Grader instructions excel 2019 projectmos19-xl_proj5 - charts 1.

Grader - Instructions Excel 2019 ProjectMOS19_XL_PROJ5
- Charts 1.3
Project Description:
In this project, you will manage charts to meet objectives 5.1
through 5.3 of the Excel MOS Associate exam. To complete the
project, you will create charts 5.1, modify charts 5.2, and
format charts 5.3.
Note: This project was created for PC users since the MOS
Exam is completed in the PC user environment.
Steps to Perform:
Step
Instructions
Points Possible
1
Start Excel. Download and open the file named
Student_MOS19_XL_PROJ5_Charts.xlsx. Save the file as
Last_First_MOS19_XL_PROJ5_Charts.
0
2
Edit the chart to include the 4th Quarter data series.
8
3
Change the Rows/Columns so that the Departments are the
Legend entries.
8
4
Resize the chart to the range B14:G30, ensuring that the chart is
just inside the cells' borders.
6
5
Insert a title for the chart and enter Government Expenses.
6
6
Add Alt Text to the chart and enter the description, Chart shows

a comparison of government expenses for the first through
fourth quarters.
10
7
Insert a 3-D Pie Chart comparing the Department Totals using
Departments as the legend. The chart title will display as
Department Total.
8
8
Move the Department Total chart to a new sheet and rename the
sheet Pie Chart.
6
9
Apply Chart Style 3, and then apply Colorful Palette 3.
8
10
On the Expenses worksheet use Quick Analysis to apply Data
Bars to the range F4:F11. Note, Mac users, apply Solid Blue
Data Bars to the range.
8
11
Ensure that the chart is not selected. Insert a Right Block Arrow
shape pointing to the Capital Projects data for the 4th Quarter
of the Government Expenses chart. Position the shape in row 18
and resize the shape so that the Height is 0.20 and the Width is
1.07.
Hint:
8
12
On the Pie Chart sheet, insert a Text Box in the Department
Total chart. Position the text box in the pie shape to the right of
the 29% data label. In the text box, type Largest percent, apply
Bold to the text, and then resize the Text Box to Height 0.30
and Width 1.2.

12
13
Change the Chart Layout to 1. Use the snipping tool to take a
rectangular snip of the Pie Chart Area including the title. Copy
and then paste the snip in cell I2 of the Expenses worksheet.
Resize the snip so that the upper left corner sits just inside the
cell borders of I2, Height 5.91 and Width 6.67.
12
14
Ensure the worksheets are in the following order: Pie Chart,
Expenses. Save and close
Last_First_MOS19_XL_PROJ5_Charts.xlsx. Exit Excel. Submit
the file as directed.
0
Total Points
100
Created On: 02/15/2021 1 MOS19_XL_PROJ5 - Charts 1.3
Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data
Henley, Martin, 1943-
Characteristics of and strategies for teaching students with mild
disabilities / Martin Henley, Roberta S. Ramsey, Robert F. Alg
ozzine. — 6th ed.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN-13: 978-1-323-45488-6
ISBN-10: 1-323-45488-8
1. Learning disabled—
United States. 2. Mainstreaming in education—
United States. 3. Behavior modification—
United States. I. Ramsey, Roberta S. II. Algozzine, Robert. III.
Title.
LC4705.H46 2009

371.9—dc22
2008022251
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nc.
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www.pearsonhighered.com
ISBN 13: 978-1-323-45488-6
ISBN 10: 1-323-45488-8 CHAPTER EIGHT
INSTRUCTING STUDENTS WITH MILD DISABILITIES
ADVANCE QUESTIONS
Answer the following questions as you read this chapter:
1. How do best instructional practices for students with mild dis
abilities compare with those used with general classroom studen
ts?
2. What is the difference between allocated time, engaged time,
and academic learning time?
3. How can teachers help students to improve organizational ski
lls?
4. What are some instructional accommodations that might be ut
ilized in the general education classroom to teach academic subj
ects like math, reading, and spelling?
5. What are some testing and grading accommodations? Why is
cooperative grading productive?
6. What are appropriate guidelines for assigning homework?
7. What is curriculum-based instruction? What are curriculum-
based goals and objectives? How are they used effectively?
8. What are some guidelines for writing individual education pr
ograms (IEPs)?
9. What is an educator’s tool kit? Name items that might be help
ful to have when teaching students with special needs. Would th
ese items also be used beneficially with regular classroom stude
nts?
VIGNETTE: SHIRLEY ALLEN

It was 3:00 a.m. and Shirley Allen was tossing and turning. Inst
ead of sleeping, she was worrying about the conversation she ha
d with Mr. Kane that afternoon. After 2 years of successful 4th-
grade teaching, her principal had asked her to participate in an i
nclusion program beginning with the new fall term. Shirley cons
idered all the additional responsibilities she would be taking on.
Her head buzzed with questions. How could she adapt the curri
culum to meet the needs of her special education students? Whic
h best teaching practices could she utilize with both general and
special education students in an inclusive classroom? What cha
nges would she make in how she used instructional time? How a
bout grading and homework; should she be consistent with all st
udents or make adjustments for the special needs students?
She was going to be responsible for helping develop individual
education programs (IEPs); how was she going to do that? Fortu
nately she had listened to old professor Moriarty’s warning at th
e end of her undergraduate course in mild disabilities. “Don’t se
ll your text back to the bookstore at the end of the semester,” he
said. “Someday you are going to need it.” Well, the time had co
me. Shirley got up and rummaged through the cartons she had st
ashed in the back of her closet. After 15 frantic minutes, she fou
nd the text. She breathed a sigh of relief and slowly turned the p
ages—
ah, so many fond memories, the yellow highlighting provided iri
descent testimony to her hard-
earned A in the course. She found the chapter on instructing stu
dents with mild disabilities and began reading. The guidelines f
or dealing with classroom organization, grading, homework, and
IEPs were clear and practical. Half an hour later, she closed the
book with a smile. Apprehension was replaced with excitement
over the challenge of setting up her inclusion program. “I can d
o this,” she thought as she wearily padded back to bed and doze
d off.
Many teachers have tossed and turned at night trying to figure o
ut the solution to difficult educational problems. There is a sayi
ng, “you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.” Whatever problems

faced by a teacher, he or she can be sure that others have faced
similar challenges—
and that others have found solutions. Within the pages of this ch
apter, there are many useful ideas for adjusting instruction to m
eet students’ individual needs. Although your immediate concer
n might be remembering this information for a test, don’t be sho
rtsighted and discard this information after the course is over. S
omeday, like Shirley Ann, you will have a class of your own. Th
is book and other resources such as professional organizations, t
he Internet, and fellow teachers are all there to lend support. So,
when you think about the challenges of teaching students with
mild disabilities for this course, also keep in mind that you are
preparing for your future. Here are some questions to get you st
arted.
1. Do you think Shirley Ann was overreacting to her new challe
nge?
2. What are some instructional practices that benefit both gener
al education and special education students?
3. Should grading and homework assignments be the same or dif
ferent for students with and without disabilities?
4. What is a teacher’s responsibility in terms of continuing prof
essional development?
5. What is the best source of helpful ideas when trying to figure
out educational problems?
BEST TEACHING PRACTICES
There is a common perception that students with mild disabilitie
s require instructional strategies that are distinctive from effecti
ve general classroom teaching methods. This assumption is base
d on past practices that characterized the formative years of spe
cial education. Just as medicine is geared toward treating diagn
osed disorders, past practices in special education were focused
on matching an educational treatment to specific types of mild d
isabilities. There were special instructional approaches to learni
ng disabilities and different approaches for students with mild i
ntellectual disabilities. Students were placed in special educatio

n programs based on the assumption that there was something in
trinsically wrong with them and that special education instructio
n would help remediate learning problems symptomatic of speci
fic disabling conditions.
Although some mild disabilities, such as dyslexia, are individua
lly derived, many mild disabilities are the result of a variety of
overlapping issues. Poverty, lack of school readiness skills, dys
functional families, disorganized classrooms, and a mismatch be
tween instruction and learner needs all contribute to a cycle of s
chool failure that can result in a special education placement.
Jenkins, Pious, and Peterson (1988) wanted to determine how st
udents with mild disabilities were different from other students.
The researchers analyzed differences between students identifie
d as learning disabled and students identified as underachievers.
They compared the instructional levels, learning rates, and lear
ning styles of each group. They found more similarities than dif
ferences between the two groups of students. Students with and
without disabilities had identical achievement levels. Individual
students in each group demonstrated considerable overlap in le
arning rate and instructional level.
SPEEDBUMP—
Do you remember from earlier chapters that identifying mild dis
abilities is a tricky business. When students are struggling in sc
hool it is difficult to be absolutely certain of the cause of the pr
oblem.
There are now two discrete sets of instructional methods: one se
t for use with “special” students and another set for use with “n
ondisabled” students. As used here, instructional methods refer
to basic instructional processes, such as the development of beh
avioral objectives, curricular-
based assessment procedures, task analysis, the arrangement of
antecedents and consequences, and open education/discovery le
arning methods. While some methods need to be tailored to indi
vidual characteristics and needs, few, if any, can be clearly dich
otomized into those applicable only for special students or only
for regular students, (Stainback & Stainback, 1984, 103)

