Understanding the New Guidelines for Inclusive Sports

Matt Schinelli will be joining us again on The Inclusive Class Podcast to talk about inclusive sports and physical education. In particular, Matt will address and clarify the new guidelines for students with disabilities that was recently set out by the US Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights.

Matt is an expert in adapted physical education and has worked in the field for over 20 years. He is also the founder of NJAPE (New Jersey All People Equal) organization that supports healthy living for all people.

Tune into what promises to be a very informative interview for parents and teachers alike! This episode of The Inclusive Class Podcast will air on May 24, 2013 @ 9 AM EST.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW!

My Secret Strategy to Successful Classroom Management

I finally realized that of all the resources, tips, advice and information that I have written and posted about, I have yet to share my number one strategy for successful classroom management. For over 15 years, I have anchored every elementary inclusive classroom I have ever been in on this simple, yet effective, positive reinforcement technique. It was passed on to me by a good friend two days before I started my first job and I am forever grateful!

"The Bubblegum Machine", based on the concept of positive reinforcement, is my secret to classroom management success. I have used it in all kinds of elementary inclusive classrooms, in all kinds of schools, without fail. If you are struggling to gain, maintain or even change your classroom management skills, this is a simple yet extremely effective way of creating an environment where all students can learn.

To begin, group the student desks (by 2, 3 or 4) and assign each group a color. Create a picture of  a bubblegum machine and place it in a prominent place in the classroom. Gather your students and together, identify ways in which a bubblegum (corresponding colored circle) can be earned and put in the bubblegum machine. Then, set out to to reinforce positive behavior, acknowledge achievement, and celebrate the success you see in all your students! Keep in mind that bubblegums are never taken away. And, as with any positive reinforcement plan, praise and recognition should be frequent during the first few weeks that the program is initiated. Finally, at the end each week, count the bubblegums up and the group with the most can earn a small reward. Be sure to mix the  groups often enough so that every student has a chance to earn a reward. 

There, you have it! Let me know if you give this classroom management strategy a try and how it works for you.

Including Students with Autism in School Life and Beyond

Listen to Amy Goodman, Co-Director of the Autism NOW National Autism Resource and Information Center, on Friday, May 17 at 9:00 a.m. EST talk about ways to include students with autism in school life and beyond. Amy, who is on the autism spectrum, will be able to provide listeners with a unique perspective about inclusive education.

Ms. Amy Goodman discovered she had Asperger’s syndrome when in her 30s. She earned her undergraduate degree from Regents College in New York and her Master’s degree from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia in Special Education with a focus in autism. During that two year period, she participated in the College Program for students with Asperger’s syndrome at the Autism Training Center (ATC) at Marshall University. She is a member of several organizations for people with autism and has worked extensively with the autism community. 

Currently, Ms. Goodman works as Co-Director of Autism Now at The Arc of the U.S. in Washington D.C. The Autism NOW Center provides high quality resources and information to individuals with Autism Spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities. For more information about the Autism NOW Center, visit www.autismnow.org.

Listen to our live podcast with Amy Goodman at 9 AM EST on Friday, May 17 or you can download a recorded version later.

Also, don't forget to follow The Inclusive Class by email do you don't miss important updates!

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW!