The Redoubt Special Education Staff review their philosophy each year as a way refocusing their energy on the students. Below are the “Redoubt Philosophies”:
- Our focus is the students. Our job is to be teachers to students. Students have to come first.
- We teach through academic and behavioral lessons and modeling appropriate behavior. We attempt to model calm behavior and learning. We follow plans that are put in place.
- We have high expectations for our students. We want them to learn as much as possible.
- We value ourselves, our roles, and what we can offer to our students.
- We work best when we are consistent have clear expectations and directions and use common language with students.
- If these kids were “easy” we wouldn’t be working with them.
- School has to be a positive experience for our students. We need to make what we’re teaching as exciting and positive as possible.
- We strive to make connections with our students. Students in special education have the highest drop out numbers. The more they are connected, the better their education.
- We ask kids to try their best so we need to try our best as well. We ask kids to do things that are hard or not fun and we have to do hard and not fun things as well.
- We are part of a bigger team; not only a special education team, but a school team, a district team and a community team.
- We attempt to build independence in our students. We build independence by:
- Providing expectations of rules and behaviors
- Providing specific assignments with clear completion points
- Allowing students to work independently
- Encourage students to self-monitor and ask for breaks if needed
- Providing a predictable schedule
12. We keep in mind our job is difficult; however, it must remain confidential to protect the rights of our students.