Resources for Special Education Teachers

UPDATE: The Support Group has ended for the summer. They will resume in the fall if at home learning returns. Please check back for more information.

Due to the disruption of schooling in our area, the Special Education Program at East Tennessee State University has compiled a list of high-quality online resources for special education teachers. If you have a resource you would like to add to this webpage, please email  Dr. Pamela Mims (mimsp@etsu.edu). 

ETSU Faculty offering at-home learning advice for students with severe disabilities

Four special education faculty members from East Tennessee State University are reaching out to offer assistance to teachers and parents who are now trying to educate students at home who have severe disabilities, such as significant Autism or significant cognitive, physical or sensory disabilities, or multiple disabilities.

Beginning Thursday, April 2, these faculty members will hold a Zoom meeting every Thursday from 4-5 p.m. for educators and parents who have questions and are looking for ideas, strategies and best-practices for teaching children with severe disabilities in an online environment. The meetings will continue throughout the spring.

Upcoming Professional Development Events

Professional Development Resources

• Adults with Autism Resources

  Adults with Autism ResourcesThis guide was developed as a response to many self-advocates and family members who reached out to our team to develop resources for adults. It is intended to centralize many different adult-specific resources and can serve as a supplement or companion guide to the Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times toolkit, which was developed for families of children and youth with autism. You may find that specific adaptations and additions are necessary to best meet your needs from University of North Carolina, Charlotte.
• American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

  American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities We know that the COVID19 outbreak has caused major interruptions in your work for and with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. During these uncertain times, AAIDD is still here for you with resources to keep you connected. New webinars and webinar Archive are available free of cost, Be on the lookout for new weekly webinars featuring experts in the field in April.
• Attainment Company Distance Learning Tips

  Attainment Company Distance Learning Tips Attainment has compiled a list of distance learning strategies and tips for teachers.
• Attainment Company: Distance Learning Recorded Webinars

  Please click on each webinar title to access the webinar recording and/or presentation materials.

  Tips and Tricks to Teaching Remotely

  Keeping Students Engaged with Distance Learning

  Elementary Literacy Solutions: The Importance of Results

  Secondary Literacy Solutions: The Importance of Results

• Attainment Company:Transition Webinar Recordings

  Please click here to access the following 6 webinars and supporting materials.

  1. Expanding Employment Opportunities for Youth

  2. Systematic Instruction

  3. WIOA and Pre-Employment Transition Services

  4. Mindfulness for Teachers and Students

  5. Employment for Students with Complex Needs

  6. Paraprofessionals as Job Coaches

• Autism Distance Education Parent Training from the Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

  Autism Distance Education Parent Training from the Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

  ADEPT (Autism Distance Education Parent Training) Interactive Learning

  An original MIND Institute/CEDD 10-lesson interactive, self-paced, online learning module providing parents with tools and training to more effectively teach their child with autism and other related neurodevelopmental disorders functional skills using applied behavior analysis (ABA) techniques.

• Autism Society of Florida

  Autism Society of Florida The Autism Society of America and our affiliates promise to remain committed to improving the lives of all affected by autism across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan, and will focus on providing information, resources, and advocacy efforts to address these urgent needs. 

  The autism community faces extraordinary challenges during the COVID-19 crisis. We are proud to launch a comprehensive toolkit on our website, which provides COVID-19 information and resources by topic, including Mental Health & Respite, Modifying Routines, Lifestyle Supports, and much more.

• Be+ App from PBIS.org to track positive reinforcement

  The Technical Assistance Center on PBIS, in partnership with PBISApps, is excited to announce Be+: A free, mobile application to remind and track all of the positive reinforcement and pre-corrections you give throughout the day. It’s available to Android users right now in the Google Play store and the Apple App store.

• CABER Parent Training Opportunity

  CABER Parent Training Opportunity The University of Georgia Center for Autism and Behavioral Education Research (CABER) is now
  offering services to support parents of children who receive special education services and are unable to
  attend school in person at this time. CABER professionals will provide a virtual program on basic
  behavior principles and supports, as well as how to implement behavior supports in the home.

• CEC Video: Assessing and Addressing Needs of Young Children with Disabilities Through Telecommunication

  CEC Video: Assessing and Addressing Needs of Young Children with Disabilities Through Telecommunication The essential practices in early intervention for children birth to five years can happen through actual conversation, augmented in the 21st century with video. This webinar will discuss how to assess and address child and family needs via telecommunication, including screen sharing, scanning, and other methods many families have easy access to. The Routines-Based Model is a well-articulated process with loads of materials to help early interventionists (0-5) support families from a distance.

• CEC Teaching Special Education Online During COVID-19 Webinar

  CEC Teaching Special Education Online During COVID-19 Webinar presented by Kelly J. Grillo, Ph.D., Cooperative School Services, and Jeremy Glauser, eLuma. Original air date March 19, 2020.

