Hunters Creek Elementary

Teacher Observed: Barbara MeiselPK Handicapped

Meagan Stratton EDF2085

This is an ESL Program brochure that I believe is very well done.

ELL Name: ______________ Grading Period: __________Date: ______________ Federal law requires that teachers of second language students provide accommodations and modifications to enable students to succeed in the classroom. Documentation of accommodations/modifications is recommended. You may use this as a checklist to document your modifications each nine weeks. __Give tests orally__Give instructions/directions in writing and orally__Assign a peer tutor, same language or English speaking__Allow use of a bilingual dictionary__Provide summaries of text or study guides of particular chapters__Shorten reading assignments__Highlight key vocabulary (Recommended for all assignments)__Reduce amount of work required__Assess comprehension through demonstration or other alternative means (gestures, drawings,retellings)__Allow open book tests__For each question, indicate page number in textbook where answer is found__Rephrase questions, directions, and explanations__Use group projects rather than individual work__Reduce multiple choices to two__Provide study guides and/ or outlines and word banks__Provide video on subject__Allow extended time for test/project completion (Recommended for all assignments)__Use books on tape/CD__Use reduced text, so that print is not dense__Adapt homework to reflect language proficiency__Adapt homework to reflect home support__Provide hands on activities and explanations ‐ (Recommended for all assignments)__Allow extended time to answer questions, and permit drawing, as an explanation__Accept participation at any level, even one word__Use of translation dictionaries to locate words in the native language__Use Graphic organizers (Recommended for all assignments)__Use story retellings to assess comprehension__Use anecdotal records as a form of assessment__Keep portfolio of work as a form of assessment__Use visuals/pictures throughout lesson/unit/assignment (Recommended for all assignments)Other accommodations used – Please list: _________________

This station in the classroom is calling the “Listening Center”. The students were doing an activity where they had to listen to the teacher and do what she was asking.

This picture is of a “Word Wall” in Mrs. Meisel’s classroom

This station of the classroom was for computers.

Exceptional Education Field Observation Teacher Interview

Name of Teacher: Barbara Meisel School: Hunter’s Creek Elem. Grade: VE Pre-K Purpose: To assist future teachers with gaining greater understanding and insight into the expectations and responsibilities toward children with Special needs. What exceptionality do the students have? What grade level and what age are they? The class is separated into two sessions. The morning sessions are the three year olds and the afternoon sessions are the four year olds. There are a range of exceptionalities. All students are labeled developmentally delayed. However, they have separate titles that are linked. They include: Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum and Language Impaired.

What needs do the children seem to have that are unique to this group? Common to other children? What modifications in instructional approach are made?Both groups of VE (varying exceptionalities) need a great deal of visuals. The visual aids that accompany most of the teacher’s lessons help to enhance and promote effectiveness in everyday instruction. This is especially true for reading. The teacher’s assistance will hold up story cues as the read aloud progresses. For example, when the setting is mentioned, the TA (teacher’s assistant) will hold up a tree. When the main character is speaking, the TA will hold up a star. These strategies help the VE children identify important information. This is a strategy that is common among general primary classrooms. Visual aids are great accommodations that can be used for any and all students, regardless of ability. The modifications that are made are specific to the student with Down Syndrome. This student is visually impaired. Therefore, some of the tasks that are written or drawn, are modified into an oral activity to give the student are greater chance for success.

What recommendations does the parent have for you, regarding what you might provide for children who have special needs?

Many of the students are come into this classroom enter in with prior knowledge of what their child needs. A great deal of them have already been receiving outside services. The VE teacher works in conjunction with the parents in trying to create the best learning environment possible for the children. The language impaired child came to the

classroom with a basic knowledge of sign language. The teacher incorporated these techniques into the classroom setting. It has been a great enhancement to all of the students.

How have you been affected by the education policy directed at children with special needs. What modifications has the teacher made in teaching? What do you as a teacher still feel is needed?

Hunter’s Creek Elementary School has a very supportive group of leaders. The IEPs have changed quite a bit this year. It has been difficult transitioning over with the students who had a previous one from the three year old

session. The accommodations that have been incorporated are a lot more visuals to support the reading curriculum. The curriculum has been modified to align with the new Common Core Standards.

A big emphasis on differentiated instruction needs to be implemented. With the Common Core Standards being

included this year, it is difficult to challenge and enrich your independent students while finding the time to intervene with your struggling learners. While differentiating instruction is in the schools, it needs to be an even

more prominent structure.

What type of assistive technology do you use to accommodate the special needs of your students?We are privileged enough to have an abundant amount of technology resources at our disposable. We have the

use of Promethean boards and Digital Process Visualizers that help with my visual and language impaired students. With this technology, I can project work in a larger format. I also have the use of audio technology that projects my

voice and other audio functions throughout the entire class from the speakers system.