Best teaching practices for general education students are often
best teaching practices for students with mild disabilities. The r
everse has been found to be true as well. Both classroom and sp
ecial education teachers have at their disposal instructional strat
egies to facilitate the learning of students with and without mild
disabilities.
When we talk about students with mild disabilities, underachiev
ers, and other hard-to-
teach students, qualitative distinctions among groups are difficu
lt to detect. The challenge for educators is to implement instruct
ional strategies that can change school failure to success for all
students.Time Management
Data about time management are based primarily on research in
general education classrooms. Researchers are interested in disc
overing how learning is influenced by teachers’ use of time. Ric
h and Ross (1989) found that teachers are allocated approximate
ly 55 percent of the classroom day for instruction, but only half
of that time, or 25 percent of the entire day, is utilized by stude
nts engaged in learning tasks. The researchers learned that out o
f an entire school day only one-
fourth of the time is spent learning.
SPEEDBUMP—Does the last sentence come as a surprise?
Jacob Kounin’s (1977) research on classroom organization in el
ementary and secondary schools bears testimony to how time is
wasted in classrooms. Kounin noted that many teaching behavio
rs disrupt lessons. He used such terms as thrusts, dangles, trunc
ations, and flip-
flops to describe common time wasters. Thrusts refer to intrusio
ns in lessons. Principal announcements over the loudspeaker are
an example of thrusts that interrupt lessons and make it difficul
t for teachers to get back on track. One inner-
city school teacher was so distracted by PA announcements that
his first action of the new school year was to disconnect the spe
aker from his classroom wall! This minor act of rebellion nearly
cost him his job.
Teachers often leave a lesson in midair, for example, when a vis

itor comes to the classroom door. Students may be left with a pe
rfunctory remark like “I’ll be out in the hall for a minute. Turn t
o page 36 in your workbooks and complete the problems.” Koun
in called this abrupt change a dangle. It is the rare group of stud
ents who would not take a teacher’s momentary absence as an in
vitation to relax and catch up on some classroom gossip. The en
suing reprimand upon the teacher’s return usually wastes more t
ime and creates an unpleasant mood. After such an incident, tea
cher and students are hard-
pressed to rejoin the lesson with their original enthusiasm.
Teachers flip-flop when they reverse direction in a lesson. Flip-
flops may be fostered by strategically minded students who wou
ld rather hear how Mrs. Jones spent her summer vacation on Ca
pe Cod than hear a lecture on the mollusk family. Teacher anecd
otes turn into tangents and digressions, which entertain both tea
cher and students while instructional time is sliced into smaller
pieces. When teachers flip-
flop, students with mild disabilities can become confused. This
confusion might be misinterpreted as a lack of attention to the l
esson. The teacher who begins a lesson on multiplication of frac
tions and then realizes that some review in fractions is needed,
may move back and forth too abruptly for students to keep track
of the central ideas. Students with weak listening or attending s
kills will be unable to follow the teacher’s train of thought.
Truncations occur when a teacher abruptly ends a lesson and mo
ves to something else without alerting students to the change. T
he conclusion of a lesson and transition to the next topic is one
of the most critical parts of instructional time. Many behavior p
roblems occur because of disorganized transitions. Dealing with
classroom disruptions is a major time waster. By moving smoot
hly from one lesson to the next, the teacher diminishes manage
ment problems and focuses students’ attention on the next lesso
n.
SPEEDBUMP—
Write the previous terms in your notebook and observe how man
y examples you encounter during a week of classes.

Kounin found that teachers who were able to maintain a group f
ocus were most successful in using instructional time. These tea
chers were able to monitor the entire class without being distrac
ted by minor incidents that could cause the entire class to beco
me diverted, like stopping a class discussion because there is a
piece of paper on the floor or because someone isn’t paying atte
ntion. Such teachers demonstrate “with-
itness” and “overlapping.” They are able to work with an indivi
dual student without losing track of the rest of the group. Stude
nts describe a teacher who demonstrates “with-
itness” as having “eyes in the back of her head.”Academic Lear
ning Time
Berliner (1988) defines academic learning time as “time engage
d with materials or activities related to the outcome measure bei
ng used (e.g., an end-of-
unit or achievement test), during which a student experiences a
high success rate” (p. 15). When teachers evaluate students spec
ifically on subjects in which students were engaged, academic l
earning time will improve. If this sounds confusing, let’s look a
t it from a different point of view.
Suppose a 6th-
grade teacher allocates 60 minutes a day to whole-
language instruction of reading. She has selected this teaching
method because she gets higher student involvement. At the end
of the year, the school system administers a standardized readin
g achievement test. There is a vocabulary section in which stude
nts are required to give the meaning of solitary words. Also incl
uded are timed reading comprehension sections, which include p
aragraphs of increasing complexity. The test favors students wit
h strong phonetic skills. Her students are going to do poorly on
this test because it is measuring a different set of skills than the
y were taught. If academic learning time is to improve, then cur
riculum, instruction, learning, and evaluative measures must me
sh. The amount of time a student spends demonstrating a specifi
c skill is important to school success. Teachers who are able to
monitor student progress through observation, pre-

and posttesting, informal testing, and student portfolios are mo
st effective in enhancing academic learning time. This procedur
e is called curriculum-
based assessment. (Refer to the section later in this chapter.)
Materials that are too difficult impede academic learning time.
This is a particularly nettlesome problem for teachers of student
s with mild disabilities. What do you give a 15-year-old, street-
wise, inner-city youth, who is on a 1st-
grade reading level to read? How do you reteach fundamental m
ath concepts to 18-year-
olds who need manipulative materials? One solution is high-
interest library books (perhaps with brown paper on the covers)
for reading and functional activity lessons (measuring, check wr
iting, grocery budgets) for mathematics. Students who have fail
ed with the traditional basal texts are not going to improve thro
ugh drill and repetition with similar materials.
To improve academic learning time, students require opportuniti
es to practice skills in novel situations. They need to see how sk
ills can be demonstrated and generalized to other settings. It doe
sn’t help to teach students to read if they never pick up a book t
o read for enjoyment or if they don’t know how to read the class
ified section of the newspaper. Berliner (1988) illustrates the int
errelationship between allocated time, engaged time, and acade
mic learning time:
If 50 minutes of reading instruction per day is allocated to a stu
dent who pays attention about one-
third of the time (engaged learning) and only one-
fourth of the student’s reading time is a high level of success, th
e student will experience only about four minutes of ALT [acad
emic learning time]—
engaged reading time at a high success level. Similarly, if 100
minutes per day is allocated [to] reading for a student who pays
attention 85 percent of the time and is at a high level of success
for almost two-
thirds of the time, that student will experience about 52 minutes
of ALT. (p. 17)

There are many reasons why students experience lesser amounts
of academic learning time. Distractibility, inadequate study skil
ls, emotional problems, disorderly classrooms, and disorganized
instruction are samples of the reasons academic learning time i
s minimal for students (Copple et al., 1992; Kane, 1994; WestE
d., 2000). Students with mild disabilities are placed in double je
opardy when they are pulled out of their classroom for special e
ducation services. Unless the resource room teacher is duplicati
ng materials and instructional strategies utilized in the general c
lassroom at the time of the student’s absence, academic learning
time will be lost day after day, week after week, month after m
onth. This is a strong argument for inclusion.
SPEEDBUMP—
The authors sincerely hope that by this time they have debunked
the myth that the best place for students with mild disabilities t
o catch up academically is in an alternative special education cl
assroom.Selecting Instructional Materials
Teachers are faced with difficult decisions about which instructi
onal materials to select for students, especially those with mild
disabilities. When given the choice, Ramsey (1988; 1995a) disc
overed that teachers most often select instructional materials wi
th which they were trained to use and thus are more familiar to t
hem. Materials that are more comfortable to their teaching style
are more readily selected; availability also is important in their
selection.
Smith (1983) maintains that the most appropriate materials for a
teacher to use with students who have learning problems are th
ose that
■ have a logical, hierarchical sequence of instructional objectiv
es
■ are adaptable to a variety of learning styles (e.g., adventurer,
ponderer, drifter)
■ cover the same objectives in multiple ways
■ pretest to determine where teaching should begin
■ have a built-
in evaluation mechanism for determining mastery of instruction

al objectives
■ allow students to proceed at their own rate and skip objectives
they have already mastered
■ have reinforcement activities
To this list, Ramsey (1995a) adds a few additional criteria for th
e selection of instructional materials. Readers tend to be more i
nterested in reading stories when they see pictures and other illu
strations that are representative of themselves, their friends, and
their families. Identification with one’s culture, gender, and ag
e is important. Likewise, content and vocabulary need to be at e
ach student’s reading level.Teacher and Student Communication
Effective teaching depends on good communication between tea
cher and students (Jones & Jones, 1986). The communication pr
ocess may break down if the message cannot be heard, understo
od, or is misinterpreted. When any of these happen, communicat
ion exchanges are disrupted.
By using effective communication skills, a teacher has more ass
urance that the intended message is getting across to the student
s. By being a model of a good listener, a teacher can help studen
ts learn to listen and respond appropriately to others. Attention i
s the prerequisite to listening, followed by clarity and the abilit
y to ask probing questions.
SPEEDBUMP—
The National Association of College and Employers 2007 surve
y indicated that good communication skills is the number one at
tribute employers look for in college graduates. (www.naceweb.
org)
Attention. For some students, special techniques are employed t
o gain and hold their attention (Morsink, 1984; Jones & Jones, 1
981; Ramsey, Dixon, & Smith, 1986; Stephens, 1977). For insta
nce, the teacher might first call the student by name when askin
g a question to ensure attending by that individual; conversely t
he teacher can ask the question before calling the name of a stu
dent to create greater interest or anticipation from members of t
he group. Selecting students at random to answer questions help
s to keep everybody alert and listening. Enthusiasm and keeping

