Welcome to Mrs. Gorbett’s Web Page
This year I will be working with many students across the district on social, emotional, language and organizational skills. Additionally, I will be working closely with some students to reduce challenging behaviors while increasing positive behaviors in class, thus improving academic success. In order to accomplish these goals, I use research-based strategies for students with special needs. The strategies comply with the guidelines set forth in IDEA 2004 regarding effective teaching methodologies.
Listed below are some of the strategies I use to help students experience success both inside and outside of school. Strategies are chosen based on individual student needs resulting from data collected from various sources and across a variety of environments.
- Social Stories and Social Articles – These carefully written stories have been shown to be effective for students with autism. In fact, Social Stories and Social Articles are becoming popular tools of choice for students with other disabilities as well. Check back frequently for new Social Stories and Social Articles. They will be posted as we progress through the school year.
- Cognitive Behavior Strategies – Students are directly taught the steps needed to perform certain skills. Students role play the skills in a safe environment, receive feedback, and then practice the skills outside of the classroom at school, at home and in the community. Additional feedback is given through coaching in the hallways, during lunch, before/after school and during other unstructured times as needed. Students are required to practice these skills until they are fully generalized to natural settings. The skills taught include social skills, emotional skills, coping strategies, and self-advocacy skills.
- Positive Behavior Supports – Positive behavior supports can be used with all children across all environments. Please click on the link below for further information.
- Parent Collaboration – Research shows student outcomes are significantly improved when parents are involved in the educational process of their child. I strongly encourage all parents to ask questions, voice concerns and provide insights and knowledge about their child and their disability. I am available to assist parents in setting up school/home supports for students with autism, behavior challenges and organizational difficulties. By working together, we can create the optimal educational experience for your child.
I also use strategies from TEACCH, PECS and behavior analysis.
