Special Needs Students: A Teachers Guide

1. Special Needs Students:A Teachers Guide Tiffany N. Fuller October 2, 2007

2. Introduction Special needs students are being mainstreamed more and more often into the 21st century classroom Elementary teachers will be faced with adapting classroom instruction to meet the needs of students with varying disabilities.

3. Overview Disability Categories Classroom Adaptations Paperwork Parental Involvement The Laws

4. Disability Categories Learning Disabilities Vision Impaired Hearing Impaired Mental Retardation Severe Emotional Disabilities Speech/Language Orthopedic Deaf Blind Traumatic Brain Multiple Disabilities Autism Other Disabilities

5. Classroom Adaptations Designing the Physical Environment - Instructional Equipment (computers, televisions, and auditory learning material) must be arranged for monitored student access and teacher use. - Seating arrangements must accommodate independent work and address congestion. - Aesthetic features must be considered when incorporating physical visuals into the classroom.

6. Classroom Adaptations Instructional Time Management - Teachers must be aware of the differing levels of instruction time. (e.g. Actual instruction time vs. engaged time) - Teachers must also have strategies for managing their time. A good strategy for teachers to initiate a lesson is by using cues that when said will prompt students to engage. - Transitional time between instruction must be minimal and smooth.

7. Classroom Adaptations Student Grouping and Activity Scheduling - Develop a master schedule that is consistent and predictable. - Group according to individualized instruction.

8. Paperwork The paperwork for a teacher who has special needs children can be overwhelming. Aside from state/local forms, there are federal laws that govern the services that must be provided to a special needs student.

9. Parental Involvement Many parents are very involved in the education of their special needs student. Some important things for parents to know are as follows: 1. Positive Parent/Teacher Relationships 2. Be Well Informed About Your Child�s Needs 3. Be a Note Taker 4. Know What Records the School is Keeping 5. Ask Questions 6. Include Your Child 7. Remain Positive and Think Positive

10. Special Education Laws IDEA 2004 � Individuals With Disabilities Education Act - This law states that every child is entitled to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). NCLB 2002 � No Child Left Behind - This law requires that all students must make annual yearly progress.

11. Conclusion Teachers have many things they must attend to in a classroom that includes special needs students. The categories of disabilities is significant to every aspect of instruction, as well as, how to adapt the classroom. Knowing the laws concerning special needs students is vital to providing the LRE. Understanding parental concerns and maintaining proper records all contribute to a successful educational environment.

12. Web References LD OnLine (www.ldonline.org) - This site offers advice on motivation, an in depth glossary of terms, and many different strategies and information of social skills. This site is great for parents and teachers. 2. Council for Exceptional Children (www.cec.sped.org) - This site provides current information about national and local policies. This site is especially informative for teachers of special needs students. Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) (www.ldaamerica.org) - LDA gives information on the latest strategies for handling classroom concerns such as homework. This site is beneficial for parents and teachers. About (www.specialed.about.com) - About gives a variety of information for parents of special needs students. Education World (www.education-world.com) - This site provides information on any discipline or subject in the education field. This site is great for any teacher or parent looking for anything to do with teaching.

13. Print References Rosenberg, Michael S., Lawrence J. O�Shea and Dorothy J. O�Shea. Student Teacher to Master Teacher: A Practical Guide for Educating Students With Special Needs. 2006. Prentice Hall. Upper Saddle, NJ. Mastropieri, Margo and Scruggs. 2007. The Inclusive Classroom,3rd Ed. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ.