There are many legal requirements that schools and their teachers must adhere to when accommodating students with special needs. Students must have reasonable access to the same programs as non-disabled children and all children must have the same safe guards in place to prevent harassment or discrimination. Teachers should be taught to eliminate derogatory comments from the classroom by providing an encouraging and uplifting environment.
Teachers should be taught about specific disabilities as well as the vocabulary and strategies associated with each one so they can communicate at the highest level possible. They should also meet and talk with parents and former teachers, if possible, to familiarize themselves with students who will be in their classroom.
Incorporating various learning styles -- such as visual, auditory and tactile -- into every lesson plan should occur as often as possible. Educators should determine the student's learning style and create activities to exercise various skills. Many lesson plans can be adapted to fit a student's learning style. If a student is a visual learner, for instance, writing notes or drawing pictures about a subject or activity may help the student understand the information readily. If the student is a tactile learner, however, a hands-on activity may be ideal for helping a student connect the lesson to a project.
Teachers should be trained to use various behavior management skills when working with students who have special needs. One of the most effective techniques involves positive reinforcement. When a desired behavior is taking place, teachers are to provide positive reinforcement with age-appropriate activities the student will enjoy. A simpler form of positive reinforcement involves verbal praise. If a student has effectively stayed on task, verbal praise can reinforce the good behavior. Discipline techniques must be agreed upon by parents, teachers and other professionals.