Here are some best practices and specific strategies for K-12 special educators focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), along with useful online resources. Let's explore!

<p>As students return after the winter break, January is a great time to review and reset behavior expectations with them. Working with students in small groups offers unique opportunities to address individual needs, foster inclusive environments, and support positive behaviors. Here are some best practices and specific strategies for K-12 special educators focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), along with useful online resources:</p><h3><strong>1. Understand and Embrace Diversity &amp; Culturally Responsive Teaching</strong></h3><p>Recognize the diverse backgrounds and experiences students bring to the classroom and use students' cultural references in all aspects of learning. This includes understanding cultural differences, language barriers, and varied learning needs and tailoring your teaching strategies to reflect the cultural backgrounds of your students and incorporating diverse materials and perspectives into your sessions. This approach helps students feel seen and valued, which can positively impact their behavior and engagement.</p><h4><strong>Strategy:</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Cultural Awareness Activities</strong>: Incorporate activities that allow students to share their cultural backgrounds and learn about others, and integrate diverse perspectives into your sessions through literature, history lessons, and discussions.</li><li><strong>Resource</strong>: Our <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/blog/the-importance-of-diverse-classroom-literature?category=Resources" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">August blogs</a> on diverse literature and supporting <a href="https://www.crosscountry.com/blog/6-strategies-to-support-english-language-learners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">supporting English Language Learners (ELLs)</a> have many free resources for working with children from kindergarten through high school.</li></ul><p><br></p><h3><strong>2.&nbsp;Foster Behavioral Equity &amp;&nbsp;Provide Targeted Interventions</strong></h3><p>Behavioral equity ensures that all students have access to the support they need to succeed. This involves using systems that address the unique behavioral challenges faced by students. Collaboration between general and special education teams can be vital in developing these systems.</p><h4><strong>Strategy:</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Behavioral Intervention/Support Plans (BIPs/BSPs)</strong> : Review student’s IEPs for individualized BIPs/BSPs that address specific behavioral needs and include culturally relevant strategies. Work to incorporate any strategies, reinforcements, or token systems into your sessions.</li><li><strong>Resource</strong>:<a href="https://www.pbis.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> </a><a href="https://www.pbisworld.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PBIS World</a> has a myriad of behaviors you can select, with Tier 1-3 strategies provided for each, for assisting you in adopting and organizing evidence-based behavioral interventions.</li></ul><h3><strong>3. Use Technology and Online Resources</strong></h3><p>Leveraging technology can enhance the effectiveness of small group instruction. Online resources and digital tools can also offer interactive and engaging ways to support positive behavior. There are numerous online teaching resources available that can help educators create inclusive and supportive learning environments, as well as monitoring and reporting on behavior.</p><h4><strong>Strategy:</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Interactive Learning Platforms</strong>: Use platforms like Google Classroom, Khan Academy, Class Dojo, or Pear Deck to facilitate interactive and personalized learning experiences, as well as reinforcing behavior.</li><li><strong>Resource</strong>:<a href="https://www.khanacademy.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Khan Academy</a> provides free online educational resources across various subjects.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>By understanding and embracing diversity, implementing culturally responsive teaching, fostering behavioral equity, providing targeted interventions, and using technology, K-12 special educators can effectively support positive behavior in small groups. These best practices, along with the listed resources, not only promote DEI but also help create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.</p><h4><strong>Citations</strong></h4><ul><li>Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) World. (n.d.). PBIS World. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from <a href="https://www.pbisworld.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.pbisworld.com/</a></li><li>OpenAI. (2024). Response generated by ChatGPT for tech supports for special education students to make literature more accessible. Retrieved November 12, 2024, from [OpenAI ChatGPT] <a href="https://chatgpt.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://chatgpt.com/</a>.</li><li>United Federation of Teachers. (n.d.). 3-5 online teaching resources. United Federation of Teachers. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from <a href="https://www.uft.org/teaching/classroom-resources/online-teaching/learning-activities-students/3-5-online-teaching-resources" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.uft.org/teaching/classroom-resources/online-teaching/learning-activities-students/3-5-online-teaching-resources</a></li><li>eSchool News. (2024, May 30). <em>Why special educators are key to behavioral equity and inclusion</em>. eSchool News. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from<a href="https://www.eschoolnews.com/innovative-teaching/2024/05/30/special-educators-behavioral-equity-inclusion" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> </a> <a href="https://www.eschoolnews.com/innovative-teaching/2024/05/30/special-educators-behavioral-equity-inclusion" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">&nbsp;https://www.eschoolnews.com/innovative-teaching/2024/05/30/special-educators-behavioral-equity-inclusion</a></li><li>Parallel Learning. (n.d.). Special education teachers: Roles and responsibilities. Parallel Learning. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from <a href="https://www.parallellearning.com/post/special-education-teachers-roles-and-responsibilities" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.parallellearning.com/post/special-education-teachers-roles-and-responsibilities</a></li></ul>

Supporting Positive Behavior in Small Groups: Best Practices for K-12 Special Educators with a Focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion