Differentiation
I have a passion for differentiation within the classroom. I have experience working with extremely diverse students, and make it my ultimate goal to insure that they are not just welcome, but thriving in the world language classroom. Collaboration with support staff and parents is absolutely vital when working with students with exceptional needs and I am usually in contact with parents every week.
I have worked with students who have IEPs, 504s, and Gifted and Talented plans. Exceptional students who have the chance to take a world language is a wonderful experience both for me and for them, and I have been very successful working with students with ADD, ADHD, Aspergers and other Autism Spectrum Disorders, Cerebral Palsy, Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, and Learning Disabilities. I firmly believe that all students should have access to world language courses, and through differentiation and collaboration, the students will be successful and develop a passion for the language.
Assessments
Per IEP/504 plan requirements and/or suggestions, I have used the following modifications on assessments: extended time, change of testing location, reading the assessment aloud, use of iPod and headphones for listening assessment, reduced distractors on multiple choice questions, word banks or matching sections, fewer test questions, visual support for vocabulary terms, and provided extra study guides prior to the assessment.
Classwork
As for in-class modifications, I have (again per IEP/504 plan requirements and/or suggestions) altered project requirements, used strategic grouping and class seating charts, created flash cards and other supplemental materials, provided already-complete class notes for students who struggle with handwriting, provided frequent positive reinforcement and incentives, and allowed students to work in the hallway or in a different location, record class sessions, and take photos of notes, homework assignments and test dates. I use many "choice" assignments where students have options when it comes to classwork, and I have also held after-school tutoring sessions and reviews before tests and quizzes to ensure that all students are successful. I have a classroom library for fast-finishers (see photo) as well.
Parent Collaboration
Collaboration with parents is extremely important in ensuring that their students are successful. In the past, I have provided a weekly calendar to parents detailing all classwork and assignments, created a class website with all classwork and assignments listed, called or e-mailed home every week to update parents, held meetings with support staff, parents, and administration, etc.
English Language Learners
I have worked with English Language Learners from the Ukraine, Germany, and Brazil. Depending on their ELL status and English proficiency, I have made accommodations as necessary within the classroom. In my experience, only students with a relatively high level of English have taken world language courses, but I have made modifications before, including providing materials with the unit vocabulary in Spanish and their native language. I am especially sensitive to working with ELLs because I am a world language teacher by trade, and I myself have lived and studied abroad without a full mastery of the language before!
I have worked with students who have IEPs, 504s, and Gifted and Talented plans. Exceptional students who have the chance to take a world language is a wonderful experience both for me and for them, and I have been very successful working with students with ADD, ADHD, Aspergers and other Autism Spectrum Disorders, Cerebral Palsy, Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, and Learning Disabilities. I firmly believe that all students should have access to world language courses, and through differentiation and collaboration, the students will be successful and develop a passion for the language.
Assessments
Per IEP/504 plan requirements and/or suggestions, I have used the following modifications on assessments: extended time, change of testing location, reading the assessment aloud, use of iPod and headphones for listening assessment, reduced distractors on multiple choice questions, word banks or matching sections, fewer test questions, visual support for vocabulary terms, and provided extra study guides prior to the assessment.
Classwork
As for in-class modifications, I have (again per IEP/504 plan requirements and/or suggestions) altered project requirements, used strategic grouping and class seating charts, created flash cards and other supplemental materials, provided already-complete class notes for students who struggle with handwriting, provided frequent positive reinforcement and incentives, and allowed students to work in the hallway or in a different location, record class sessions, and take photos of notes, homework assignments and test dates. I use many "choice" assignments where students have options when it comes to classwork, and I have also held after-school tutoring sessions and reviews before tests and quizzes to ensure that all students are successful. I have a classroom library for fast-finishers (see photo) as well.
Parent Collaboration
Collaboration with parents is extremely important in ensuring that their students are successful. In the past, I have provided a weekly calendar to parents detailing all classwork and assignments, created a class website with all classwork and assignments listed, called or e-mailed home every week to update parents, held meetings with support staff, parents, and administration, etc.
English Language Learners
I have worked with English Language Learners from the Ukraine, Germany, and Brazil. Depending on their ELL status and English proficiency, I have made accommodations as necessary within the classroom. In my experience, only students with a relatively high level of English have taken world language courses, but I have made modifications before, including providing materials with the unit vocabulary in Spanish and their native language. I am especially sensitive to working with ELLs because I am a world language teacher by trade, and I myself have lived and studied abroad without a full mastery of the language before!