  In this webinar, veteran online instructors help identify steps to move online and strategies for adapting the lessons already in motion to this new format. They will share a distilled set of simple, impactful tips as well as resources and tools available to you during the transition.

• CEC Division of Complex & Chronic Conditions (CCC) List of Teaching and Professional Development Resources

  CEC Division of Complex & Chronic Conditions (CCC) List of Teaching and Professional Development Resources This is a list of teaching and professional development resources compiled by the CCC division of the CEC. The CCC will also be hosting a Professional Development Series: CCC Online - Making an Impact on Student Health & Learning. Please become a member to access the schedule.

  CEC

  Visual Schedules

  Boardmaker: Free for 90 days!

  Home-based circle Time Movement and Brain Break Resources 

  Center on Online Learning and Students with Disabilities 

  Social-Emotional and Self Care 

  Social-Emotional Learning Activities for Students

  Ideas to Engage Students with Significant Multiple Disabilities in Activities

  Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired 

  Sensory Activities for Blind Children 

  NKCES Online Trainings 

  Virtual Professional Learning for Teachers

  NTI Student Learning Resources

  Education Companies Offering Free Subscriptions due to School Closings

• Co-VidSpeak: Video-Supported Remote Communication

  Co-VidSpeak: Video-Supported Remote Communication is a free open source, web-based video conferencing tool built for people who can't speak but still need to emotionally connect with those at a distance.

• Distance Learning for Special Education

  Distance Learning for Special Education Resources on this page are provided by educators and families from around the world. We are collaborating to support the needs of students with significant disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. This site includes online resources, tips for families, tips for professionals, and frequently asked questions.

• Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA) - Tele-Intervention and Distance Learning

  Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA) - Tele-Intervention and Distance Learning A number of states are providing distance learning to young children with disabilities and their families. Here, we have compiled information on tele-intervention and distance learning, including state guidance, technology and privacy, service delivery, activities for families at home, and research on effectiveness.
• IEP Virtual Meeting Tips from Center for Parent Information & Resources

  IEP Virtual Meeting Tips from Center for Parent Information & Resources (CPIR) is honored to serve as the host for this collection of tip sheets on planning for and participating in virtual meetings, including those related to a student’s IEP (Individualized Education Program).
• Individualized Positive Behavior Support Tutorial

  Individualized Positive Behavior Support Tutorial from Dr. Meme Hieneman.

  This interactive tutorial provides an overview of individualized positive behavior support through three case studies. Learn about Tori, Manny, and Elliott's experience with positive behavior support, listen to detailed narratives, and participate in brief quizzes to test your knowledge.

  Dr. Meme Hieneman has just recorded these very useful video examples of functional behavior assessments (FBA) and behavior intervention plans (BIP) with actual students. Click here to watch them.

• The IRIS Center

  The IRIS Center is a national center dedicated to improving education outcomes for all children, especially those with disabilities birth through age twenty-one, through the use of effective evidence-based practices and interventions. The IRIS Center resource locator can be found here.

• IRIS Module for Parents

  IRIS Module for Parents The IRIS Center has created a new module specifically for parents to address this urgent and growing need. Parents: Supporting Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic offers practical tools and easy-to-implement strategies for parents to use at home.

• LeHigh University Webinar - Helping Kids, Caregivers, and Teachers Cope During COVID-19 Changes

  LeHigh University Webinar - Helping Kids, Caregivers, and Teachers Cope During COVID-19 Changes Recording of the live, online discussion (from April 6, 2020) with Dr. Christopher Liang, associate professor and chair, department of education and human services as we discuss the challenges learning from home has presented, and what resources and tools kids, caregivers, and teachers can use as we navigate through this time.

• MAST Modules for Teachers of Students with Significant Intellectual Disabilities

  MAST Modules for Teachers of Students with Significant Intellectual Disabilities The Modules Addressing Special Education and Teacher Education (MAST) were created to focus on important topics in special education courses and professional development for teachers. Concepts have broad application for all special education teachers have been formatted in brief modules which may be viewed in about one hour. There are links to resources which may also be accessed for additional information on the topic. This group of OSEP-funded modules is designed for use in courses to prepare special education teachers or for professional development activities with teachers.

• MN Low Incidence Projects Helping Your Child with ASD Learn at Home During Covid19

  MN Low Incidence Projects Helping Your Child with ASD Learn at Home During Covid19 Helping your Child with ASD to Learn at Home during COVID 19 Video

  Today we will be sharing 5 strategies that work best for teaching students with ASD and similar needs. These are “easy-to-do” strategies at home that will make a big difference in you child being able to learn. We know that children with ASD and similar needs have much more difficulty learning independently due to behaviors, motivation, and attention challenges. These tips will help!

  This information was developed by Autism leaders and teachers in MN in an effort to help parents feel less stressed by the enormous task of helping your child learn at home.

• National Center on Intensive Intervention

  National Center on Intensive Intervention This series of professional learning modules intended to assist district or school teams involved in initial planning or implementation of data-based individualization (DBI) as a framework for providing intensive intervention in academics and behavior.

  NCII, through a collaboration with the University of Connecticut, developed a set of course content focused on developing educators’ skills in using explicit instruction.

  NCII, through a collaboration with the University of Connecticut, developed a set of course content focused on developing educators’ skills in designing and delivering behavior support in intensive intervention.

• National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence & Practice 2020 Evidence-Based Practices Report

  National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence & Practice 2020 Evidence-Based Practices Report Our National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence & Practice team at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute has completed our NEW report on Evidence Based Practices (EBPs). The report includes literature published from 2012-2017 and the findings are combined with the literature from the previous review from 1990-2011. 
• National Deaf Center

  National Deaf Center Our team knows firsthand that the transition from high school to life beyond can be a tough one. That’s why we have many different ways to help deaf students and their families, teachers, specialists, and colleges. National Deaf Center: Phone (512) 471-8283.

• NPR: Educators Get Creative To Serve Students With Disabilities

  NPR: Educators Get Creative To Serve Students With Disabilities Highlights ways special education teachers are supporting students with disabilities during school closures.

• ObjectiveEd Digital Curriculum for Vision-Impairment

  ObjectiveEd Digital Curriculum for Vision-Impairment ObjectiveEd’s mission is to provide students with disabilities, and the parents and professionals dedicated to their education, digital curriculum and integrated performance monitoring and reporting tools that will help the students achieve their best educational outcomes.To support our community, we are making our distance learning tools immediately available for all teachers and their students.

• Paths to Literacy for Students who are blind or low vision

  Paths to Literacy for Students who are blind or low vision This website provides resources for an inclusive view of literacy (speaking, listening, object communication, sign language, concept development, and an understanding of one's environment and experiences) for students who are blind or low vision.
• PBS NewsHour Report: Challenge of distance learning for parents

  PBS NewsHour Report: Challenge of distance learning for parents Roughly 14 percent of students enrolled in U.S. public schools receive special education services. As families across the nation grapple with home learning, what are the particular challenges the parents of these children face? Judy Woodruff reports and talks to Selene Almazan of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, a nonprofit aiming to protect the rights of children with disabilities.
• Practical Access Podcast

  Practical Access Podcast Drs. Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines, professors at the University of Central Florida in the College of Community Innovation and Education, have worked with schools and parents across the country. They take a fun and informal look at "practical" situations from teachers, parents, and people with disabilities. Our approach is fast, flexible thinking about "real" life problems. This podcast is not about the "legal" approach, but our best advice from both personal and professional experience.
• Rhode Island Multi-Tiered Systems of Support

  Rhode Island Multi-Tiered Systems of Support RI MTSS has a new online learning module for educators on Supporting Students with Disabilities in Tier 1. This offering will walk learners through the rationale for supporting students with disabilities in the general education classroom and will review legal aspects of Special Education and Students with Disabilities.
• Skills Regression: How to Deal with IEP and Skills Regression, for Parents

  Skills Regression: How to Deal with IEP and Skills Regression, for Parents Regression is one of our biggest fears as parents. Our kids are already behind their peers and we work so hard to help them close the gap. So it’s incredibly disheartening to witness regression.

  Please note that this post and this video has to do with skill regression and the current national quarantine crisis that we are experiencing. Once we have returned to normal, I will edit the post to be more general and deal with regular IEP regression.

• Tennessee Behavior Support Projects: At Home Resources

  Tennessee Behavior Support Projects: At Home Resources This website provides some behavior support resources for families to use at home with their children. It includes strategies, materials, and tips for managing behavior at home.

  To view a video offering behavior tips for at home, click here.

• Think College: Teaching & Learning Online: Strategies for Supporting Students with ID

  Think College: Teaching & Learning Online: Strategies for Supporting Students with ID Right now, due to COVID-19 educators have no choice but to adapt face-to-face support practices to an online environment. While this may seem like an overwhelming and arduous task, it can be a rewarding experience and eliminate barriers for students with ID. Benefits to online teaching include academic access, differentiated instruction, universal design for learning, assessments, synchronous/asynchronous learning.

  It is important to remember that inclusive postsecondary education is based on a supported education model. Program staff are already accustomed to using these practices to support college students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Now we need to apply the ones we can to distance education.

• Teacher’s Guide to Supporting Family Involvement in Foundational Reading Skills from the U.S. Department of Education

  Teacher’s Guide to Supporting Family Involvement in Foundational Reading Skills from the U.S. Department of Education This guide provides you with information on how to support families as they practice foundational reading skills at home. Learning to read begins at home through everyday parent–child interactions, long before children attend school. Parents' continuing support of literacy development throughout elementary school positively affects their children's reading ability.

