Teaching Students with Other Special Learning Needs Chapter 5

Examples of Other Special Learning Needs Students who are gifted and talented Students from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds Students who may be considered at risk for school failure

Gifted, Creative, and Talented Individuals who are gifted, creative, and talented are not included in IDEA; however, these students have unique needs Many reports indicate 3% to 5% of the population is gifted and talented, other believe it’s higher General intelligence is most widely accepted consideration in state definitions, many include other factors

Strategies Acceleration Enrichment Adapt instruction and evaluation Moving students through the curriculum at a faster pace Can mean early admission, skipping grades, testing out of classes Controversy exists on both sides Enrichment Expansion on the existing curriculum Adapt instruction and evaluation

Strategies Reduce teacher bias Eliminate curriculum bias Examine the language or behaviors that do not encourage responsive teaching Eliminate curriculum bias Avoid stereotyping and overgeneralizations Teach about prejudice Discuss racism and discrimination Improve group relations and help resolve conflicts

Bilingual Special Education 14% of students with disabilities do not primarily use English at home IDEA requires assessment be free of cultural and linguistic bias Evaluation procedures need to be closely monitored to ensure appropriate tests and testing situations ESL (English as second language) teachers can provide information on students who are beginning to learn English

Strategies Create a culturally responsive environment Model acceptance and tolerance Keep expectations high Complete a needs assessment Accommodate culturally diverse families Teach about sensitivity and acceptance Monitor pace of instruction Use concrete and familiar examples Provide hands-on activities

Students at Risk Come from diverse environments Represent all racial, ethnic, and linguistic background Span all socioeconomic classes Students at risk may fail or drop out of school and experience difficulties later in life These are risk factors indicating students may need additional assistance from teachers and classroom modifications

Major At-Risk Factors Poor academic performance Exposure to alcohol or drugs prenatally Abuse of drugs or alcohol Abuse and neglect Living in poverty conditions Suffering from depression and suicidal tendencies Pregnancy or parenting Depression or suicidal tendencies Homelessness or frequent moves Excessive absenteeism Suspension twice within a year Dropping out Slow learners Traumatic events such as death of someone close Parents who are alcoholics or drug abusers Older than grade-level peers due to retention From urban, suburban, or rural settings Anger or social alienation

Strategies Maintain an open, accepting classroom environment Make students feel welcome Be considerate of students’ needs Maintain realistic but high expectations Seek assistance from others Provide additional opportunities and supports Encourage active participation Remediate basic skills when needed