lessons short and interactive assists in maintaining the attentio
n of those students with attending problems. Some students may
be better able to focus their attention when environmental distr
actions are eliminated or at least reduced and nonverbal signals
can be used to draw students’ attention to the task. Attending sk
ills can be taught through games that encourage active listening.
Arranging the classroom so that all students can see the teacher
helps direct attention to the appropriate location. Finally, by pa
ying close attention when students speak, teachers become good
models for attending skills.
Clarity. Teachers can improve the clarity of their communicatio
n in many ways (Gloeckler & Simpson, 1988; Lewis & Doorlag,
1987). One is to give clear, precise directions. Teachers can si
mplify verbal directions by using shorter sentences, familiar wo
rds, and relevant explanations. Asking a student to repeat directi
ons or to demonstrate understanding of them by carrying out the
instructions is an effective way of monitoring clarity of express
ion. In addition, clarification can be achieved by the use of conc
rete objects and multidimensional teaching aids, and by modelin
g (i.e., demonstrating) what should be done in a practice situati
on.
Finally, a teacher can clarify communications by using a variety
of vocal inflections. The use of intonation (i.e., stresses on cert
ain words or sounds) and juncture (i.e., spacing of words) can a
dd clarity to a message. For example, pausing before stating key
words or stressing those that convey particular meanings helps
students.
In situations involving behavior and feelings, the more immedia
te the feedback, the more helpful it is. Disturbing situations sho
uld be discussed as they occur. For example:
Buddy’s father is a salesman and travels during the week. One S
unday evening, he told Buddy all the things that had bothered hi
m during the weekend. His dad did not feel that Buddy had been
glad to see him on Friday evening, and he thought that Buddy s
pent too much time with his friends instead of with him on Satu
rday and Sunday. Buddy felt that he was being “dumped on” and

that his good traits were overlooked, so he withdrew and poute
d. Communication ended and nothing was really resolved betwe
en Buddy and his dad during that encounter.
Had Buddy’s father talked with him throughout the weekend as t
hings occurred, perhaps his feelings of being left out of his son’
s life could have been assuaged. Had Buddy known how his fath
er felt earlier, he could have reassured him by doing something
special with him.
Johnson (1972) gives several suggestions that teachers can use
when providing feedback. First, give a student only the amount
of feedback that he or she can understand at that time. Overload
ing a student with feedback reduces chances that the feedback w
ill be used. Second, describe what happened rather than making
judgmental evaluations about the situation. For instance, “You n
eed to be sure to pronounce clearly the words at the end of your
sentences,” rather than, “You don’t make a good public speaker.
” Last, give objective feedback; avoid moralizing. Do not make
personal judgments about statements made by the students or th
eir behavior. Instead, give the students descriptive feedback; for
example, “Johnny, the rule says you need your pencil and paper
ready to begin work,” rather than, “You always forget your not
ebook!”
Questions. Berliner (1979) noted that the cognitive thinking lev
el of the questions that teachers ask typically is low rather than
high. For example, a lower-
level question asks for a literal answer, such as “Who was the fi
rst astronaut?” A higher-
level question requires a student to apply knowledge, analyze an
d synthesize information, or make evaluations and interpretation
s. For instance, “Why do astronauts weigh less in space than on
Earth?” requires students to apply their knowledge of gravity. B
oth lower- and higher-
level cognitive questions are relevant and are needed in classroo
m learning; however, teachers may need to focus on asking mor
e higher-level questions.
Asking lower-

level questions encourages student participation and builds fact
ual knowledge. From these bases of knowledge, higher-
order questions stimulate and facilitate the development of more
sophisticated thinking, such as analyzing or evaluating an idea.
In the long run, students achieve considerably more when their
thinking is heightened and expanded.
Regardless of the level of a question, Belch (1975) suggests stra
tegies for improving teachers’ questioning skills.
1. Ask questions that require more than a yes-or-no response.
2. Allow sufficient time for students to deliberate the question.
3. Reword or restate questions when students fail to respond or
respond incorrectly.
4. Challenge student responses in a professional way. Avoid giv
ing “put-downs” or other belittling responses.
5. Direct questions to all students and not just to volunteers or t
he brighter ones.
6. Try to sequence your questions. Encourage students to use lo
gical thinking and build one question on another, or build one q
uestion on the answer given to a previous question.Graphic Org
anizers
Graphic organizers are specific instructional organization tools t
hat have been used successfully with students in both regular an
d special education classrooms. These students have learning ne
eds that span across a continuum, yet most are expected to learn
the same content as their peers.
Many textbooks and curriculum guides provide reproducible gra
phic organizers; however, Baxendell (2003) states that often the
se contain too much information for some learners. He suggests
using computer drawing programs or Inspiration 6 (a computer
program for creating graphic organizers), in order to design and
customize graphic organizers to meet the specific needs of stude
nts. To make a main-idea-and-
detail chart, Baxendell says to identify the main idea as the cent
ral concept and place the details off center. By doing so, the stu
dents have a visual reminder of the hierarchical relationship bet
ween the concepts. The same approach is used for cause-and-

effect diagrams and sequence charts. The use of arrows, lines, a
nd numbers assists students in seeing the flow of ideas. By label
ing the relationships and concepts, students can better understan
d and internalize particular content.
Sequence charts can be used to display the chain of events in va
rious academic areas. Baxendell (2003) states, “We use them in
reading to review the key elements in a story, in writing to orga
nize ‘how to’ paragraphs or short stories, and in social studies t
o create time lines” (p. 50). Students can be assisted in visualizi
ng steps in math multistep word problems or calculations, as we
ll as procedures in scientific experiments. Baxendell also uses t
he sequence chart in pre- and post–field-
trip activities. Before going on the field trip, the chart helps stu
dents to anticipate what they will be doing during the day. After
returning from the field trip, students (individually, in small gr
oups, or the class as a whole) can create their own sequence cha
rt of what they did and learned. An essential component in stude
nt understanding of the information is to have all flow going in
one direction, either from left to right or from top to bottom.
The most common of the compare-and-
contrast graphic organizers is the Venn diagram. This diagram o
ffers a visual display of the similarities and differences between
two or three main ideas, and can be used across the curriculum
in most subject areas. For example, in literature, Venn diagrams
can be used to compare characters, stories, genres, problems, a
nd solutions. In science, they can be used to differentiate betwe
en animal types or kingdoms, body parts, weather systems, plan
ets, or ecosystems. Social studies, reading, writing, languages, p
hysical education, math—
the application to subject matter in all of these areas of the curri
culum will be beneficial. Graphic organizers benefit all learners
, especially those in inclusive classrooms, because of the wide s
pectrum of learner skills and needs. Figure 8.1 provides exampl
es of three types of graphic organizers: a KWHL chart, a double
cell diagram, and a Venn diagram.
SPEEDBUMP—

If you want to see some graphic organizers to download for you
r student teaching, go to www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer.
FIGURE 8.1
Student Organization
Organization is important for success in the general education cl
assroom, and students with mild disabilities often have organiza
tion problems. Particular areas in which organization assistance
might be needed include: (1) keeping track of materials and assi
gnments, (2) following directions, (3) completing class assignm
ents, and (4) completing homework assignments.
Keeping Track of Materials and Assignments.Roberto, a 5th gra
der, has a problem keeping track of his materials and homework
assignments. One day, his English teacher gave him a slip of pa
per that excused him from that evening’s homework in her class
. He had earned this waiver by receiving good grades on a speci
fied number of prior homework assignments. When handed this
paper, Roberto jammed it into one of his pants pockets. The nex
t day, his teacher asked the students to turn in either their home
work assignment or their homework waiver. Roberto suddenly r
ealized that he had neither the excuse nor the homework.
What can be done in the classroom to help students like Roberto
learn responsibility? He could keep all of his schoolwork in a l
arge loose-
leaf notebook and not in single folders that can be lost easily. St
udents with mild disabilities may not have the materials and sup
plies necessary to begin their class work. This is especially a pr
oblem when students move from one classroom to another for di
fferent subjects. These students need to be shown how to organi
ze and plan ahead for classroom needs. One way to help student
s develop judgment and planning skills is to teach them strategy
games like Monopoly, checkers, or chess. Mnemonic devices an
d lists help students organize priorities (McCoy & Prehm, 1987)
.
Following Directions.Maria has problems following classroom d
irections. Invariably, Maria answers the wrong set of questions,
uses the wrong type of paper, or, in some way, exhibits difficult

ies following directions.
Before giving directions to students like Maria, have them clear
their desks of distracting objects. A cleared desk helps students
to focus attention, as does maintaining eye contact while stating
directions. Break directions into parts one, two, and three. Prov
ide visual cues. For example, write key words or steps on the ch
alkboard or on a large chart. Ask students to restate the directio
ns as they understand them. If directions are written, underline
or circle directional words. Gloeckler and Simpson (1988) cauti
on against giving directions to a group several times. Students
may “tune out” the initial instructions because they have learne
d that the directions will be repeated. In addition, the instructio
ns may be reworded the second time, and thus become confusin
g. Encourage students to ask for clarifications if part of the dire
ctions are missed or misunderstood.
Students sometimes experience problems in proper sequencing.
To assist with this difficulty, keep the number of directions in a
sequence to a minimum. Check to see if the student understands
the order in which the directions were given. This can be done
by listening to him or her repeat the directions in sequence (Glo
eckler & Simpson, 1988).
Completing Class Assignments.“Class, you have 10 more minut
es to finish your assignment,” said Mrs. Green. Even that won’t
help Janice, she thought, as she walked by the girl’s desk. Look
at her paper—
she hasn’t even written six math problems on it! I wish I knew
what I could do to get her to finish her class assignments!
Some students, like Janice, have difficulty completing class assi
gnments on time. Before looking for strategies that might be hel
pful with particular students, teachers might analyze how they a
re going about assigning work. First, is adequate time being giv
en to finish assigned tasks? Not everyone works at the same pac
e, and some students require more time than others. Therefore, a
s in Janice’s case, Mrs. Green could assist her in pacing her wor
k. After advising students of exactly how much time is being all
owed, Mrs. Green could help Janice set a kitchen timer on her d

