3. Planning for Differentiated Instruction

Rationale: This is my Autism Research Paper. I spent many hours researching Autism and learn so much about the characteristics, etiology, and implications for physical education.

It is very important to have a good understanding of various differences in the students that I will have the opportunity to work with. Having this understanding helps me to be able to design my instruction to help each student participate and reach their goals.

I learned that students with autism can have vastly varying levels of severity, from mild to severe. A student may need to wear headphones, allowed to be able to take a break when over stimulated, or even just need to be able to roam freely in the gym. Each student is different and their needs can be met through modifications and accommodations in the PE setting.

Rationale: This is the contextual factors paper that I wrote before entering my fieldwork placement at Hillcrest High School. In summary I went to Illinoisschoolreportcard.com and research the contextual factors of the school before entering and beginning my teaching.

The value of this experience was immeasurable. Knowing the students you are teaching is absolutely necessary to be successful. Not all classroom is the same, we are here teaching students that live in the same real world that we do and everyone faces differences.

I learned the importance of knowing the students you are teaching and the community that you are teaching in. This is going to make strides in helping to meet the students where they are. I also learned that in teaching, there are so many factors that are not in your control. You have to be flexible and do your best with the resources that you have for the students in front of you.