Question

What resources should be utilize when creating assessments to meet diverse students' needs in addition to accommodations? With whom might you make contact in order to obtain further information about students' needs? For example, this may refer to ELL students or students with IEPs

Answer 1

• Teachers use a variety of strategies to plan seating charts, from alphabetical order to complex arrangements based on ability. When considering the needs of IEP students—in particular those with behavior issues—choosing neighbors who will be positive role models is often the best strategy.
• Children want to fit in and want to please, as a general rule. They’re just not always sure what the appropriate way to blend into the class is. Seating them near students who will model appropriate actions can help them understand simple tasks such as note-taking, being on the right page in the text, or even raising their hand and waiting to be called upon.
• IEP students may test poorly, resulting in your believing they are learning little in your classroom. However, implementing alternative testing options can help students demonstrate what they have learned. Some options include:
• Giving answers orally, allowing students to explain what they do know, instead of just taking a standardized test with multiple choice questions.
• Testing with the special education teacher in an alternate setting with fewer distractions.
• Regardless of their disability, many IEP students benefit from visual aids to help them organize information. Study tools help students prioritize their learning and focus their efforts.
• The most important strategy to ensure IEP students’ success is to view them as individuals who have unique learning styles and needs, and work with them to create a learning plan that both you and they can be comfortable with. Implementing some of the above strategies will help you better meet the needs of your IEP students, as well as other students who may be struggling in your classroom.
• If you decide to pursue an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for your child, you’ll need to ask the school district for an educational evaluation.