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SPED Scenarios: Lead & Succeed

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Jennifer Croymans

Tier 2

Lesson Plan

SPED Scenarios: Lead & Succeed

Assistant Principals will analyze Special Education scenarios to identify legal and ethical considerations, propose appropriate support strategies for students with disabilities, and collaborate on best practices for fostering inclusive school environments.

Effective Special Education support is crucial for student success, legal compliance, and creating an equitable school climate. This session equips Assistant Principals with practical tools to navigate complex situations, ensuring all students receive the support they need to thrive.

Audience

Assistant Principals (School Leaders)

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Scenario-based discussions and collaborative problem-solving.

Materials

  • SPED Scenarios Slide Deck, - SPED Training Script, - Chart paper or whiteboard, and - Markers

Prep

Session Preparation

15 minutes

  • Review the SPED Scenarios Slide Deck and SPED Training Script to familiarize yourself with the content and discussion points.
    - Prepare chart paper or a whiteboard for recording group ideas.
    - Ensure the presentation technology is set up and functional.

Step 1

Warm-Up & Introduction

5 minutes

  • Welcome participants and introduce the session title: SPED Scenarios: Lead & Succeed.
    - Briefly explain the objective and importance of the training. (Refer to SPED Scenarios Slide Deck - Slide 1-2)

Step 2

Scenario 1: Group Discussion

15 minutes

  • Present 'Scenario 1: The Reluctant Referral' from the SPED Scenarios Slide Deck - Slide 3.
    - Instruct participants to discuss in small groups:
    - What are the immediate concerns?
    - What steps should the assistant principal take?
    - What legal or ethical considerations are at play?
    - Facilitate a brief whole-group share-out, recording key points on chart paper. (Refer to SPED Training Script for guiding questions.)

Step 3

Scenario 2: Problem-Solving & Strategies

15 minutes

  • Present 'Scenario 2: Accommodations Gone Awry' from the SPED Scenarios Slide Deck - Slide 4.
    - Instruct participants to discuss in small groups:
    - How would you address the teacher's concerns?
    - What strategies can be implemented to ensure accommodations are properly provided and monitored?
    - How can you promote a culture of inclusivity and understanding?
    - Facilitate a brief whole-group share-out, recording key points. (Refer to SPED Training Script for guiding questions.)

Step 4

Wrap-Up & Next Steps

10 minutes

  • Summarize key takeaways from both scenarios. (Refer to SPED Scenarios Slide Deck - Slide 5)
    - Distribute a Cool Down activity for individual reflection.
    - Encourage participants to share one actionable step they will take based on the training.
    - Thank participants for their engagement. (Refer to SPED Scenarios Slide Deck - Slide 6)
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Slide Deck

SPED Scenarios: Lead & Succeed

Navigating Special Education challenges with confidence.

Today, we'll explore real-world scenarios to strengthen our support for students with disabilities and ensure inclusive practices across our school.

Welcome assistant principals. Introduce the training as 'SPED Scenarios: Lead & Succeed'. Emphasize the importance of these skills for school leaders.

Our Goals Today

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

  • Analyze Special Education scenarios effectively.
  • Identify key legal and ethical considerations.
  • Propose appropriate support strategies for students.
  • Collaborate on best practices for inclusive environments.

Briefly state the objectives: analyze scenarios, identify legal/ethical points, propose strategies, and collaborate on best practices.

Scenario 1: The Reluctant Referral

Setting: Ms. Davies, a 5th-grade teacher, expresses concerns about Leo, a student struggling with reading comprehension and focus. She mentions that Leo's parents are highly involved and have previously resisted any suggestions of academic difficulties, attributing them to a 'late bloomer' phase. Ms. Davies is hesitant to initiate a formal special education referral process due to past parent pushback and fear of alienating them.

Your Role: As the Assistant Principal, you overhear this conversation. What are your immediate concerns, and how do you guide Ms. Davies and support Leo, while also navigating parental relationships and legal obligations?

Introduce Scenario 1. Give participants time to read it. Explain that they will discuss this in small groups using the guiding questions from the script.

Scenario 2: Accommodations Gone Awry

Setting: During a routine classroom observation, you notice Mr. Chen, a new science teacher, is consistently forgetting to provide extended time and preferential seating for Maya, a 7th-grade student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP). When you speak to him privately, Mr. Chen expresses frustration, stating, "Maya just needs to try harder. These accommodations just make her rely on them too much, and they slow down the whole class."

Your Role: As the Assistant Principal, how do you address Mr. Chen's concerns and ensure Maya's IEP is implemented correctly? What steps do you take to support Mr. Chen in understanding the importance and legal mandate of accommodations, while also safeguarding Maya's educational rights?

Introduce Scenario 2. Give participants time to read it. Explain that they will discuss this in small groups using the guiding questions from the script.

Key Takeaways

Proactive Engagement

  • Early intervention and open communication with families.
  • Building trust and collaboration.

