ALIST Spotlight-- Traci Parker, Forest Elementary

Last year we had the pleasure of coaching Intervention Specialist, Traci Parker, at Forest Elementary in Troy. When working with Traci we quickly realized that she was an ALIST teacher through her consistent implementation of evidence-based practices, great feedback and questions about additional strategies, adaptation of supports to work in various settings and with various staff members, and her ability to be a leader and advocate for students. In today's blog post we will be highlighting Traci in the ALIST Spotlight!

Traci has implemented the visual support of a location-based schedule for various locations throughout the school building. Each location is designated by a different color and shape. The shapes are lined up on a portable folder to create the student's daily schedule. When it is time to transition, the student can check the schedule by taking off the top shape and matching it to the location with the corresponding shape.

Another visual support, is the use of a Change Card to prime about a schedule change. This is a predictable way to communicate unpredictable changes in the routine. Traci can show the student the change card or place it on their schedule and then prime them for what will be happening instead of the normally scheduled activity.

Tracy also uses the best practice of structured work systems to communicate to students how much work to do, what work to do, when the work will be finished, and what comes next after working. She started by teaching this skill in the small resource room setting and then replicated it in the general education classroom to improve success in this setting.

structured work drawer system in resource room

structured work bin system study carrel in general education classroom

Additionally, Traci helps her students maintain internal regulation through use of proactively scheduled, non-contingent breaks from sensory stimuli through the use of a calming sensory space. Again, she uses this support in her small resource room setting and has carried it over into the general education classroom.

calming sensory space options in resource room

calming sensory space beanbag in general education classroom

Traci uses several other supports as well including a visual countdown for communicating the passing of time and preparing students for transitions,

color-coded organizational supports for student supplies and progress monitoring materials,

and flexible seating to meet various student needs during circle time.

It has been a pleasure to work with Traci this past year and see how she implements a variety of supports to help her students be more successful in the resource room and general education classrooms. Thanks Traci for allowing us to share your space with others!