School-based Practice Considerations

what are some examples of academic occupations for students?

• math calculations

• literacy

• written expression

• presenting

what are some examples of nonacademic occupations for students?

• lunch

• recess

• ADLs

• transportation

what are some examples of extracurricular occupations for students?

• band

• sports

• clubs

• pre-vocational

FERPA

• confidentiality and privacy law

• school system’s version of HIPAA that applies to higher education as well

Every Student Succeeds Act

• annual standardized testing

• non-test score indicators of quality

• improves outcomes of students in low-income communities

• specialized instructional support personnel

• testing accommodations

• system accountability to ensure students with disabilities are part of state reporting and improvement efforts, recognizes related service providers as school improvement partners

section 504 Rehabilitation Act of 1973

• access to curriculum and activities

• accommodations and modifications

• not specialized instruction

• required by law to provide access if school receives federal funding

• OT can establish and monitor 504 plans

• civil rights protection but does not guarantee specialized instruction

IDEA

specially designed instructions that meets unique needs of a child with a disability; individual rights and services via an IEP

what are the three tiers to response to intervention?

1. general education

2. targeted education (tutoring, etc)

3. special education or related services

what are some important considerations when making IEP goals?

• must reflect performance on school-based tasks

• educationally related does not mean academically related

  • may link to component skills, but overall outcome should be function and occupation based

• focus on child performance, not teacher or OT

what are the unique roles of OTs in school settings?

• help children and youth develop appropriate skills to succeed in school, at home and in community

• help teachers meet their goals

  • class management, student achievement

• help schools meet their goals

  • safe environment, student achievement