High-Leverage Practices and GenAI in Special Education
Evidence-based instructional strategies and generative artificial intelligence tools to improve outcomes for students with disabilities
Stacy M. Hirt, PhD, Education CoPilot
w. educationcopilot.ai
e. stacy.hirt@educationcopilot.ai
HLP 1 - Collaborate with professionals to increase student success
Domain: Collaboration
AI Tool: Notion AI
Description: Collaborative workspace with integrated AI note-taking and templates
HLP 2 - Organize and facilitate effective meetings with professionals and families
Schedule Meetings
Easily coordinate times with all stakeholders
Record Discussions
Capture every important detail automatically
Generate Transcripts
Create searchable, shareable meeting notes
Export Content
Share information in multiple formats
Domain: Collaboration AI Tool: Otter.ai Description: Captures and summarizes meetings, with exportable agendas and transcripts Cost: Free basic plan; Pro starts at $10/month Website: otter.ai
HLP 3 - Collaborate with families to support student learning
Multilingual Communication
Create newsletters and flyers that automatically translate into families' preferred languages
Accessible Formats
Design materials that work across digital and print media for all families
Visual Engagement
Incorporate culturally responsive imagery and designs that connect with diverse family backgrounds
Domain: Collaboration AI Tool: Canva Magic Write Description: Creates accessible newsletters and flyers in multiple languages and formats Cost: Free with Canva; Pro starts at $14.99/month Website: https://www.canva.com/magic-write/
HLP 4 - Use multiple sources of information to develop a comprehensive understanding of a student's strengths and needs
Record Team Discussions
Capture all perspectives during student-focused meetings
AI Processing
Automatically analyze and organize discussion content
Generate Summaries
Create concise overviews of student data discussions
Share Insights
Distribute findings to appropriate team members
Domain: Assessment AI Tool: Fireflies.ai Description: Summarizes recorded team discussions around student data Cost: Free plan available; Paid plans start at $10/month Website: https://fireflies.ai
HLP 5 - Interpret and communicate assessment information with stakeholders
Upload Assessment Documents
Import complex assessment PDFs into the AI system
Generate Simplified Explanations
AI creates clear, jargon-free interpretations of assessment results
Share With Stakeholders
Provide accessible explanations to families and team members
Domain: Assessment AI Tool: ChatPDF Description: Reads PDFs and generates simplified explanations Cost: Free basic use; Pro starts at $5/month Website: https://www.chatpdf.com
HLP 6 - Use student assessment data, analyze instructional practices, and make necessary adjustments that improve student outcomes
Collect Data
Gather student assessment information
Analyze Results
Use AI to identify patterns and areas for improvement
Adjust Instruction
Modify teaching approaches based on findings
Monitor Progress
Track student growth after implementing changes
Domain: Assessment AI Tool: Explaineverything + ChatGPT plugin Description: Whiteboarding and AI summarization for data interpretation Cost: Explain Everything from $7/month; ChatGPT Plus $20/month Website: https://explaineverything.com
HLP 7 - Establish a consistent, organized, and respectful learning environment
Visual Schedules
Create customized daily routines with visual supports
Behavior Supports
Design clear expectations with visual reinforcement
Choice Systems
Develop structured choice opportunities for all learners
Domain: Social/Emotional/Behavioral AI Tool: Boardmaker with AI (TobiDynavox) Description: Visuals-based tool with editable behavior supports Cost: Licensing varies; generally $100/year per user Website: https://us.tobiidynavox.com/
HLP 8 - Provide positive and constructive feedback to guide students' learning and behavior
Personalized Praise
Generate specific, meaningful positive feedback tailored to each student's efforts and achievements
Growth-Focused Corrections
Create constructive feedback that guides improvement while maintaining student confidence
Student-Specific Language
Adapt feedback tone and complexity to match individual student needs and preferences
Time-Efficient Delivery
Quickly generate quality feedback for multiple students during busy classroom moments
Domain: Social/Emotional/Behavioral AI Tool: TeachMateAI Description: Auto-generates student-specific behavior praise or corrections Cost: Free and Pro versions; Pro starts at $12/month Website: https://teachmateai.com
HLP 9 - Teach social behaviors
Create Custom Narratives
Generate personalized social stories for specific situations
Add Visual Supports
Incorporate relevant illustrations that enhance understanding
Teach Through Stories
Use narratives to model appropriate social behaviors
Adapt As Needed
Modify stories based on student progress and changing needs
Domain: Social/Emotional/Behavioral AI Tool: Story Wizard Description: Generates custom, age-appropriate social narratives Cost: Free limited use; Full access from $10/month Website: https://www.storywizard.ai
HLP 10 - Conduct functional behavior assessments (FBAs)
Observe Behavior
Document patterns of challenging behaviors in various contexts
Collect Data
Gather information about antecedents, behaviors, and consequences
Analyze Patterns
Use AI to identify potential functions and triggers
Generate FBA Report
Create comprehensive assessment documentation
Domain: Social/Emotional/Behavioral AI Tool: Khanmigo Description: Analyzes behavioral data and assists with FBA drafting Cost: Free limited use; Pricing varies by school/district license Website: https://www.khanmigo.ai/
HLP 11 - Implement behavior intervention plans (BIPs)
Domain: Social/Emotional/Behavioral AI Tool: BehaviorSnap AI Description: Captures behavior data and tracks BIP progress Cost: Estimated $15/month per user; institutional pricing available Website: https://behaviorsnap.com
HLP 12 - Identify and prioritize long- and short-term learning goals
Annual Goals
Long-term objectives aligned to standards
