1.

Cross Training

30 Strategies
Found in Florida

In sports, cross training requires training in two or more sports,

and is done so in order to improve fitness and performance. In
education, cross training requires weaving previous units, or
prior knowledge, into current instruction so that information is
more applicable, and easier to understand and remember.
2. Differentiated Instruction
The opposite of one size fits all classroom, DI provides
different students with different ways to learn in terms of how
content is presented, processed, and made sense of, so that all
students within a classroom can learn effectively, regardless of
differences in ability. I can develop personalized instructiondifferent expectations for task completion for students based
upon their individual needs- so that all children in the
classroom can learn effectively.
3. Co-Teaching
Sometimes its necessary to teach with another professional
educator in the room to help with special education students.
This means collaborating on curriculum, how to present
information, and how instruction should take place. In different
situations, both teachers take turns standing in front of the
classroom, or one teacher acts as an aide while the other
teaches the lesson.

4. Non- Linguistic Representations

Especially for children who learn visually, or difficulty
processing language, showing a picture that represents what is
being taught is extremely helpful for increasing comprehension
and retention of the idea.
5. Creating a Contract
There are few different kinds of contracts that can be
implemented in the classroom. In Florida I witnessed
classroom contracts that addressed cellphone usage, behavior,
even group projects. We also took a look at individual contracts
that address a specific students behavior in the classroom. A
behavior contract is between the teacher, student, and the
student's parents that sets limits for student behavior, rewards
good choices, and outlines consequences for bad choices. It
also can be made for students who need adjustments because of
disadvantages they possess.
6. Building in Time
This was in context of students with learning disabilities. Most
LD students have difficulty processing language, and need
extra time to go through the process of understanding, retrieve
information, and then communicating their answer. If giving a
class question, call on them first, so they can feel
accomplished.

7. Positive Reinforcement
Nothing is more motivating than daily encouragement, and
nothing changes behavior like focusing on what a student does
well, instead always on what they do poorly. Reward the steps.
8. Set an Agenda
In one Bartram Trail high school in Florida, every teacher was
responsible for creating daily learning goals and posting them
on the board for the students to see. These matched up with the
daily agenda that was displayed on the board, so the students
could see what they were supposed to be doing every day, and
why they were doing it. This To do list keeps students
responsible for their own learning, and keeps the classroom on
track.
9. Collective Rewards
Weve all been in that class that didnt get to go to recess
because one student ruined it for everyone else. However,
instead of handing out collective punishments to classes, try
collective rewards. This promotes and positively reinforces
teamwork, complete student involvement and cooperation, and
individual responsibility.
10. Calling Home
Calling home is not just for those students who are struggling
behaviorally in the classroom. Nothing says I care about you
like calling a students parents to congratulate them on
something their student has done well.

11. Chunking
This concept relates back to a paper written by George A.
Miller, who found that the short term memory has a limit to
what it can retain. We can help students retain information if
units and lessons are divided into chunks, small enough so
that students are able to grasp the information and then
remember it with a higher degree success
12. Tailoring Assignments
For students who have needs that are different from those who
learn normally, dont be afraid to tailor assignments to fit
their needs. Students who are gifted need more complex work,
whereas students with intelligence disabilities need perhaps
slightly less challenging work. It all depends on the individual
student.
13. Broken Record
This is for those students who love to argue with the teacher.
Its simply firmly repeating a sentence, We dont hit people in
my classroom, until the student no longer feels the need to test
the teacher. A weak teacher lets the student have control of the
situation, a strong able teacher can firmly, and calmly put the
student in their place and keep control of the classroom. Its not
being harsh, but showing that you have authority and deserve
respect.

14. Presenting Directions

Directions are essential to begin a classroom procedure,
activity, or individual learning. They must be clear and concise,
but probably repeated about three times. A good strategy is to
ask students to repeat the directions back to you, to check for
comprehension. Directions that are verbal, tactile and visual are
extremely helpful in engaging every type of learner.
15. Turn to your Partner
This is an example of cooperative learning. The class talks in
pairs to the person next to them about a question or topic, in
order to understand the point of view the other person has, as
well as to develop their own perspective. This is especially
effective in classrooms that dont readily participate in
discussion, as it gives them time to formulate answers without
the pressure of the teacher correcting them.
16. Individual Space
There are certain students who are not capable of focusing in a
desk surrounded by others. In one of my classrooms I
observed, almost every hour, there was one student who sat in
the desk by the teachers desk. They still were allowed to
participate.

