Getting Started— The Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How

Here it is: the Organization and Management of a Classroom (OMAC) system. It’s an easy-to-understand, easy-to-implement, and very effective system for organizing and managing all types of classrooms for students with special needs.

There are six basic questions that need to be addressed before we begin. They are:

1. Who should use this information?
2. What exactly is the OMAC system?
3. Where or in what type of setting should the system of organization be implemented?
4. When or at what developmental level can this system be used?
5. Why should I use this system of organization?
6. How do I implement this system? Let me answer these questions, and then we will walk together step by step to quickly get you started.

WHO?

Who can implement this system? This is an important question, and the answer is: anyone. This system is for first-year teachers and veteran teachers. It is designed to organize your teaching environment implementing research-based best practices that meet all the needs of your students. This book can benefit veteran teachers with years of experience who need fresh ideas.

This book is also for the rookie, the green teacher fresh out of college, filled with both fear and excitement. It will enhance their knowledge and expertise and give them confidence for their first classroom adventure.

WHAT?

What is the OMAC system? It consists of six organizational layers, with a chapter devoted to each. It’s similar to a recipe for creating an organized classroom that adheres to research-based best practices.

1. Organization of the Classroom Environment
   Discuss how to arrange furniture, manage visual clutter, and introduce purposeful spaces and teaching boards.

2. Organization of Communication and Visual Supports
   Focus on visual aids to enhance students’ communication and understanding.

3. Organization of Teaching Methods and Materials
   Address the organization of lesson plans, learning centers, and various teaching methods.

4. Organization of Behavioral Interventions
   Contains tips on structuring behavior programs and managing behavior paperwork.

5. Organization of Paperwork and Data
   Discuss practical ways to organize and store daily data and other paperwork required in a special education classroom.

6. Organization of Classroom Staff and Home Supports
   Refers to ways teachers can support staff and build communication with families.

7. Appendix on the CD ROM
   Contains printable forms and organizational templates helpful for organizing the classroom environment.

WHERE?

The OMAC system can be implemented anywhere. It serves special education teachers, general educators, and inclusive classroom settings, particularly for students with autism spectrum disorders. All teachers need organizational skills to manage paperwork and implement best practices in any educational setting.

WHEN?

The optimal time to implement these organizational steps is before the school year starts, but it can be introduced at any time. Organization is needed across all grade levels and developmental stages.

WHY?

Adopting some form of organized classroom management is vital to alleviate teacher stress and burnout. The OMAC system is designed to create an organized classroom environment, employing research-based best practices to meet the needs of students.

Goals of the OMAC System:

1. Reduce stress at the end of the day.
2. Enhance relationships with classroom staff and parents.
3. Utilize research-based best practices for meeting students’ complex needs.
4. Promote student independence.
5. Decrease inappropriate behaviors by aligning strategies with specific needs.

HOW?

Start by creating a small three-ring binder as an OMAC Classroom Organization Notebook. This binder will help you keep track of the organizational information as you work through the chapters. Complete a Classroom Assessment to understand your current classroom organization. Each chapter contains planning documents to effectively implement the system.