Intellectual disability
Sample Solution
Scenario 1
Reducing the number of spelling words on Nancy's list is an example of an accommodation. An accommodation is a change to the learning environment or the way instruction is delivered that helps a student with a disability access the general education curriculum. In this case, the accommodation is reducing the number of spelling words on Nancy's list, which will make the task more manageable for her.
Another accommodation to address Nancy's needs could be to provide her with a list of words that are all related to a common theme. This would help her to learn the words more easily and to remember them better. For example, the teacher could give Nancy a list of words that are all related to food or animals.
Scenario 2
Providing Robert with a story on his reading level and only requiring him to identify the main idea is an example of a modification. A modification is a change to the content or performance standards that are being assessed so that a student with a disability can demonstrate their learning. In this case, the modification is providing Robert with a story on his reading level and only requiring him to identify the main idea. This will allow him to demonstrate his understanding of the story even though he cannot read at grade level.
Another modification to address Robert's needs could be to provide him with audio recordings of the stories that he is expected to read. This would allow him to listen to the stories and learn about the main idea and supporting details, even if he cannot read them independently.
Scenario 3
If the principal is asking you to go back and retest the students, making sure to mark the correct answers, this is unethical and should not be done. It is important to remember that standardized tests are just one measure of student progress. There are many other factors that should be considered, such as teacher observations, student work samples, and other assessments.
If you are concerned about the DIBEL scores, you should talk to your principal about other ways to improve student achievement. You could suggest that the school provide more professional development for teachers on how to teach reading and writing. You could also suggest that the school purchase additional resources to support students who are struggling.
Scenario 4
Mr. Houdini should provide Winston with a safe and supportive space to talk about his concerns. He should reassure Winston that he is not alone and that there are people who care about him and want to help. Mr. Houdini can also offer to help Winston develop a plan for coming out to his parents and friends.
Here are some specific things that Mr. Houdini can do:
- Listen to Winston without judgment.
- Offer Winston support and encouragement.
- Help Winston to develop a plan for coming out to his parents and friends.
- Provide Winston with information about resources that can help him, such as LGBTQ+ support groups and hotlines.
- Report any bullying or harassment to the school administration.
Scenario 5
Yes, Ms. Anderson should be concerned about putting all the parent emails on the same line in her email. This is a privacy violation and could lead to other students in the program being identified.
When sending emails to parents of students with disabilities, it is important to protect their privacy. This can be done by using the blind carbon copy (BCC) field. The BCC field allows you to send an email to multiple recipients without their email addresses being visible to each other.
Here are some tips for protecting the privacy of students with disabilities:
- Use the BCC field when sending emails to multiple parents of students with disabilities.
- Avoid using students' names in emails to parents. Instead, use their initials or student ID numbers.
- Be careful about what information you share in emails to parents. Only share information that is necessary for the parent to know.
- If you have any concerns about a student's privacy, talk to your school's special education director.