1. Low Incidence Classroom Look For’s
TDEA Think Tank
Low Incidence Classroom Look For’s
Time: 1 Minute

2. What is a low incidence classroom?
A self-contained class of students, assigned by the Executive Director of Intervention Services or his/her designee, who participate in a significantly modified curriculum aligned to the Ohio Academic Content Standards (extended); require IEP goals in functional and life-skills areas; and typically qualify for Ohio’s Alternate Assessment for Significant Cognitive Disabilities.
In Cleveland a low incidence classroom is staffed by teachers with one of the following classifications:
MD/AU OH
MEF
Time: 1 Minute

3. Lesson Plans Ohextendedstandards.org
All lesson plans should be aligned to the Ohio’s Learning Standards Extended
The OLS-E have been newly updated and will be rolled out throughout the school year
Ohextendedstandards.org
OLS-E are broken down into 3 levels of complexity from most complex to least complex. (see handout)
Lesson plans should include any whole group presentation and also scaffolded activities based on the OLS-E levels of complexing
Time: 1 Minute

4. Lesson Plans (continued)
Lesson plans should identify the differentiated materials and technology necessary for appropriate presentation
Visual supports
Augmentative communication devices
iPads
White board/SmartBoard
Lesson plans should indicate which IEP goals/objectives will be touched upon
A task analysis or steps needed to complete requested task is recommended to be present

5. Assessing LI Students
Assessment of LI students should align to IEP methods of measurement for goals/objectives
Copies of assessments related to IEP goals/objectives should be kept in special education case management files
Curriculum-based assessment (Attainment, Unique Learning System)
Portfolios
Observation
Anecdotal records
Short-cycle assessment
Performance assessment
Checklists
Running records
Work samples
Inventories
Rubrics
Time: 1 Minute

6. What does a LI classroom look like?
Schedules and visuals:
Daily schedule is posted
Individual student schedules are utilized
Daily schedule is followed as posted
Visuals are used to support learning (classroom is labeled with words and visuals, token system/reinforcers, pictures of important staff members)
Transitions are supported through schedules and visuals
Time: 1 Minute

7. What does a LI classroom look like?
Behavior:
Instruction:
FBA and BIP are complete and utilized for appropriate students
Token economy/rewards system (can be differentiated for students)
Teacher uses modeling and differentiated reinforcement to support positive behavior
Positive reinforcement is provided frequently and at a rate that exceeds corrective feedback
All staff that interact with students are aware of behavioral needs, BIPs, reinforcers, etc.
Instructional areas are clearly defined
Materials are readily accessible and organized to avoid distraction/sensory overload
Variety of instructional strategies are used to address differing needs of students
Students are actively engaged in meaningful activities and do not have unstructured “free time”

8. What does a LI classroom look like?
Social Communication
Direct instruction used to teach social and communication skills
Tiered based on needs of students
Use of social narratives, video modeling, discrete trial training, etc.
Visuals are present and used to engage students
Augmentative or assistive communication
Accessible to students at all times
Picture Exchange System (PECS)
2 way white board communication
Voice volume charts, feelings scales

9. What does a LI classroom look like?
Social Communication
Students are given opportunities to make choices throughout day
Choices provided for independent work
If multiple tasks are to be completed student given choice when possible of order to complete
Student choices as reinforcer for positive behavior