To learn more about making your classroom more inclusive, click on the links below. These are two resources that I used to develop my ideas on this web page.
When talking about students who have exceptionalities, it is important to use the correct language. One way that teachers can ensure that they are being respectful of their students is by using "Person First Language". "Person First Language" is when you state who a person is before describing their exceptionality.
Some examples of "Person First Language" would be saying things such as:
A student on the Autism Spectrum
A student in a wheelchair
A student with dyslexia
A student with learning disabilities
As opposed to stating a student's exceptionalities first.
It is important to remember that students are people first. They are not defined solely by their characteristics. Every student has different abilities and developmental levels, but every student is a person who deserves the most effective education that they can receive.
Learn more in this article:
https://askearn.org/page/people-first-language#:~:text=Person%20first%20language%20emphasizes%20the,is%20equally%20appropriate%20depending%20on
Accommodation- "A change to instructional or testing procedures or materials that allows a student to fully access the information and to accurately demonstrate knowledge" (IRIS Center, 2022)
It is important to remember that an accommodation does not change the content of instruction, change the expectations for learning, or reduce the requirements of a task
Examples of accommodations
Materials in Braille
Graphic organizers
Extended time on tests
(IRIS Center, 2022)
Learn more - https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/
Modification- "A change to the instruction or curriculum that alters either the content of that instruction or student performance expectations. Modifications are for students who need more intensive assistance than accommodations can provide" (IRIS Center, 2022)
It is important to remember that modifications do not change the expectation for learning or reduce the requirements of the learning task
Examples of modifications are
Reduced assignments
Different reading materials
Test on a smaller set of the content
(IRIS Center, 2022)
Learn more - https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/
Both of these plans ensure that students with exceptionalities succeed inside and outside of the classroom, but they are different in many ways.
Required by IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
IEP's are created by an IEP committee. This committee includes parents, teachers, psychologists, and school administrators.
An IEP has set goals and accommodations for student success.
An IEP is reviewed and updated regularly
(Edsource, 2022)
Refers to section 504 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
A 504 plan is created to make sure that students with exceptionalities are given equitable access to the classroom environment and materials
A 504 plan is created by the student's teachers and parents.
A 504 plan is updated every few years.
(Edsource, 2022)
Learn More Here: https://edsource.org/2022/parents-guide-to-504-plans-and-ieps-what-they-are-and-how-theyre-different/669493#:~:text=What's%20the%20difference%3F,Both%20are%20free.
Every day teachers around the United States have students who display signs of having an exceptionality. It is important for educators to understand the IEP referral process so that they can get these students the learning assistance they need.
Phase 1: Recognition
Phase 2: Pre-referral
Phase 3:Referal
Phase 4:Evaluation
Phase 5: Eligibility
Phase 6: IEP Process
Phase 7: IEP Implementation
Phase 8- IEP reevaluation
The referral process. Alliance of Private Special Education Schools of North Jersey. (2022, October 7). Retrieved December 19, 2022, from https://specialeducationalliancenj.org/the-referral-process/
Accommodations versus modifications EST.. time: 30 Minutes. (n.d.). Retrieved December 16, 2022, from https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/wp-content/uploads/pdf_activities/independent/IA_Accommodations_versus_Modifications.pdf
The referral process. Alliance of Private Special Education Schools of North Jersey. (2022, October 7). Retrieved December 19, 2022, from https://specialeducationalliancenj.org/the-referral-process/
Jones, C. (2022, March 31). Parents' guide to 504 plans and IEPS: What they are and how they're different. EdSource. Retrieved December 19, 2022, from https://edsource.org/2022/parents-guide-to-504-plans-and-ieps-what-they-are-and-how-theyre-different/669493#:~:text=What's%20the%20difference%3F,Both%20are%20free.
Person first and identity first language. AskEARN. (n.d.). Retrieved December 19, 2022, from https://askearn.org/page/people-first-language#:~:text=Person%20first%20language%20emphasizes%20the,is%20equally%20appropriate%20depending%20on