Teaching Students in Inclusive Settings

Getting Started Course Overview Discussion Posts and Rubrics Major Assignments Q & A Dr. Phyllis Schiffer-Simon

Major Assignments and Weeks Due Unit 6: Research Analysis (60 Points) The article used for this assignment deals with the significant issues for parents and children with Autism. After reading the article and completing the research analysis, you should have a clear understanding of often- misunderstood parental issues concerning children with Autism disorders. See Syllabus and Grading Rubric for the required Sections to be included.

Major Assignments and Weeks Due Unit Unit 7: Final Project: Inclusion Interviews (340 Points) For your final project you will formulate a statement about co-teaching that incorporates the knowledge and insights you have gained in your readings and through interviewing 2 teachers: a special education teacher and a regular education teacher. If you have an existing inclusive classroom in your school, try to interview teachers already involved in the inclusive process. If you do not have access to teachers who are already co-teaching, interview both a regular and a special education teacher who have knowledge of the inclusive setting.

Major Assignments and Weeks Due Unit Unit 7: Final Project (cont.) Interview questions are provided to explore each teacher’s role in establishing a co-teaching classroom. After the interview, write an essay of words addressing the following topics: * the process of establishing an inclusive setting * the role of administration in creating and maintaining an inclusive setting * the challenges faced by the students and instructors * the benefits and obstacles for all students as well as instructors.

Assistive Technology For all students, technology makes things easier. For students with disabilities, technology makes things possible. The decision whether a student with disabilities requires an assistive technology service and/or device in order to benefit from her or his education program is an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team decision. In making this decision the IEP team must consider the individual student’s assistive technology needs in relation to his or her education program

Assistive Technology The term “assistive technology” encompasses a broad range of assistive devices from “low tech” to “high- tech” learning tools. Low-tech examples: pencil grips, highlighters, paper stabilizers. High-tech examples: computers, voice synthesizers, Braille readers. Assistive technology devices are any item, piece of equipment, or product system (software) used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of a student with disabilities.

Week 6 Seminar Topic Be prepared to answer the following questions for this week's Seminar: 1.How can assistive devices be used for academic instruction? 2. What considerations do teachers need to think about when introducing the use of assistive devices for instruction? 3. What will you do to prepare the regular education students in the classroom for tolerance and acceptance of the student and the equipment?