FB1-B Resourceful Resource

The purpose of this presentation is to further increase the implementation, capacity, and dissemination of best practice for Resource Teachers serving PK-5th grade students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and coexisting intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD). Resource Teachers serve as a bridge for students in self-contained classrooms, allowing them to have time with non- disabled peers, and access to other areas within the school that may not be frequented or a variety of reasons. Experiences had during Science-Technology-Engineering-and-Mathematics (STEM), Media, Music, Art, and Physical Education (PE) provide access to extension activities that function to increase and generalize students’ use of skills acquired during their core academic blocks.

Resource Teachers often experience barriers to actively engaging students with ASD/IDD, given
that they may not have traditional exposure to the commonly used training models and resources related to the nature and characteristics of these students. Additionally, there may be times of inconsistency or interrupted interactions with students due to servicing schedules across the school day. By working alongside Resource Teachers to tap into their specific areas of content knowledge and expertise, students’ full teams will undoubtedly further extend the availability of inclusive opportunities for students with autism spectrum disorder and/or intellectual disabilities.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Educational teams will understand entry points for students to access accommodated curriculum across STEM, PE, Music, Media, and ART.
2. Educational teams will understand entry points for students to access modified curriculum across STEM, PE, Music, Media, and ART.
3. Educational teams will develop clear ways of supporting the inclusion of resource teachers as a member of the students’ full educational team.
4. Resource Teachers will generate strategies to support the inclusion of students with autism/intellectual or developmental disabilities within their classrooms.  

Speakers