• The Transition Coalition

  The Transition Coalition online modules are developed using up-to-date research, effective practices in professional development, and materials and resources for implementation. They are for anyone involved in transition planning.
• Transition Tennessee: At Home Transition Activities

  Transition Tennessee: At Home Transition Activities Transition Tennessee is collecting resources for teachers to send to students while they’re working at home.  Some are available online, and some are resources that can be printed and sent home. This list is ever-evolving, so please check back often! 
• Transition Tennessee: Distance Learning Forum Resources

  Transition Tennessee: Distance Learning Forum Resources We have compiled the resources that were shared in the chat into a downloadable document. The PowerPoint recording can be found here. The webinar and the downloadable resource guide are also available on our website.
• Video Modeling and Video Prompting Article

  Video Modeling and Video Prompting Article (explains how to create a video model) This article discusses the creation of video modeling (VM) and video prompting (VP) interventions for teaching novel multistep tasks to individuals with disabilities. This article reviews factors to consider when selecting skills to teach, and students
  for whom VM/VP may be successful, as well as the difference between VM and VP and circumstances affecting which to choose. The purpose of this article is to provide practitioners with step-by-step instruction on how to teach cooking skills using VM and VP for young adults with disabilities.
• Video Presentation - Creating Interactive PowerPoints

  Video Presentation - Creating Interactive PowerPoints Video Presentation by MariBeth Coleman, Associate Professor at the University of Tennessee.

  This video shows teachers and parents how to make fun, interactive learning activities for kids using PowerPoint. This could help teachers or parents provide activities that kids can do independently or help develop activities that can be used with online learning platforms.

• Video Presentation - Using Prompting to Decrease Frustration

  Video Presentation - Using Prompting to Decrease Frustration Video Presentation by MariBeth Coleman, Associate Professor at the University of Tennessee.

  This video explains how parents can use prompting while teaching to decrease frustration and increase independence. The purpose of this video is to teach parents how to use prompts to help decrease frustration during this period of COVID-19 home instruction. The strategies I discuss here are used commonly by special education teachers. They can be used for teaching many skills - from very simple tasks all the way to complex math problems.

Instructional Materials

• The 411 on Disability Disclosure

  The 411 on Disability Disclosure is a workbook for youth with disabilities prepared by ODEP (Office of Disability Employment Policy) to help guide them to make informed decisions about disclosing their disabilities.
• ABCmouse.com

  ABCMouse.com is offering a free 30-day trial of its comprehensive early learning academy for children aged 2-8 and includes educational games and activities designed by teachers.
• Adults with Autism Resources

  Adults with Autism Resources This guide was developed as a response to many self-advocates and family members who reached out to our team to develop resources for adults. It is intended to centralize many different adult-specific resources and can serve as a supplement or companion guide to the Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times toolkit, which was developed for families of children and youth with autism. You may find that specific adaptations and additions are necessary to best meet your needs from University of North Carolina, Charlotte.

• Attainment Company - Digital Access to Attainment Curriculum Products

  Attainment Company - Digital Access to Attainment Curriculum Products Attainment is offering 90 day trials of their literacy software programs via the Attainment Hub. Before accessing their products, you will need to create an account. Please view the tutorial video here and view the written instructions here before beginning the process. Attainment is also providing access to pre-recorded Everyday Reader lessons about shapes and colors and the Explore Social Skills lesson about compromising. .

• Boardmaker

  Boardmaker Online Professional is the most complete system for Special Education Teachers, Speech & Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Behavioral Therapists and more to find, create, organize, and deliver customized visual supports, symbol-based communication and therapy activities that address the needs for the students in your classroom or on your caseload.

  Boardmaker is offering a free 90 day trial.

• CEC Division of Complex & Chronic Conditions (CCC) List of Teaching and Professional Development Resources

  CEC Division of Complex & Chronic Conditions (CCC) List of Teaching and Professional Development Resources This is a list of teaching and professional development resources compiled by the CCC division of the CEC. The CCC will also be hosting a Professional Development Series: CCC Online - Making an Impact on Student Health & Learning. Please become a member to access the schedule.

  CEC

  Visual Schedules

  Boardmaker: Free for 90 days! 

  Home-based circle Time Movement and Brain Break Resources 

  Center on Online Learning and Students with Disabilities 

  Social-Emotional and Self Care 

  Social-Emotional Learning Activities for Students

  Ideas to Engage Students with Significant Multiple Disabilities in Activities

  Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired 

  Sensory Activities for Blind Children 

  NKCES Online Trainings 

  Virtual Professional Learning for Teachers

  NTI Student Learning Resources 

  Education Companies Offering Free Subscriptions due to School Closings

• CEC Resources for Teaching Remotely During COVID-19

  CEC Resources for Teaching Remotely During COVID-19 CEC is here to support special education professionals and your ongoing efforts to apply good teaching practices remotely due to precautions surrounding the COVID-19 virus. This page is a collection of suggested resources you can use as you determine the best means to provide services to your students and their families.
• Centervention Game Based Behavior Interventions for Social and Emotional Skills

  Centervention Game Based Behavior Interventions for Social and Emotional Skills Centervention’s game-based behavior interventions help students in elementary and middle school practice and improve social and emotional skills. These behavior interventions are: engaging and personalized, provide progress data and reports, and include supplemental lessons.
• CHARGE Syndrome Foundation - At-Home Resources

  CHARGE Syndrome Foundation - At-Home Resources This website contains links to many online resources for families to use at home with their children. While intended for individuals with CHARGE syndrome, these resources may be appropriate for individuals with other disabilities as well.
• ChoiceMaker Self-Determination Curriculum from the Zarrow Center

  ChoiceMaker Self-Determination Curriculum from the Zarrow Center The ChoiceMaker Curriculum is Designed to Teach Students the Self-Determination Skills Needed to be Successful in Adult Life.The ChoiceMaker Curriculum consists of three strands: (1) Choosing Goals, (2) Expressing Goals, and (3) Taking Action. Each strand addresses teaching objectives in three transition areas: Education, Employment, and Personal. Click here to download the ChoiceMaker Self-Determination Curriculum Transition Matrix (pdf). The matrix can assist in guiding the use of the ChoiceMaker Curriculum for transition planning.
• Color Our Collections Coloring Pages

  Color Our Collections Coloring Pages Color Our Collections offers free PDF downloads of coloring pages created from art in the collections of 117 institutions, including The New York Academy of Medicine Library, Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, RISD Museum, the North Carolina Museum of Art, The Canadian Canoe Museum and The Royal Horticultural Society libraries.
• Crash Course YouTube channel

  Crash Course YouTube Channel offering engaging educational videos suitable for high school students. The channel features a wide range of subjects, from anatomy to world history.
• Deafverse: Online American Sign Language (ASL) Accessible Game for Teens

  Deafverse: Online American Sign Language (ASL) Accessible Game for Teens For deaf middle and high school students, there are very few accessible online games or resources. That’s why Deafverse, the first-ever American Sign Language (ASL) accessible online game for deaf teenagers, is the go-to game for at-home learning.

  Launched in 2019 by a team of deaf creators and educators at the National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes, Deafverse is a free, choose-your-own-adventure game that is equally focused on skill-building and fun. It is specifically designed for deaf players to experience first-person gameplay through different worlds.

• Described and Captioned Media Program

  Described and Captioned Media Program Families and educators who have at least one student with a disability can register for free membership and access over 8,000 captioned and described educational videos. Free Membership
• Distance Learning for Special Education

  Distance Learning for Special Education Resources on this page are provided by educators and families from around the world. We are collaborating to support the needs of students with significant disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. This site includes online resources, tips for families, tips for professionals, and frequently asked questions.
• Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA) - Tele-Intervention and Distance Learning

  Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA) - Tele-Intervention and Distance Learning A number of states are providing distance learning to young children with disabilities and their families. Here, we have compiled information on tele-intervention and distance learning, including state guidance, technology and privacy, service delivery, activities for families at home, and research on effectiveness.
• ED Game Expo Lessons and Activities

  ED Game Expo Lessons and Activities This website lists 82 learning games and technologies developed with funding across programs at the Department of Education and government that are now available online at no cost until the end of the school year.

  The resources are appropriate for young children to postsecondary students as well as for teachers in education and special education across a wide range of educational topics, such as for early learning, in STEM, reading and language learning, and social studies. Most of the resources were developed iteratively with feedback from teachers and students, and most were evaluated through pilot studies to measure their promise to support improvements in relevant educational outcomes.

• Epic! Digital Library for Kids Under 12

  Epic! Digital Library for Kids Under 12 You can instantly access 40,000 of the best books, learning videos, quizzes & more after signing up for a free subscription (for teachers through June 30th, parents get 30 days free).

• ETSU Nave Speech and Language Center Outreach

  ETSU Nave Speech and Language Center Outreach The three-pronged outreach initiative consists of the following new programs:

  • Family Outreach: This program will provide supportive materials and resources for families whose SLP services have been disrupted due to COVID-19.
    
    
  • SLP Connect: This program was also developed to address the needs of young children whose speech and language services may be interrupted due to COVID-19.
    
    With funds donated by ETSU’s chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, the toy, along with detailed instruction for the families, is delivered to the child’s home. The goal is to provide approximately 50 children with a toy and learning guide. To learn more about SLP Connect, contact Boggs at boggs@etsu.edu.

  • Social Media Outreach Program: SLP graduate students are developing three- to five-minute videos to be shared via Facebook for children with communication challenges and their families.
    
    The social media outreach is available on the ETSU Nave Speech and Language Center Facebook page.
• Florida Inclusion Network: Parenting Tips for Virtual Learning

  Florida Inclusion Network: Parenting Tips for Virtual Learning This is a list of tips for parents of students with disabilities to help support their learning at home using virtual formats provided by the Florida Inclusion Network.

