Focuses on practical instructional strategies for designing developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences based on the unique needs of individual learners. Students use differentiated instruction and universal design for learning as frameworks for designing lessons that meet the needs of diverse learners. Methods for adapting instruction and supporting students through modifications, accommodations, and assistive technology are explored. Students will collect a repertoire of evidence-based strategies for identifying and addressing the reading, writing, math, and study skills of students with disabilities. Through field experience, students have the opportunity to observe in the classroom and gain practical experience planning, delivering, adapting, and reflecting on a series of individualized lessons. Ten hours of field work are required. Ten hours of field observation required. A $25 fee will be assessed to all students to cover the cost of clinical practice.
- Facilitate developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences based on the unique needs of each learner.
- Ensure inclusive learning environments that allow each learner to reach his or her full potential.
- Employ universal design principles and ability to work with learners to create and access learning environments that support self-directed individual and collaborative learning, based on each learner’s interests and passions.
- Understand how to use multiple methods of assessment to: engage learners in their own growth; document learner progress; provide learner feedback; and inform the educator’s ongoing planning and instructional practices.
- Use a diverse range of students’ approaches to learning and the range of modifications and accommodations that can be used to support learning.
- Create and use lesson plans that demonstrate a repertoire of evidence- based instructional strategies to individualize instruction for students with disabilities.
- Identify reading, writing, math, and study skills of students with disabilities and address those learning needs.
- Use instructional methods to strengthen and compensate for deficits in perception, comprehension, and memory.
