Through-and-Around Process™
What is the Through-and-Around Process?
The Through-and-Around Process™, also known as TAP, is a simple way of thinking about the two-tiered approach envisioned by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It represents the efforts of teachers and IEP teams as they work to first improve a child’s skills while simultaneously empowering then around their need so they are able to continue their education without their needs impacting their ability to do so.
How does TAP work?
The Through-and-Around Process works to (1) sustain a child’s meaningful involvement in general education by supporting them “around” their needs so that IEP teams can take the time necessary to (2) work the child “through” their needs by improving related skills.
Special Education can be very confusing, especially for parents and general education teachers. TaP works to make the entire process easily understandable by all members of the IEP team!
TAP is aligned with IDEA’s best practices!
Sec. 300.320 (a) (4)
Statute/Regs Main » Regulations » Part B » Subpart D » Section 300.320 » a » 4
(4) A statement of the special education and related services and supplementary aids and services, based on peer-reviewed research to the extent practicable, to be provided to the child, or on behalf of the child, and a statement of the program modifications or supports for school personnel that will be provided to enable the child—
(i) To advance appropriately toward attaining the annual goals;
(ii) To be involved in and make progress in the general education curriculum in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) of this section, and to participate in extracurricular and other nonacademic activities; and
(iii) To be educated and participate with other children with disabilities and nondisabled children in the activities described in this section
What does “specially designed instruction” mean?
Given the importance of “specially designed instruction” in the core of special education’s definition, it’s useful to take a closer look at how that term is defined:
(3) Specially designed instruction means adapting, as appropriate to the needs of an eligible child under this part, the content, methodology, or delivery of instruction—
(i) To address the unique needs of the child that result from the child’s disability; and
(ii) To ensure access of the child to the general curriculum, so that the child can meet the educational standards within the jurisdiction of the public agency that apply to all children. [§300.39(b)(3)]
TAP Through a Different Lens
Here’s a different way of looking at the Through-and-Around Process. This video came from our popular “Tools for Effective Inclusion” course, which is designed to guide teachers as they work to empower children around their needs!
