Toby J. Karten – författare

How can teachers provide access and support for young children with disabilities in their classrooms?Inclusion Strategies to Engage Young Learners provides a practical, strengths-based roadmap for Pre-K–3rd-grade teachers to implement evidence-based inclusion practices. While research highlights the critical impact of early childhood educational experiences on a student’s self-worth and social–emotional development, educators often struggle to implement effective inclusion strategies. This resource bridges that gap by focusing on three key tenets: access, participation, and supports for every student.Authored by Toby J. Karten, an internationally recognized inclusion expert and consultant, this guide marries field-tested strategies with early childhood research. As a bestselling author and two-time recipient of the Teacher of the Year award from the New Jersey Department of Education, Karten draws on decades of experience to help general education and special education practitioners, caregivers, and coaches prepare inclusive classroom spaces that benefit all learners.Rather than viewing inclusion as a challenge, this book demonstrates how inclusive practices are viable, beneficial first options for families and educators alike. By emphasizing instruction, remediation, and enrichment, the author provides the tools necessary to support children with exceptionalities alongside their peers in a meaningful, productive environment.Book Features:Evidence-Based Implementation: Field-tested methods to ensure Pre-K–3rd-grade students with exceptionalities have full access to the general education curriculum.Practical Educator Tools: Includes ready-to-use templates for lesson planning, communication charts, and classroom application.Real-World Vignettes: Authentic classroom examples that illustrate successful inclusive environments for both teachers and parents.Comprehensive Topic Coverage: Guidance on advocacy, assessment, family engagement, and connecting to individual student strengths.Simplified Policy Overview: A user-friendly summary of special education policy designed specifically for the general educator.

How can teachers provide access and support for young children with disabilities in their classrooms?Inclusion Strategies to Engage Young Learners provides a practical, strengths-based roadmap for Pre-K–3rd-grade teachers to implement evidence-based inclusion practices. While research highlights the critical impact of early childhood educational experiences on a student’s self-worth and social–emotional development, educators often struggle to implement effective inclusion strategies. This resource bridges that gap by focusing on three key tenets: access, participation, and supports for every student.Authored by Toby J. Karten, an internationally recognized inclusion expert and consultant, this guide marries field-tested strategies with early childhood research. As a bestselling author and two-time recipient of the Teacher of the Year award from the New Jersey Department of Education, Karten draws on decades of experience to help general education and special education practitioners, caregivers, and coaches prepare inclusive classroom spaces that benefit all learners.Rather than viewing inclusion as a challenge, this book demonstrates how inclusive practices are viable, beneficial first options for families and educators alike. By emphasizing instruction, remediation, and enrichment, the author provides the tools necessary to support children with exceptionalities alongside their peers in a meaningful, productive environment.Book Features:Evidence-Based Implementation: Field-tested methods to ensure Pre-K–3rd-grade students with exceptionalities have full access to the general education curriculum.Practical Educator Tools: Includes ready-to-use templates for lesson planning, communication charts, and classroom application.Real-World Vignettes: Authentic classroom examples that illustrate successful inclusive environments for both teachers and parents.Comprehensive Topic Coverage: Guidance on advocacy, assessment, family engagement, and connecting to individual student strengths.Simplified Policy Overview: A user-friendly summary of special education policy designed specifically for the general educator.

"The book is content rich and contains a wealth of examples and ideas to spark teacher creativity."—Jacqueline S. Thousand, Professor of Special Education, California State University, San Marcos

"The worksheets, lessons, and concrete practical discipline applications make this book a must-have for every classroom teacher."—Diane Boarman, National Board Certified Teacher, Patapsco Middle School, Ellicott City, MD

Differentiate instruction to match and heighten students' and teachers' abilities while honoring standards!

With the same "can do" attitude that made her first book, Inclusion Strategies That Work! so popular, Toby Karten takes her latest book to the next level by emphasizing standards, linking the best inclusive practices with content-specific curriculum, and demonstrating how teachers can reach individual learners while honoring whole-class dynamics.

Meeting the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, More Inclusion Strategies That Work! focuses on using the strengths of students with disabilities to give them more confidence and a greater advantage when learning new concepts. With research-based methods for identifying and meeting the needs of students with special needs, this valuable guide presents instructional and accommodation strategies to help all students access the general curriculum. This reader-friendly handbook provides teachers with targeted assistance through:

Sample standards-based lessons organized by age and ability level Tools for assessing students' mastery of curriculum conceptsApproaches for preparing students for standardized testing Numerous reproducibles for immediate use

Whether you are a general or a special education K–12 teacher, you'll return again and again to this must-have reference to meet the challenges of inclusive instruction and celebrate the successes of all your students, especially students with disabilities.

"The book is content rich and contains a wealth of examples and ideas to spark teacher creativity."—Jacqueline S. Thousand, Professor of Special Education, California State University, San Marcos

"The worksheets, lessons, and concrete practical discipline applications make this book a must-have for every classroom teacher."—Diane Boarman, National Board Certified Teacher, Patapsco Middle School, Ellicott City, MD

Differentiate instruction to match and heighten students' and teachers' abilities while honoring standards!

With the same "can do" attitude that made her first book, Inclusion Strategies That Work! so popular, Toby Karten takes her latest book to the next level by emphasizing standards, linking the best inclusive practices with content-specific curriculum, and demonstrating how teachers can reach individual learners while honoring whole-class dynamics.

Meeting the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, More Inclusion Strategies That Work! focuses on using the strengths of students with disabilities to give them more confidence and a greater advantage when learning new concepts. With research-based methods for identifying and meeting the needs of students with special needs, this valuable guide presents instructional and accommodation strategies to help all students access the general curriculum. This reader-friendly handbook provides teachers with targeted assistance through:

Sample standards-based lessons organized by age and ability level Tools for assessing students' mastery of curriculum conceptsApproaches for preparing students for standardized testing Numerous reproducibles for immediate use

Whether you are a general or a special education K–12 teacher, you'll return again and again to this must-have reference to meet the challenges of inclusive instruction and celebrate the successes of all your students, especially students with disabilities.

A Corwin Press Classroom Activity Book

Proven inclusion strategies for every elementary classroom!

Expert educator Toby Karten helps teachers meet the challenge of inclusion by providing the tools they need to teach identical standards to students with diverse abilities. Using the successful format from her best-selling Inclusion Strategies That Work!, Karten translates core strategies into classroom-tested activities that can be modified for students at any skill or ability level.

This comprehensive resource covers a variety of topics, including reading, writing, math, comprehension and study skills, and reflective assessment, testing, and grading. Karten's ready-to-use activities make it easy for teachers to create an accepting and empathic classroom climate that motivates all learners. Elementary teachers will discover how to enhance student performance by setting academic goals and improving students' study skills, promote learning beyond the basic concepts, and much more!

Perfect for both general and special education teachers, this practical volume includes:

Graphic organizers and word play that build word deciphering and comprehension skillsCreative techniques for using hands-on math manipulatives and gamesDifferent methods for students of multiple intelligences to approach the same taskInteractive strategies for improving speaking and listening skills

Packed with creative, step-by-step activities, this essential resource helps teachers instruct students of differing abilities, learning styles, and intelligences while meeting national standards.For other grade-specific Corwin Press Classroom books, please see:Inclusion Activities That Work! Grades 3-5Inclusion Activities That Work! Grades 6-8About the AuthorToby J. Karten is an experienced educator who has been involved in the field of special education since 1976 and has had the opportunity to help many children and adults from elementary through graduate levels. Along with being a resource center teacher in New Jersey, Karten has developed a graduate course entitled Disability Awareness and has presented at local, state, and national workshops and conferences. Karten has been recognized by both the Council for Exceptional Children and the New Jersey Department of Education as an exemplary educator, receiving two "Teacher of the Year" awards. She has an undergraduate degree in special education from Brooklyn College, a master's degree from the College of Staten Island, and a supervisory degree from Georgian Court College.

