Meadow Woods Middle SchoolCassandra Farr EDF 2085 Dr. Qadri

Culture/FaithDuring my observations I was able to tour the Arabic facilities, eat a traditional Arabic dinner and participate in a Q&A session at the Center for Peace in Orlando. Overall, this was an enlightening experience and I hope they continue it. During the event they gave out free Qurans (paperback) and various DVDs about the Muslim faith.

Exceptional EducationMr. Kendrick’s government class (7th grade) integrated many ESE students into the classroom. He tackled this by allowing students to turn in homework and classwork through email, twitter, Instagram or in written form. He said this kept the ESE students more interested in the class, and for those students who didn’t have the most legible handwriting could still have a fair change. This is a part of his syllabus which gives his students full access to his internet accounts.

ESOLThis is a grading rubric for a project in Mr. Daniels class, who was by far the best teacher I observed. His class integrated both ESOL and Exceptional Education students. For this project he allowed the students to dress up as their favorite character from history, and do a report in any method the liked (presentation, picture, skit etc.). This allowed the students to complete the project, and if they didn’t want to present due to a language barrier they were able to express their knowledge in other methods (the pictures wouldn’t require any language at all!).

Lesson Plan

Students in this classroom were allowed to keep the class up to date with their lessons through use of laminated twitter feeds posted on the front door. The use of social media elements seems to keep ESE students interested in the lesson more so than simple worksheets and assignments. Most of the teachers I observed recommend approaches like this. (Plus, it’s more interactive!)

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By allowing students to utilize technology to submit projects either by written words, pictures or drawing Mr. Kendrick gave his class alternatives to the traditional assignment. Many of these methods were helpful to ESOL students who don’t have enough English proficiency to write out a coherent assignment, but have a thorough understanding of unit materials.

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“No Ghetto Projects.” Encouraging students to utilize alternative forms of expression for their projects.

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Teacher Interview1. What needs do the children (exceptional learners) seem to have

that are unique? What needs are similar with the other children? What modifications in instructional approach are made? Most of my ESE students are just behind academically - they have the skills to be successful, but there are so many reasons why they might be behind. At MWMS, most students have low-expectations at home and that translates to school. They have never been held to higher standards, so they do the least amount of work as possible (not all, but more than 50%). I have learned over the years to do all of the ESE accommodations with ALL of my students. Why not? It helps all of them more successful.

2. What recommendations do the parents have for you, regarding what you might provide for children who have special needs?Very few parents have an idea of what their children need or want (sadly). I have learned that more middle-class families or higher have a better understanding of what their child needs/wants. At MWMS, most parents sit on the side-lines. :(

Teacher Interview (cont.)1. How have you been affected by the education policy directed

at children with special needs? What do you as a teacher still feel is needed? I am very comfortable with the policies that are set forth by the district and state. I can't change them, so I work with them. Personally, I use all of the ESE strategies with all of my students, so the policies have made me a better all around teacher (for the most part).

2. What type of assistive technology do you use to accommodate the special needs of your students?Being in a portable, we are VERY low-tech. I use cell phones the most, as students have them and WANT to use them, especially since the school policy is to NOT use them (stupid). I do have a sight impaired student that has a device that record me, transfers my voice to a flash drive and then prints out in braile (which I think is pretty cool).