• Helping Your Kid At Home With. . . From the Meadows Center for Preventing Educational Risk

  Helping Your Kid At Home With. . . From the Meadows Center for Preventing Educational Risk Educational experts at the Meadows Center for Preventing of Educational Risk (MCPER) have created videos to help parents and guardians use effective practices to teach students at home due to COVID-19. Videos will be posted regularly, and current topics include: basic phonics, fractions, reading with middle schoolers, identifying main idea, reading, staying motivated, and math word problems.

• Hooked On Science

  Hooked On Science A website featuring videos of Mr. Science and hands-on science activities.

• Jason Learning - K-12 STEM Online Interactive Curriculum

  Jason Learning - K-12 STEM Online Interactive Curriculum JASON Learning has set out to create an exciting, adaptable, and unique way to learn and teach science, technology, engineering, and math, otherwise known as STEM. Our resources are designed so that anyone can learn from anywhere.
• Johnson City Schools Digital Resources

  Johnson City Schools Digital Resources In order to ensure Johnson City Schools students have access to learning materials during our school closure, our district's educators have compiled high-quality resources that support curriculum goals. Any district or educator who finds this site useful, please utilize and link to this site! As educators, our goal is to support each other as we navigate virtual learning for all students.
• Just Books Read Aloud

  Just Books Read Aloud The site is intended to be a resource for parents, teachers and children to easily and simply listen to a great collection of children's books. General access to the site with access to all the books is free.
• Khan Academy

  Khan Academy, a free online learning resource offering lessons, exercises and quizzes, has daily schedules for organizing at-home learning for students ages 4 to 18 years. On weekdays, Khan Academy is also offering daily livestreams on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter to help parents and educators best utilize the website's tools and resources.
• Lakeshore

  Lakeshore is providing more a 1000 free learning resources for the classroom and home. These resources include lesson plans, printable worksheets, templates, and learning at home videos.

  For example, a free Menu Math Lesson Plan for Grades 3-5.

• LINKS Curriculum from STAR Autism Support

  LINKS Curriculum from STAR Autism Support The Links Curriculum (Linking Assessment and Instruction for Independence) is an evidence-based, comprehensive, web-based curriculum to teach upper elementary, secondary, and post-secondary students with autism and other developmental disabilities to be independent across school, community and vocational routines. NOTE: This is NOT a free resource; it is available for purchase.
• Math Manipulatives (Virtual)

  Math Manipulatives (Virtual) TTAC Online has compiled a list of online math manipulatives and assistive technology resources, including interactive tools, downloadable tools, and instructional activities.
• Mystery Science

  Mystery Science is the creator of the most popular science lessons in U.S. schools. We’ve curated this starter set of science lessons that you can use remotely or share with parents. We have short mini-lessons that are completely digital and full lessons that include an activity. All of the activities are designed to use simple supplies a parent will likely already have at home.
• NCSC (National Center and State Collaborative) Wiki Element Cards

  NCSC (National Center and State Collaborative) Wiki Element Cards Teachers often have the challenge of teaching students who may all be at different levels of understanding on a specific topic, especially when teaching multiple students with significant cognitive disabilities. The Element Cards are available to assist educators with instruction in multiple settings. These cards promote understanding of how students move toward the Common Core State Standards.
• ObjectiveEd Digital Curriculum for Vision-Impairment

  ObjectiveEd Digital Curriculum for Vision-Impairment ObjectiveEd’s mission is to provide students with disabilities, and the parents and professionals dedicated to their education, digital curriculum and integrated performance monitoring and reporting tools that will help the students achieve their best educational outcomes.To support our community, we are making our distance learning tools immediately available for all teachers and their students.
• Paths to Literacy for Students who are blind or low vision

  Paths to Literacy for Students who are blind or low vision This website provides resources for an inclusive view of literacy (speaking, listening, object communication, sign language, concept development, and an understanding of one's environment and experiences) for students who are blind or low vision.
• PBS Learning Media

  PBS Learning Media is offering tools to help support learning at home, including educational videos and games from favorite series, and related skill-building offline activities.
• Preferences Curriculum from the Zarrow Center

  Preferences Curriculum from the Zarrow Center Developed by the Center for Learning and Leadership at the OU Health Sciences Center, the Child Preference Indicators, Personal Preference Indicators, and Employment Support Indicators are tools for educators, professionals, family members, and individuals with disabilities. The tools are designed to collect information about an individual’s preferences and support needs from the individual and those people who know him or her best, in order to improve service delivery and guide the planning process. These tools are provided at no charge with permission from the Center for Learning and Leadership.
• Ranger Rick

  Ranger Rick, the children's magazine of the National Wildlife Federation, is making its website free to all visitors through the end of June. Free Ranger Rick Educator’s Guides and Ranger Rick Jr. Parent Reading Guides are also available to parents and educators.
• ReadyRosie: Active Family Engagement>

  ReadyRosie: Active Family Engagement Tools that help families create meaningful home-learning environments created by a community of learners who are passionate about, families, children, education and changing the opportunity gap.

• Scholastic Learn at Home

  Scholastic Learn at Home Scholastic launched a Learn at Home website with daily lessons that combine videos, stories and prompts for drawing and writing activities. Grade levels include pre-K and kindergarten, grades 1 and 2, grades 3 to 5, and grades 6 and up.
• Screencast-o-Matic

  Screencast-o-Matic A free video resource that allows you to record your computer screen while recording audio and video.
• The Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI)

  The Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI) is used by teachers to enable students to: set goals, make choices and decisions, develop plans to reach goals, and track progress toward goals. The SDLMI has also been used across all disability categories and age groups to increase self-determination skills.
• Shared Learning Activities (Google Folders)

  Shared Learning Activities (Google Folders) These learning activities are organized by grade bands (preK through high school). Please do not edit the files; download them to your computer first.
• Soft Skills to Pay the Bills from the U.S. Department of Labor

  Soft Skills to Pay the Bills from the U.S. Department of Labor "Skills to Pay the Bills: Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success," is a curriculum developed by ODEP (Office of Disability Employment Policy) focused on teaching "soft" or workforce readiness skills to youth, including youth with disabilities. Created for youth development professionals as an introduction to workplace interpersonal and professional skills, the curriculum is targeted for youth ages 14 to 21 in both in-school and out-of-school environments.

• Splash Learn: Fun Math Practice

  Splash Learn: Fun Math Practice Splash Learn is a K-5 math learning program with interactive games and rewards to motivate children
  to learn and improve their sores. Parents and teachers get access to a real-time progress dashboard that pinpoints trouble spots.

• TeamViewer: Leading Remote Connectivity Platform

  TeamViewer: Leading Remote Connectivity Platform TeamViewer is a leading remote connectivity platform that securely connects people, places, and things.

• Tennessee Behavior Support Projects: At Home Resources

  Tennessee Behavior Support Projects: At Home Resources This website provides some behavior support resources for families to use at home with their children. It includes strategies, materials, and tips for managing behavior at home.

  To view a video offering behavior tips for at home, click here.

• Tennessee School for the Blind: At Home Learning Resources

  Tennessee School for the Blind: At Home Learning Resources The Tennessee School for the Blind has compiled a list of Covid-19 Student Learning and Family Support Resources. While some of these resources are only for their students, other resources may be of interest for students with visual impairments.

• TIES Center NCSC Instructional Lesson Units - English Language Arts (Elementary)

  TIES Center NCSC Instructional Lesson Units - English Language Arts (Elementary) Educators can find five sample Elementary English & Language Arts lessons that show examples of how to develop an inclusive lesson plan for students with significant cognitive disabilities.
• Time Magazine's Time for Kids

  Time Magazine's Time for Kids Time for Kids Launches Free Digital Library for Those Affected Globally by School Closures During the Coronavirus Pandemic.
• Transition Assessment and Goal Generator - Alternate (TAGG-A) from the Zarrow Center

  Transition Assessment and Goal Generator - Alternate (TAGG-A) from the Zarrow Center Help us finalize a new transition assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities. A new online transition assessment under development for students with disabilities taught to alternate achievement standards. We are looking for youths with significant cognitive disabilities ages 14-26 and their educators and/or parents to participate in a study of this new assessment.
• The Transition Coalition

  The Transition Coalition online modules are developed using up-to-date research, effective practices in professional development, and materials and resources for implementation. They are for anyone involved in transition planning.
• UNC Online Toolkit - Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times

  UNC Online Toolkit - Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times A new online toolkit from an interdisciplinary team at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will help families and caregivers supporting individuals with autism during the COVID-19 epidemic.
• U.S Department of Education Coronavirus Information and Resources

  U.S Department of Education Coronavirus Information and Resources Through collaboration and coordination with State and local health departments, State and local educational agencies, other education officials, and elected officials, schools can disseminate critical information about the disease and its potential transmission to students, families, staff, and community. This website includes: additional resources for elementary and secondary schools, additional resources for higher education institutions, and links to at home activities.
• Video Math and ELA Lessons for Elementary Students with Significant Disabilities

  Video Math and ELA Lessons for Elementary Students with Significant Disabilities Ms.Thai, a special education teacher, presents math and ELA lessons for elementary students with significant disabilities.
• Virtual Teaching Educational Resources

  Virtual Teaching Educational Resources This list of resources was compiled by a  program specialist to provide teachers with a comprehensive, categorized list. 
• Vooks: StoryBooks Brought to Life

  Vooks: StoryBooks Brought to Life A kid-safe, ad-free streaming library of read-aloud animated storybooks. One month free trial.