A Corwin Press Classroom Activity Book

Proven inclusion strategies for every middle school classroom!

Expert educator Toby Karten helps teachers meet the challenge of inclusion by providing the tools they need to teach identical standards to students with diverse abilities. Using the successful format from her best-selling Inclusion Strategies That Work!, Karten translates core strategies into classroom-tested activities that can be modified for students at any skill or ability level.

This comprehensive resource covers a variety of topics, including reading, writing, math, connecting students to the curriculum, comprehension and study skills, and reflective assessment, testing, and grading. Karten's ready-to-use activities make it easy for teachers to create an accepting and empathic classroom climate that motivates all learners. Middle school teachers will discover how to enhance student performance by setting academic goals and improving students' study skills, promote learning beyond the basic concepts, and much more.

Perfect for both general and special education teachers, this practical volume includes:

Strategies for deciphering difficult words and figurative languageA step-by-step guide through the writing processPlanners and graphic organizers Meaningful, real-life math connections through authentic tasksSelf- and peer-assessment tools

Packed with creative, step-by-step activities, this essential resource helps teachers instruct students of differing abilities, learning styles, and intelligences while meeting national standards. For other grade-specific Corwin Press Classroom books, please see:Inclusion Activities That Work! Grades K-2 Inclusion Activities That Work! Grades 3-5 About the AuthorToby J. Karten is an experienced educator who has been involved in the field of special education since 1976 and has had the opportunity to help many children and adults from elementary through graduate levels. Along with being a resource center teacher in New Jersey, Karten has developed a graduate course entitled Disability Awareness and has presented at local, state, and national workshops and conferences. Karten has been recognized by both the Council for Exceptional Children and the New Jersey Department of Education as an exemplary educator, receiving two "Teacher of the Year" awards. She has an undergraduate degree in special education from Brooklyn College, a master's degree from the College of Staten Island, and a supervisory degree from Georgian Court College.

A Corwin Press Classroom Activity Book

Proven inclusion strategies for every elementary classroom!

Expert educator Toby Karten helps teachers meet the challenge of inclusion by providing the tools they need to teach identical standards to students with diverse abilities. Using the successful format from her best-selling Inclusion Strategies That Work!, Karten translates core strategies into classroom-tested activities that can be modified for students at any skill or ability level.

This comprehensive resource covers a variety of topics, including reading, writing, math, connecting students to the curriculum, comprehension and study skills, and reflective assessment, testing, and grading. Karten's ready-to-use activities make it easy for teachers to create an accepting and empathic classroom climate that motivates all learners. Elementary teachers will discover how to enhance student performance by setting academic goals and improving students' study skills, promote learning beyond the basic concepts, and much more.

Perfect for both general and special education teachers, this practical volume includes:

Strategies for building vocabulary and improving comprehension skillsA step-by-step guide through the writing process Planners and graphic organizersLogic boxes, math wheels, and other organizers for working with higher-level math concepts and word problemsSelf- and peer-assessment tools

Packed with creative, step-by-step activities, this essential resource helps teachers instruct students of differing abilities, learning styles, and intelligences while meeting national standards. For other grade-specific Corwin Press Classroom books, please see:

Inclusion Activities That Work! Grades K-2 Inclusion Activities That Work! Grades 6-8 About the AuthorToby J. Karten is an experienced educator who has been involved in the field of special education since 1976 and has had the opportunity to help many children and adults from elementary through graduate levels. Along with being a resource center teacher in New Jersey, Karten has developed a graduate course entitled Disability Awareness and has presented at local, state, and national workshops and conferences. Karten has been recognized by both the Council for Exceptional Children and the New Jersey Department of Education as an exemplary educator, receiving two "Teacher of the Year" awards. She has an undergraduate degree in special education from Brooklyn College, a master's degree from the College of Staten Island, and a supervisory degree from Georgian Court College.

