Helping Students with Learning Disabilities Succeed Discussion of article by Marcee M. Steel The Science Teacher March 2008 –What are the characteristics of students with learning disabilities? –How can we modify instruction to help them?

Learning Disability (LD) Characteristics 1.Many students with LDs have average to very high intelligence. 2.LD diagnosis = at least one type of processing disorder (visual, auditory, memory) 3.Slower in at least one of basic school skill (reading, writing, mathematics) 4.Problems with organization and attention.

Science accommodations for students with learning disabilities Lecture and class time Textbook reading Homework assignments Assessments

Classroom Modifications: Lecture and class time Emphasize the big ideas Use prompts during lecture Relate topic to broad themes Organize details around big ideas (“big idea” = GPS standard – through activity and discussion, you help students understand the language and meaning of the standards)

Classroom Modifications: Textbook Reading Point out textbook elements Explain the purpose of chapters Provide advanced organizers Explain or review difficult terms Lead group processing of charts and figures and key ideas

Classroom Modifications: Homework assignments Extra support for individuals or small groups Provide class time to get started Larger projects require intermediate checkpoints Homework must foster learning, and be part of formative assessment (otherwise it is busywork) –Thus, deliverables may vary to serve the requirement that all students are growing toward mastery of all standards.

Classroom Modifications: Assessment Model the study process Get kids “studying” in class Discuss test taking strategies Offer a wide variety of assessment types in each unit, including performance tasks.

Cooperative Learning Five key management behaviors for small group work: –Positive Interdependence –Individual Accountability –Face-to-face Communication –Interpersonal Skills –Processing--shown here Giving teams time to ask, “What do we do well together in our team?”

Cooperative Learning

Challenges and Solutions for ELLs Discussion of article by Lori M. Edmonds The Science Teacher March 2009 –What challenges to English Language Learners (ELLs) face?

English Language Learners (ELLs) face 5 challenges when learning science content Ways of perceiving science Understanding content Using academic language Participating in discussion Writing about science

Making the connection Discussion of article by McDonnough & Cho The Science Teacher March 2009

Practical techniques for accommodating ELLs in the science classroom Increasing comprehension –Adjust speech rate and enunciation –Describe key vocabulary (don’t just define it) –Use visual aids –Provide oral and written directions –Break down info into sequential steps –Connect prior knowledge to new knowledg –Work from informal to formal science language –Use technology to support home study (blogs, vodcasts, podcasts)

Practical techniques for accommodating ELLs in the science classroom Increasing interactions –Heterogenous group work with rotating roles –Pair less advanced ELL with more advanced ELL of same native language and let them use both native language and English

Practical techniques for accommodating ELLs in the science classroom Increasing awareness –Think like a linguist Help kids make sense of biology terms and science language Monitor the challenges of spoken and written science content –Think like an outsider Try to see your teaching through the eyes of different kids Find the funds of knowledge that differnet kids have to offer

Practical techniques for accommodating ELLs in the science classroom Increasing collaboration with ELL teachers –Set up a regular meeting time with your ELL / ESOL specialist