AbstractThe purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the factors affecting elementary teacher’s ability to understand the academic needs of their racially, culturally, and ethnically diverse special education students and the ways in which their values and beliefs influenced their use of culturally responsive practices in the special education classroom. The findings from this study are significant because they could add to the knowledge base of strategies to close or eliminate the achievement gap of racially, culturally, and ethnically diverse students in special education programs. Furthermore, these experiences may provide an additional opportunity for local educational agencies (LEAS) to examine the impact of culturally responsive teaching practices on the achievement of RCED students in the special education classroom.

Social stories are used to help students understand social situations and expectations. In My Feelings allows you to interact with your students by having them identify how they feel when they experience different situations, such as frustration, pride, and happiness. It gives students the opportunity to share their emotional behaviors and help identify areas in which they need additional support.

No, Deenie, No is a story about a young girl who misbehaves, which prompts the response “No, Deenie, no.” Then one day Deenie realizes she doesn’t like hearing the word “no.” But she must decide what to do in order to hear “yes!”