esk that shows her just how much time she has spent on a partic
ular assignment, and how much time is left. Or Janice could be
given an assignment sheet with two blank clocks, one for the tea
cher or student to fill in hands to signify time to begin and one f
or drawing hands to end that task. With either of these time rem
inders, a reward system for completed work would help reinforc
e student efforts.
SPEEDBUMP—
Be cautious about using rewards. Used too often, rewards beco
me a distraction for both teachers and students. For an excellent
critique on the use of rewards in classrooms, see Alfie Kohn’s
book, Punished by Rewards: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incen
tive Plans, A’s, Praise and Other Bribes (1999).
Several other strategies help students with mild disabilities com
plete work. Students need to know exactly when assignments m
ust be turned in. Mini-
deadlines set throughout the day periodically alert students to w
ork that is due to be turned in. Scheduling a brief free-
time period before work is due allows some catch-
up time if needed.
Completing Homework Assignments.Completing homework assi
gnments is a problem for Doug, a 4th grader. It’s not that Doug
won’t do the work; he does what he can. His problem is that the
homework assignments given by his teacher cover new concepts
he has yet to master. Why don’t his parents help him? Well, his
father is a sales representative and travels most week days. His
mother works part-
time as a nurse at one of the nearby hospitals. The family with
whom Doug stays during the evenings while his mom works is s
o busy with their own activities that no help is possible there.
The tasks assigned by Doug’s teacher are in the category of new
tasks, not practice tasks. Because his teacher is overlooking thi
s basic principle, she is placing Doug in a dilemma. Students sh
ould be assigned homework that they are capable of completing
successfully by themselves with parent monitoring. Tasks that a
re too difficult instill feelings of frustration and hopelessness in

students.
Homework helps in the improvement of students’ study skills, at
titudes toward school, and an awareness that learning occurs in
other places than school. Other non-
academic benefits include the fostering of independence and res
ponsibility. Homework involves parents in the school process,
makes them more aware of what their child is studying, and sign
als support of their child’s education (Cooper, 1989b).
There can be a negative side to homework. For example, too mu
ch work on the same topic leads to boredom. Homework should
not deprive a youngster of recreational activities. If parents try t
o assist their child with homework, their use of different method
s from that of the child’s teacher can cause confusion. Not unde
rstanding what or how to do a homework assignment can result i
n copying or cheating.
Homework too often accentuates inequities in home environmen
ts. For instance, some children do not have quiet, well-
lighted places to do their homework; some do not have the nece
ssary materials; and some, like Doug, do not have someone to a
nswer their questions or monitor their homework.
What can be done to reap the benefits of homework, yet make s
ure individual student abilities and home situations are consider
ed? First, remember that only practice tasks should be given as
homework. Second, when deciding on the amount of homework,
the objective is for the student to practice things learned at sch
ool; thus, too much homework, especially if practiced with error
s, can be harmful.
England and Flatley (1985) encourage teachers to talk with their
students when homework problems arise. They suggest that tea
chers ask their students whether they need help or if they are co
nfused about a homework assignment. Legitimate reasons may p
reclude completing a particular homework assignment. Some ho
mework “do’s and don’ts” listed by England and Flatley are giv
en in Figure 8.2.
FIGURE 8.2 Do’s and Don’ts of Homework

Source: England & Flatley (1985), pp. 36–37.
Coordinate homework with parents. One way to do this is to hav
e students keep a special notebook or folder in which homework
assignments are recorded. Such a log would include type of ass
ignment, specific instructions, when it was taken home, and whe
n it was completed. Parents might be asked to sign the page on
which the day’s homework assignments are recorded. Keeping a
homework log would ensure that parents know each day what t
heir child is assigned for homework. An alternative is to ask par
ents to sign the actual homework papers either before they are t
urned in or after they have been graded and returned to the youn
gster. Encourage parents to reward successful completion of ho
mework assignments.
SPEEDBUMP—
Homework is everyone’s bugaboo. Make assignments more man
ageable for students and parents by using a website such as ww
w.schoolnotes.com.Student Performance
Self-Esteem. A person’s overall self-appraisal of their self-
worth is called self-
esteem. Teachers may have stereotyped perceptions of students
with mild disabilities; likewise, expectations of these students
may be less than what is expected of other students (Coleman, 1
985; Siperstein & Goding, 1985). Students often pick up on thei
r teachers’ perceptions and develop similar negative stereotypes
toward classmates with mild disabilities.
Teachers can serve as positive role models; that is, model positi
ve behaviors toward students with mild disabilities in order to c
reate an environment of acceptance and support. Teachers do thi
s by conveying that they want to work with the students and by
supporting efforts made by the students.
Sara and Juanita have low self-
esteem due to their learning problems. Both girls are in their ear
ly teens, come from middle-
class backgrounds, and are popular with their peers. Sara experi
ences difficulty comprehending what she has read. Even though
she rereads a passage several times, she still has problems answ

ering questions about the passage she just read. Juanita, on the
other hand, has difficulty with written expression. She reads ass
igned subject content with ease and can tell you what she has re
ad, but cannot write legible responses to short-answer or essay-
type questions. Sara has withdrawn and become quiet in class, w
hereas Juanita acts belligerent and sassy.
Both of these students would benefit from successes in the areas
in which they are experiencing difficulties. By following a few
practical suggestions, a classroom teacher can help students suc
h as Sara and Juanita.
First, assign tasks in which the students can succeed, and make
certain that the assignments are understood so they can be carrie
d out successfully. Point out something favorable about each stu
dent’s daily work, and praise efforts, even if progress is small.
Whenever offering constructive criticism, recognize the effort t
hat was made and explain the desired outcome rather than just c
alling attention to shortcomings.
Much of a youngster’s self-
esteem is tied to social acceptance. Students can make contribut
ions to class discussions by explaining a concept or discussing a
topic with which they are familiar. Simulations and role-
play activities help students to rehearse social responses; cooper
ative learning provides opportunities to learn with other student
s. Peer tutoring develops feelings of satisfaction in helping othe
r persons. Grouping students with low self-
esteem with classmates who have similar interests enhances soci
al conversation so they can more easily work together on class p
rojects. Providing time for students to share positive accomplish
ments with classmates and to write daily happenings in a private
journal also builds self-confidence.
Encourage students to use computer-
based composition so that writing more easily can be edited. Wr
iting on the computer encourages trial, error, and practice. Mark
and give credit for students’ correct and acceptable work, not j
ust their mistakes and errors (e.g., circle or put checks by correc
t responses, indicate number correct with a plus symbol).

Study Skills. Knowing how to study is essential to successful p
erformance in school. Students with mild disabilities demonstrat
e poor study skills (Polloway et al., 1989). Many teachers are ei
ther unaware that study skills must be taught to these students o
r do not know how to teach these kinds of skills (Scruggs & Ma
stropieri, 1986).
SPEEDBUMP—
Who hasn’t had the experience of spending an hour with a book
and on closing it not being able to remember what was read. Wh
at do you recall from the last three pages you have read? The m
ore interactive you can make your reading—
like writing questions and comments in the margins—
the better your recall.
R.J., a 6th grader, exemplifies this problem. During early eleme
ntary school years, R.J. had no problem reading assigned stories
, doing basic math operations, and spelling weekly spelling wor
ds. Therefore, R.J.’s parents were perplexed when he began brin
ging home low grades in science and social studies. There was n
o doubt that R.J. was reading the assigned chapters in his scienc
e and social studies textbooks but he made failing test scores in
these subjects. His parents and teacher discovered that R.J.’s lac
k of effective study skills left him ill-
prepared for tests in these classes.
One way to learn if students need to improve their study skills i
s to ask them questions about their study habits. Stephens, Blac
khurst, and Magliocca (1988) recommend using a checklist for t
his purpose. See Figure 8.3 for the study habits checklist.
Often, students like R.J. read the pages but don’t comprehend w
hat the written passages mean. The SQ3R method of study is eff
ective in helping students to better comprehend what they are re
ading (Cheek & Cheek, 1983; Mercer & Mercer, 1985). The SQ
3R study skill teaches students to:
■ survey or scan the material: read the title, first paragraph, sub
headings, last paragraph
■ develop questions: change the title and subheadings into quest
ions

