyMonkey

emmaliegrobner — 2025-01-16 03:31:53 UTC

Need feedback on a new initiative or classroom strategy? SurveyMonkey lets you create and distribute surveys easily, helping you gather valuable insights from parents and colleagues to make informed decisions.

Tech Tools: Doodle

emmaliegrobner — 2025-01-16 03:33:14 UTC

Juggling schedules is a breeze with Doodle. Propose a few meeting times, and let participants vote on what works best. It’s a simple yet effective way to coordinate busy schedules and ensure everyone can participate.

Tech Tools: ClassDojo

emmaliegrobner — 2025-01-16 03:33:54 UTC

ClassDojo is like having a direct line to your students’ families. It lets you share classroom updates, student achievements, and even photos in a safe and engaging way. It’s a fantastic tool for building a supportive classroom community.

Tech Tools: Seesaw

emmaliegrobner — 2025-01-16 03:34:30 UTC

With Seesaw, students can showcase their learning through digital portfolios, and parents can engage with their child’s progress in real time. It’s a great way to strengthen the home-school connection and celebrate learning milestones.

Tech Tools: Remind

emmaliegrobner — 2025-01-16 03:34:57 UTC

Remind is your go-to for sending quick, important messages to parents and students. Whether it’s a homework reminder or an event update, Remind ensures your communication is clear and consistent.

References

emmaliegrobner — 2025-01-16 03:37:20 UTC

1. Friend, M., & Cook, L. (2016). Interactions: Collaboration skills for school professionals. Pearson.

2. Hamilton, L., Halverson, R., Jackson, S., Mandinach, E., Supovitz, J., & Wayman, J. (2009). Using student achievement data to support instructional decision making. National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance, Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education.

3. Dettmer, P., Thurston, L. P., & Dyck, N. (2009). Consultation, collaboration, and teamwork for students with special needs. Pearson.

4. Epstein, J. L., & Sheldon, S. B. (2002). Present and accounted for: Improving student attendance through family and community involvement. The Journal of Educational Research, 95(5), 308-318.

5. Gay, G. (2018). Culturally responsive teaching: Theory, research, and practice. Teachers College Press.

6. Kraft, M. A., & Rogers, T. (2015). The underutilized potential of teacher-to-parent communication: Evidence from a field experiment. Economics of Education Review, 47, 49-63.

7. Turnbull, A. P., Wehmeyer, M. L., & Shogren, K. A. (2013). Exceptional lives: Special education in today’s schools. Pearson.

8. Dunst, C. J., Trivette, C. M., & Hamby, D. W. (2007). Meta-analysis of family-centered help-giving practices research. Family Relations, 56(3), 351-361.

References

emmaliegrobner — 2025-01-16 03:37:33 UTC

Websites

1. Google LLC. (2023). Google Workspace. Retrieved from [https://workspace.google.com/](https://workspace.google.com/)

2. Slack Technologies, LLC. (2023). Slack. Retrieved from [https://slack.com/](https://slack.com/)

3. Zoom Video Communications, Inc. (2023). Zoom. Retrieved from [https://zoom.us/](https://zoom.us/)

4. Microsoft Corporation. (2023). Microsoft Teams. Retrieved from [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software)

5. Momentive Inc. (2023). SurveyMonkey. Retrieved from [https://www.surveymonkey.com/](https://www.surveymonkey.com/)

6. Doodle AG. (2023). Doodle. Retrieved from [https://doodle.com/](https://doodle.com/)

7. ClassDojo, Inc. (2023). ClassDojo. Retrieved from [https://www.classdojo.com/](https://www.classdojo.com/)

8. Seesaw Learning, Inc. (2023). Seesaw. Retrieved from [https://web.seesaw.me/](https://web.seesaw.me/)

9. Remind101, Inc. (2023). Remind. Retrieved from [https://www.remind.com/](https://www.remind.com/)