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Preparing for a special education director interview? Discover the top 7 things you need to know to excel in your interview and increase your chances of landing the role. From understanding the unique responsibilities to showcasing your expertise, this comprehensive guide provides valuable insights for aspiring special education directors.

Top 7 Things To Know For A Special Education Director Interview

Unlock the potential of teletherapy in special education for enhanced outcomes. Explore how this innovative approach empowers students with special needs through tailored support and interventions. Our comprehensive guide offers insights into the benefits and effective implementation strategies.

How Teletherapy Can Improve Special Education Outcomes In Schools

Teletherapy

Learn how to effectively facilitate teletherapy and tele-assessment in schools with our comprehensive guide. Discover best practices, overcome challenges, and maximize the benefits of remote services for student support. Explore Parallel Learning's expert advice on implementing teletherapy and tele-assessment in education and empower your school community.

Facilitating Teletherapy and Tele-Assessment in Schools: The Complete Guide

Discover 7 effective steps to prevent teacher burnout in the new school year. Master time management, recognize early warning signs, and prioritize self-care for a healthier teaching experience.

7 Steps to Avoiding Teacher Burnout in the New School Year

Discover practical and creative strategies to combat the winter slump in your classroom. Explore 50 engaging activities to keep students warm, motivated, and actively participating during the colder months. Transform the winter season into an opportunity for dynamic learning and increased student engagement.

50 Ways to Melt the Winter Slump: Keeping Your Students Engaged (and Warm)

Equip your education team with effective strategies and practical tips for navigating successful IEP transitions for students with disabilities. Discover valuable insights to empower educators, students, and parents in planning and executing smooth transitions, unlocking the true potential for academic and personal success.

Navigating Successful IEP Transitions: Planning for Students with Disabilities

Unlock the secrets to successful team building and interviewing as a Special Education Director with Parallel Learning's comprehensive handbook. Gain valuable tips and expert advice to create a thriving team and excel in your role. Empower your career in special education by accessing this invaluable resource.

Finding Your Perfect Team: The Special Education Director's Interview Handbook

Unlock the power of collaboration and communication as a Special Education Director with our insightful blog. Discover strategies and best practices to enhance your role in fostering a supportive environment for special education. Gain valuable insights to strengthen partnerships, improve student outcomes, and lead with confidence in this essential educational leadership position.

Special Education Director Role: Enhancing Collaboration and Communication

One of the best ways for special education teams to develop strong and effective IEP goals is to use the SMART goals method. In this article, we will discuss why SMART IEP goals are important for well-executed IEPs and how and why special education teams should write effective SMART IEP Goals for successful IEP implementation.

How to Create SMART Goals for Effective IEPs

Learn how to write effective SMART executive functioning IEP goals with this mid-year guide. Includes 100 sample goals broken down by age level to help educators support student success.

100 Executive Functioning IEP Goals: Mid-Year Check-In Guide for Educators

Discover effective virtual strategies to support students with ADHD in remote learning. This guide provides tools and resources for clinicians and special education teams to enhance focus, engagement, and organization.

How to Support Students with ADHD Remotely: Effective Virtual Strategies for Clinicians and Special Education Teams

Discover effective strategies and tools for improving school-to-parent communication. Learn how collaboration between schools, providers, and families enhances student success and engagement.

Fostering Strong School-to-Parent Communication: Building Partnerships for Student Success

Learn how to create effective IEPs for students with ADHD using personalized goals, accommodations, and modifications. Discover best practices for educators and clinicians to support academic success and address ADHD challenges in the classroom.

How to Write Tailored IEPs for Students with ADHD: A Step-by-Step Guide for Educators

Discover valuable insights and practical guidance on navigating your first 90 days as a Special Education Director. Learn what to expect, overcome challenges, and set a successful foundation in this comprehensive guide from Parallel Learning.

Navigating the First 90 Days: What to Expect as a Special Education Director

Learn how to navigate the complexities of delivering teletherapy and tele-assessment in K-12 education beyond state borders. Discover best practices, strategies, and expert advice to enhance remote services for students.

