Student Guide Corner

Shout this one from the rafters!! Do you ever wonder what successful, inclusive, 21st century education looks like in a public school? Would you know it if you saw it? Lisa Parisi and Christine Southard , two highly-skilled, dedicated and impressive educators who co-teach a fifth grade class of students in New York have defined success for all in this blog post at Lisa's Lingo . Here is a model to replicate with very simple guiding principles: 1. Do not separate the children.....Remember inclusion means to be included, not separated. 2. Don't hide special needs. Point out that we all need assistance at times. Make it available to everyone. 3. Mix the teachers up and allow students to choose their style of learning. 4. Keep student s in the classroom as much as possible. Eliminate as many pull-outs as you can. And why is this model note-worthy? Because it recognizes the value of differentiated instruction to help each student succeed in the least restrictive environment...

Too often we define students as learning disabled when, in fact, it is the instructional method that causes the disability. Now is the time to reframe how we view ability and disability. The Future is in the Margins: The Role of Technology and Disability in Education Reform by Rose & Meyer (CAST) - Differentiated use of media for instruction reveals that individuals who are defined as "learning disabled" within print-based learning environments are the not same individuals who are defined as "learning disabled" within video - or audio-based learning environments. Such revelations splinter the old categorical divisions between "disability" and "ability" and create new descriptors that explicitly recognize the interaction between student and environment in the definition of strengths. Think about your instructional tools - are you offering a variety of methods to engage students, or are you methods causing frustration? Are you offering a var...

Many students with learning challenges struggle with writing and dread the Monday morning weekend journal entry assignment. They may have a difficult time describing their weekend or prefer an alternative activity. Looking for a creative alternative? How about offering the opportunity to write a response to a YouTube video? Use YouTube as a writing prompt - or ask them to share a favorite online video and explain why it's a favorite. So many possibilities! Here are a few videos to get you started: " Boom-De-Yada" Elephant Self-Portrait One of my personal favorites - "Charlie Bit Me" Do you have a recommendation?

Thought for the Day: Just because you taught it, doesn't mean they learned it. What did you do to ensure success today? How did you promote understanding of all concepts with your students? Did you consider differentiating instruction to meet the varying abilities and learning styles? Did you offer multiple methods of engagement, presentation of materials and demonstration of what they learned? If so, I commend you. If not, I highly recommend spending time at CAST.org . Your students will benefit.