■ read the material: find answers to the questions
■ recite both the questions and answers
■ review the material: recite questions and answers daily (Walla
ce & Kauffman, 1986).
FIGURE 8.3 Study Habits Checklist
Source: Adapted from Stephens, Blackhurst, & Magliocca (1988
), pp. 160–161.
The SQ3R method can be modified and used to help students bet
ter understand math problems (Georgia Department of Educatio
n, 1989). The student procedure is as follows:
■ survey or scan the whole problem to determine what needs to
be done
■ change the math problem into a series of questions
■ determine the facts that need to be answered
■ determine processes needed to answer the facts
■ perform computation to solve the problems
■ question the answer by checking the computation
Reading comprehension is enhanced when students can relate th
eir personal experiences to what they are reading. Because each
reader’s background will vary, involve students in firsthand exp
eriences (e.g., field trips) when possible. Another method is to s
timulate students’ thinking about a topic before oral or silent re
ading begins (Wilson, 1983). Polloway and colleagues (1989) su
ggest having the teacher introduce a reading selection by saying
, “As you read, think about what you would do if you were caug
ht in a flood like Van is in this story” (p. 229). This helps a stud
ent personalize a story.
Active reading is encouraged when a teacher initiates a discussi
on related to the selection the students are about to read. For ex
ample, encourage students to comment on a passage by giving t
heir opinions or by having students read a passage and justify or
change their original opinions (Polloway et al., 1989). When st
udents make predictions about the story and generate their own
questions, their comprehension is improved.
Students with mild disabilities frequently feel overwhelmed wit

h the amount of material they are expected to learn. The teacher
can reduce the amount of written work that is presented or assi
gned (Carbo, Dunn, & Dunn, 1986; Schulz, Carpenter, & Turnb
ull, 1991). Students can demonstrate mastery of learning materi
al through projects (Lewis & Doorlag, 1987). For example, stud
ents can track the position of planets in relation to the sun by co
nstructing a mobile on which Styrofoam balls representing the p
lanets are scaled in size and distance from a sun. Projects such a
s these enhance interest in learning.
SPEEDBUMP—
Tiny Pluto is no longer a planet. That’s probably a good thing b
ecause if you tried to do an exact scale of the distance of the Ea
rth from Pluto by reducing the Earth to the size of a pea, Pluto
would be a mile and a half away.
INSTRUCTIONAL ACCOMMODATIONS, MODIFICATIONS,
AND STRATEGIES
Accommodations, modifications, and strategies are all common
terms used in education today. Sometimes these terms have been
used interchangeably in the literature to refer to adjustment of t
he facilities, curriculum, and instruction relating to the educatio
n of students with disabilities (Price, Mayfield, McFadden, & M
arsh, 2001). Effective teachers need to know what each of these
terms means so that the accommodations, modifications, and str
ategies can be successfully utilized with students in whatever ed
ucational setting they are being taught.
Accommodations refer to the actual teaching supports and servi
ces that the student may require to demonstrate what has been le
arned successfully. These include adjustments in the instruction
of students, and approaches whereby the learning environment o
f the students is modified to promote learning. The basic curricu
lum is not changed. Some examples are additional time for tests
, projects, and assignments; oral, open book or take home tests;
reports written or given orally; taped stories; paired reading; ma
th charts; use of manipulative objects; preferred seating; study c

arrel; cooperative groups; peer tutors; use of a scribe; personal
note taker; study guides; written notes, outlines and instructions
; taped books; audio tape or CD; use of a scribe; calculators; co
mputers; use of a word processor; spelling and grammar assistiv
e devices; specialized computer software; alternative ways of co
mpleting assignments; and so on (Department of Student Servic
es, 2007; Special Connections, 2007a).
Modifications refer to changes made to curriculum expectations
in order to meet the needs of the student. Generally, modificatio
ns are made when the expectations are beyond the student’s leve
l of ability. Examples are including a student in the same activit
y but individualizing the expectations, materials, and/or tasks.
Strategies refer to skills or techniques used to assist in learning.
Strategies are individualized to suit the student’s learning style
and developmental level. Examples include highlighting, rehear
sal, color coding, memory joggers, visual cues, number lines, an
d so on.
If a student has an IEP and is receiving special education, then
he or she is receiving accommodations in the general education
classroom if they are needed. In addition, students served under
Section 504 of Public Law 93-
112 are guaranteed the same right to reasonable accommodation
s. Section 504 is a federal law that provides accommodations fo
r any student with a disability, whether or not he or she is eligib
le for special education. Accommodations are intended to level t
he playing field and prevent discrimination. In either case, it wa
s agreed by a multidisciplinary team about which accommodatio
ns are reasonable and needed for the student to succeed in the g
eneral education classroom (Baumel, 2007; Special Connections
, 2007b).
Price and colleagues (2001) state:
Accommodations may involve the use of modified instructional
techniques, more flexible administrative practices, modified aca
demic requirements, or any compensatory activity that emphasiz
es the use of stronger, more intact capabilities or that provides
modified or alternative educational processes and/or goals. (p. 1

)
Accommodations are determined on a case-by-
case basis. The utilization of accommodations, modifications, a
nd instructional strategies often are looked upon differently by
general classroom teachers and special education teachers. For i
nstance, most general education teachers are interested in teachi
ng subject matter content while special educators are concerned
with remediating underlying learning deficiencies. Elementary a
nd secondary level teachers have competing influences on them.
Regardless, best teaching practices encourage the appropriate u
se of accommodations, modifications, and strategies so that stud
ents reach their potential (Price, et al., 2001).
One type of math accommodation that often is needed is a reduc
ed number of problems for seat work. For instance, why require
Carlos, who works at a pace much slower than his classmates, to
work out 20 long-
division problems when he can show he knows how to do the ma
thematical operations by answering five of these problems corre
ctly? And when Cathy experiences difficulties with division, wh
y not use error analysis? That is, pinpoint what she is doing pro
cedurally that is causing the same error to occur in several probl
ems. When error analysis is applied, the student has only one ca
lculation error to correct.
Questioning accommodations are useful as well. For example, th
e usual way that teachers give spelling tests is by pronouncing
words orally and having students write them. Instead, the teache
r could give students word choices that are similar and have the
m underline or circle the correct spelling of words from a multi
ple-
choice format. It also is possible to use the cloze procedure in w
hich the teacher deletes selected letters which must then be fille
d in by students. Similarly, the teacher can alter the instruction
by having students work at learning centers and use picture dire
ctions rather than written sentences—
or use a buddy system whereby one student reads the instruction
s, and the other performs the tasks.

Reading accommodations can be made before, during, and after
students read (Figure 8.4). One that can be made prior to the act
ual reading experience is teaching textbook structure (headings,
subheadings, different print, introductory and summary paragrap
hs). Teach students to understand how and for what reasons thes
e items are employed. Preteaching students the vocabulary word
s in the context in which they will be read is another way of pre
paring readers before they actually read. Pair question numbers
from a study guide with page numbers on which the information
can be found. Use advance organizers to help students look for
essential ideas as they read. These can later be used for reviewi
ng what was read and for homework activities (CEC Staff, 1997
).
FIGURE 8.4 Instructional Accommodations
Source:CEC Staff, 1997c, p. 15.
Some accommodations can be made to assist readers as they acti
vely read the story or content assigned. One way is to teach acti
ve reading. The student reads a paragraph, covers it, and recites
the main point and/or important information in his or her own w
ords. Another instructional accommodation is to tape record the
text. Recorded text segments should be clear and short. Have an
overview of the selection prepared so that the student can revie
w what he or she is going to hear on the tape. Also, while taping
, give the reader page numbers and summarize important inform
ation periodically.
In order to present content at secondary students’ reading and c
omprehension levels, a teacher might write information presente
d in textbooks on the blackboard or on an overhead, develop cha
pter outlines, code paragraphs to chapter questions, and so forth
. This is done using magic markers to highlight the main idea, t
opic, and specific vocabulary words or letters. Another instructi
onal accommodation is to give students a partial outline of impo
rtant information, and ask them to complete it while they are rea
ding. A review of their responses following the reading exercise
is helpful in accomplishing follow-up and provides an after-

reading checkup.Accommodations Using TechnologyAudio Text
Recordings.
According to Boyle and colleagues (2002), many middle grade a
nd high school students experience difficulty reading and compr
ehending assigned textbooks because they have poor reading ski
lls and lack effective learning strategies. In addition, assigned t
extbooks often have readability levels beyond the abilities of st
udents with mild disabilities. Secondary students must read text
books independently, demonstrate mastery of content informatio
n, and apply previously acquired knowledge to new learning situ
ations. Unlike elementary students, secondary students with lear
ning disabilities and other high-
incidence cognitive disabilities must “read to learn rather than j
ust learn to read” (p. 50).
SPEEDBUMP—
We advance these ideas with trepidation, knowing full well that
our readers are no doubt way ahead of your middle-
aged authors when it comes to the topic of electronic technolog
y.
Audio texts have become more efficient due to the introduction
of DAISY—
compatible digital books, like those offered by Recording for th
e Blind & Dyslexic. A single CD can hold up to 45 hours of rec
orded material, which is about the size of a standard textbook. T
he CD can be placed into the playback machine, the desired pag
e number entered, and with a press of a button, the machine qui
ckly advances to the requested page. Moreover, the speed of the
reader’s voice can be adjusted to be heard more slowly or more
rapidly.
E-books and Accommodations. E-
books are electronic texts containing features that can be classif
ied as accommodations (Cavanaugh, 2002). An e-
book comprises three different components: an e-
book file, software to read the e-
book, and a hardware device with which to read it, such as a co
mputer, laptop, or handheld device. E-

