When it comes to what works—and what doesn’t—in the classroom, who better to ask than teachers? With that in mind, Education Week writers reached out to a group of teachers via social media to gather their advice on how best to support students with learning differences. Following are the highlights from their responses, which we encourage you to keep in mind when meeting with your child’s teacher or their team at the next IEP meeting.

1. Provide flexibility and choices in the classroom. Many educators acknowledged the importance of differentiated instruction for diverse groups of students in the same classroom. With this approach, “individual students’ strengths, needs, and interests” are identified and lessons are then adapted accordingly. Advocates of this method say that giving students some control over their learning improves motivation and academic performance. 

2. Ensure effective communication. Confidence develops when students feel they are being heard, have a clear understanding of expectations, and receive feedback. Educator Elizabeth Stern wrote, “The best thing we can do to support students with disabilities is to hear what they have to say—and notice how they are perceiving and participating in learning experiences. We must … create experiences that embrace and embed student voice and perspective. And when in doubt of how best to support students, just ask them!” 

3. Cultivate inclusive environments. According to EdWeek reporter Caitlynn Peetz,  “Research has shown that students with disabilities tend to perform better academically when integrated into general education classrooms, and their peers also gain an understanding and develop acceptance of people who are different from them.” The EdWeek panel wholeheartedly agreed. In the words of one teacher, “It’s to accept them for who they are and meet them where they are.” And in the words of another, “Patience, acceptance, and empathy go a long way.”