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Spec Ed Teachers
I have a potentially stupid question.
So... I'm used to teaching English, where using modified programs is pretty easy to incorporate into the classroom because I use literature circles and differentiated activities (I'm a big believer in choice), so I haven't really struggled with it to this date.
But I'm SUCKING when it comes to modifying the math program. I have 5 kids out of 24 who are working on IEPs with modified programs. So, there are 19 kids that I'm teaching grade 7 math to, 2 kids I'm supposed to teach grade 6 math to, 1 kid to teach grade 5 to and one more who's working at a grade 2 level.
How on earth do I managed this? A good half of my class time is teaching the grade level material, and I'm barely left with anything to teach the rest of the stuff... So, how do you modify math?
I've asked everyone at my school and I keep getting, "Yeah... that's hard."
Not exactly the most helpful response.
The Spec Ed teacher told me I should count myself lucky not to teach a coded Spec Ed class.
Again, not helpful (and, really, a pretty jerky thing to say).
Advice is appreciated!
Re: Spec Ed Teachers
**butting in**
When did schools start catering to students who weren't at the same level in the same class? We always had other classes set aside for people who neeed extra help or were behind. Maybe I'm totally out of the loop since it's been a few years, but wow. I can't believe they expect you to set up 4 different classes in one. All of you who teach are my heroes.
Nesting from work because it's work related:
What I wold do/have done is instead of worrying about teaching 4 different classes I once, I break down to expectations. For example, a student in grade 8 who functions on a 6th grade level would be given a more simplified version of the 8th grade math.
Example:
Student A is in 8th grade doing algebra, but his math comprehension is at a 5th grade level. I would have him focus on the number relations in algebra. Like can he understand what a variable is? If I had 5 apples, and now I have 8, how many did I add kind of thing
We can chat about this later if you want.
I'm dealing with something similar. I have one student who is MR, and 5 others who function anywhere from 4th - 7th grade. I have been thinking of implementing centers into my class, but have not started yet.
One thing I do is use computers to reinforce skills. There is a great website www.ixl.com that I use all the time. Skills are broken down by grades, and normally the same skill is spread across a few grades. For example, I am teaching Order of Operations right now, so what I do is teach the lesson, then have the kids go on the website to reinforce skills.
I teach a 90 minute block, and every class I reserve the last 20 minutes for independent work/tutoring/1-1 time. Basically each kid gets something to work on (either a worksheet or a computer game) based on their skill level. During that time, I call kids back 1-2 at a time and check in to see how they are doing. If they are struggling, I give them the extra help they need.
Hope that helps!
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