8 ways schools can use AI to support special education programs
Across PreK-12 schools, special education teams regularly balance growing caseloads, compliance requirements, and ongoing staffing shortages. At the same time, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more common in educational technology, raising important questions about how it can fit into school-based special education programs. In school settings, AI isn’t designed to replace educators or related service […]
Smarter Service Delivery for Special Education
Introduction School district leaders often face a key challenge: delivering special education related services across multiple schools while managing staffing constraints, scheduling complexity, and compliance requirements. These pressures raise an important question: What solutions should schools consider to help ensure consistent service delivery and to support their already-stretched teams? Technology, thoughtfully designed for schools, can […]
Learning loss vs. disability: how schools can adjust evaluation strategies for a post-pandemic world
Discover how K-12 schools can distinguish pandemic learning loss from a potential disability. Learn practical Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and tele-assessment strategies to support the increased demand for special education related evaluations—without overwhelming your school district’s team. From an edWeb webinar featuring Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez (NCLD), Robin Lake (CRPE), and Bonnie Contreras, Ed.S., NCSP […]
How teletherapy is transforming special education across schools in the US
Introduction In the landscape of special education related services in preK-12 schools, virtual service delivery, also known as teletherapy, can be a game-changer. Teletherapy, delivered via secure digital platforms, can redefine how schools meet the needs of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). At Presence, we’ve seen firsthand how school-based teletherapy—when delivered through innovative technology […]
7 key challenges teletherapy addresses for schools
We’re celebrating 7 million teletherapy sessions since 2009 by highlighting the inspiring leaders and innovators at Presence who are dedicated to building solutions for schools and students with diverse needs. Fletcher Hutson has over a decade of experience leading sales and revenue teams, helping high-growth organizations scale, and guiding customer-facing teams through key milestones. Before […]
Support for Extended School Year and beyond
If it already feels like your special education team is balancing spinning plates while riding a unicycle, planning Extended School Year (ESY) services would be the tiny plate added to the top that makes the crowd gasp. You’re doing so much to accelerate the academic and social development of your students, but the summer break […]
Why representation in the therapeutic setting is crucial
If you’ve ever felt like an outsider, you might better understand representation. Imagine walking into a classroom and everyone’s wearing blue but you were dressed in red from head to toe. Would you feel more included if the teacher was also wearing red? Approximately 86 percent of psychologists and therapists are white. Studies show people […]
5 Ways SPED Directors Relieve Stress in the Face of Staffing Shortages
A Quiet Problem That is Spinning Out of Control Teachers are forgoing their lunch breaks to cover unsupervised classrooms, monitor lunch lines, and become substitute bus drivers. Students are being subjected to longer bus rides and diminished lunch options. Principals are still searching everywhere they can to fill dozens of open positions, including those that […]
The Benefits of a Hybrid Service Delivery Model
Quite a few students and teachers choose alternate online school settings—virtual schools. However, the pandemic forced many districts and providers into delivering teletherapy. It was not something they chose and they were, typically, unprepared. But, there is lemonade to be made from these lemons. Students, teachers, and therapists alike have seen how a hybrid model […]
5 Vital Communication Skills Every SPED Director Needs to Master Today
Importance of Workplace Communication When you think of the tools that a SPED Director needs, “communication” may not immediately strike you as a high priority. However, you will find that the wisest and most effective SPED Directors have mastered these vital interpersonal skills. SPED Directors, tasked with managing Special Education Departments, lead with clear communication, […]
Three Predictions for Special Education
As the U.S. begins to rebuild from the pandemic, education is one area that may be forever changed. A rethinking of how we do school is underway, and some of the possibilities bring with them exciting new opportunities for students and staff alike to get the most out of a school day. Looking to 2021–2022, […]
5 Special Education Technology Trends SPED Directors Must Know About
The Good News It is estimated that there are more than 7 million students with disabilities attending public schools in the United States. Technology is designed to ease the user’s ability to successfully complete tasks, whether it’s an assignment for a class, a time-sensitive project for work, or your taxes. For the millions of students […]