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In inclusive classrooms, we work hard to ensure students have the tools they need to access grade-level content. But what happens when a student, who clearly benefits from assistive technology like text-to-speech, refuses to use it? It’s a scenario many educators have encountered: a student who has access to a reading accommodation, like Text-to-Speech software, but chooses not to use it, even if it means struggling with the assignment. Before we jump to conclusions, we need

It’s January. The classroom is buzzing again, the planner is filling up, and Semester 2 is officially in motion. This season is full of new energy… but let’s be honest, it can also feel like starting a marathon with tired legs. That’s why now is the perfect time for a little reset. Not for your students, for you . Here’s one powerful ritual to start the second half of the year with intention, grounding, and joy. And trust us, your future self will thank you. 🎁 The Ritual: Bu

By the time students reach middle or high school, many educators assume that they’ve “already learned how to read.” But for struggling readers, one skill often lags behind, and holds everything else back: fluency . Fluency is more than just reading fast. It’s the bridge between decoding words and understanding them , and it’s one of the most common barriers for secondary students who can technically “read,” but still struggle with grade-level texts. At Layered Education , we

In today’s classrooms, diversity isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a reality. And among the most critical areas of growth for educators is the ability to support students with disabilities. Special education is no longer the responsibility of one teacher or one department. It’s a schoolwide commitment, and it begins with high-quality professional development. At Layered Education , we believe every educator has the potential to be a difference-maker for students with disabilities.

Whether you're a parent walking into your very first IEP meeting, or an educator preparing to collaborate with a team, one thing is true: IEP meetings are important—and they can feel overwhelming . That’s why we created the IEP Meeting Prep Kit —a free, practical resource designed to help both parents and educators align before the meeting, stay focused during, and follow through after. ✨ Because when the team is prepared, the meeting becomes more than a checklist—it becomes

Imagine walking into a school where every student, regardless of their academic level, background, or learning need, receives the right support at the right time. That’s the goal of MTSS , or Multi-Tiered Systems of Support : a framework designed to create schools where all learners can thrive. At Layered Education , we believe that strong systems lead to stronger outcomes. MTSS isn’t just another acronym, it’s a powerful tool for building equity, responding to student needs,

Well, well, well… look who made it through the holidays 🎉 If you're a teacher, parent, or anyone working in education, you deserve a standing ovation. You juggled glittery crafts, classroom parties, report cards, travel, family gatherings, last-minute shopping, and more sugar than any of us should legally consume. And now here we are: back in January. If you’re feeling both excited and  slightly overwhelmed to return to routines, just know… you are not alone. At Layered Educ

If co-teaching is a dance, then co-planning is the rehearsal. It's where the choreography is created, roles are assigned, and every move is aligned to ensure all students, especially those with disabilities and multilingual learners, can access meaningful, grade-level instruction. Too often, co-planning gets overlooked or reduced to a quick five-minute hallway conversation. But in truly inclusive classrooms, co-planning isn’t extra, it’s essential.  When done well, it creates

We often begin literacy interventions with curriculum, assessments, and tools—but the real work starts with a student’s belief . Before we can teach a struggling reader how  to read better, we need to convince them that they can . For middle and high school students especially, motivation isn’t just important—it’s foundational. Years of reading struggle can leave them feeling discouraged, labeled, or invisible. That’s why successful reading support for adolescents must begin

Co-teaching is more than sharing a room. It’s about sharing a vision , two educators working side by side, blending their expertise to support all students, especially those who need differentiated instruction the most. But how do you make co-teaching truly effective, not just in theory, but in everyday practice? At Layered Education , we believe co-teaching works when it is intentional, relational, and equitable . This blog post explores the foundational practices that make

When your child is struggling in school due to a disability or health condition, it's natural to feel overwhelmed or unsure of what steps to take next. Many parents are familiar with the term "IEP," but not everyone knows about another powerful support tool: the Section 504 Plan . For students who may not qualify for special education but still face significant challenges in the classroom, Section 504 can be a game changer. This post offers a parent-friendly guide to understa

How One Charter School Network is Transforming Literacy Through Repeated Reading In a time when schools are working harder than ever to close opportunity gaps, one charter school network, serving historically underserved communities, is making significant strides in literacy. Their not-so-secret weapon? Repeated Reading. By implementing this targeted intervention with consistency, intention, and creativity, they’re helping middle and high school students not only become stron

Assistive technology (AT) can be game-changing for students with complex support needs. The range is vast: from low-tech picture symbols...

Presume Competence and Potential A guiding principle when working with students with complex needs is to presume competence . This means...

Equitable and inclusive IEPs for students with complex support needs  (such as multiple disabilities, significant cognitive disabilities,...

Why Fidgets Work Fidgets work by engaging the senses in a way that helps regulate the brain’s attention system. Here’s how they support...

An inspiring collaboration with Jodi Bree   Student-Led IEP Template – High School Let’s be honest: traditional IEP meetings can...

How do we know an IEP is equitable and inclusive? It often helps to have a sort of checklist or reflection during IEP development: Did we...

Discover the power of student-led IEPs and how the Student-Led IEP Journal empowers students to take an active role in their education,...

Repeated reading is an evidence-based practice designed to improve students' reading fluency, comprehension, and confidence. Particularly...