Quarterly Benchmarks
Medium-term progress indicators
Monthly Objectives
Specific, measurable short-term targets
Weekly Learning Targets
Immediate instructional focus areas
Domain: Instruction AI Tool: Playground IEP Description: Supports goal development aligned to standards Cost: Free for limited use; District-based pricing Website: https://www.playgroundiep.com
HLP 13 - Systematically design instruction toward a specific learning goal
Standards Analysis
AI breaks down learning standards into teachable components
- Identifies key concepts
- Maps prerequisite skills
- Suggests learning progression
Lesson Generation
Creates complete lesson plans aligned to specific goals
- Develops engaging activities
- Incorporates varied modalities
- Includes assessment options
Resource Curation
Suggests materials to support instruction
- Finds relevant content
- Offers multimedia options
- Provides practice materials
Domain: Instruction AI Tool: Eduaide.ai Description: Lesson and resource generator based on standards Cost: Free plan available; Premium from $5/month Website: https://eduaide.ai
HLP 14 - Adapt curriculum tasks and materials for specific learning goals
5
Readability Levels
Automatically adjust text complexity while maintaining core content
3
Format Options
Convert materials to digital, print, or audio versions
1
Original Content
Preserve the essential learning objectives across all adaptations
Domain: Instruction AI Tool: Diffit.me Description: Converts materials into various readability levels Cost: Free limited use; Pro from $7.50/month Website: https://diffit.me
HLP 15 - Provide scaffolded supports
Writing Frames
Sentence starters and paragraph templates
Graphic Organizers
Visual frameworks for organizing ideas
Vocabulary Supports
Visual and contextual definition aids
Task Breakdowns
Step-by-step visual instructions
Domain: Instruction AI Tool: MagicSchool AI Description: Tools for scaffolding writing and comprehension tasks Cost: Free for educators; Pro plan in beta Website: https://magicschool.ai
HLP 16 - Use explicit instruction
I Do
Teacher models the skill with clear explanation
We Do
Guided practice with teacher support
You Do
Independent practice with feedback
Domain: Instruction AI Tool: Curipod Description: Creates 'I do, we do, you do' slides and engagement Cost: Free basic; Pro starts at $8/month Website: https://www.curipod.com
HLP 17 - Use flexible grouping
Data Analysis
AI examines student performance across skills
Group Formation
Creates optimal student groupings based on needs
Resource Matching
Suggests appropriate materials for each group
Dynamic Adjustment
Updates groupings as student skills develop
Domain: Instruction AI Tool: Kiddom + AI planner Description: Groups students based on skill data Cost: School pricing only; typically licensed district-wide Website: https://www.kiddom.co
HLP 18 - Use strategies to promote active student engagement
Domain: Instruction AI Tool: BookWidgets AI Description: Interactive builder with AI-assisted options Cost: Starting at $49/year for teachers Website: https://www.bookwidgets.com
HLP 19 - Use assistive and instructional technologies
Text-to-Speech
Converts written content to audio for students with reading difficulties
- Adjustable reading speed
- Multiple voice options
- Text highlighting during reading
Immersive Reader
Enhances text accessibility with customizable features
- Line focus mode
- Syllable breakdown
- Picture dictionary
AI Writing Support
Assists students with composition and editing
- Word prediction
- Grammar suggestions
- Simplified rewriting
Domain: Instruction AI Tool: Microsoft Copilot + Immersive Reader Description: AI + accessibility features Cost: Included in Microsoft 365 ($6-$12.50/month) Website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot
HLP 20 - Provide intensive instruction
Teachers
Free, AI-powered teaching assistant
Learners
Discover a new way to learn, powered by AI
Parents
Meet your new parenting hack: Khanmigo, an AI-powered tutor
Domain: Instruction AI Tool: Khanmigo Description: AI powered tutor and teaching assistant Cost: Free (open source) for teachers; Priced at $4/month Website: https://www.khanmigo.ai/
HLP 21 - Teach students to maintain and generalize new learning
1
Identify Core Skills
Determine the essential components of the learning that should transfer across contexts
2
Create Varied Practice
Generate diverse activities that apply the same skill in different settings
3
Develop Real-World Applications
Design authentic tasks that connect classroom learning to everyday situations
4
Build Maintenance Routines
Establish systematic review schedules to reinforce previously mastered skills
5
Monitor Transfer Success
Track how effectively students apply skills across different environments
Domain: Instruction AI Tool: LessonPlans.ai Description: Suggests cross-contextual practice tasks Cost: Free basic access; Pro plan TBD Website: https://lessonplans.ai
HLP 22 - Provide feedback to improve student learning
Rubric-Aligned Feedback
AI analyzes student work against established criteria
- Identifies strengths and areas for growth
- Connects feedback to specific standards
- Maintains consistency across assessments
Personalized Comments
Generates individualized feedback for each student
- Addresses specific aspects of student work
- Uses supportive, growth-oriented language
- Adapts tone to student needs
Next Steps Guidance
Suggests specific actions for improvement
- Recommends targeted practice activities
- Provides examples and models
- Creates clear path for revision
Domain: Instruction AI Tool: Gradescope AI Description: Rubric-aligned AI feedback Cost: Free for educators; Institutional pricing available Website: https://www.gradescope.com
Stacy M. Hirt, PhD, Education CoPilot, Founder & CEO is a dedicated scholar and educator whose passion for advancing knowledge spans multiple disciplines; with a doctorate in Special Education, she has contributed to the academic community through research, publication, professional development, and teaching, while also mentoring the next generation of students and engaging in interdisciplinary collaboration.