"The practical aspects of the book provide a wealth of ideas about how educators can make modifications and accommodations for individuals in their classrooms while fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere."—Anne Beveridge, Coordinator of Primary Years ProgramBranksome Hall, Toronto, Canada

"Provides background historical information, current trends, suggestions for novice teachers, and new ideas for experienced teachers."—Leslie Hitchens, Special Education TeacherCrossroads Elementary, St. Paul, MN

Foster positive experiences by differentiating not only instruction but attitudes too!

How we treat others often influences how individuals feel about themselves. This book illustrates how educators can effectively promote sensitive, inclusive classroom practices that maximize success for students with disabilities.

Embracing Disabilities in the Classroom provides content-rich interdisciplinary lessons accompanied by behavioral, academic, and social interventions that capitalize on student strengths. Inclusion expert Toby J. Karten demonstrates the impact of literature, self-advocacy, role playing, and strategic interventions on students' growth and achievement. The numerous lessons, tables, rubrics, instructional guidelines, and charts help readers:

Determine effective strategies for differentiating instruction for specific disabilities Modify lessons and curriculum appropriately in the content areasEncourage students to become active participants in learningIncrease disability awareness and foster inclusive mind-sets in students, colleagues, and families

This practical resource provides special education and general education teachers, principals, and teacher leaders with both effective instructional strategies for curriculum delivery and responsive approaches to promoting positive attitudes toward disabilities. Given appropriate support and an accepting environment, all students are able to achieve, thrive, and succeed in school and in life!

"The practical aspects of the book provide a wealth of ideas about how educators can make modifications and accommodations for individuals in their classrooms while fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere."—Anne Beveridge, Coordinator of Primary Years ProgramBranksome Hall, Toronto, Canada

"Provides background historical information, current trends, suggestions for novice teachers, and new ideas for experienced teachers."—Leslie Hitchens, Special Education TeacherCrossroads Elementary, St. Paul, MN

Foster positive experiences by differentiating not only instruction but attitudes too!

How we treat others often influences how individuals feel about themselves. This book illustrates how educators can effectively promote sensitive, inclusive classroom practices that maximize success for students with disabilities.

Embracing Disabilities in the Classroom provides content-rich interdisciplinary lessons accompanied by behavioral, academic, and social interventions that capitalize on student strengths. Inclusion expert Toby J. Karten demonstrates the impact of literature, self-advocacy, role playing, and strategic interventions on students' growth and achievement. The numerous lessons, tables, rubrics, instructional guidelines, and charts help readers:

Determine effective strategies for differentiating instruction for specific disabilities Modify lessons and curriculum appropriately in the content areasEncourage students to become active participants in learningIncrease disability awareness and foster inclusive mind-sets in students, colleagues, and families

This practical resource provides special education and general education teachers, principals, and teacher leaders with both effective instructional strategies for curriculum delivery and responsive approaches to promoting positive attitudes toward disabilities. Given appropriate support and an accepting environment, all students are able to achieve, thrive, and succeed in school and in life!

Lead workshops to help teachers connect best inclusive practices with standards!

Based on the best-selling book More Inclusion Strategies That Work! this facilitator's guide offers techniques for maximizing the strengths of all students in inclusive classrooms while meeting curriculum standards for all learners. Staff developers and workshop leaders will find specific tools to facilitate book study groups, seminars, and professional development events that increase teachers' skills in using inclusion strategies on a daily basis to instruct students at differing cognitive, sensory, physical, behavioral, emotional, and social levels. This easy-to-use guidebook offers step-by-step instructions for leading focused discussions on:

Applying inclusive strategies across the curriculumUsing assessments that are sensitive to differences in students' abilitiesVarying the complexity and pace of lessons while achieving learning objectivesMaintaining sound educational principles

The chapter-by-chapter study guide features:

Workshop activities Discussion questions Suggestions for practical applicationsChapter summaries Handouts and overheadsResources for extending learningSample agendas for half-day, one-day, and two-day workshopsA workshop evaluation form

The Facilitator's Guide to More Inclusion Strategies That Work! is ideal for staff developers or anyone leading professional training for groups of any size—pairs, small workshops, or large seminars.

