Beyond the Basics : Promoting Rigor and Growth in Self-Contained Classrooms

This session explores evidence-based strategies to promote rigor and growth in self-contained high school classrooms serving students with SLD, ASD, ID, and behavioral needs. Participants will learn how to use differentiation, scaffolding, UDL, and high-leverage practices to foster engagement, support mastery, and ensure equitable access to rigorous content. Participants will be able to: 1. Design and implement rigorous, standards-based lessons in self-contained classrooms by applying evidence-based strategies such as differentiated instruction, scaffolding, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). 2. Apply high-leverage instructional practices, including explicit instruction, checks for understanding, and collaborative problem-solving techniques, to promote academic engagement and content mastery for students with SLD, ASD, ID, and behavioral needs. 3. Evaluate and support instructional rigor within special education settings through reflective practices, instructional coaching, and data-informed decision-making.