How to Communicate Expectations for Excellence

Students with special needs thrive on consistency.  They can excel socially and emotionally when provided with a routine and a set of procedures that applies in most situations.  On a day-to-day basis, a good special education or inclusion teacher can craft a classroom environment that is productive, safe, inviting, and engaging.  So what happens in these great classrooms after routine breaks, such as weekends and holidays, or surprise breaks, such as illness, family travel, or snow days?