236.Implementing AAC in the Classroom: Tips, Tricks, and Troubleshooting
Be The Exception In Special Education
Release Date: 10/31/2024
259.How to Prep Like a Pro: Making Your IEP Meetings More Effective
Be The Exception In Special Education
In this episode, we’ll cover proven strategies for IEP meeting prep, including organizing data, setting clear goals, and encouraging team collaboration. I’ll also share time-saving tips and resources to make your prep efficient and stress-free. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to align your team and ensure they’re prepared. The importance of organizing meaningful data to support decisions. Simple tools and strategies that make IEP prep easy and effective. Links and Resources Connect with Dawn Subscribe Are you subscribed to my podcast?...
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258.Streamlining IEP Meetings: The Key to Boosting Collaboration
Be The Exception In Special Education
In this episode, Dawn Ellis shares her top strategies for streamlining IEP meetings to make them more efficient, collaborative, and less stressful. By preparing effectively, using the right tools, and boosting collaboration, special educators can transform the IEP process and set their students up for success. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Importance of Preparation: How being prepared with templates, visuals, and organized data saves time and reduces stress. Tools and Templates to Streamline Your IEP Meetings: The IEP Organization Bundle, Special Education IEP Bundle,...
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257.How to Organize Visual Supports in Your Classroom for Maximum Efficiency
Be The Exception In Special Education
In this episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, Dawn Ellis shares practical tips for organizing visual supports in your classroom to ensure they’re always easily accessible. Visual supports play a crucial role in special education, and keeping them organized can save you time, reduce stress, and help your students thrive. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why Visual Organization Matters: Learn how organized visuals improve student engagement and reduce frustration. Best Storage Methods: Discover the best storage methods for cue cards, schedules, behavior visuals, and more. ...
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256.Promoting Autism Acceptance in Schools and Classrooms
Be The Exception In Special Education
In this episode of Be The Exception, I am exploring creative and impactful activities for promoting autism acceptance in schools and classrooms. From sensory-friendly events to interactive learning experiences. There are practical strategies and inspiring ideas for creating inclusive environments where every individual feels valued and celebrated. Tune in to discover how you can make a difference and be the exception in special education! In this episode you will learn: Bulletin Board ideas for the month of April Sensory Activities for everyone Interactive Storytime ideas ...
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255.The Secret to Making Visual Supports Work for Every Student
Be The Exception In Special Education
Not all visual supports work the same way for every student. Customization is key to ensuring students benefit from visual schedules, cue cards, and behavior charts. In today’s episode, we’ll explore why generic visuals don’t always work, how to modify them for different disabilities, and the best tools for creating personalized supports. Plus, I’ll give you a free customizable visual schedule template to help you get started today! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why one-size-fits-all visuals aren’t effective for all students. ✅ How to modify visuals for nonverbal...
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254. How to Use Visual Supports to Reduce Classroom Stress and Support Student Success
Be The Exception In Special Education
Struggling with student engagement, transitions, or behavior in your special education classroom? Visual supports could be the game-changer you need! In today’s episode, we’ll break down why visuals are essential, the different types of visual supports, and how you can start using them today. Plus, I’ll share a real-life story of a student whose entire school experience improved thanks to a visual schedule and reinforcement board. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe & leave a review! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why students struggle with verbal instructions and how...
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253.How to Use Behavior Data to Drive Interventions
Be The Exception In Special Education
In this episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, Dawn Ellis dives deep into the often intimidating world of behavior data. She explains why it’s so critical, how to collect it, and most importantly, how to use it to inform effective interventions. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by student behavior, this episode will provide the clarity and tools you need to turn things around in your classroom. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to collect behavior data with simple tools like frequency charts and behavior logs How to analyze behavior data to identify patterns...
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252.Teaching Emotional Awareness: Simple SEL Activities for Special Ed
Be The Exception In Special Education
In this episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, Dawn Ellis shares simple and effective SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) activities that every special education teacher can implement to help students build emotional awareness. These activities not only help students regulate their emotions but also contribute to their social and academic success. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why emotional awareness is essential in the special education classroom How Emotion Charades can help students recognize and express emotions The power of Feelings Check-Ins to support...
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251.Positive Behavior Supports That Actually Work
Be The Exception In Special Education
In today’s episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, we’re diving into one of the most critical areas of teaching—Positive Behavior Supports (PBS). As special education teachers, we know that behavior challenges can sometimes feel like mountains to climb. But what if I told you there are strategies that can help you turn things around, even on the toughest days? In this episode, I’ll share proven, real-world strategies for positive behavior supports that will not only help you manage behavior but also create an environment where your students can thrive. What You’ll...
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250. Consistency Is Key: Behavior Management Tips That Will Change Your Special Education Classroom
Be The Exception In Special Education
In this episode of Be The Exception in Special Education, I chat with Abby from Mrs. Moe’s Modifications about behavior management strategies that actually work in special education classrooms. Abby shares her tried-and-tested techniques, including how to prioritize behavior interventions, the most overlooked factor in addressing challenging behaviors, and how to build lasting relationships with your students. We also talk about the importance of consistency, family involvement, and practical tools to track student behavior and progress. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to...
info_outlineIn this final episode of our AAC Awareness Month series, we dive into the practical side of AAC implementation. Learn how to use AAC in everyday classroom routines, troubleshoot common issues, and keep your students engaged with their AAC tools. Discover easy-to-implement tips and tricks that will help you overcome challenges and empower your students to communicate effectively.
In this episode you will learn:
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Quick wins for integrating AAC into daily classroom activities.
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The importance of modeling AAC use for students and peers.
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How to troubleshoot device malfunctions or student resistance.
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Real-life examples of overcoming AAC challenges in the classroom.
Subscribe to Be the Exception so you don’t miss future episodes. If you enjoyed this series, please share it with other educators to raise awareness for AAC in special education!
Links and Resources
Fall Leaves Adapted Unit
Engaging Special Education Thanksgiving Activities Blog
The Exceptional Collective
FREEBIE: AAC Implementation Guide
Amazon Storefront
How to Choose and Customize AAC Tools for Your Students
Connect with Dawn
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