In This Issue:
How To Reach out to Parents and Staff as a New Special Education Teacher – Introductory Letter
&
How To Develop a Student Profile Sheet
To the Parent
Dear
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as your child’s new (Resource Room, Inclusion, Special Class) teacher for the coming school year. My name is ____________and I am very excited about being at the ____________School. My background includes___________________________.I was hired this year to teach this class and look forward to working very closely with you so that _________(child’s name) can have a very rewarding and productive year.
To get to know one another, I am inviting the parent(s) of my students in for an informal get together. I have set aside several dates and times so that I can meet with the parent(s) separately. Please give me a call so that I can reserve a time for all of you to come in and see the room, meet with me and talk about the exciting things we will be doing this year.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely yours,
YOUR NAME
From an Experienced Teacher
Dear
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as your child’s new (Resource Room, Inclusion, Special Class) teacher for the coming school year. My name is ____________and I am very excited about having taught at the ____________School for ________years. I look forward to working very closely with you so that __________(child’s name) can have a very rewarding and productive year.
To get to know one another, I am inviting the parent(s) of my students in for an informal get together. I have set aside several dates and times so that I can meet with the parent(s) separately. Please give me a call so that I can reserve a time for all of you to come in and see the room, meet with me and talk about the exciting things we will be doing this year.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely yours,
YOUR NAME
Letter to Related Service Provider
Dear
During this school year I will be _______ (child’s first and last name) special education teacher. It is noted on _________(child’s name) IEP that he is to receive _________(related service) (frequency i.e. 1 x a week) from you beginning on (date to begin services. Be aware that related services should begin as close to the start of school as possible if not the first day). In order to coordinate services, I am suggesting that we get together for a meeting to discuss schedules, communication with parents and teachers, modifications and accommodations and any other matters that may assist _________(child’s name) this year.
I will try to contact you to see what times and days are convenient for you or if you prefer I can be reached at ______(phone and extension) between the hours of______. My room number is ______at the _____________(name of school) school.
I look forward to meeting with you.
Sincerely yours,
YOUR NAME
Classroom Teacher Letter-First year teacher
Dear
My name is ___________ and this school year I will be working with ______(first and last name of child) a student in your class. _________, (child’s first name) has been assigned this service according to his IEP (designate the time period for services). These services are being provided to him/her for the following reasons:
(State reasons-usually weakness areas determined by an evaluation or IEP team)
In order to collaborate on the services I would like to meet with you to discuss ______(child’s first name) program, scheduling time, parent communication and modifications that are required as a result of his IEP. I will be stopping down to your room to discuss a convenient time for this meeting and look forward to speaking with you or if you prefer I can be reached at ______(phone and extension) between the hours of______. My room number is ______.
I look forward to meeting with you.
Sincerely yours,
YOUR NAME
Part I-Identifying data
Name:
Address
Phone:
Parent’s Names:
Siblings Names/Ages
Grade:
School:
Date of Birth:
Classification:
Name of Teacher filling out profile:
Medical alerts: (if applicable)
Modifications Required: (class project)
Part II-Educational levels: Present levels of academic performance
Educational Levels (in percentiles)-Note all scores provided on all tests, WIAT and Group Achievement Tests
Math:
Reading:
Spelling:
Writing:
Part III-Areas of Academic, Social and Emotional Strengths and Weaknesses:
Areas of Academic Weakness: List all areas from test results and determine if strengths are mild, moderate, or significant and weaknesses are mild, moderate, or severe
Social Skills Assessment (based on teacher reports)
Emotional Assessment (based on teacher’s reports): This section should note behavioral symptoms i.e. acting out, aggressiveness etc. As well as positive emotional traits i.e. patient with peers, helpful etc.
Part IV-Learning Styles Assessment
Learning Styles Assessment: (conditions under which the student learns best according to teacher’s reports i.e. small group vs. large group, more focused in morning vs. afternoon) based on teacher reports
Part V-Areas in need of remediation or attention
General Areas of Instruction: Try to determine the specific areas that you feel need to be the focus of your involvement with this student. Be specific i.e. not reading but reading comprehension, not math but computation etc.
Part VI-Miscellaneous Questions
List any questions that you may need to clarify with the parent concerning background history
Areas of behavioral concern i.e. aggressive, withdrawn
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NASET’s “How To” Reach out to Parents and Staff as a New Special Education Teacher – Introductory Letter CLICK HERE
NASET’s “How To” Develop a Student Profile Sheet CLICK HERE
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