1. Teaching Students with Other Special Learning Needs
Chapter 5

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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