#42 Why Routines & Procedures are Important in Special Education

Today’s show is all about the importance of setting up routines and procedures within a special education program. Both research and experience tell us that...

• it is more effective to build positive behaviors than control negative behaviors and
• that classroom routines can positively affect students’ academic performance as well as their behavior

Therefore, one proactive strategy is for teachers to adopt consistent classroom routines and implement intentional, systemic procedures. And while I feel this is necessary for every regular education classroom, I truly believe that it is more important within a special education classroom or department.

When routines and procedures are carefully taught, modeled, and established in the classroom, children know what's expected of them and how to do certain things on their own. Having these predictable patterns in place allows teachers to spend more time in meaningful instruction.

Many teachers and people in general use these terms interchangeably and while there isn’t a whole lot of difference between them, I do want to point out that they are not the same. A procedure is a particular method for performing a task while routine is a course of action to be followed regularly.

But as I’m sure you understand from working within the field of special education...The same routines and procedures will not necessarily be equally effective with all students. And that’s where today’s guest comes in. 

Recently honored as the Distinguished Educator of the Year for 2020-2021, Chaia Harrell has taught special education for all grade levels K-12 and is the face behind the brand All Things Exceptional. She has joined us today to talk all about the importance of setting up those routines and procedures from the very beginning and how to modify and change courses when something isn’t working for a particular student.

In today's episode we talk about

• Why is teaching routines and procedures important for any teacher but specifically for a special education teacher
• What Routines and Procedures Should You Teach FIRST
• How routines and procedures that work well with most students but other students need those routines & procedures modified just a little
• How do you incorporate visual supports if they are needed
• And More!

Want a freebie from All Things Exceptional??
Check out Chaia's list of procedures and things to plan for HERE. It's free! 

Mentioned in the Show...
What's Your Special Educator Superpower Quiz
The Intentional IEP Summer PD Series

You can find Chaia on Facebook @allthingsexceptional

And on Instagram @allthingsexceptional

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