17. Incorporate Interests

Its not enough to just get to know your students. Once you
know about your students, incorporating their personal interests
in classroom examples and questions lets the student know that
you know who they are.
18. Time to Shine
Kids with disabilities also need opportunities to show off what
they are capable of, so presenting them with special tasks to do
around the classroom, or asking questions that they would
know the answer. This gives them a confidence boost and
shows the rest of the students that they are not so different from
each other.
19. Breaks
This is essential for students with ADHD, as they are
hyperactive and cannot sit still or focus for long periods of
time. Giving them a break or a stretch, allows them (and the
rest of the students) to dissipate some energy. Some teachers
allow their student to walk out into the hall to get a drink
whenever they need to, instead of interrupting the class.
20. Buddy System
This is helpful in integrated classrooms, as the disabled student
has someone specific they can rely on to ask questions, show
them around, and encourage them. This can even be used for
students who are new to the classroom.

21. BYOT
Bring your own technology. Instead of shying away from
technology in the classroom, some Florida schools have
embraced it, in order to teach students how to effectively use
productive features on their phones, computer, or Ipads, as well
as to bring variation to their teaching methods.
22. Project Based Learning
Instead of worksheets and reading, one particular school in
Florida taught only through hands-on projects, creating an
environment of teamwork, with checks and balances, such as
being fired, so that everyone participates and takes their
learning into their own hands. One student, who was failing in
the regular classroom, was getting straight As with this type of
learning.
23. Integrated Classroom
Integration of students with disabilities, as seen in Educating
Peter, is being coming more and more common. Instead of
being in a special education classroom, this is a strategy to
socialize with general education children, learn real world
skills and to be challenged to grow and learn above the
expectations set for them in a special education classroom. This
is also a learning opportunity for General Ed. students to
experience dealing with people who are different from them.

24. Extended Due Date

One teacher I met employs this practice in his classes with his
students, in order to cater to the busy lives of his students,
usually those who come from high poverty situations. He gives
them one week to turn in an assignment, and unlimited chances
to turn in A quality work, provided they turned it in on the
due date the first time. This kind of modification could also
apply to children with learning disabilities, who need more
time to accomplish tasks.
25. Keeping a List
Many students are unorganized, and having them create a
personal list of what they need to accomplish, in a student
planner perhaps, aides them in remembering what they should
be doing. Also, lists can be a routine that kids with autism and
intellectual disabilities enjoy, because it rewards them for
getting their work done.
26. Dual Language Program
The amount of Spanish speakers in America is on the rise, and
Palmetto school incorporated a dual language program to assist
English as a Second Language students in the classroom.
Half the day is taught by a Spanish speaking teacher, and the
other half is taught in English. This exposes the students to
English vocabulary, but eases them into it.

27. High Expectations

This one applies to every single student. There needs to be
emphasis placed on attaining good grades, being prepared for
class, following the rules, being a part of a community, and
these expectations need to be communicated in several ways.
One part of having high expectations is the belief that all
children can learn if they are motivated, and supported.
28. Total Physical Response
Instead of asking for verbal responses, this requires body
movement to show understanding. Examples include pointing
to bones of the body, or learning prepositions by following
what they say, playing Simon Says in anatomy to learn the
functions of the different muscles, etc.
29. Its Your Choice
Glassers theory states that that we all choose how to behave at
any time. Blake Academy is run on this philosophy: it
emphasizes making good choices like following the rules, and
participating in class. This would be employed as a kind of
classroom management, as it promotes self-motivation, and
self-reflection.

30. Standard Based Grading

This is an up and coming grading system. It examines
proficiency in a number of specific learning goals (or
standards). Rather than give students one grade on a test that
assessed multiple skills, this system gives students a number of
scores that represent their proficiency in each of the skills

assessed. The idea is that at the end of the class a student has
mastered the essential content necessary for the next level. You
are focused on knowledge, not on points.