"Wow! What a wonderful resource for all teachers. This book combines theory and practical strategies that can easily be implemented in anyone's classroom. Kudos to the author."—Sarah N. Miller, Special Education TeacherBaldwin County Schools, Summerdale, AL

"This book will quickly become the must-have resource for all special and general educators. Karten addresses all aspects of the inclusive environment, beginning with the inclusive mind-set and working through environment, structure, content, and most important, the idiosyncratic adolescent."—Harold M. Tarriff, Director of Special ServicesSchool District of the Chathams, NJ

Strategies to achieve winning results in the inclusive secondary classroom!

Higher performance and more positive experiences are possible for all adolescent learners with some guidance, perseverance, and the right techniques. Toby J. Karten provides teachers with a practical approach for creating a successful inclusive secondary classroom.

Backed by more than three decades of experience and expertise, this accessible guidebook helps teachers focus on teaching and learning for results using a wide variety of strategies, including differentiated instruction, universal design for learning, brain-based learning, RTI, and evidence-based practice. Other areas of focus include classroom management and helping adolescents transition to life after high school. With helpful forms, activities, graphic organizers, and quotations throughout, this teacher-friendly resource:

Outlines the theoretical background for creating an inclusive classroom environment at the middle and high school levelDescribes the psychosocial, cognitive, physical, and moral development of adolescents and how they affect teaching practiceProvides research-based practices to maximize and honor learners' potentials and strengths

Inclusion Strategies That Work for Adolescent Learners! is the perfect companion for educators striving to help their adolescent students achieve success in the classroom and beyond.

"Wow! What a wonderful resource for all teachers. This book combines theory and practical strategies that can easily be implemented in anyone's classroom. Kudos to the author."—Sarah N. Miller, Special Education TeacherBaldwin County Schools, Summerdale, AL

"This book will quickly become the must-have resource for all special and general educators. Karten addresses all aspects of the inclusive environment, beginning with the inclusive mind-set and working through environment, structure, content, and most important, the idiosyncratic adolescent."—Harold M. Tarriff, Director of Special ServicesSchool District of the Chathams, NJ

Strategies to achieve winning results in the inclusive secondary classroom!

Higher performance and more positive experiences are possible for all adolescent learners with some guidance, perseverance, and the right techniques. Toby J. Karten provides teachers with a practical approach for creating a successful inclusive secondary classroom.

Backed by more than three decades of experience and expertise, this accessible guidebook helps teachers focus on teaching and learning for results using a wide variety of strategies, including differentiated instruction, universal design for learning, brain-based learning, RTI, and evidence-based practice. Other areas of focus include classroom management and helping adolescents transition to life after high school. With helpful forms, activities, graphic organizers, and quotations throughout, this teacher-friendly resource:

Outlines the theoretical background for creating an inclusive classroom environment at the middle and high school levelDescribes the psychosocial, cognitive, physical, and moral development of adolescents and how they affect teaching practiceProvides research-based practices to maximize and honor learners' potentials and strengths

Inclusion Strategies That Work for Adolescent Learners! is the perfect companion for educators striving to help their adolescent students achieve success in the classroom and beyond.

