Supporting the Diverse Learner

Sue Bednarik, Intensive LS Teacher Megan Heim, Autistic Support Teacher

Allison Kuchler, Supervisor of Special EducationSusan Klyman, Director of Special Education

Considerations Matching instructional materials to the

needs of students (tool box) Matching instructional materials to how

students learn Learning styles, flexibility in how and what

we use to teach (student centered) Allign to the Common Core Standards

Intensive Learning Support Students Learning Profiles

Difficulty with executive function or self regulation that interfere with their success (Language, short term memory, processing speed and non-verbal reasoning)Require additional time with appropriate instruction, practice and feed back, smaller learning groups and one-on-one instruction

Students with Autism Learner Profiles

Difficulty understanding language rich content.

Short term and long term memory deficits which impedes on building connections while learning.

Benefit from discrete instructional models that promote 1:1, 2:1, 3:1 sessions that integrate correction procedures and behavioral basis for learning.

Teaching Approaches Direction Instruction Repetitive procedures Rehearsal of concepts Errorless Teacher procedures Ongoing Formative Assessments via Mastery

Tests and Oral reading fluency “Check-ins” Differentiation among learners Universal Design for learning such as visual

components integrated into lessons daily

Instructional ApproachCarefully constructed lessonsTeach explicit strategiesIntroduce concepts at a reasonable rateHelp students make connectionsMaximize instructional timeProvide the practice neededMeet the math standards

Reading Mastery Direct Instruction Model procedures (I do,

We do, You do) Errorless teaching

procedures Multi-modal approach to

teaching (Visual & Vocal) Differentiation via fast

track Language component*

“The Styer-Fitzgerald Program for Functional Academics is a

comprehensive approach to teaching real world skills to

students with mild, moderate and severe disabilities.”

www.styer-fitzgerald.com

Who would benefit from this program?

Any and all students whose IEPs reflect a need for INTENSE FOCUS on functional

academics, daily living skill instruction, and/or pre-vocational training

• Scope and Sequence spans K – 12• Aligned with PA Alternate Standards (and PASA)• 13+ Instructional Units at both levels with teacher

guides and Iesson plans• Aligned assessments• IEP goals and progress monitoring tools• Guidance charts for developed the Present Levels

section of the IEP• Materials also provided on CD• Has a strong research basis

http://www.styer-fitzgerald.com/files/14.pdf

How would this support the Life Skills classrooms at Centennial?

Typically, the students who receive most of their instruction within the LSS classes fit this learner profile, and the program is cohesive

and continuous in nature.

Can this program help other Centennial students?

ABSOLUTELY! Any students whose IEPs reflect a need for functional reading or math

instruction, support toward developing skills in independent living, and/or support for

developing pre-vocational skills, can strongly benefit from some or all of this program.

What to purchase for 2012/13:

2 Elementary classroom sets2 Secondary classroom sets10 add’l Student Assessment booklets at each level

What to purchase for 2013/14*:add’l Student Assessment booklets as need for new students

*it is very likely that it will take a student several IEPs (ie, several school years) to master all aspects of the curriculum, and therefore will not necessarily begin a new Assessment booklet immediately at the start of a new school year; however, the materials should still be available for newly transitioning students

Budget Considerations * Reading Mastery

12/13 school year $ 18,000 13/14 school year $40,000

* Connecting Math Concepts 12/13 school year $14,000

13/14 school year $15,000 * Touch Math 12/13 school year $400.00

13/14 school year$10,000 Styer-Fitzgerald for Functional Academics 12/13 school year $8,000 13/14 school year $2,000

* Materials currently being used with students as necessary for the start of the school year. Purchased through ACCESS funds.