Differentiating Instruction in Inclusive Classrooms: The Special Educator's Guide » (1st Edition)

This text teaches effective pedagogy in a practical, realistic way for the special educator. Readers learn how to provide social, behavioral and academic support to students in the general education curriculum and context but also learn how to provide explicit and intensive support for students with disabilities to ensure learning.

1. Special Education in Inclusive Schools.

Appropriate, Individualized Educational Support: Our Philosophy of Inclusion.

Inclusion: Meeting Students Individual Needs.

An Education Perspective: Facilitating Student Learning.

A Social Perspective: Inclusion as a Process.

Legal Foundation for Inclusive Practices.

Essential Elements of Inclusive Schools.

An Inclusive School Climate.

Shared Effort and Commitment.

Characteristics of Inclusive Classrooms.

Student Engagement in Learning.

Essential Elements of Inclusive Educational Programs.

Teaching Standards.

References.

2. Characteristics of Students with High-Incidence Disabilities.

Who Are the Children Served in Inclusive Settings?

Cross-Categorical Service Delivery and the Inclusive Classroom.

Definitions of High-Incidence Disabilities.

Learning Disabilities.

Emotional or Behavior Disorders.

Mild Mental Retardation.

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Exceptional Learners.

References.

3. Assessment-Based Decision Making.

Assessment as Part of the Instructional Process.

Assessment as a Process.

Assessment as a Decision-Making Tool.

Assessment as a Starting Place.

Types of Tests.

Modifying Classroom Tests.

Grading Issues.

Assessment for the Purpose of Identifying Students with Disabilities.

Assessment Tools Used for Comprehensive Evaluations.

What the Law Says about Assessment of Students with Disabilities.

Assessment Procedures.

Assessment That Is Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate.

The Challenge Ahead.

High Stakes Testing and Accommodations for Students with Special Needs.

Accommodations.

Modifications for College Entrance Exams.

Modifications for GED Tests.

References.

4. Instructional Approaches for Inclusive Classrooms.

Effective Teachers.

Understanding How Children Learn.

Getting StartedMotivating Students.

Selecting Instructional Materials.

Giving Clear Assignments.

Creating Multilevel Learning Centers.

Using Thematic Units.

Combining Thematic Units, Learning Centers, Cooperative Learning, and the Theory of Multiple Intelligences: Two Examples.

Grouping Practices.

Cooperative Learning.

Benefits of Cooperative Learning.

Elements of Cooperative Learning.

Different Types of Cooperative Learning.

Implementing Cooperative Learning.

Challenges Associated with Cooperative Learning.

Peer and Cross-Age Tutoring.

Other Types of Instruction.

Scaffolded Instruction.

Strategy Instruction.

Behavioral Models of Learning.

Technology.

Instructional Technology.

Assistive Technology.

Universal Design for Learning.

Instructional Software.

References.

5. Facilitating Social and Behavioral Competence for Students with Disabilities in Inclusive Settings.

A Proactive Approach.

Tips for Successful Classroom Management.

Positive Classroom Climate.

Positive Feedback.

Interventions for Surface Behaviors.

Social Competence.

Developing Social Competence.

Assessing Social Competence.

Improving Students Social Skills.

Managing Disruptive Behavior in Inclusive Classrooms.

Analyzing Environmental Factors That Influence Students Behavior.

The Helping Process.

Strategies for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Token Economy.

Behavioral Contracts.

Aggressive Behavior.

Preventing Aggressive Behavior and Violence.

Functional Behavior Assessment and Behavior Intervention Plans.

Schoolwide Programs.

Positive Behavior Support (PBS).

References.

6. Reading Instruction for Struggling Readers in Inclusive Elementary Classrooms.

How Do Children Learn to Read?

Overview of the Reading Process.

Characteristics of Proficient Readers.

Reading Disabilities.

Importance of Research in Reading.

A Comprehensive Approach to Literacy Instruction.

