Leading Effective Specialized Instruction

To implement and maintain effective specialized instruction at the school and district levels leaders must develop and organizational system of information dissemination and supports for educators and the community. This system should include a multidisciplinary team of professionals with expertise in their fields. Initial and ongoing training should be provided for teachers and the community (Renshaw, T., Young, K, Caldarlla, P, and Christensen, L., 2008).

At the school level training should be provided for teachers and other personnel who are in contact with the students. Professional development opportunities should be planned and executed on an ongoing basis. For example, if specific students require the use of incidental teaching, specific training in this method should be given to personnel who will interact with the student. Procedures should also be in place for the school as a whole in order to promote uniformity. This supports students in their compliance efforts. Data-based decision making, student monitoring, the referral system and dissemination of information are some examples of procedures to be developed (Sugai, G., and Horner, R., 2008).

At the district level, administrators should develop and manage dissemination of information to schools and training initiatives which include monitoring and reporting procedures.

Renshaw, T., Young, K, Caldarlla, P, and Christensen, L.  (2008). Can school-wide positive behavior support be an evidence-based practice? Retrieved from www.library.waldenu.edu

Sugai, G., and Horner, R. (2008). What we know and need to know about preventing problem behavior in schools. 16 (2), 76-77. Retrieved from www.library.waldenu.edu