High expectations- high expectations are high educational standards for all students. Students or teachers can set expectations for the class. It is critical to go over routines during the first week of the semester. Many times students can set their own expectations then have teachers remind them of the expectations that they set. It is also important to push students to get and accomplish more things. Set goals and expectations that students are going to enjoy and can fulfill. If you have low expectations, then your students will have no where to build on. It is important to have individual expectations because students with disabilities have such a wide variety of needs. Having high expectations is a way for us to show a high level of trust between student and teacher.
Exemplary Effort- To use the reinforcing effort strategy effectively, teachers must understand the relationship between effort and achievement and the importance of consistently exposing students to information related to effort. They also must know that students can be taught the importance of effort and what it means to expend effort productively. This require three steps: teaching students about the relationship between effort and achievement; providing students with explicit guidance about exactly what it means to expend effort; asking students to keep track of their effort and achievement. This can positively effect their beliefs about whether or not they can succeed. Exemplary students excel at what they do and are excellent examples to others. Something exemplary is so good that is is an example for others to follow. It is worth imitating.
Reflect on goals- the object of a person’s ambition or effort a desired result of something. In special education it is important to reflect on goals and to do progress monitoring. This helps students, parents, and educators to help students reach their goals. It is also important to communicate goals to others. The most important thing is to encourage students to do their best everyday. When you don’t meet your goals reflect back on what you have accomplished. It is important to make these growing opportunities.
Praise- recognition should be done in a goal oriented manner, provide praise that is specific and aligned with expected performance and behaviors, and use concrete symbols of recognition. This helps students know when they succeed and increases intrinsic motivation. Praise is to express warm approval or admiration of. It is important to use often.
Sharing thoughts & facts- sharing experiences of when a student or leader has been successful in a difficult circumstance can empower students. It can simply be making the connection between effort and achievement which can help many students. We have to be willing to share with students, as we share then students will be willing to open up and share with us. Many of the students in special education, have been hurt by the educational system and we need to empower them to have confidence in themselves and allow us to help them. This includes being willing to listen, and to grow. It needs to be more than giving directions. It is helping to strengthen students willpower.
Process Portfolios- a collection of student work that documents student growth or digression throughout the year or years. It allows us to determine how students are doing. Students can see their own progression, mistakes, and work on improvement. It can be a means of encouragements and be used in authentic assessments. Portfolios can be teacher made or designed by students.