Welcome to Social Communications

Kellie Coupalkcoupal@ldsd.org

Meet the Teacher• LD Grad• Millersville University- K-12 Special

Education/Gerontology• 4th Year at Lower Dauphin– 1 year at South Hanover-PTLS– 2 years at Londonderry-Intensive Autism Support

• Penn State Harrisburg ABA program

Catch Phrase• Social Communication– Development of spontaneous, functional

communication and emotional expression• Emotional Regulation– Development of the ability to maintain a well-

regulated emotional state to cope with everyday stress, and to be most available for learning and interaction

• Executive Functioning– Mental processes that assist in planning, organizing,

strategizing, paying attention, remembering details , managing time and space

Why Social Communication?• Elementary Services– Speech and Language Therapy– Occupational Therapy– Specialized Learning Support

• Case Manage– Review SDIs with classroom teachers– Monitor classroom progress

• Direct Instruction– Daily instruction and homework check

• Classroom Support– Additional in-class support as needed for “in

the moment” social thinking and academic accomodations

Curriculum Overview• 3 Major Units of Study– Based on PA State Standards for Student

Interpersonal Skills• Additional Units of Study– Executive Functioning Skills (Organization)– Autism Awareness

Self-Awareness and Self-Management• How does self-awareness and self-

management impact success in school, home, and community?– Managing emotions and behavior– Influence of personal life traits– Resiliency– Goal Setting

Establishing and Maintaining Relationships• What are the important components of establishing

and maintaining relationships?– Relationships– Diversity– Communication– Managing interpersonal conflict– Support: Asking for help

Decision Making and Responsible Behavior• How can understanding social norms

effect active engagement and decision making skills?– Decision making skills– Understanding social norms– Responsible active engagement

Resources• SOAR Study Skills• Superflex Curriculum• What Does It Mean To Me?• Social Success Workbook for Teens• Smart but Scattered• Zones of Regulation

Classroom Management• Whole Brain Teaching– Class, Yes!– Teach, OK!– Mirrors On– Score Board• Teacher Talk• Chill and Chat

Classroom Procedures• Zones Check-In• Direct Instruction• Homework Check-Out

Grading Procedure• Report Card– Pass/Fail based on participation in

classroom activities• IEP Goal Progress Monitoring– Classroom Observations– Rubrics– Data Collection during role-playing

Related Services

Speech and Language Therapy• Patty Cole

– Push-In services during 10th period Social Comm. class

– Progress monitoring

Occupational Therapy• Michelle Sloan

– Push-In during 10th period Social Comm. Class

– Day 2

Contact Information• Email– kcoupal@ldsd.org

• School Phone– 566-5310

• Teacher Web Page• Ldsd.org Middle School Faculty Coupal• Remind 101– Text @mscoup to (717) 502-4777

Questions..