EDSP 6341 Differentiation

Between the pressure to meet standards and the overwhelming number of different learning needs that students have, planning lessons has become more complex. Many resources help teachers address literacy needs, but few address mathematics. Using research-based and field-tested methodology, this book provides proven approaches to understanding behaviors and creating teaching programs.

Connects theory to practice while presenting foundational teaching and assessment practices for CLDE students Practical in nature and designed with an eye toward universal design for learning, this text brings together foundational information from special education and ELL/bilingual fields to help teachers address the specific needs of culturally and linguistically diverse exceptional (CLDE) students. Key Features Case studies from teachers, students, and parents describe the personal challenges of CLDE students Authentic student language examples illustrate the concepts described and make practical connections to the research discussed Activities for further understanding allow students to review key points and connects theory to classroom practice Ancillaries available at www.sagepub.com/grassi Password-protected instructor resources include PowerPoint lecture slides, sample syllabi, and Web resources. An open-access student study site provides online video clips of teachers in action, which exemplify different strategies and are accompanied by critical thinking questions from the authors. Students can also access additional case studies and relevant SAGE journal articles from the study site.

This book explains differentiating instruction in a way that connects to current standards and provides examples of challenging best practice lessons. The book addresses differentiating for higher-level thinking, special needs learners, and technology-equipped classrooms.

"Finson, Ormsbee, and Jensen offer excellent instructional variations and assessment alternatives for students with learning disabilities and behavior disorders. The book also provides practical guidance for teachers on ways to make science lessons accessible to all students."-Greg P. Stefanich, ProfessorUniversity of Northern IowaField-tested strategies for teaching science to students with special needsTeachers are required to provide appropriate science instruction to all students, including children with special needs. However, educators are often left on their own to figure out how to effectively differentiate lessons and activities. Help is here! This timely, practical guidebook shows general and special educators how to retool science activities and assessments for students with special needs-including those of ADD, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders. The authors cover a broad range of topics in an orderly, concise fashion, including: National and state requirements for student learning and science literacyPedagogical strategies for collaborative learning groups, self-paced learning centers, literature circles, and team projectsGrade-appropriate ways to revise science activities and assessments for biology, earth science, and physical science lessonsStep-by-step instructions for using rubrics for evaluation, revision, and assessmentInformation on teacher collaboration and specific disabilitiesAlso included are vignettes and checklists to assist teachers in bridging the gap between science and special education instruction and assessment. By adjusting the content, teaching critical thinking, and providing a variety of ways for learners to demonstrate their knowledge, you will give all students the chance to achieve academic success in science.

Reform in education has focused mainly on development of new programs and procedures to increase the achievement of the student in the classroom. Teacher evaluations are now based on how students perform in their classrooms on yearly standardized tests. The advent of integrating students with special needs into the regular classroom has brought both benefits and concerns for average and above average students. Special education in the United States has evolved from institutional and segregated environments to inclusion in the regular education classrooms. We examine how the practice has affected all students and question whether this change has created equal opportunity for those students without special education needs. This book researches and reports on issues of current practice: e.g., teacher preparation, placement of students with special needs, implications for the average and above in the classroom and the financial costs driving placement decisions in the education system. We examine the lowering of standards so all can pass tests, report on loss of engagement of students by middle school, and mourn the squandering of creativity to appease a mandate. Sir Ken Robinson relates that, "Education is meant to take us into a future we cannot even grasp." Yet we continue on a road that lowers our educational ranking internationally. We recommend to provide services for all students, and take the system from its current state to one that provides a "Free and appropriate education for all "

"Easy to follow and tailored to teachers, this book provides the framework they need to add relevance, authenticity and meaning to their instruction."-Heidi Hanson, Talented and Gifted SpecialistBeaver, Oregon"The author's descriptions, examples, and scenarios clearly detail necessary information for teachers to use while demystifying complex legislation and mandates."-Mary E. Little, Associate ProfessorUniversity of Central FloridaAn efficient way to merge differentiated instruction and RTICollecting, processing, and using assessment data to form instruction for each student can be overwhelming-especially with so much diversity in the classroom. Help is here, with this hands-on guide that brings together the two leading approaches to teaching students of varying abilities: Response to Instruction and Intervention (RTI) and differentiated instruction (DI). Written in a practical, "how-to" format, this book gives middle school teachers strategies for adapting assessments, curriculum, and instruction to student abilities. Key topics include:Differences and similarities between RTI and DI Data analysis for effective instructional decision makingStrategies for applying RTI and DI to all students, including English learners, children with special needs, and high-ability studentsFocused on user-friendly strategies for the classroom rather than school systems, this helpful guide includes lesson plans, case studies, examples, rubrics, and teacher reflection exercises. Streamline your instruction with this winning combination and watch student achievement soar!