Special Education Intro to CCSS from Susan Berkowitz, slp

The Common Core State Standards are upon us.  Yes, even those of us who work with students with very significant disabilities. 

The Common Core State Standards have been the source of much discussion, debate, and some educational change.  

So what do the CCSS mean for special education?  Just recently, as we mark the 40th anniversary of the passing of the IDEA and the provision of a free appropriate public education for all students, the Federal Government is calling for schools to set rigorous objectives for students with disabilities to meet grade level standards. 

While not all students with special needs will meet academic standards, there is no reason not to provide support to help them achieve higher levels of learning.  And as David Yoder said, “No child is too anything to be able to read and write.”  There are many more students who will be able to attain the standards than we have thought in the past.  

A common buzz phrase in special education now is “The least dangerous assumption.”  We do what will cause – if we are wrong – the least damage to the student.

Read this helpful, free handout about what the CCSS mean for special education students, teachers, and support staff.

And keep on talking!