Governmental Guidance

• CEC DDAD Briefing About IDEA and Waivers

  DADD signed a letter with over 1000 organizations opposing waivers to IDEA during the pandemic. As a follow up, the CCD Education Task Force (the organization that initiated the letter) offered a briefing on IDEA, COVID-19 and possible IDEA waivers. The key audience for the briefing was Congressional staff. You can see a recording of the webinar here. In addition, the slides presented at the briefing can be found here.
• CEC Quick Takes: Student Privacy and Online Learning

  CEC Quick Takes: Student Privacy and Online Learning In the first Quick Takes episode, Kelly Grillo, Ph.D. and Julie Weatherly, Esq. discuss the issues related to ensuring student privacy while teaching online. What do you absolutely need to know about what constitutes “personally identifiable information” when engaging with a student via an online platform? Is parent consent required to provide special education or related services to students virtually? These burning questions and more are answered in this premiere episode.
• Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA) - Tele-Intervention and Distance Learning

  Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA) - Tele-Intervention and Distance Learning A number of states are providing distance learning to young children with disabilities and their families. Here, we have compiled information on tele-intervention and distance learning, including state guidance, technology and privacy, service delivery, activities for families at home, and research on effectiveness.
• Office of Civil Rights: Enforcement Discretion for Telehealth Remote Communications

  Office of Civil Rights: Enforcement Discretion for Telehealth Remote Communications The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced, effective immediately, that it will exercise its enforcement discretion and will waive potential penalties for HIPAA violations against health care providers that serve patients through everyday communications technologies during the COVID-19 nationwide public health emergency.

  This exercise of discretion applies to widely available communications apps, such as FaceTime or Skype, when used in good faith for any telehealth treatment or diagnostic purpose, regardless of whether the telehealth service is directly related to COVID-19.

• Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS): Q and A IDEA and COVID-19

  Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS): Q and A IDEA and COVID-19 The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services’ (OSERS) document answers questions schools might have about students with disabilities and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as related to the COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus outbreak.
• Protecting Student Privacy Guidance from the U.S. Department of Education

  Protecting Student Privacy Guidance from the U.S. Department of Education FERPA and Virtual Learning
  On Monday, March 30, 2020, the Student Privacy Policy Office (SPPO) presented a webinar on “Student Privacy – FERPA and Virtual Learning During COVID-19.” The webinar was in response to the many questions we have received about FERPA as educators and students shift to learning online during this time of social distancing.

  SPPO distilled most of the questions into 10 common scenarios and questions about FERPA. For each scenario, we identify key FERPA requirements and takeaways and other questions to consider for best practices. We also include at the end of presentation a listing of other available resources.

• Tennessee Department of Education: Resources for Tennessee Educators

  Tennessee Department of Education: Resources for Tennessee Educators To support you at this time, Tennessee
  Department of Education grantees providing services to special populations within public schools have collaborated to identify, develop, and share resources that educators can use to serve their students and families well.

• Tennessee Department of Education: Resources for Tennessee Families

  Tennessee Department of Education: Resources for Tennessee Families The challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have been huge for so many families across Tennessee. To support you at this time, Tennessee Department of Education partners
  have collaborated to identify and share resources for students and caregivers. TN DOE has also released a one-page summary for families.

• Tennessee Department of Education: School Closure Toolkit - Special Populations

  Tennessee Department of Education: School Closure Toolkit - Special Populations School closures and the implementation of virtual learning opportunities due to the COVID-19 pandemic have raised questions regarding the provision of services to special populations.
  Much of this toolkit will focus on approaches should districts/schools decide to provide educational opportunities or services through closure.

• Tollner Law Offices (in California) FAQs for Parents about Student's Rights During COVID-19 Closures

  We at Tollner Law Offices hope you and your family are staying safe and healthy during these unprecedented times. We maintain our commitment to the rights of individuals with disabilities and are still working to assure students' access to education during the COVID-19 crisis, and position them for the best possible recovery when this crisis passes.

• U.S Department of Education Coronavirus Information and Resources

  U.S Department of Education Coronavirus Information and Resources Through collaboration and coordination with State and local health departments, State and local educational agencies, other education officials, and elected officials, schools can disseminate critical information about the disease and its potential transmission to students, families, staff, and community. This website includes: additional resources for elementary and secondary schools, additional resources for higher education institutions, and links to at home activities.
• U.S. Department of Education Readout of the U.S. Department of Education's COVID-19 Conference Call with K-12 Stakeholders

  U.S. Department of Education Readout of the U.S. Department of Education's COVID-19 Conference Call with K-12 Stakeholders Those who attended the call included representatives from the National Association of State Boards of Education, National Governors Association, Council of Chief State School Officers, and elected officials, among many others. During the discussion, subject matter experts answered questions about the process for approval of statewide testing waivers, meal delivery for students during school closures, lengths of school closures due to the outbreak, requirements for local education agencies to provide services to students with disabilities, and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requirements during the outbreak.

FREE COUNCIL FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN (CEC) MEMBERSHIPS!

CEC is opening its doors to the special education community in need of resources. Nonmembers of CEC can receive a free basic membership from now through May 31 by using the promotional code "CECED60."

This will give you access to all of CEC's journal articles, member discounts on events, and access to CEC's online membership community where you can ask questions and receive support from special educators, administrators and support personnel. 

Join Now!