Special Education Implementation Pillars
PaTTAN plays a critical role in the Bureau of Special Education’s systemic alignment* by delivering customized professional development and technical assistance aligned with four key Implementation Pillars—the core strategies for driving improvement: Attract-Prepare-Retain; Collaborative Partnerships; Post-School Outcomes; and Evidence-Based Practices. Through this coordinated approach, Pennsylvania strengthens educator capacity, fosters collaboration, and advances equitable opportunities for all students with disabilities.
The Outcomes and Targets for the Evidence-Based Practices Pillar are listed below:
Outcome: Increase teachers’ use of instructional, engagement, and behavioral management practices that are research-based
Targets:
- Strengthen leadership capacity to guide and sustain evidence-based practices
- Expand coaching and side-by-side support for implementing evidence-based practices (EBPs)
- Develop and implement systemic support plans and/or local supports to train educators on supporting students with low-incidence disabilities in the general education curriculum
Evidence-based practice (EBP) in education involves using teaching methods and strategies that have been proven effective through rigorous scientific research. By relying on evidence rather than personal opinions or anecdotal experiences, EBP aims to improve student outcomes and close achievement gaps.
Key aspects of EBP include:
- Identifying effective practices: Researching and identifying teaching methods and interventions with strong evidence of success.
- Implementing practices: Incorporating these evidence-based practices into classroom instruction.
- Evaluating outcomes: Regularly assessing the impact of these practices on student learning and making adjustments as needed.
By adopting EBP, educators can make informed decisions about their teaching strategies and provide students with the best possible learning experiences.