Special Needs not Special Education
By Donna Nelson
Identifying the Needs
Section 504: What you need to know
Accommodations could include modifying the physical environment (quiet space, room lighting), modified curriculum, organizational assistance or schedule changes (breaks).
School districts must assess the student's needs, screen students, create a service team and obtain parent permission for evaluation. They must then determine eligibility and create a plan to implement in the general ed classroom.
Attention Disorders
Five types of interventions have been recommended for use with ADHD. These include environmental supports, academic interventions, behavior interventions, parent education, and medication. Parent collaboration is necessary for successful interventions.
At-Risk Youth
41% of children in the US live in low-income families and
19% live in poverty.
Set high but realistic expectations for students, understanding that they may not have adequate supports at home and may be under extreme stress. Do not make assumptions about capabilities or lower standards out of pity. Tracking should not be utilized, as it is a discriminatory practice.
Another At-Risk Group
Gifted and Talented Students
Culture and Language in Schools
Biases within the educational setting can be addressed through use of RtI, where a team of professionals carefully analyze, monitor and make decisions about interventions. Teachers should learn about different cultures and respect differences. Teaching must be culturally relevant. Equity pedagogy refers to matching student needs to instructional methods. Multicultural and/or bilingual education programs should be utilized.