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A simple guide to using SpedLessonPlanning.com

Inclusive Classroom Activity
Welcome to SpedLessonPlanning.com

SpedLessonPlanning.com was created to support special education teachers navigating complex curricula, limited planning time, and diverse learner needs.

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Founded by Dr. Jessica Haley-Clark, EdD, this site provides practical, ACCESS-aligned lesson planning support designed specifically for alternate and specialized curricula used in special education classrooms.

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These resources are not about doing more.
They are about teaching what matters most — with clarity, intention, and access.

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What is the ACCESS Framework™?

The ACCESS Framework™ is an instructional design system created for special education classrooms.

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ACCESS stands for:

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  • A — Aligned

  • C — Chunked

  • C — Concrete → Abstract

  • E — Explicit

  • S — Supported

  • S — Scaffolded for Success

 

It provides teachers with:

  • a clear way to prioritize instruction

  • language to explain instructional decisions

  • structure to reduce overwhelm

  • tools to increase student access and participation

 

ACCESS is not a curriculum.

 

It is a planning and instructional lens that can be used with any alternate or specialized curriculum.

What You’ll Find on This Site

SpedLessonPlanning.com offers free, practical resources to help teachers apply ACCESS in classrooms.

On this site, you’ll find:

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  • ACCESS-aligned lesson examples

  • Planning templates you can use with your own curriculum

  • Weekly lesson structures modeled for special education classrooms

  • Instructional visuals and routines that support access

  • Clear explanations for core vs. exposure instruction

  • Professional language for IEPs, observations, and meetings

 

Many teachers also choose to support this work voluntarily, which helps sustain ongoing resource creation.

How to Start

1. Learn the Framework

Visit the ACCESS Framework page to understand the six components and how they work together.

3. Use the Templates

Download the planning templates and try applying ACCESS to your own instruction.

2. Explore a Free Unit

Review one of the free unit examples to see how ACCESS looks in real lessons.

4. Decide What Support You Need

Some teachers:

  • use the free resources independently

  • choose optional monthly support

  • use the examples as models for their own planning

 

There is no required purchase to use this site.

A Note About Curriculum Use

SpedLessonPlanning.com does not sell curriculum.

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Any lesson examples are provided to:

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  • model instructional design

  • demonstrate ACCESS-aligned planning

  • support teacher understanding

 

Teachers using district-adopted curricula (such as Everway / ULS or other alternate programs) should already have authorized access through their school or district.

Who This Site Is For

This site is designed for:

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  • Special education teachers (K–2, with growing support for 3-5 and 6–8)

  • Teachers using alternate or modified curriculum

  • Educators supporting students with significant learning needs

  • Teachers who want clarity, structure, and permission to prioritize

 

If you’ve ever thought:

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“There’s too much in the curriculum and not enough time,”
you’re in the right place.

You’re Not Behind — You’re Teaching Intentionally

You are already doing meaningful work.

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SpedLessonPlanning.com exists to:

  • validate your instructional decisions

  • reduce planning stress

  • give language to what you already do well

 

Use what helps.
Skip what doesn’t.
Come back when you need support.

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