Insights on inclusion from acclaimed authors

The Best of Corwin series showcases key chapters from critically acclaimed Corwin publications for a powerful compilation of perspectives on important education issues and topics. The Best of Corwin: Inclusive Practices features a variety of stellar authors who advocate for students with special needs as integral learners who deserve a high-quality education with their peers. This compilation offers proven inclusion strategies and seamlessly translates research into pragmatic classroom applications for general and special educators. Essential topics include:

Strategies for creating standards-based IEPsProven teaching practices for reaching all learnersTools for effective co-teachingIdeas for curriculum and assessment accommodations Ways to build successful home-school partnerships

The authors provide strategies that span primary and secondary grades and apply across the disciplines to capitalize upon the strengths of teachers, leaders, students, and families. Inclusion is more than a possibility when professionals possess the knowledge, skills, positive attitudes, and professional resources to help all learners achieve success.

Be the coach who leads your school team to inclusion success!

You know the benefits of inclusion, and your colleagues know that you're the go-to expert when they need assistance with school and classroom implementation. Now you can take your advocacy to the next level with inclusion coaching. Inclusion works best when all team players contribute, and as coach, you'll provide the leadership your school needs to follow through on its mission in a truly collaborative way.

Just as instructional coaches help teachers improve their practice and hone their skills, you'll guide your school team in applying the very best inclusion strategies for achieving quantifiable results. Toby Karten's how-to guide will help you

Establish your own coaching baselinesIntroduce research-based strategies for lesson planning, instruction, and recording dataEngage staff in reflective and collaborative inclusion practicesManage challenges, including scheduling and co-teaching responsibilities

With timelines, planning sheets, surveys, frameworks, curriculum examples, and other practical tools, this hands-on guide is the essential resource for the newly minted inclusion coach.

"This book is the necessary piece to including all students successfully in the learning and living classroom. The information, planning, and questioning will help all schools develop the tools necessary to reach all students."—Karen Kozy-Landress, Speech/Language PathologistMILA Elementary School, Merritt Island, FL

The go-to resource for ensuring the success of ALL learners!

Teaching students with diverse needs require educators to tap deep reserves of instructional know-how, empathy, responsiveness, and patience. And the mark of a great educator is ensuring that ALL learners reach their full potential - academically and emotionally.

For years, Inclusion Strategies that Work! has been an indispensable resource for K-12 teachers as they confidently assess, instruct, and differentiate inclusive lesson plans and strategies for inclusion. In this new edition, Toby J. Karten’s data-driven methods are updated with the latest research, connections to the Common Core, and legislative developments.

Beginning with a thoughtful look at why inclusion is so essential, Karten provides valuable advice on co-planning structured lessons, ways to leverage technology, and much more, including:

Updated information on ADA, IDEA, writing IEPs, transitional services, classifications, RTI, metacognitive strategies, and links to the Common Core Tips for collaboratively working with families and making them an integral part of the inclusive team Interactive strategies and techniques that make concepts real in the classroom by honoring each individual student, and by not permitting a label to define a student or lower academic, behavioral, social, and emotional expectations An overview of special education legislative terminology Information on how to use emotional intelligence and brain-friendly learning to improve student outcomes Interactive online forms for planning, documentation, and collaboration

 With this comprehensive resource, you will be equipped with the tools to transform your classroom into a more inclusive environment to ensure that each learner achieves success! “Inclusion Strategies That Work! Third Edition is a must for administrators, general and special educators, related staff, and families who are looking for the one reference book on inclusion. Not only does it provide a wealth of information, it directs the reader to a host of other valuable resources and covers important basics which other professional books fail to address. Toby Karten’s sensitivity to respecting and meeting the diverse needs for students underscores the book. She embraces differences and provides a roadmap to inclusion. “ - Tobie Franklin, Director of Learning Support The IDEAL School of Manhattan

"Ms. Karten brings a lifetime of experience and a common sense approach to teaching and working with students with disabilities in inclusive environments. This book places comprehensive strategies, resources and suggestions that are critical for success into the hands of all educators."

-Kathy Graham, Special Education Specialist

Region 3 Education Service Center, Victoria, TX