Addressing Multiple Priorities in Academic Core Content Instruction

Secondary teachers of students with extensive support needs are tasked with helping their students prepare for successful post-secondary outcomes by setting and making progress toward meaningful goals related to self-determination, social and communication skills, and other individualized needs. Federal law also mandates that teachers provide academic core content instruction that is aligned with grade level standards, and recent federal rulings (e.g., Endrew v. Douglas County) have highlighted the need for instruction to be specially designed based on the unique needs of individual students with disabilities. The impact of standards-based instruction on the adult lives of individuals with extensive support needs is yet to be seen, but increased academic opportunities will provide an increased level of skills over prior generations. One way educators can meet the unique individual needs of their students is to integrate transition skills and goals within academic instruction. This presentation will provide guidance to educators on how to ensure academic core content instruction is personally relevant for secondary students with extensive support needs in the areas of literacy, mathematics, and science.