Navigating Compliance

  • Understanding IDEA and legal mandates.
  • Ensuring IEP fidelity and appropriate accommodations.

Fostering an Inclusive Culture

  • Professional development and ongoing support for staff.
  • Advocacy for student needs.
  • Leading with empathy and equity.

Summarize the main points discussed during the scenario debriefs. Emphasize proactive approaches, communication, and compliance.

Leading Towards Inclusive Excellence

Thank you for your commitment to supporting all students!

Your leadership makes a difference.

Conclude the session. Thank everyone and encourage them to implement what they've learned.

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Script

SPED Scenarios: Lead & Succeed - Training Script

Introduction (5 minutes)

(Teacher): "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Welcome to 'SPED Scenarios: Lead & Succeed.' I'm really excited to dive into some practical, real-world situations with you all today. As Assistant Principals, you are on the front lines of supporting our students, and ensuring equitable and effective Special Education practices is a huge part of that. Your leadership in this area is absolutely vital for student success and for creating truly inclusive school communities."

(Teacher): "Let's quickly review our goals for this session. By the end of our 45 minutes together, we aim for you to be better able to (refer to SPED Scenarios Slide Deck - Slide 2) analyze Special Education scenarios effectively, identify key legal and ethical considerations, propose appropriate support strategies for students, and collaborate on best practices for inclusive environments. We'll be doing this through scenario-based discussions, so your active participation is key."

Scenario 1: The Reluctant Referral (15 minutes)

(Teacher): "Alright, let's jump into our first scenario. Take a moment to read 'Scenario 1: The Reluctant Referral' on the screen (refer to SPED Scenarios Slide Deck - Slide 3)."


(Teacher): "Now, in your small groups, I want you to discuss the following questions:

  • What are your immediate concerns as an Assistant Principal?
  • What specific steps should you take to support Ms. Davies and Leo?
  • What legal or ethical considerations are at play here, especially concerning the parents' previous resistance?"

(Teacher): "You'll have about 7-8 minutes for your group discussions. Designate one person to share a few key points with the whole group afterward. Go ahead!"

(Monitor group discussions, listen for common themes, and be prepared to prompt deeper thinking.)

(Teacher): "Okay, let's bring it back together. What were some of the key points that came out of your discussions? What are your immediate concerns, and what initial steps would you take?"

(Facilitate whole-group share-out, writing down key points on chart paper. Ensure discussion covers child find, RTI/MTSS process, parent communication strategies, and staff support.)

Scenario 2: Accommodations Gone Awry (15 minutes)

(Teacher): "Excellent discussion on Scenario 1. Let's move to our second situation. Please read 'Scenario 2: Accommodations Gone Awry' on the screen (refer to SPED Scenarios Slide Deck - Slide 4)."


(Teacher): "Again, in your small groups, discuss:

  • How would you directly address Mr. Chen's concerns about accommodations?
  • What specific strategies can you implement to ensure Maya's accommodations are properly provided and monitored?
  • How can you promote a school-wide culture of inclusivity and understanding regarding IEP implementation?"

(Teacher): "You'll have another 7-8 minutes for this discussion. Let's dig into the practical solutions here. Go!"

(Monitor group discussions. Listen for understanding of IEP compliance, professional development needs, and communication strategies.)

(Teacher): "Time's up for discussion. Let's hear from each group. How would you approach Mr. Chen, and what are your strategies for ensuring all accommodations are met effectively and consistently across the school?"

(Facilitate whole-group share-out, adding key points to chart paper. Ensure discussion covers legal compliance (IDEA), teacher training, monitoring systems, and fostering a positive mindset towards accommodations.)

Wrap-Up & Next Steps (10 minutes)

(Teacher): "Fantastic participation in both scenarios. We've covered a lot of important ground today. Let's quickly review some of the Key Takeaways we've identified (refer to SPED Scenarios Slide Deck - Slide 5)."

(Teacher): "We talked about proactive engagement – the importance of early intervention, building trust with families, and open communication. We also delved into navigating compliance, ensuring we understand IDEA and are vigilant about IEP fidelity. And finally, we highlighted fostering an inclusive culture through professional development, advocating for our students, and leading with empathy and equity."

(Teacher): "Before we conclude, I'd like to ask you each to take a moment for individual reflection using this Cool Down activity. Please write down one actionable step you will commit to taking in your role as an Assistant Principal, based on what we discussed today, to better support our students with disabilities."












(Teacher): "Thank you again for your thoughtful engagement and dedication. Your commitment to our students makes an incredible difference. Let's continue leading towards inclusive excellence!" (refer to SPED Scenarios Slide Deck - Slide 6).

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Cool Down

SPED Training Cool Down: Actionable Steps

Instructions: Reflect on today's discussion and training. In the space below, identify one specific, actionable step you will commit to taking in your role as an Assistant Principal to better support students with disabilities at your school.

Think about:

  • What specific practice will you implement or improve?
  • How will this action contribute to a more inclusive environment?
  • What immediate impact do you hope to see?













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