5 Websites to Help Instruction

These 5 websites provide a base for educators in 5 different areas of education.

Teachers often use ideas taken from others. In fact, many teachers have developed their own websites, either privately or through their schools, to assist other teachers, or to keep a record of their own professional growth. Listed here are 5 sites to assist teachers by providing information in the following areas: Inclusion strategies, teaching strategies, special education law, incorporating technology, professional teaching standards. Each link is annotated for easy reference.

• Wrightslaw is the premier website for laws pertaining to special education, IDEA, FAPE, IEP and any laws that are pertinent to children with disabilities. Information is provided that is easy to understand. Parents and educators are encouraged to view this site to determine if their children are receiving optimal services under the law.
• Project Participate is a U.S. government-supported grant program designed for educators, administrators, and parents to assist in acclimating students with disabilities to the inclusive classroom. Materials and handouts can be downloaded form the site, and all the latest assistive technology is featured.
• National Board for Professional Teaching Standards contains information for teachers regarding the standards to which they should aspire and for obtaining National Board certification.
• Microsoft Online Yes, Microsoft Online has a section on education, with a couple of wonderful lessons and uses for Powerpoint. Although this is not the definitive education and technology website, this is worth checking out.
• Activity, Curriculum, and Technology: Instructional Strategies for Engaging Learners is an excellent site that will give the educator ideas of alternate ways to present instruction. These strategies will amp up lesson plans and engage students.