Modeling High-Leverage Practices Through Rehearsal and Role Play in Classroom Management Courses

Abstract

Teacher educators need practical strategies to better prepare special education teacher candidates for classroom management challenges, as over 45% report feeling unprepared despite traditional training. This practitioner paper provides teacher educators with a systematic, yet flexible approach for embedding high-leverage practices (HLPs) into classroom management courses through rehearsal and role play. Ready-to-implement instructional sequences, lesson plan templates, and step-by-step guidance for facilitating experiential learning activities that allow teacher candidates to practice evidence-based strategies in supportive environments are discussed. Key components include modeling HLP 7 Consistent Learning Environments and HLP 16 Explicit Instruction while simultaneously teaching their implementation through structured rehearsal and role play activities.