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Special Ed and ADHD

RTI Tier 3 Interventions:
Take a Step Back Before Going Forward

January 14, 2016

RTI Tier 3 Interventions are highly intensive. Students have already passed through the first two levels of intervention without success. As interventions become more “intense,” the temptation is always to drill down on the skill. Increase pressure. Push harder. In reality, this increased pressure often does more harm than good. To be most effective, we must…

RTI Tier 2 Interventions:
Elements of Effective Intervention Lessons

January 14, 2016

RTI Tier 2 Interventions are small groups. These groups are formed based on specific skills not mastered from Tier 1 instruction. Since they are formed around “skill mastery,” these groups are temporary; they meet only until a specific set of skills are mastered. Assessments (formal and anecdotal) from Tier 1 instruction help teachers identify students needing more support. In…

RTI Tier 1 Interventions:
The Small Set of Skills with 80% Impact

January 14, 2016

RTI Tier 1 interventions are the “first line of defense” for supporting students. Response to Intervention (RTI) was designed to help prevent students from needing special education assistance. Tier 1 instruction is delivered to the whole class. Assessments monitor progress of students. If students are struggling to learn specific concepts or strategies, they would then move up…

What Goes On in the ADHD Brain?

March 19, 2015

This was a question I’ve asked myself many times.  My wife and both of my kids have ADHD, but I do not.  This was problematic, because… I didn’t understand why I had to ask my son repeatedly to perform simple tasks like put his toys away, brush his teeth, or put his clothes on.  At…

How Special Education Students Can Come Out Ahead of General Education Students

March 18, 2015

Stop. Answer these questions: In 1970, what percentage of jobs in the marketplace required a 4-year college degree? Today, what percentage of jobs in the marketplace require a 4-year college degree? Here’s your answer… Notice the percentage of jobs requiring a 4-year degree has not changed. How can this be?  Professional careers (e.g. doctor, lawyer,…

How to Maximize Brain Energy

November 13, 2012

I recently received an email from our electric company offering an “Energy Efficiency Kit.” Obviously, everyone is concerned about saving energy! However, we rarely think about conserving *brain* energy. Just like every appliance in your home, however, your brain is an electrical organ. So, let’s talk about some ways you can give your brain –and…

When Parents CAN’T Get Help

November 6, 2012

There is a scene in the Disney movie, “Beauty and the Beast,” where Belle’s father is desperately trying to save her. She’s being held prisoner by the Beast, so her father begs people in town to help rescue her. At first, the townspeople lead him on, letting him think they will help. But, in truth,…

When A Student Is Not “Working to His Potential”

September 11, 2012

If you ever hear a teacher say these words about your child: “He’s just not working to his to potential!” OR “She just needs to try harder.” …something is very wrong! (Obviously, if you are a teacher and feel inclined to say these words…keep reading.) I have come to learn that these words are major…

The ADHD Circuit® (Article 10): When ADHD Children Have ADHD Parents

February 20, 2012

This week, I thought I would share an inspiring article from ADDitude Magazine.  I am a big fan of ADDitude and was very touched by an article about a mother and daughter who overcame substance abuse and threats of suicide through a double ADHD diagnosis.  They learned about ADHD together, and grew significantly from their…

The ADHD Circuit®

February 15, 2012

A few weeks ago, I received an email from Joe, whose son has ADHD and he wanted to know if I had any thoughts about managing social skills.  This was my response… Dear Joe, You have a great question!  First, I am a big proponent of teaching communication/interpersonal skills to ALL children/students, not just students with…

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