Special+Education

__**Musts**__ This section is for teachers to know about but teachers do not need to worry so much about this section because they are expectations that the Ministry of Education requires of the school board. ** Ministry of Education Policies for Special Education: **  •  “School boards must develop an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for every identified” [2] student   •  “All exceptional students must have an IEP” [1]   •  “School boards must meet province-wide standards when developing, implementing and monitoring Individual Education Plans (IEPs)” [2]   •  “School boards must meet province-wide standards when developing their special education plans”[6]  •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“All students identified as exceptional must have <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">access to an education that will enable them to <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">develop the essential knowledge and skills the need in order to participate in the life of <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ontario’s communities.” <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">(i.e. through <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">special <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">education programs and services that are <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">appropriate for their needs)” [1] <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In order for Special Needs students to reach their full potential and get the most out of their education, teachers need to ensure that the right students receive the right assistance. To fulfill the requirements in the Education Act, teachers need to ensure that they consult the individual education plans, their specific objectives, and the educational services required to meet the needs of exceptional students in order to provide effective instruction for them. Teachers are also required to assist in the development and maintenance of these plans. It is thus, a teacher’s responsibility to consult with appropriate professionals/staff members (e.g. special education teachers) when developing an IEP and working with Special Needs students. Furthermore, teachers need to maintain communication and collaborate with parents, principal, the Superintendent, and other school board staff. The following list is what teachers are responsible for in Special Education. <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> The Teacher’s Roles and Responsibilities in Special Education: ** <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;">carries out duties that a teacher normally would <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;">“works with the special education teacher to acquire and maintain up-to-date knowledge of special education practices <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;">where appropriate, works with special education staff and parents to develop the IEP for an exceptional pupil <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;">provides the program for the exceptional pupil in the regular class, as outlined in the IEP <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;">communicates the student’s progress to parents <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;">works with other school board staff to review and update the student’s IEP”[5] <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;">The following policies are more geared towards the blind and the deaf, but I believe that it is useful for working with all Special Needs students, especially the policy about effective instruction. <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">“be responsible for effective instruction in the subjects assigned to him or her by the Superintendent, the management of his or her classes and the discipline in his or her classroom <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">co-operate with officials of the Ministry and the Superintendent for the purposes of planning and evaluating the program of instruction <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">make adequate provision in his or her daily program for the individual differences of the pupils in his or her classes so that each pupil may experience a reasonable amount of success <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">prepare for use in his or her class or classes such teaching plans and outlines as are required by the Superintendent and submit the plans and outlines to the Superintendent on request”[4] **__<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> SHOULDS __** <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For effective instruction in the area of special education, which is one of the more important roles of teachers as I have mentioned above, teachers should work towards increasing their interaction with special needs students and towards inclusion of special needs students into their classrooms. This gives them a feeling of being wanted and included, which will most likely increase their motivation to engage and participate in their learning experience. Furthermore, teachers should differentiate their instructions to improve students’ understanding of tasks and concepts and the quality of their work. The aspects of teaching that are important to differentiate include, student groupings, content, activities, level of support, expectations, materials and resources, and assessment. Teachers also need to ensure that they modify their classroom environment, time management and transitions, presentation of materials, assessment grading and testing, and how they deal with student behavior to adapt to the various needs of Special Needs students. This will make certain that these students benefit fully from their learning experience. Below is a checklist, which provides the elements in a class that can be differentiated and examples of how to do so. In addition to following these checklists, it is also useful to talk to the Core Resource (special education) teacher and parents for additional support.

