Using Assistive Technology to Promote High Leverage Practices

Abstract

This chapter will focus on providing strategies that can be supported within educator preparation programs (EPPs) that can enhance the capacity of pre-service teachers to effectively integrate AT and HLPs to assist students academically and socially-emotionally. Specific topics in this chapter will include information related to preparation strategies that support student enhancement of academic, communication, social-emotional, and sensory strategies supported by explicit AT and HLPs. Teachers' knowledge of and their ease in using and helping their students use AT is key for appropriate and individualized support for students who have an IEP. In order for teachers to effectively support students and their individualized needs, however, teachers need to use pedagogical strategies that increasingly support students' access to learning, which can be strategically implemented through the use of high leverage practices (HLPs).