I have used WBT last 3 years with 6th grade Science/Math Gen/Ed Sped classes...and it has been great! The teacher next door is even used to our "noise." This year I have been reassigned as the SED teacher. I have Asperger/Autism, behavior disorder and "neurological/intellectual" impairment all in the same class. One IEP warns about loud noises and music. The student is supposed to have a unique space where there are no distractions or loud sounds without warning. My classroom is usually pretty fast paced, and loud and excited. I wonder if anyone has had the experience of such a mixed group? I don't want to give up WBT strategies, but have to follow IEPs. School would just be the pits without WBT. I toyed with the idea of sugggesting (to SPED director) that the student who cannot cope with noise might be better placed elsewhere. (but students have already received classroom assignments). THe SPED director is not a fan of WBT. I applied for time to go to a conference and he said that I already knew enough or could just use the videos. I am feeling a bit discouraged. Any thoughts?

My first thought is that your SpEd Director has convenience for him/herself in mind rather than the students. That mix of disabilities is a recipe for disaster, especially putting the BD and Autism students together.

Anyways, my helpful thought is to use WBT but at a low volume on the volume-o-meter. Have everyone excitedly whisper their Oh Yeahs! It can be just as fast-paced and excited, but just not as loud.

Honestly, if your student is supposed to have a unique space with no distractions, then a class with BD students is not it, and at that point your director is violating the law. You're in a tough spot. I would just bring it to your director's attention that he/she is putting the district at risk of litigation with that student in that environment, and write that down somewhere so if it does come to that you have a record.

WBT Intern 2011-2012

Cape I have been in special ed classes for years and noise is an issue. I have used the old fashioned headsets with the big rubber ear pads on kids just to cut noise. I even brought in some ear protection they use at firing ranges. They are there when the kids feel they need them. Some children have learned to self monitor and go to a quiet area, and others just go with the noise so see what happens. Did anything help.
Annette

Thanks for your response. It is a great idea to keep a (private) record of my concerns. I met with the SPED teacher who is assigned to the SED kids and she is supportive of my use of WBT andassures me that together we can make it work. Autistic students wil be in my homeroom and intellectually impaired will travel with my pod partner's homeroom. That seperation may help.I have made the personal decision that WBT has become so much a part of who I am as a teacher that I AM NOT willing to give it up. It Has worked every other year, I'll figure out how to keep the fun, active learning going one way or the other. It is encouraging to hear another educator who understands...as talking at my school is certainly not a smart option.

a great idea to use the earplugs that are used at the rifle range...disposable. It should help the student become a self advocate...We have a delayed start this year, due to Irene. I will be back in class Tuesday. Thanks for the great idea!