For Professionals > For Professionals > Spring is in the Air! A New Beginning in Nature and the Culmination of a School Year in Education.

Spring is in the Air! A New Beginning in Nature and the Culmination of a School Year in Education.

As spring blooms and nature comes alive with vibrant colors and new growth, it symbolizes a season of renewal and fresh beginnings. For teachers, however, spring takes on a unique meaning within the classroom. While the world outside may be embracing the start of something new, the school year is rapidly coming to a close. It’s a time when students are reflecting on the progress they’ve made, and teachers are preparing for the final stretch of lessons, assessments, IEPs and transitions. Here are some ways to help wrap up and finish the school strong!

Tips for Progress Monitoring

• Track Regular Assessments: Use both formal and informal assessments (e.g., classroom observations, checklists, work samples) to track progress toward IEP goals.

• Use Visual Tools: Implement progress charts or graphs to make monitoring clearer and more visual, helping both students and parents see growth over time.

• Maintain Detailed Notes: Keep detailed notes on daily progress, successes, and any changes in student performance or behavior.

• Incorporate Technology: Use educational software or apps to help track student progress, document learning, and provide consistent feedback.

• Use Peer Comparison: Track progress by comparing the student’s performance with peers (when applicable) to determine if the student is progressing at an expected rate.

• Adjust Strategies as Needed: Continuously adjust teaching methods and interventions based on progress data to ensure the student’s needs are met.

To track student progress, consider using free platforms like

1.Google Classroom
2. Kahoot!
3. Quizlet
4. ClassDojo
5. Socrative
6. Nearpod

7. Flipgrid
8. Khan Academy
9. Padlet
10. Pear Deck
11. Plickers

Secondary Transition Planning

It’s time for the graduating seniors to make their farewells to their teachers, friends, acquaintances and peers. Shifting those tassels from one side of their caps to the other, to signify a new era in their lives. As a teacher, have you helped transition them and provided a firm foundation of skills and resources to set them on their way?

Deaf and hard of hearing students face unique challenges that may impact their persistence in postsecondary education. Factors such as the need for appropriate accommodations, access to support services, and effective communication access are crucial for their success. Ensuring that these needs are met can play a significant role in improving retention rates among deaf and hard of hearing students.

Deaf Youth Encounter different types of barriers in educational systems, Leading to variation in educational completion rates.

Transition Planning can sometimes seem daunting. Using websites that have been developed specifically for deaf and hard of hearing students helps with accessibility and targets specific needs for the students with hearing loss. For example using tools like The Minnesota Secondary Transition Guide can help you plan for your student, years before graduation.

Whether a student is planning to go off to college, a trade school, or right into a competitive employment opportunity, it’s important to be sure that they understand the transition from a system of entitlement, (IDEA) to a system of eligibility (ADA/Section 504). This means that they no longer are entitled to services through an entity such as a public school, but they will need to advocate for their rights under the American with Disabilities Act, ADA. Knowing their rights and knowing who to contact if they feel they aren’t being given the accommodations necessary to perform their duties, is an important part of transition. Calling the Office of Disability Services at the college or university that the student chooses, to ask what accommodations can be requested, and what documentation will be needed, can help the student get ahead of the game when it comes to accessibility.

For more information visit:
https://nationaldeafcenter.org/resources/research-data/deaf-youth-report/
https://dhh-resources.umn.edu/transition-guide/independent-living/
https://transitionta.org/

MapIt! – https://dcmp.org/learn/465-map-it-what-comesnext-module

Deaf Self-Advocacy Training http:// www.interpretereducation.org/deaf-self-advocacy/

Parent Hub – http://www.parentcenterhub.org/resources/