Teletherapy and Tele-Assessment for K-12: A Guide to Providing Services Across State Lines

Explore innovative strategies for special education directors facing team shortages, from leveraging technology and rethinking roles to partnering with external providers and fostering a supportive work environment. Learn how to attract top talent through creative recruitment methods and join a network of directors sharing experiences and solutions.

5 Creative Strategies to Overcome Special Education Team Shortages

Discover effective strategies to address chronic absenteeism in special education. Learn how to improve student engagement, reduce staff turnover, and create a supportive learning environment.

Resolving Chronic Absenteeism: A Guide for Special Education Directors

From Communication to Collaboration: Building Two-Way Partnerships with Parents

Explore the benefits and drawbacks of virtual vs. in-person speech-language pathology (SLP) services for schools. Learn which option best supports your students' speech and language development.

Virtual vs. In-Person SLP Services: Pros, Cons, and Considerations for Schools

Speech and Language

Discover engaging winter sensory activities tailored for students with special needs. Explore inclusive ways to bring the joy of the season to your classroom, fostering a positive and enriching learning experience for every student.

Winter Sensory Activities for Students with Special Needs: Help Your Students Enjoy the Season!

Explore a transformative approach to goal setting in education. Discover the steps to build sustainable goal systems, aligning with core values, crafting SMART objectives, and fostering a community of support. Move beyond fleeting resolutions and embrace a year of intentional, impactful, and enduring professional development.

Beyond New Year's Resolutions: Building Sustainable Goal Systems for Educators

Unlock inclusive joy this holiday season with diverse learning activities. Our blog explores creative and accessible ways to celebrate, fostering inclusivity for learners of all backgrounds. From interactive games to inspiring projects, discover ways to make this holiday season truly special. Dive into the details on Parallel Learning's blog.

Fostering Inclusive Joy: Holiday Learning Activities for Diverse Learners

As the winter months bring about challenges for many, students with learning differences may face additional obstacles. Learn how to support these students and help them thrive during the colder season.

Beating the Winter Blues: Strategies for Supporting Students with Learning Differences During the Colder Months

Discover effective virtual strategies to support students with dyslexia in remote learning environments. This guide provides clinicians and special education teams with tools for online dyslexia support, tailored interventions, and practical solutions for remote education challenges.

How to Support Students with Dyslexia Remotely: Effective Virtual Strategies for Clinicians and Special Education Teams

Dyslexia

To help get your Special Education/IEP team get started, we’ve put together a SMART goal bank with executive functioning IEP goals for each age group. As always, you will need to modify these goals based on the student’s individual needs and your school’s resources.

Executive Functioning IEP Goals: A Complete Guide and Goal Bank

This complete guide and goal bank provides information on creating IEP goals for students with dyslexia. Learn about dyslexia and get examples of goals to use in your student's individualized education plan.

Dyslexia IEP Goals: A Complete Guide and Goal Bank

Dyslexia

Transform IEP meetings from intimidating encounters into productive collaborations that empower students with disabilities to thrive.

Mastering the Art of IEP Meetings: A Comprehensive Guide to Collaborative Success

Get ready for the new school year with our comprehensive guide to summer IEP prep. Learn strategies to ensure a smooth transition and effective support for students with individualized education plans.

Summer IEP Prep: A Smooth Transition for Special Education Teams

Curious about the transformative power of evidence-based interventions in Speech-Language Pathology? Dive into our blog to explore a comprehensive range of effective techniques designed to address articulation, language, fluency, and social communication challenges. Discover the significance of collaboration, technology integration, and individualized plans in optimizing communication success for students. Empower learners with evidence-based practices, fostering academic achievement and social growth. Experience the world of transformative Speech-Language Pathology interventions at Parallel Learning.

Evidence Based Interventions for Speech-Language Pathology

Speech and Language

Explore the transformative landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in schools with our comprehensive guide. Discover how AI is reshaping education, from personalized learning experiences to innovative classroom tools. Gain insights into the potential benefits, challenges, and the evolving role of AI in shaping the future of education. Join us on a journey into the dynamic intersection of technology and learning, where possibilities for enhanced student engagement and academic success abound.