books can be created from common forms of electronic text with
readily available programs. They also are available through onl
ine libraries and bookstores.
E-
books are available in a variety of formats. Some are specific fo
r certain computer platforms while others are cross-
platform. HTML or text-based e-
books can be used in standard browsers. With this format, users
can adjust text styles, sizes, and colors. They also can search wi
thin the e-
book, then copy and paste selected text to other programs. Other
formats in which e-
books are available include Adobe PDF, Rocket, Palm, MS Read
er, Mobi, and eBookMan.
In contrast to school textbooks, which cannot be marked in and
are somewhat heavy to transport in book bags, e-
books are easier to transport, lightweight, have adjustable text s
izes, can be highlighted and bookmarked, can be used with note
taking, contain interactive dictionaries, and even read-
aloud features. These features allow for many types of special a
ccommodations and adaptations in order to meet the needs of st
udents. The voice output, interactive dictionaries, and note takin
g are features that provide scaffolding support that many studen
ts need.
Speech-Feedback and Word-
Prediction Software. Assistive technology, especially in the for
m of computer software, can be a valuable tool for many student
s with special needs (Williams, 2002). Furthermore, according t
o Williams, word processing, speech recognition, and other type
s of software packages may help students with mild disabilities
to participate in classroom writing programs.
One teacher focused on the results obtained with a single subjec
t case study: a student with learning disabilities. Two componen
ts were studied: speech feedback and word prediction. The Writ
e:OutLoud program supplied the speech-
feedback component. It enabled the computer to “read” selected

sections of text to students. In addition, this software highlighte
d each word as it was being read aloud. This component provide
d scaffolding support for this particular student who often could
not remember what he previously had written. The Co:Writer pr
ogram has word-
prediction capabilities and was used for this reason. After a stud
ent typed the first letter or letters in a word, the software predic
ts the remainder of the word, depending on supplying a word tha
t would be grammatically correct at this point in the sentence. T
his program originally was developed to limit the amount of key
strokes required for writers with physical disabilities, but offere
d the spelling assistance needed by this student with learning di
sabilities.Test-Taking Skills
Ideas for accommodating test-
taking skills include allowing extra time for testing in order for
the student to be able to process what is being asked and to for
mulate an adequate response. Teaching students test-
taking skills and strategies helps to avoid test anxiety and to bui
ld independent thinking, which allows the student to have clear
thoughts about the question. When considering oral testing, essa
y writing, short-answer responses, multiple-
choice selections, and fill-in-the-
blanks, consider that students vary in their abilities to do better
on different question types. Regardless of whatever type of test
is selected, it is essential that clear, readable, and uncluttered te
st forms be developed or chosen.
If the test requires writing, perhaps a scribe might be useful if t
he student has difficulty making written responses. In using a sc
ribe, the teacher is able to determine just what the student know
s about the question without the response being confounded by
writing difficulties. Another alternative to writing difficulties is
to allow the student to take the test using a computer software
program or word processor if these help to make accommodatio
ns for the student’s area of disability or weakness. It is importa
nt that the student be given opportunities to practice whatever a
ccommodation is deemed necessary in order to best learn what t

he student knows about the area being tested and to avoid his or
her being penalized for a disability.Testing Accommodations
Methods for testing students with mild disabilities vary in type,
structure, and level of response. Students can be asked to respon
d to tests and quizzes with written answers, verbal responses, or
by demonstration. Learner characteristics often dictate the amo
unt that can be tested at one sitting, the time needed for complet
ion, and whether the testing results can best be achieved by givi
ng group or individually administered tests. Responses should b
e monitored and expanded from simple recognition and recall to
higher-
level thinking skills, such as inference, analysis, synthesis, eval
uation, and appreciation.
Students with mild disabilities may have short attention spans; t
herefore, schedule intermittent breaks. Read test directions orall
y and give an example of the expected correct response. Remind
students to review their tests, complete any unanswered questio
ns, and to make corrections where needed. For students who hav
e difficulty with traditional tests, alternatives include projects,
checklists, discussions, student–teacher interviews, and student-
developed portfolios designed to demonstrate student knowledg
e and understanding of content. Finally, giving brief, frequent te
sts increases students’ opportunities for success. See Figure 8.5.
End-of-
year standardized tests often present options for testing accomm
odations. Some of these include being seated separate from the
class; extended time; use of a scribe; the use of a calculator or c
omputer; and so on. If available, these accommodations are writ
ten into the directions of the test manual. School personnel can
confer with parents about the appropriateness and benefit of an
approved accommodation. Parents and older students need to be
informed of any restrictions or limitations to the use of test scor
es if utilizing accommodations.
FIGURE 8.5 Testing Accommodations
Source: Henley, M. Creating successful inclusion programs: Gui

delines for teachers and administrators. National Educational Se
rvice, 2004. Reprinted with permission.Rubrics
Jackson and Larkin (2002) explain that the original definition fo
r rubric was “marks in red,” but today a rubric refers to “a gradi
ng guideline or scoring tool to follow in assessment” (p. 40). Ru
brics include predetermined criteria for evaluating student work
, and provide specific descriptions of teacher expectations for a
n assigned task (see Figure 8.6).
FIGURE 8.6 Book Report Rubric
Source: Adapted from MidLink Magazine (2005).
The following rubric benefits are stated by Jackson and Larkin (
2002, 41):
■ Students know before beginning an assignment what the expec
tations for performance will be. The expectations may be assign
ed by the teachers or may be determined through class discussio
ns.
■ Students monitor their own progress as the assignment progre
sses.
■ Students become aware of the quality of work through judging
their own and their peers’ assignments against the standards set
in the rubric.
■ Students use the rubric as a final checkpoint before turning in
the assignment.
■ Students with special needs have the rubric tailored to their le
arning styles and specific needs.
A number of website resources provide sample rubrics. A tool t
hat can be obtained through the website http://rubistar.4teachers
.org is called Rubistar. A tutorial guides teachers and other user
s through the process of creating rubrics. Rubrics can be custom
ized for oral projects, products, multimedia, science, research a
nd writing, work skills, and math. For the 18 months during whi
ch they are saved to the website, the rubrics can be viewed or ed
ited.Grading
Much debate has centered around grading the performance of st
udents with mild disabilities. Carpenter (1985) suggests using th

e following questions to guide grading decisions: “On what crite
ria are grades based? What type of medium should be used? Wh
o should participate in the grading process? How frequently sho
uld grades be given?”
Teachers generally include class participation, seat work, tests (
e.g., daily, weekly, unit), homework, and special projects in stu
dent evaluations. More than one grade could be given to reflect
other student attributes, such as effort, attitude, or study skills.
Marking correct answers rather than mistakes and giving numbe
r grades are other options for grading. Written comments or info
rmation can be given or can supplement number and letter grade
s. Points can be assigned as grades.
SPEEDBUMP—
William Farish, a tutor at the University of Cambridge, invented
grading in 1792. He got the idea from a factory assembly line
where shoe leather was graded by quality.
A major dilemma for teachers is how to grade work that is comp
leted on the student’s functioning level in the regular classroom
, but not at his or her grade-
level placement. It is generally agreed that satisfactorily perfor
med student work should be reinforced if it is at the student’s fu
nctioning level, even though not his or her grade level. One prac
tice is to link grades to the goals and objectives in a student’s I
EP (Brantlinger & Guskin, 1988). A criterion-
referenced skill list can be used so that specific objectives can b
e checked as “mastered” or “needs improvement” (Baumel, 2007
; Schulz, Carpenter, & Turnbull, 1991).
Another means of assigning grades is to assign the earned grade
and check “working below grade level” on the report card. Yet
another way is to reward students with the grades earned but co
ded with actual functioning levels. For example, a 4th-
grade student with mild learning disabilities earns an “A” in rea
ding at the 2nd-
grade level (the student’s actual functioning level in that subjec
t)—
thus an “A2” appears on the student’s report card as his grade in

that subject.
Cograding often occurs when students with disabilities are taug
ht in regular education classrooms. The special educator—
whether working in an inclusive, consultative, or resource room
setting—
may make accommodations and adaptations to daily work, tests,
and homework assignments. Vaughn and associates (1997) sugg
est that grading procedures and guidelines be discussed and agre
ed upon during the development of the IEP.
They also remind teachers that different grading standards may
exist between elementary-and secondary-
level classes. For example, whereas at the elementary level, teac
hers can consider students’ ability and progress, at the secondar
y level, grading often is done on the basis of established academ
ic standards. Charting student progress can help illustrate stude
nt gains that might otherwise be overlooked. It may help to invo
lve students in their own grading when possible.
Special educators are encouraged to meet with regular classroo
m teachers at scheduled times to discuss student progress and ac
hievement. Meetings provide the opportunity to convey to the cl
assroom teacher a clear description of a student’s strengths, wea
knesses, capabilities, and needs. By doing so, additional data by
which to determine grades are provided to the regular classroo
m teacher. Perhaps most important is the inclusion of the regula
r classroom teacher in IEP meetings and decisions. Whenever po
ssible, engage in cooperative grading arrangements so that both
regular classroom and resource room performances are evaluate
d. By engaging in cooperative grading arrangements, encourage
ment and reinforcement for effort and accomplishment is conve
yed more effectively.Curriculum-Based Assessment
Standardized assessment practices often are criticized for their l
ack of relevance to instruction. Assessment procedures linked to
what is taught in school have reemerged as promising alternativ
es to standardized assessment (Blankenship, 1985; Deno, 1985,
1986, 1989; Tucker, 1985; Wesson, 1991; Ysseldyke & Algozzi
ne, 1982).

