Teaching Strategies in Special Education EDSP 5319
Differentiation
Differentiation in instruction is simply providing a diverse group of students with different learning styles the tools to master the same concepts. This may seem like a daunting definition that means teachers need to provide tailor made lessons for every single student, but that is not what it means. It means knowing your students particular needs and how to meet them. This can be met through small group interventions, individual tutoring, learning centers, or any other way that a teacher can think of to help students succeed. The basis of differentiated instruction is to make sure that all students are given the means to learn a subject.
Teaching Strategies for Special Education Students
Math Strategies
The identified learning disability associated with math is called Dyscalculia which covers all math disabilities. Math struggles can be based on visual spatial difficulties and language processing difficulties.
Math instruction follows a simple hierarchy:
1. addition and subtraction - first and second grades
2. multiplication and division - third and fourth grades
3. fractions - fourth and fifth grades
4. decimals and percentages - fifth and sixth grades
Math instruction follows a simple hierarchy:
1. addition and subtraction - first and second grades
2. multiplication and division - third and fourth grades
3. fractions - fourth and fifth grades
4. decimals and percentages - fifth and sixth grades
Language Arts Strategies
A language disorder is the impairment or deviant development of comprehension and/or use of a spoken, written, and/or other symbol system. The disorder may involve the form of language (phonological, morphologic, and syntactic systems), the content of language (semantic system), or the function of language in communication (pragmatic system) in any combination.
Phonology - the sound system of a language and the linguistic rules that govern the sound combinations. English has 44 phonemes; vowels or consonants.
Morphology - the linguistic rule system that governs the structure of words and the construction of words forms from the basic elements of meaning. Smallest unit of segment language - free and bound
Syntax - the linguistic rule system that governs the order and combination of words to form sentences, and the relationships among the elements within a sentence.
Semantics - The psycholinguistic system that patterns the content of an utterance, intent, and meanings of words and sentences.
Pragmatics - The sociolinguistic system that patterns the use of language in communication, which may be expressed motorically, vocally, or verbally.
Phonology - the sound system of a language and the linguistic rules that govern the sound combinations. English has 44 phonemes; vowels or consonants.
Morphology - the linguistic rule system that governs the structure of words and the construction of words forms from the basic elements of meaning. Smallest unit of segment language - free and bound
Syntax - the linguistic rule system that governs the order and combination of words to form sentences, and the relationships among the elements within a sentence.
Semantics - The psycholinguistic system that patterns the content of an utterance, intent, and meanings of words and sentences.
Pragmatics - The sociolinguistic system that patterns the use of language in communication, which may be expressed motorically, vocally, or verbally.
Reading Strategies
The number of students with reading disabilities is alarming. Approximately 75% of poor readers in 3rd grade continue to be poor readers as adults.
Emergent Literacy - assessment includes assessment of concepts about print and phonological awareness. If children fail to learn these emergent literacy skills prior to beginning formal reading instruction in kindergarten, the likelihood of reading failure is very high.
Emergent Literacy - assessment includes assessment of concepts about print and phonological awareness. If children fail to learn these emergent literacy skills prior to beginning formal reading instruction in kindergarten, the likelihood of reading failure is very high.
Spelling Strategies
Students move through two distinct stages of spelling development:
Phase 1 - Learning to spell.
Phase 2 - Correct and automatic spelling.
In 2nd grade formal spelling instruction is introduced.
Ages 9-11: Students learn to break words into syllables, add inflectional endings, and differentiate between homophones.
Ages 11-14: Students focus on morphemes, learn Greek and Latin root words and affixes, and earn that words with related meanings often are related in spelling despite changes in vowel and consonant sounds.
Phase 1 - Learning to spell.
Phase 2 - Correct and automatic spelling.
In 2nd grade formal spelling instruction is introduced.
Ages 9-11: Students learn to break words into syllables, add inflectional endings, and differentiate between homophones.
Ages 11-14: Students focus on morphemes, learn Greek and Latin root words and affixes, and earn that words with related meanings often are related in spelling despite changes in vowel and consonant sounds.
Organization and Structure in the Least Restrictive Environment
Least Restrictive Environment is a term that means to the extent appropriate, students with disabilities should be educated with students without disabilities. The IEP (Individualized Education Plan) Committee decides the student's least restrictive environment by determining the setting that best serves the student's educational and social needs.
In a classroom that serves special education students, it is the best practice to include the following areas in the organization of your classroom:
1. Large group instruction area
2. Small group instruction area
3. Individual pull-out area
4. Time-out area
5. Learning centers
6. Alone space
In a classroom that serves special education students, it is the best practice to include the following areas in the organization of your classroom:
1. Large group instruction area
2. Small group instruction area
3. Individual pull-out area
4. Time-out area
5. Learning centers
6. Alone space
Response to Intervention (RTI)
Professional Organizations for Special Educators
Council for Exceptional Children is the largest organization dedicated to improving the educational success of people with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.
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The National Association of Special Education Teachers is a professional organization dedicated to supporting and assisting those preparing for or teaching in special education.
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The Autism Society is dedicated to supporting and improving the lives of all affected by autism.
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Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education is a professional organization that provides support to those who administer and support special education programs.
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Advocating Change Together is an organization where people with disabilities and their allies come together to make friends, share stories, and advocate change.
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