Unlocking the Future of Learning: A Comprehensive Guide to AI in Schools

The journey from preschool to kindergarten is an exciting and transformative phase in a child's educational adventure. It's a time of growth, exploration, and new beginnings, where young learners take their first steps into a more structured learning environment. However, this transition is not just about academics; it encompasses social and emotional development, creating a foundation for future success. As educators and schools, we play a pivotal role in facilitating a seamless and positive preschool to kindergarten transition for our students. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the key strategies and insights that educators and schools can employ to make this transition a resounding success. From collaboration and communication to addressing diverse needs and fostering a nurturing environment, we'll delve into the essential elements that create a supportive pathway for young learners. Join us as we embark on this journey of empowerment, where every child's potential is recognized, nurtured, and celebrated.

Guide to Facilitating a Smooth Preschool to Kindergarten Transition: Tips for Educators and Schools

Prepare students for a successful return to school by exploring vital strategies for nurturing their social-emotional well-being. Discover why prioritizing socio-emotional development is essential for their happiness and academic achievements.

Addressing Social-Emotional Needs: Back to School Edition

Socio-Emotional

As the back-to-school season approaches, discover insights and practical tips for ensuring a smooth and successful transition for students with special needs. Learn about creating an inclusive and supportive environment that fosters their success in the new academic year.

Back to School Transition Strategies for Students with Special Needs

Navigating the transition back to school is a significant endeavor for students with special needs. As educators, parents, and support teams come together to create a seamless and empowering experience, the role of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) takes center stage. In this blog, we delve into the essential practice of curating age-appropriate IEP goal banks for various student age groups, providing insights and illustrative examples that cater to each learner's distinct needs and ambitions.

Back-to-School IEP Goal Bank: Crafting Effective Individualized Education Plans for the New Academic Year

Discover effective strategies for collaboration between special education and general education teachers in our comprehensive guide. Learn how to combine expertise to create inclusive learning environments that promote growth and diversity for all students.

Collaborating with General Education Teachers: A Guide for Special Education Teams

Prepare for a successful academic year with our comprehensive guide on back-to-school planning tailored specifically for special education teachers. Discover expert strategies, practical tips, and valuable insights to create an inclusive and effective learning environment for every student.

Back-to-School Planning for Special Education Teachers: A Comprehensive Guide

Navigating the educational journey is a collaborative effort, and at the heart of this collaboration lies a powerful partnership between parents and teachers. As the back-to-school season approaches, the importance of fostering strong connections between these two crucial pillars of a child's education becomes increasingly evident. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the art of building robust parent-teacher partnerships that pave the way for a successful school year. From creating an inclusive classroom environment to embracing open communication, setting shared goals, and celebrating achievements, this step-by-step roadmap equips educators and parents with the tools to join forces in nurturing students' growth, well-being, and academic accomplishments. Join us on this journey as we explore the transformative impact of united efforts in creating an educational experience that leaves no student behind.

Building Strong Parent-Teacher Partnerships for Back-to-School Success: A Step-by-Step Guide

Explore proven strategies and expert insights to empower students with ADHD through tailored interventions. Our comprehensive guide explores evidence-driven methods to foster success and well-being, providing educators and special education teams with essential tools to optimize support in the educational setting.

Evidence Based Interventions for ADHD

This insightful blog delves into tailored strategies and proven methods that can unlock the full academic potential of learners. Gain valuable insights and knowledge to support students with dyslexia on their educational journey.

Evidence Based Interventions for Dyslexia

Dyslexia

Explore how teletherapy and assessment are reducing caseload burdens in education. Discover the benefits of remote support and evaluation methods, improving accessibility and efficiency. Learn how innovative approaches are transforming student care and assessment practices, making education more effective and accessible.

Reducing Caseload Burdens with Teletherapy and Assessment in Schools

Teletherapy

Uncover the multitude of benefits that teletherapy and teleservices bring to schools. Explore the transformative power of remote learning and support, offering enhanced flexibility, accessibility, and personalized interventions. Learn how virtual connections revolutionize education delivery and promote student engagement and well-being in our comprehensive guide.

The Benefits of Teletherapy and Teleservices for Schools

Teletherapy

Discover how technology-enabled assessments can overcome traditional barriers, providing insights and solutions for conducting evaluations from a distance. Gain valuable insights to enhance your assessment practices and ensure equitable access to quality evaluations in today's evolving educational landscape.

Tele-Assessment Uncovered: A Practical Guide for Educators Exploring Remote Assessment

We've put together he ultimate guide to hiring online special education providers and ensuring success for students. Explore the benefits, considerations, and best practices for selecting reliable and effective online providers. Trust Parallel Learning for expert insights on navigating the world of online special education services.

Guide to Hiring Online Special Education Providers

Uncover the essential requirements and skills necessary to excel as a Special Education Director. Dive deep into the core competencies, qualifications, and expertise needed to lead and support students with diverse learning needs. Gain valuable insights and guidance from Parallel Learning's comprehensive exploration of this critical role in education.

Essential Requirements and Skills for a Special Education Director: A Deep Dive

Discover effective instructional strategies to enhance student outcomes in special education. Explore how special education teams can leverage instructional techniques and tailored approaches to support diverse learners. Gain insights and practical guidance from Parallel Learning's comprehensive blog on improving student success through targeted instructional strategies.

How Special Education Teams Can Use Instructional Strategies to Improve Student Outcomes

Discover how taking breaks can improve mental health, prevent burnout, and boost productivity for special educators. Learn practical self-care strategies to prioritize your well-being and support your students effectively.

The Power of Pause: Why Breaks Are Essential for Special Educators

Learn key strategies for educational leaders to resolve conflicts in schools. Discover tools for managing disputes and fostering a positive learning environment for students and staff.

Resolving Conflicts in Education: A Leader's Guide

Setting IEP goals for students with ADHD can be a daunting task. This guide simplifies the process with a goal bank, examples, and strategies for crafting effective plans that meet individual needs and ensure academic success.

ADHD IEP Goals: A Complete Guide and Goal Bank

IEP goals are essential for students with speech and language disorders. This blog post provides a complete guide to writing effective IEP goals, as well as a bank of sample goals for a variety of speech and language areas.

Speech-Language Pathology IEP Goals: A Complete Guide and Goal Bank

IEP Goal Bank: Goals for Students with Learning Disabilities

Discover success with our IEP Goal Bank! Explore 100 smart and achievable mid-year goals crafted by Parallel Learning, empowering educators and parents in shaping personalized learning experiences. Elevate IEP planning for a brighter educational journey.

IEP Goal Bank: 100 SMART Goals for Mid-Year

Uncover the latest advancements in special education for the 2024-2025 school year! This blog explores key trends that empower children with disabilities to thrive. Learn how these approaches can benefit your child's learning journey.

Special Education Trends for the ‘24 - ‘25 School Year

Writing effective SMART IEP goals takes practice and time. To help get you and your IEP/Special Education team started, we've put together an IEP bank, featuring 100 SMART IEP goals for each content area. Feel free to bookmark this tab for future use. As always, make sure to modify the IEP SMART goals to fit the student's and schools specific needs and timelines.

IEP Goal Bank: 100 SMART IEP Goals for Content Areas for Special Education Teams

Explore our comprehensive guide for elementary school teachers on how to assist students in their transition to middle school. Discover invaluable tips, strategies, and resources to ensure a seamless shift, promoting academic success and emotional well-being. Prepare your students for the next chapter in their educational journey with confidence.

Guide to Assisting Elementary Students in Their Transition to Middle School: Tips for Teachers

Students with dyslexia are some of the most brilliant, creative, and exceptional minds you will ever teach. That being said, dyslexia is a learning disability which can greatly impact a student’s ability to process and produce in the areas of reading, writing, and spelling. The good news is there are many proven strategies that educators can use inside the classroom to help support these learners in achieving success in their day to day academics. We’ve put together 8 ways to help students with dyslexia in the classroom.

8 Ways To Help Students With Dyslexia

Have you ever been curious about the various roles and responsibilities of special education teachers? This insightful blog unveils the pivotal contributions of these educators in cultivating inclusive and supportive learning environments.

Special Education Teachers: Roles and Responsibilities

This blog provides in-depth insights into evidence-based interventions for enhancing executive functioning skills. Discover practical strategies to improve cognitive abilities, boost productivity, and excel in various domains of life. Explore the power of evidence-driven techniques in unlocking your full potential.

Evidence Based Interventions for Executive Functioning

Executive Functioning

How can K-12 leaders find an effective tele-services partner and spot red flags? Discover expert insights from Dr. Wright as he shares essential considerations and practical advice. Empower your education team to make informed decisions, ensuring seamless virtual learning experiences for students in the digital age.

Dr. Wright Answers: How can K-12 Leaders Find an Effective Tele-Services Partner — and Spot Red Flags?

Gain valuable insights on the real-world value and impact of tele-assessments and teletherapy in schools as Dr. Jordan, from Parallel Learning, delves into their validity. Explore the benefits and effectiveness of these remote methods, ensuring informed decision-making within educational settings and hear an expert's perspective on the topic.

Dr. Jordan Answers: Are Tele-Assessments and Teletherapy Really Valid? Exploring the Real-World Value and Impact in Schools

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Parallel Learning is here to share resources, information, and support for those struggling with mental health. Learn more about the importance of mental health awareness, how to recognize the signs of someone struggling, and ways to show your support. Join our team of school psychologists and social workers in making a difference for mental health. Check out our blog today.

Empowering Mental Health: Tips and Resources for Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health

This blog post is about the importance of tracking and monitoring Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals for students with disabilities and learning differences. It discusses the significance of proper IEP management, including compliance, accountability, and student success.

How to Track and Monitor IEP goals: A Resource for IEP and Special Education Teams

It's back to school time and we know that teachers have a lot on their plates. One of the trickiest parts of getting started each year is setting up a space for a classroom full of unique and diverse learners. With the help of special education teachers, we've put together 6 tips to setting up your classroom for all learners.

For Educators: Preparing Your Classroom For All Learners

As many teachers know, the need for evaluations and support services continues to increase over the years. With rising costs, limited resources, and long waiting times, for many families more options are a necessity. Parallel has built a tele-assessment platform to conduct virtual psychological assessments to diagnose Dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning and thinking differences. As educators, you may have curiosities around the process and validity of tele-assessment and online services. We spoke with our Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Jordan Wright, to answer your frequently asked questions.

3 minute read

Tele-Assessment FAQ for Teachers

Evaluations

We know teachers are always on the hunt for fantastic books to add to their classroom libraries. We wanted to put together a list of books that focus on, or include characters with diverse learning styles or disabilities. Whether you have a student who would benefit from relatable characters and content, or you simply want to enrich your classroom library, these books offer increased representation and will make a wonderful addition to your collection.

Teachers' Inclusive Book Guide

Throughout the school year there might be times when your students are asked to complete a written exam task. Many schools administer written exams as part of standardized testing. Additionally, your students might also need to submit their writing as part of an evaluation such as the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam). ‍There are many things you can do with your students to help develop the necessary skill sets for written assessments. We've put together a list of 4 things to be mindful of while helping your students prepare for these written assignments.

3 minute read

Preparing Students for Written Tests

In our last blog we discussed what executive functioning skills are and how struggles with these skills might manifest in the classroom and at home. In addition to specialized tutoring with an executive functioning expert, there are things classroom teachers can do within their spaces to help students who might be struggling in these areas. In this blog, we've put together 6 ways educators can help students with executive functioning issues.

For Educators: Helping Students with Executive Functioning Issues

Executive Functioning

We love January! The new year brings with it the opportunity to reflect, reinvent, and set new intentions. Although in the education space, August and September are the beginning of the (academic) year, January and the new calendar year provide a wonderful mid-way stopping point to assess and make changes in the classroom. We've put together 5 ways educators can get organized for success in the new calendar year.

Organizing for Success in the New Year: Teacher Guide