Maximizing Instructional Time for Students with Extensive Support Needs: Insights from Recent Research

At Morgan Learning, we are dedicated to ensuring that every student receives the highest quality education possible. With my 17 years of experience in education, including extensive work as a special educator, I understand the challenges and opportunities that come with teaching students with extensive support needs.

A recent article by Sudha Krishnan and Sara Caniglia-Schulte, published in EdSource, sheds light on a pressing issue: the significant amount of downtime in special day classes and its implications for student learning. This topic resonates deeply with my experiences and underscores the need for actionable change.

Key Findings from the Article

The article highlights several concerning findings:

• Excessive Downtime: Studies indicate that special education teachers spend only 20% of their time on actual teaching, with paraprofessionals and other service providers handling most of the instruction. This leaves students with extensive support needs spending a substantial portion of their school day engaged in non-instructional activities.

• Impact on Learning: Extended periods of unstructured time can lead to disengagement, boredom, and even behavioral issues. Students benefit academically and behaviorally when they are meaningfully engaged in learning activities.

• Interruptions and Distractions: Various factors, including disruptive behaviors, paraeducator breaks, and interruptions from service providers, can significantly reduce instructional time in the classroom.

Implications for Practice

These findings have profound implications for how we structure and deliver education to students with extensive support needs. Based on my experience and insights from the article, here are several strategies to consider:

1. Maximize Structured Learning Time: Ensure that instructional time is maximized and that students are actively engaged in learning activities. This may involve reorganizing schedules and minimizing disruptions as much as possible.

2. Effective Use of Paraprofessionals: Train paraprofessionals to support structured learning activities rather than merely supervising students. They can play a crucial role in implementing individualized educational plans (IEPs) and facilitating meaningful engagement.

3. Implement Visual Schedules and Structured Activities: Use visual schedules to help students understand the structure of their day and make transitions smoother. Structured activities can provide meaningful choices during free time, reducing unproductive behavior and increasing engagement.

4. Incorporate Movement and Interactive Play: Integrate activities that involve fine or gross motor skills and peer interactions. This can improve engagement and provide necessary breaks without sacrificing instructional time.

5. Advocate for Co-Teaching Models: Whenever possible, advocate for co-teaching models that pair special education teachers with general education teachers. This collaboration can enhance the quality of instruction and provide more comprehensive support for students.

Call to Action

The findings from this research call for immediate action to improve the educational experiences of students with extensive support needs. Here’s what we can do:

• Engage in Policy Advocacy: Work with policymakers to ensure that schools are held accountable for providing the mandated instructional minutes and that resources are allocated appropriately to support students with extensive support needs.

• Promote Professional Development: Invest in ongoing professional development for teachers and paraprofessionals to equip them with strategies for maximizing instructional time and engaging students effectively.

• Foster Collaboration: Encourage collaboration among educators, parents, and service providers to create a cohesive and supportive learning environment. Regular communication and teamwork can help address challenges and find innovative solutions.

• Conduct Further Research: Support and participate in research that explores effective teaching strategies and the optimal balance of instructional and free time for students with extensive support needs. This can provide a stronger evidence base for making informed decisions.

In conclusion, it is crucial to confront the realities highlighted by this research and take decisive steps to ensure that students with extensive support needs receive the high-quality education they deserve. At Morgan Learning, we are committed to advocating for and implementing practices that enhance learning outcomes for all students.

Let’s work together to create more inclusive, engaging, and effective educational environments.

Stay connected with Morgan Learning for more insights and updates on educational research and best practices. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our students.

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