Early Reading Curriculum.

Emergent Literacy.

Word Recognition Instruction.

Shared Reading Experiences in the Primary Grades.

Inclusion Support in Intermediate-Grade Classrooms.

Making Difficult Books Accessible.

Improving Fluency and Strengthening Word Recognition Skills.

Improving Critical Thinking Skills.

Enhancing Comprehension.

Providing Intensive Intervention for Struggling Readers.

Hitting the “Big Ideas” of Reading.

Starting out with Beginning Readers.

Organizing Intervention Instruction: Working in Small Groups.

Ongoing Diagnostic Assessment.

References.

7. Writing Instruction in Inclusive Classrooms.

Rationale for Teaching Writing.

Writers Workshop.

Steps in Writers Workshop: The Writing Process.

Components of Writers Workshop.

Writing for Multiple Purposes.

The Classroom as a Writing Laboratory.

Spelling.

Spelling for the Whole Class.

Assessment in Spelling.

Additional Support for Students with Learning Disabilities.

Making Words.

CWPT and the SPELLER Strategy.

References.

8. Teaching Math to Students with High-Incidence Disabilities in Inclusive Settings.

Margaret D. Clark, “I Hate Math!”

A Framework for Math Instruction.

The Development of Mathematics.

Early Foundations.

Mathematics in the Early Elementary School Years.

Mathematics in the Secondary Years.

Math Assessment for Students with High-Incidence Disabilities.

Defining Mastery.

Preparing an Assessment.

Selecting Appropriate Assessment Tools.

Strategies for Tecahing Students with High-Incidence Disabilities.

Models of Instruction.

Direct Instruction.

Learning Strategies Approach.

Remedial Math Programs.

The Impact of Specific Disabilities.

Designing and Planning Effective Mathematics Instruction in Inclusive Settings.

Levels of Instruction.

Planning Math Instruction with General Education Classes.

Explicit Teaching of Mathematical Concepts.

References.

9. Supporting Students Learning in The Content Areas.

Making Content Area Learning Accessible through Adaptations.

Reasons for Making Accommodations.

Types of Adaptations and Strategies for Implementation.

Instruction That Facilitates Learning for Students with Disabilities.

Locus of Control: What the Student Brings to the Learning Situation.

Supported Inquiry and Activities-Oriented Instruction.

Vocabulary.

General Guidelines for Vocabulary Instruction.

Figuring out the Meaning of Unknown Words While Reading.

Teaching Word Meanings.

Graphic Organizers.

Comprehension Strategies.

Writing to Learn.

Learning Logs.

Research Reports.

Study Skills.

English Language Learners.

The Role of Background Knowledge.

Sheltered English Techniques for the Mainstream Class.

References.

10. Inclusive Secondary Settings for Students with High-Incidence Disabilities.

Secondary School: Demands and Challenges for Students and Teachers.

Challenges Students Face.

Challenges Teachers Face.

Curricular Challenges.

Inclusive Practices and Roles of Teachers in Secondary Settings.

Co-Teaching.

Collaborative Consultation.

Teaming.

Direct Instruction in Classroom Context.

Essential Elements of Secondary Inclusive Programs.

Literacy Instruction in Secondary Inclusive Settings.

Contextualizing Reading and Writing Instruction.

Assessment to Guide Instruction in Reading and Writing.

Building Reading Skills.

Building Writing Skills.

Literacy-Related Strategy Instruction.

Personalizing Literacy Instruction.

Monitoring Students Progress in Literacy Instruction.

References.

11. Transition Services for Students with High-Incidence Disabilities in Inclusive Settings.

Richard Rosenberg and Mary Falvey.

Development of Transition Services.

Legal Mandates.

Legal Provisions.

Strategies for Successful Transition.

School to Adult Connection.

Preparation throughout the School Years.

Transition Planning Process.

ITP Assessments.

Developing the Individualized Transition Plan.

Summary.


References.


Index.