Advocates of curriculum-
based assessment point out the need to target evaluation proced
ures on content that is taught in the classroom (Algozzine, Ruhl,
& Ramsey, 1991). Standardized achievement tests comprise a li
mited sample of questions that the test-
makers believe reflect the classroom’s curriculum. Curriculum-
based assessment is defined as “the practice of obtaining direct
and frequent measures of a student’s performance on a series of
sequentially arranged objectives derived from the curriculum us
ed in the classroom” (Blankenship, 1985, 234).
SPEEDBUMP—
Assessment is misused when it is viewed as an end in itself.
An illustration of curriculum-based assessment follows:
Carol, a kindergarten teacher, decided to teach her students a un
it on frogs. Before beginning her lessons she asked her students
a series of questions about the amphibians. She tabulated their r
esponses. After the unit, she again quizzed her young charges. S
he found that they could answer 75% more questions about frog
s after the unit than before. By evaluating student progress base
d on their ability to learn the classroom curriculum, Carol was p
racticing curriculum-based assessment.
Curriculum-
based assessment involves repeated measurement of a student’s
performance on a sequenced curriculum (Research Brief for Tea
chers, 1988). Counting and graphing are the best means of track
ing student progress. For example, a teacher could ask a student
to read a passage from a story that seems to match his present r
eading level. Each incorrectly read word is marked. A final tally
reveals that the student knew two-
thirds of the words in the story. This 66 percent figure provides
baseline data to measure future progress. Every few days, after i
nstruction, the student’s progress in reading again is measured.
Graphing the results of each measurement provides a visual mea
ns of efficiently marking progress.
Curriculum-
based data is collected “prior to instruction, immediately follow

ing instruction, and throughout the year to assess long-
term retention” (Blankenship, 1985, 238).
Once a lesson has been implemented, teachers reassess. There ar
e several reasons for reassessing a student following implement
ation of instruction. Reassessment occurs so that some determin
ation can be made about the amount of progress a student has m
ade in reaching long-range goals and short-
term objectives. Reassessment also occurs so that adjustments c
an be made in the student’s instructional plan, or the teacher’s i
mplementation of such, if necessary. Actually, it is important th
at assessment occur ongoing and accompany daily implementati
on of instructional programming.
Both the No Child Left Behind Act (2001) and the Reauthorizati
on of IDEA (2004) state that general education teachers need to
be able to work with all of the students in their classrooms, incl
uding those with special learning needs. It is no longer acceptab
le for classroom teachers to allege that they cannot teach young
sters with special needs. Knowing effective accommodations for
students with special needs assures the general education teach
er of a higher success level with all students. (See Table 8.1.)
TABLE 8.1 Basic Elements of Effective Teaching
Lesson Introduction
Gain student attention.
Review previously learned content and ensure students have the
prerequisite
knowledge and skills.
Provide students a purpose for learning the new content.
Instruction and Modeling
Provide accurate, clear, complete, and concise instruction.
Model the less objective.
Ask frequent and appropriate questions.
Include correct and incorrect examples.
Guided Practice
Provide all students the opportunity to demonstrate lesson objec
tive with assistance.
Monitor student performance closely.

Apply appropriate error correction procedures when needed.
Independent Practice
Provide all students the opportunity to demonstrate lesson objec
tive independently.
Closure
Review and summarize.
Source: Prater (2003), pp. 58–64.
THE EDUCATOR’S TOOL KIT
Many professionals carry tool kits. Carpenters and repair person
s have a collection of tools that enable them to perform carpentr
y and various types of repair work. Lawyers and business peopl
e carry their tools of trade in an attaché case. Physicians used to
carry a medicine bag when making house calls. We used the too
ls that mechanics carry in an earlier example when discussing in
tegrative teaching.
Some professors encourage students in methods for learners wit
h mild disabilities courses to construct an educational kit. Many
special education teachers go into the regular education classro
om to teach students with special learning needs. Others travel f
rom school to school or from room to room in order to teach the
se students; still others remain in a resource or self-
contained classroom of their own. The tools each teacher-in-
training makes and places into this kit help that person to be rea
dy with accessible “tools of the trade” to teach students with mi
ld disabilities. The curriculum with which these tools are used i
ncludes mathematics, reading, spelling, and social skills. With t
he tools assembled, teachers are equipped and prepared to provi
de meaningful learning experiences for each of their students.
Each educational tool kit contains:
Reading
1. A scope-and-

sequence or skills hierarchy. (Enables teachers to see where stu
dents are functioning on the overall reading skills hierarchy. Th
is is helpful in developing IEPs and in performing other educati
onal planning and programming.)
2. A set of basic sight words (e.g., Dolch word list, survival wor
ds). (Useful in building student repertoires in basic word lists. T
hese lists of words contain the words most frequently found in b
asal readers.)
3. A teacher-
made game board. (Provides practice and reinforcement for man
y reading skills [e.g., long- and short-
vowel sounds; initial, medial, and final consonant sounds; conso
nant blends; word meanings; etc.]).
Mathematics
1. A scope-and-
sequence or hierarchy of skills. (Enables teachers to see where s
tudents are functioning on the overall math skills hierarchy. The
overview is useful when developing IEPs and designing individ
ual plans and programs.)
2. Teacher-
made number lines, multiplication table charts (wall or student
desk size), and an abacus. (All provide hands-
on manipulative materials that help students to learn math in a c
oncrete and meaningful manner. Number lines are useful in acqu
iring knowledge of math operations [addition, subtraction, multi
plication, division], multiplication charts provide visual repetiti
on of math facts that leads to mastery. An abacus is essential wh
en learning borrowing and carrying in subtraction and addition,
and regrouping in multiplication and division.)
3. A teacher-
y math skills [e.g., math facts, math operations, fractions, geom
etric shapes, decimals, solving word problems, and so on]).
Social Skills
1. A set of classroom rules, few in number and positively direct
ed (wall or student desk size). (Involves students in the develop

ment of rules and classroom structure.) The fewer the number, t
he more likely students will remember and follow them. The pos
itive direction in which they are written enables reinforcement a
nd instills a positive classroom atmosphere.
2. A teacher-
made social skills activity. (Encourages role play or simulation
opportunities for practicing and reinforcing many social skills.)
3. A teacher-
y social interaction skills.)
The construction of tools encourages teachers to accommodate s
tudents’ learning needs. Commercially made materials will not a
lways provide the means for teaching a particular skill to a stud
ent; therefore, some teaching aids will need to be tailored and a
dapted to accommodate special learning or behavioral needs of
many students. This activity prepares teachers to have education
al tools ready for use with students. It also requires teachers to
give thought beforehand about the instruction they will be cond
ucting with their students.
Previous section
Next sectionSUMMARY
Effective teachers are able to use a variety of instructional acco
mmodations, modifications, and strategies. In recent years, teac
hers of inclusive classroom have found that instruction of both
general classroom students and special needs students is enhanc
ed when best teaching practices are utilized. Instructional acco
mmodations, modifications, and strategies also enhance learning
when appropriately employed. The law requires that special acc
ommodations, when needed, be provided students with IEPs and
Section 504 plans. Many of these same accommodations work
well with general classroom students.
Numerous studies also have noted the importance of time manag
ement, allocated time, engaged time, and academic learning tim
e. Effective teaching also depends on good communication betw
een teacher and students. It is important that: (1) student attenti
on be directed toward the instruction being given, (2) teachers b

e clear in their instructions and explanations, (3) teacher feedba
ck be appropriate to the purpose, and (4) questioning skills refle
ct good instructional techniques.
Teachers are effective when they make appropriate accommodat
ions during instruction. Test-
taking accommodations more accurately assess what the student
has learned. Cooperative grading arrangements offer more enco
uragement and reinforcement for student progress.
Research has addressed students who have low self-
esteem, poor study skills, and weak organizational skills perhap
s more than other learning problems. These difficulties can be f
ound on a day-to-
day basis within most classrooms with students who have learni
ng disabilities, mild intellectual disabilities, and behavior disor
ders. These particular problems also are identifiable with low-
achieving and at-
risk learners, as well as other nondisabled youngsters. Practical
strategies for dealing with these difficulties include affirming ef
forts, enabling successful experiences, and planning interventio
ns that meet individual student needs. Direct teaching of study s
kills and student organizational skills aid students in maximizin
g their learning potential. Success in the classroom and social a
cceptance help students to build self-
esteem. The classroom atmosphere has a significant impact on l
earning. Students tend to accomplish more when they have posit
ive feelings about themselves. Curriculum-
based assessment enables both the teacher and student to track a
cademic progress.

ESE668: EVIDENCE-BASED INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS
FOR STUDENTS WITH MILD TO MODERATE
DISABILITIES
Instructor Guidance
Week 3
Welcome to Week Three of ESE 668: Evidence-Based
Instructional Methods for Students with Mild to Moderate
Disabilities. Please be sure to review the Week Three homepage
for this course to see:
· The specific learning outcomes for the week.
· The schedule overview.
· The required and recommended resources.
· The introduction to the week.
· A listing of the assessments.
Next, be sure to read this entire Instructor Guidance page.
Overview
Our previous Weeks One and Two examined the way in which
evidence-based assessment in academic skills, strengths and
needs, and cultural influences provide a clear picture of where a
student is functioning and what goals and skills need to be
targeted for instruction. This week you will begin evaluating
how to identify EBP strategies, as well as sources for locating
EBP strategies for instruction.

