Blog 3

What modifications for learners who are exceptional what do you see?
Students who struggle with attention and sitting too long are given the opportunity to take a break and do high knees or walk up the hall quickly.  Having students sit for a long period of time when they have a diagnosed illness is something that many of these students are incapable of doing.
Mixing up the class time with different teaching styles will help students that learn differently.  Start with an icebreaker to help pull the students in then make it fun and engaging.  When it comes to homework give students work that is educationally relevant and enough work to understand concept mastery.  Adjusted assignments and time limits are accommodations that have been seen in many different IEP and 504 plans.  These can have a massive effect on students and hopefully give them some of the help they need.  

Blog Entry #2

Tell an opportunity you had to work with a small group. 

          I have been working with a small group of students on their social skills.  Many of these students are currently on and IEP or a 504.  It has been interesting to learn the accommodations for these students. Many of the students I am working with have a mental illness not so much a physical disability.  Only recently have we seen mental illnesses as a disruption in student learning.
          The first development of an IEP was in 1975 when it was created for physically disabled students.  Working with this small group of students I have see how Autism, anxiety, depression, ADHD can be crippling to the education of students.  These students can be fine and involved one minute and struggling to make it though the next.  By having accommodations and working with these students we are leveling the playing field for all students to be successful at their best functioning level.