|| **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Futura-Bold;">Examples of differentiation ** || || <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Vary the groups between homogenous and heterogeneous groupings based on: -academic levels <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;"> -interests <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Assign roles to each student in the groups and ensure that they are clear (e.g., note-taker, reporter, artist). || || <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Provide visuals to support verbal information <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Include explicit (or direct) teaching of information <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Allow students to practice and rehearse information they learned || || <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Include tasks that the student can participate in or complete independently <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Include co-operative and small group learning; peer teaching <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">•Provide more intensive levels of assistance when necessary || <span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> || <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Be flexible in timings and amount of time given to complete tasks/assignments <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Break long activities into smaller ones (e.g., divide a 45-minute <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">activity into several shorter sections) <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Provide technology use (refer to adaptive technology section) || || <span style="color: black; font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">Match materials and resources to the readiness level, interests, and learning profiles of students (e.g., a student with keen interest in vehicles collects data on cars in a parking lot and graphs results). || || <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Give students a choices in the ways they want to demonstrate their learning <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Allow alternatives to written tasks, such as drawings, fill-in-the-blank <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">activities, questions with multiple-choice answers, pointing to the correct <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">answers, scribing as long as they can demonstrate their learning <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Provide visual supports (graphic organizers) and highlight key words || **<span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Bold;">Adapted from “Teaching and Learning”[7] ** <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The following checklists I have provided for teachers include the general and specific (to certain Special Needs conditions) strategies that are important when working with exceptional students. When making changes to the way the classroom is set up, it is important to pay attention to the amount of distraction, organization of the room, and locations of rules and guidelines. Constant rearrangements will cause confusion for the students and thus, should be avoided. In terms of timing and transitions, Special Needs students need to be given ample amount of time and warning. Modifications and/or accommodations need to be made when giving tests and assignments with clear instructions and expectations. To ensure that students understand the expectations required, exemplars and rubrics are crucial. The general outline of assignments, tests, and notes need to be clear, highlighted, and sectioned for easier understanding. Teachers may also find that students need frequent breaks or manipulatives to keep them focused on their tasks and reduce disruptions. In terms of assisting students with their math and writing, personal dictionaries and visuals are particularly effective when teaching information, concepts, and relationships of concepts. Furthermore, technological use is an effective aid in their understanding of academic material and performing of tasks. **__<span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Bold;"> Strategies for Working with Special Needs Students – General Tips/Checklist __** || || <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Keep extra sets of school supplies in the room || || <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Allow the student frequent breaks || || <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Have an agreed upon cue for a student to leave the classroom || || || <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Give several reminders, several minutes apart, in activity transitions || || <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Space short work periods with breaks || || || <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Number and sequence steps in a task || || <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Provide outlines, study guides, copies of overhead notes || || <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Explain learning expectations to the student before beginning a lesson || || <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Highlight key points in assignments and handouts || || <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Allow student to use technology (tape recorders, computers, calculators) and dictation || || <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Limit the number of concepts presented at one time (too many at once overwhelms students) || || || <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Allow as much time as needed to complete tests || || <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Provide monitored breaks from test || || || || <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Provide immediate reinforcers and feedback || || <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Arrange a designated safe place that students can go to if they disrupt the class || || || **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Bold;">Adapted from “ ****<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">Learning Disabilities - Teaching Strategies to Help Learning Disabled Students”[3], ****<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Bold;">“Teaching and Learning”[7] and “ ****<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">18 Simple School Strategies for ADHD Kids”[10] ** <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Bold;"> || || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Give clear instructions about task expectations and have student repeat them back (step-by-step and explicitly stated by the teacher and modeled for the student) || || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Establish routines, classroom expectations for work and behavior, and regularly <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">scheduled activities; be consistent || || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Give warnings and enough time prior to transitions or changes to routines || || || <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Allow students to hold a small “koosh ball” or silly putty (anything tactile) for him/her to manipulate; helps them remain focused || || <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Schedule difficult subjects in the morning when students (and the whole class) are more alert and focused || || <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Allow some restlessness at work area. Allow student to stand up at his desk if it helps him stay on task. <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;"> || || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Give the student frequent and immediate feedback or consequences about behaviors. <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;"> || **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Bold;">Adapted from “ ****<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">Learning Disabilities - Teaching Strategies to Help Learning Disabled Students”[3], ****<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Bold;">“Teaching and Learning”[7] and “ ****<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">18 Simple School Strategies for ADHD Kids”[10] **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Bold;"> <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;"> || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">a time || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Provide rubrics <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> || || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• When giving multiple-choice answers, allow students to point to the correct answer || || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Provide exemplars || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">responses || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Provide visuals (graphic organizers) to support written tasks (helps students understand the relationship between ideas) || **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Bold;">Adapted from “ ****<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">Learning Disabilities - Teaching Strategies to Help Learning Disabled Students”[3], ****<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Bold;">“Teaching and Learning”[7] and “ ****<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">18 Simple School Strategies for ADHD Kids”[10] **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Bold;"> <span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Bold;"> || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">example of each mathematical concept || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Have each student create a dictionary of mathematical terms || || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Break up the instructional period into several smaller segments || || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Allow the use of mathematical software that provide visuals and clearly explain and demonstrate concepts || **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Bold;">Adapted from “ ****<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">Learning Disabilities - Teaching Strategies to Help Learning Disabled Students”[3], ****<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Bold;">“Teaching and Learning”[7] and “ ****<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">18 Simple School Strategies for ADHD Kids”[10] ** <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Bold;"> <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It is often useful to provide Special Needs students with the opportunity to utilize computer software. It may help students overcome certain barriers (e.g. writing, reading) and increase efficiency. These software can be used for group work, test writing, major and minor assignments, individual work at home, editing, and even brainstorming at the beginning of projects because some students have difficulty putting thoughts onto paper. Some software, especially the graphical mapping software, and Clicker5, provide more visuals for students in their comprehension of concepts and relationships. I have provided the following list as a quick reference of the variety of software that may be available at your school. For more information about each software, visit the “Types of Adaptive Technology website”[9]. It is also important to find out, from the principal at your school, what software you can take home to learn and practice with. This will aid in the delivery of your lessons and assignments and will increase the efficiency of your students’ work. || **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Functions/Use ** || || <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">Writing/multimedia tool <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> || || <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">Editing <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> || || || <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">Reading and writing <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> || || || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Portable word-processing tools || || || || || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Speech-to-text || || || || || || || || || || || || <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">Adapted from “Types of Adaptive Technology”[9] **__<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">Useful Resources and Templates __** <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">The following attachment is a pdf of a few useful tracking sheet templates and checklists for various aspects relating to Special Education. There are a total of 6 templates. <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">1. The first template is the “Critical Information Sheet”. Once filled, this sheet will provide you with a quick reference to things like: how a student communicates and how you know, reinforcers you ca give to the student, sensitivities, needs and modifications/accommodations for the student, and how to deal with a student’s behavior. Although it says “Autism Spectrum Disorder” on the sheet, I believe that it could be used for various students and situations and not just for students with ASD. <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">2. The second template is the “Inventory of Functional Skills” template. The template is broken down into several areas of skills: School Arrival, Life Skills, Rotation, Classroom Routines, and Learning Strategies. It is possible that some sections are not necessary or particularly effective for the teacher to use. However, Classroom Routines and Learning Strategies could be useful in helping students develop the required skills in these areas. Furthermore, keeping track of their skills using the rubric/evaluation criteria provided can allow a teacher to see how the student is progressing in the given areas. <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">3. The third template is a checklist with additional strategies to use with Special Needs students. The various areas this checklist covers include Environmental, Communication, Instructional, Motivational, Self-regulation, and Assessment. <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">4. The fourth template is a “Prompt Tracking Sheet”. The teacher can use this sheet to track the number and type of prompts needed for a student to complete a task or follow an instruction during a specific period during the school day. <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">5. The fifth template is a “Behaviour Tracking Sheet”. It can be used to track the number and kinds of appropriate and inappropriate behaviours of students. <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">6. The sixth template is called “Functions of Behaviour”. It can be used to assist in the development of a behavior plan for an individual student. It provides the teacher with basic classroom strategies for four functions of behaviour: Attention Seeking, Escape, Attaining Desired Item, Meeting Sensory Needs. This chart provides a list of strategies to prevent such behaviours, alternate behaviours that can be taught to the student when appropriate, and possible redirections.
 * __<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Differentiating Instruction __**
 * **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Futura-Bold;">Variable Elements **
 * **<span style="color: black; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Bold;">Student groupings **<span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;">
 * **<span style="color: black; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Bold;">Instruction activities **<span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;">
 * **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Bold;">Level and type of support provided to the student **
 * **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Bold;">Task expectations (time, type of task) **
 * **<span style="color: black; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Bold;">Materials and resources **<span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;">
 * **<span style="color: black; line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Bold;">Assessment activities **<span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;">
 * __<span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Bold;">HOW-TO __**
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Classroom Environment **
 * <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Allow the use of a study carrel when necessary
 * <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Reduce distractions in the immediate vicinity of the student
 * <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Provide a checklist to help the student with his/her organization skills
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Time Management and Transitions **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
 * <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Ensure the student knows where to turn in assignments (set a specific place)
 * <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Allow extra time for homework completion
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Presentation of Materials **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
 * <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Modify expectations based on students needs
 * <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Break long assignments into smaller sequential steps, monitoring each step (scaffold)
 * <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Give alternative assignments rather than long written assignments
 * <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Provide exemplars
 * <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Check that all homework assignments are written down correctly. Sign it and have parents sign it as well
 * <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Accompany verbal and written information with visuals
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Assessment, Grading and Testing **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
 * <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Allow tests to be scribed if necessary and allowing for oral responses and oral administration
 * <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Permit retaking the test
 * <span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"> ·  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Divide test into small sections
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Behavior **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
 * <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Avoid confrontations and power struggles
 * <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Ignore attention seeking behaviors that are not disruptive to the classroom
 * <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Develop a code of conduct for the classroom and visually display it in an appropriate place where all students can see it, review it frequently to prevent discrimination and inappropriate behavior
 * <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Develop a code that will let the student know when behavior is not appropriate
 * __<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Strategies for Working with Special Needs Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Learning Disabilities (LD), and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) __**
 * **<span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Bold;">Strategies for structuring the learning environment for a student with ASD: **<span style="line-height: 150%; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN;">
 * <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">Post the student’s individual rules, as well as classroom rules, in a visually accessible location (e.g., beside the student’s desk or workspace)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Introduce unfamiliar tasks in a familiar environment
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Help students become familiarized with material and resources locations
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">More Specific to Students with ADHD **
 * <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Allow study buddies, who can help give reminders or refocus the child when he gets off track
 * <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Give immediate praise for good behavior; Ignore negative behaviors that are minimal and not disruptive
 * <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Use rewards and incentives
 * <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Allow student frequent and monitored physical breaks
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Bold;">Strategies to support writing activities for students with ASD, LD include: **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Divide written tasks into smaller components focusing on one section at
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Provide/post word banks and word walls of key vocabulary or frequently used words
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Provide fill-in-the–blanks and cloze exercises
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Reduce the length or number of written
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Bold;">Important strategies for building comprehension and enabling participation in mathematics: **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Illustrate a simple, clear visual
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Use a variety of manipulative materials; allows for a tactile approach to learning math
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Minion-Regular;">• Allow for peer teaching
 * __<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Adaptive Technology to Assist Students With Special Needs – Quick Reference __**
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Writing Software **
 * //<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> [|Clicker5]   // <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">
 * //<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> [|CoWriter 4000 Solo]   // <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">
 * //<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> [|Write: Outloud Solo]    //<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> || <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">Text-to-speech <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">
 * //<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> [|Premier Literacy Suite]   // <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Portable/Laptop Systems **
 * //<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> [|AlphaSmart] // <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Modified Keyboards
 * //<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> [|Intellikeys]  // || <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">Customizable touch keyboard
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Voice Recognition Software **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
 * //<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Dragon Naturally Speaking //<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Literacy Suite **
 * //<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> [|Premier - Literacy Suite]  // || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Reading and writing  ||
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Optical Character Recognition and Reading Software **
 * //<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> [|Kurzweil]  // || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Digitize text and read using text  ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Screen Magnification Software
 * //<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> [|ZoomText]    //<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> || <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> Magnification and read out loud  <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">
 * **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Screen Readers **<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
 * //<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> [|JAWS]    //<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> || <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> Text-to-audio output (especially for the blind)  <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Modified Keyboards
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> [|Intellikeys]    <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> || <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> Customizable touch keyboard  <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Mind Mapping and Idea Organization
 * //<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> [|Inspiration/Kidspiration]    //<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> || <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> Graphical mapping tools - Visuals  <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">
 * //<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> [|Smart Ideas]  // || <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Graphical mapping tool - Visuals  ||
 * <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Portable/Laptop Systems
 * //__<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> [|AlphaSmart]    __//<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> || <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> Portable word  <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Garamond','serif';"> ||

<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Adapted from  "Tools and Techniques [8]" __**Where to go to find more:**__ __<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Board Website __ <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">http://www.ycdsb.ca/ <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">More special education information, programs, and services can be found in the Special Education section (left navigation bar) of the site. On this site, you will find links to descriptions of various programs and services __Ministry Websites__ http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/elemsec/speced/asdfourth.pdf <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In addition to what is provided in the pdf files, you will find more strategies, tools, and resources to provide effective educational programs for students with ASD <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/elemsec/speced/asdsecond.pdf <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In addition to what is shown in the Autism Spectrum Disorders section, you will find more information on instructional strategies, writing activities and homework support for students with ASD <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">http://building-futures.ca/eng/resources.html (Building Futures USB flash drive) <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">You will find more Ministry of Education facts about and strategies for Special Education and a resource guide for developing an Individual Education Plan. <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> __<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Ontario Institute for Studies in Education Website __<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> __<span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/adaptivetech/Technologies/index.html __ <span style="font-family: 'GarthGraphic','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: GarthGraphic; mso-bidi-font-family: GarthGraphic;"> •  <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">You will find types of adaptive technology for special education and other uses and their descriptions, benefits, demonstrations and tutorials. References __** <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';">[1] An Introduction to Special Education in Ontario. February 22, 2008. Ministry of Education. January 27, 2009. <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/elemsec/speced/ontario.html <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';"> <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';">[2] Individual Education Plans. February 22, 2008. Ministry of Education. January 27, 2009. <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/elemsec/speced/iep/iep.html <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">[3] Learning Disabilities - Teaching Strategies to Help Learning Disabled Students. November 26, 2008. About.com. February 8, 2009. <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">http://learningdisabilities.about.com/od/instructionalmaterials/qt/instructhomesch.htm <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">[4]Ontario Schools for the Blind and the Deaf. May 5, 2008. Ministry of Education. February 5, 2009. <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_900296_e.htm <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">[5]Special Education: A Guide for Educators. September 21, 2001. Ministry of Education. February 5, 2009. http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/elemsec/speced/guide/specedpartae.pdf <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Geneva;"> = <span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">[6]Standards for School Boards’ Special Education Plans <span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Microsoft Sans Serif';">. February 22, 2008. Ministry of Education. February 2, 2009. <span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/elemsec/speced/iepstand/iepstand.html = <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> [7]Teaching and Learning. February 22, 2008. Ministry of Education. February 5. 2009. http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/elemsec/speced/asdsecond.pdf <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">[8]Tools and Techniques. February 22, 2008. Ministry of Education. February 6. 2009. <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/elemsec/speced/asdsecond.pdf <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">[9]Types of Adaptive Technology. January 26, 2009. <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif';">Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto. February 6, 2009. http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/adaptivetech/Technologies/index.html <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Geneva;"> = <span style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">[10]18 Simple School Strategies for ADHD Kids. January 3, 2009. About.com. February 8, 2009. <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> = <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> http://add.about.com/od/childrenandteens/a/adhd-classroom.htm
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