Intellectual Elaboration
Selecting Instructional Strategies: Determining What Works
The next step in our cycle of assessment-driven instruction is
the selection of EBP strategies for instruction. In your reading
and resources this week, you will find the parameters under
which we use to consider a strategy “evidence-based”. Please be
sure to review all these resources to explore the best practice
guidelines of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), as
well as other in the field, for determining what makes an
instructional practice strategy EBP.
Killian has summarized a body of research to share some of the
characteristics a strategy should contain to be considered EBP
in this online article and chart (n.d.) (Links to an external
site.)Locating Evidence-Based Practice Strategies
So now that we have clearer picture of what we are looking for
in EBP instructional strategies, you might be asking yourself:
Where do I find EBP strategies for instructional methods?
The first place to look is the What Works
Clearninghouse (Links to an external site.) developed by the
Institute of Education Sciences and provided through the U.S.
Department of Education. You will have a chance to explore the
WWC in detail this week for your discussions and assignment
this week. The WWC could be a source to either find a strategy
for a skill you want to teach or determine if a strategy you are
using is EBP.
If you have a strategy that you have learned about or are already
using, but you are not sure whether it is EBP, use the resources
you have learned and the guidelines set forth by either the CEC
or the WWC to determine whether the strategy meets the

criteria.
You might also select to research strategies that have been
found effective and EBP for students that have specific
disabilities. Here are some recommended examples:
· ADHD (Links to an external site.)
· ASD (Links to an external site.)
· EBD (Links to an external site.)
· Intellectual Disability (Links to an external site.)
· Specific Learning Disabilities (Links to an external site.)
· And more... (Links to an external site.)
Closing Remarks
It is especially important to plan for using EBP interventions,
not only for legal requirements, but also because this is our best
practice implementation for student success. Knowing how to
identify what qualifies as EBP and knowing where to locate
these strategies is an essential skill. Educators should be using
what works for students, and identifying EBP strategies is a way
to efficiently and effectively provide students with education to
meet their needs and optimize successful outcomes.
Assessment Guidance
This section includes additional specific assistance for excelling
in the discussions and assignment for Week Three beyond what
is given with the instructions for the assessments. If you have
questions about what is expected on any assessment for Week
Three, contact your instructor using the Ask Your Instructor
discussion before the due date.
Discussion 1: Evaluating & Locating Evidence-Based Strategies
In your discussion this week, you will explore a resource for
locating evidence-based instructional strategies. You will

explore the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) and then
identify and summarize an instructional strategy that could be
used in the classroom.
Assignment: Including Evidence-Based Strategies and Supports
in IEP Development
The assignment this week assesses your ability to summarize
and interpret EBP strategies in special education. Specifically,
you will describe the importance of EBP and identify specific
strategies, reflecting on their use in special education.
References
Cook, B.G., Tankersley, M., & Landrum, T.J.
(2009). Determining evidence-based practices in special
education (Links to an external site.). Exceptional Children,
75(3), 365-383. Retrieved from
http://ecx.sagepub.com/content/75/3/365.full.pdf+html
Council for Exceptional Children. (2016). Evidence-based
practice resources (Links to an external site.). Retrieved from
http://www.cec.sped.org/Standards/Evidence-Based-Practice-
Resources-Original
Council for Exceptional Children. (2014). Standards for
evidence-based practice in special education (Links to an
external site.). Retrieved from
http://www.cec.sped.org/~/media/Files/Standards/Evidence%20
based%20Practices%20and%20Practice/CECs%20Evidence%20
Based%20Practice%20Standards.pdf
Henley, M., Ramsey, R. S., & Algozzine, R.
(2009). Characteristics of and strategies for teaching students
with mild disabilities. 6th Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ:
Pearson Publication.

Institute of Education Sciences. (n.d.). What works
clearinghouse (Links to an external site.). Retrieved from
http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/
Killian, S. (n.d.). Top 10 evidence-based teaching strategies for
those that care about student results (Links to an external
site.). The Australian Society for Evidence Based Teaching.
Retrieved from
http://www.evidencebasedteaching.org.au/evidence-based-
teaching-strategies/
Required Resources
Text
Henley, M., Ramsey, R. S., & Algozzine, R. F.
(2009). Characteristics of and strategies for teaching students
with mild disabilities (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ:
Pearson.
· Chapter 8: Instructing Students With Mild Disabilities
Articles
Cook, B. G., Tankersley, M., & Landrum, T. J.
(2009). Determining evidence-based practices in special
education (Links to an external site.). Exceptional Children,
75(3), 365-383. Retrieved from
http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0014402909075003
06
· This article examines proposed guidelines for determining
evidence-based practices in special education, comparing them
to guidelines in similar fields. This article will support your
Evaluating and Locating Evidence-Based Strategies discussion
and your Including Evidence-Based Strategies and Supports in
IEP Development assignment this week.
Web Pages
Council for Exceptional Children. (n.d.). Evidence-based
practice resources (Links to an external site.). Retrieved from
http://www.cec.sped.org/Standards/Evidence-Based-Practice-

Resources-Original
· This web page resource provides guidelines for classifying
practice sources in special education by their standards or
categories of evidence-based support. This web page will
support your Evaluating and Locating Evidence-Based
Strategies discussion and your Including Evidence-Based
Strategies and Supports in IEP Development assignment this
week.
· Accessibility Statement does not exist.
· Privacy Policy (Links to an external site.)
Institute of Education Sciences. (n.d.). What works
clearinghouse (Links to an external site.). Retrieved from
http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc
· This web page provides reviews of “programs, products,
practices, and policies” in education, with a specific link for
reviews in special education. The focus is placed on what is
supported by evidence or “What works?” This web page will
support your Evaluating and Locating Evidence-Based
Strategies discussion and your Including Evidence-Based
Strategies and Supports in IEP Development assignment this
week.
· Accessibility Statement (Links to an external site.)
Recommended Resources
Articles
Killian, S. (n.d.). Top 10 evidence based teaching
strategies (Links to an external site.). The Australian Society
for Evidence Based Teaching. Retrieved from
http://www.evidencebasedteaching.org.au/evidence-based-
teaching-strategies
· This web-based article summarizes strategies that support EBP
in special education. This article may support your Evaluating
and Locating Evidence-Based Strategies discussion and your
Including Evidence-Based Strategies and Supports in IEP
Development assignment this week.

· Privacy Policy does not exist.
National Autism Center. (2009). National standards report,
phase 1 (Links to an external site.). Retrieved from
http://www.nationalautismcenter.org/resources
· This report contains information on the historical review and
analysis of evidence and research for interventions and
strategies for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD)
from the 1950s until 2007. To access this report, you will be
required to register online. This report may support your
Evaluating and Locating Evidence-Based Strategies discussion
and your Including Evidence-Based Strategies and Supports in
IEP Development assignment this week.
National Autism Center (2015). National standards project,
phase 2 (Links to an external site.). Retrieved from
http://www.nationalautismcenter.org/resources
· This report contains information on the review and analysis of
evidence and research for interventions and strategies for
individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) from 2007
until 2015. To access this report, you will be required to
register online. This report may support your Evaluating and
Locating Evidence-Based Strategies discussion and your
Web Page
Council for Exceptional Children. (2014). Standards for
evidence-based practice in special education (Links to an
external site.) [Report].Retrieved from
http://www.cec.sped.org/~/media/Files/Standards/Evidence%20
based%20Practices%20and%20Practice/CECs%20Evidence%20
Based%20Practice%20Standards.pdf
· This document contains the standards for EBP in special
education developed by the CEC, the professional organization

of special education. Standards are set forth for the
categorization of the level of evidence to support practices in
special education. This document may support your Evaluating
and Locating Evidence-Based Strategies discussion and your
Go to top of page
Week 3 - Discussion
22 unread replies.22 replies.
Your initial discussion thread is due on Day 3 (Thursday) and
you have until Day 7 (Monday) to respond to your classmates.
Your grade will reflect both the quality of your initial post and
the depth of your responses. Refer to the Discussion Forum
Grading Rubric under the Settings icon above for guidance on
how your discussion will be evaluated.
Evaluating and Locating Evidence-Based Strategies
As you have read in the Instructor Guidance for this week,
evidence-based strategies (EBP) strategies are essential to
effective instruction in special education. In this discussion,
you will explore EBP strategies in your area of focus and share
information with Mr. Franklin.
Initial Post: Post an initial response that addresses the following
areas using the discussion board forum:
Access the What Works Clearinghouse (Links to an external
site.)https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/ to find “What Works Based
on the Evidence?” Explore the sources available to familiarize
yourself with the site. Then, navigate to topics that work for
children and youth with disabilities. You may select specific
grade levels at this point and/or add parameters or filters for
specific content areas (e.g., behavior, literacy, etc.). Select one

EBP strategy listed to review and construct a summary for Mr.
Franklin that could be used with one or more of the students in
his classroom. Include the strategy, list the content areas you
searched to find it, and provide two details as to why it is
considered EBP.
Guided Response: You are required to substantively respond in
writing on the discussion board to at least two of your
colleagues by Day 7 (the following Monday). Respond to your
peers as if you are Mr. Franklin receiving the information about
EBP instructional strategies. Ask questions and make
connections for how the strategy might be applicable across
students in your classroom. As you review the posts submitted
by your peers, some responses may also consider how your
topic may be similar (or different) to others in our class.
Consider asking additional clarifying questions or providing
sources to extend the discussion.
This forum should be used as a scholarly platform to discuss
similar or opposing ideas and career goals and to provide
additional sources that you may have found helpful to your own
learning and preparation.
Though two replies are the basic expectation, for deeper
engagement and application of the material, you are encouraged
to provide responses to any comments or questions others have
given to you (including your instructor) before Day 7. This
ongoing engagement in the discussion will deepen the
conversation while providing opportunities to demonstrate your
content expertise, critical thinking, and real-world experiences
with this topic.

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