Convergence

I am happy to say that there seems to be a nice convergence between the research on autism related teaching skills and on staff development for self contained special education classrooms. The research on working with students with autism is as vast and varied as the spectrum itself but ultimately the ideas of communication challenges, social challenges and rigid and repetitive behaviors or interests tie everything together. The literature also seems to indicate that instructional support staff are generally under prepared to work with students with autism.

My challenge and my research question is to find a way to bring these two areas of research together. This is essentially my education plan; to find ways for my to staff get the education and training they need to better serve our students with autism.

I am also, finally, seeing a convergence between my TIP and my actual job. This project is starting to make sense to me and I am seeing how this way of thinking, observing and then acting will benefit me in the future.