Special needs
Providing education for allClick to read
Students with special needs are students with physical, mental or neurological disabilities.
These students may need support with their learning and schoolwork.
Some examples of students with special needs include those who have:
- Dyslexia (e.g. reading or writing)
- Physical disabilities (e.g. mobility, vision)
- Mental health issues (e.g. anxiety, depression)
- Other learning difficulties. (e.g. time scheduling, overview etc. )
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- Special Education Service
Students with special needs may qualify for special education services if they have a disability that impacts their ability to learn.
Special education programs provide students with the tools they need to succeed in school and life.
- Examples
- Counselling and mentoring
- Reading and writing guidance
- Instructional support
- Assistive technology
- Special education software
- Customized courses
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How to Identify students with special educational needsClick to read
Observation
Teachers and other school staff can observe students' behaviors
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Assessments
Formal assessments such as standardized tests & classroom assessments.
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Parent and teacher input
can provide valuable information about a student's strengths, weaknesses.
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Referral process
Referrals are reviewed by professionals, who will determine if the student is eligible for special educational support.
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It's important
to note that the process for identifying students with special educational needs and providing special educational support varies by country and education system
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In some cases
students may be identified as needing special educational support based on specific criteria or disability categories, while in other cases, the focus is on the student's individual needs and how they can be supported to succeed in school.
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Summing upClick to read
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Coaching and tutor roles
Coaching and tutoring Click to read
Coaching and tutoring are both types of educational support that can be provided to students to help them succeed in school.
Coaching typically refers to the provision of specialized instruction or training in a specific subject or skill, with the goal of helping the student improve their performance in that area. Coaching may be provided by a teacher, a specialist, or an outside coach, and may take place in a group or individual setting.
Tutoring, on the other hand, typically refers to one-on-one instruction provided by a tutor to help a student understand a specific subject or skill. Tutors may be teachers, subject matter experts, or other qualified individuals who provide personalized instruction and support to help students learn and improve their skills. Tutoring may take place in a variety of settings, including in-person, online, or in a small group setting.
Working with studentsClick to read
A coach can work with a student to identify their specific needs and goals, and can provide customized instruction and support to help the student progress and succeed.
Coaching may also involve providing feedback and guidance, setting goals and benchmarks, and monitoring progress over time.
Coaching can be used to support students in a variety of subjects and areas, including academics, athletics, the arts, and other extracurricular activities.
It can be particularly beneficial for students who are struggling with a particular subject or who need extra support to meet academic or personal goals.
About tutoringClick to read
Tutoring
is a type of educational support that involves one-on-one instruction provided by a tutor to help a student understand a specific subject or skill.
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Tutors
may be teachers, subject matter experts, or other qualified individuals who provide personalized instruction and support to help students learn and improve their skills.
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Tutoring
may take place in a variety of settings, including in-person, online, or in a small group setting
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Tutoring
can be an effective way to support students because it allows for a more individualized and focused approach to learning.
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Students are differentClick to read
Different students learn in different ways, so it can be helpful to use a variety of teaching strategies to support students with special needs.
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Can be
Differentiated instruction, Hands-on activities, Visual aids, Adaptive materials, Assistive technology, individual learning, Cooperative learning.
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Summing upClick to read
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Supportive learning environment
How can we help students with special needs?Click to read
Providing a supportive learning environment
Creating a positive, supportive learning environment can help students with special needs feel comfortable and confident in the classroom
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This may involve providing a structured and predictable routine, using visual supports and other visual aids, and adapting materials and assignments as needed to meet the student's needs.
You can do this using digital aids
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What can you do to help students with dyslexia?Click to read
- Use of assistive technology: There are a variety of assistive technologies, such as text-to-speech software and voice-recognition software, that can help students with dyslexia access written materials.
- Structured literacy instruction: Structured literacy instruction is a type of reading instruction that emphasizes the structure of language, including phonemes, syllables, and roots. This approach can be particularly helpful for students with dyslexia.
- Multisensory instruction: Multisensory instruction uses a combination of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic (movement-based) techniques to teach reading and spelling. This approach can be effective for students with dyslexia, as it allows them to use multiple senses to process information.
- Accommodations: Accommodations are modifications or adjustments to the learning environment that can help level the playing field for students with dyslexia. Some examples of accommodations include extra time on tests, access to a calculator, or the use of a word processor.
- Collaboration with specialists: It can be helpful to work with specialists, such as a reading specialist or learning specialist, to identify the specific needs of a student with dyslexia and develop an individualized plan to support their learning.
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What can you do to help students with mental disabilities?Click to read
- Use of assistive technology: Assistive technology, such as text-to-speech software and voice-recognition software, can help students with mental disabilities access written materials and communicate more effectively.
- Accommodations: Accommodations are modifications or adjustments to the learning environment that can help level the playing field for students with mental disabilities. Some examples of accommodations include extra time on tests, access to a calculator, or the use of a word processor.
- Collaboration with specialists: It can be helpful to work with specialists, such as a learning specialist or occupational therapist, to identify the specific needs of a student with a mental disability and develop an individualized plan to support their learning.
- Structured routines and schedules: Providing students with mental disabilities with structured routines and schedules can help them feel more secure and better able to manage their time and responsibilities.
- Visual aids: Visual aids, such as pictures, diagrams, and charts, can help students with mental disabilities better understand and retain information.
- Small group instruction: Small group instruction, in which a student works with a teacher or tutor and a small group of peers, can be particularly effective for students with mental disabilities. This allows for more individualized attention and support.
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What can you do to help students with physical disabilities?Click to read
- Assistive technology: Assistive technology, such as adaptive keyboards, speech-to-text software, and switch devices, can help students with physical disabilities access written materials and communicate more effectively.
- Accommodations: Accommodations are modifications or adjustments to the learning environment that can help level the playing field for students with physical disabilities. Some examples of accommodations include extra time on tests, access to a calculator, or the use of a word processor.
- Collaboration with specialists: It can be helpful to work with specialists, such as a physical therapist or occupational therapist, to identify the specific needs of a student with a physical disability and develop an individualized plan to support their learning.
- Adaptive equipment: Using adaptive equipment, such as modified desks and chairs, can help students with physical disabilities participate more fully in the classroom.
- Visual aids: Visual aids, such as pictures, diagrams, and charts, can help students with physical disabilities better understand and retain information.
- Small group instruction: Small group instruction, in which a student works with a teacher or tutor and a small group of peers, can be particularly effective for students with physical disabilities. This allows for more individualized attention and support.
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Creating a supportive learning environmentClick to read
Clear expectations and rules
Clearly communicate your expectations for behavior, work habits, and participation to your students. Use of a digital tools can help create a sense of structure and predictability.
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A positive classroom culture
Encourage open communication, inclusivity, and respect among your students. A safe and supportive environment, can lead to deeper learning and growth.
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A sense of belonging
Make an effort to engage your students in class activities and discussions, and encourage them to participate. This can help students feel like they are a valued and integral part of the class community.
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Encourage risk-taking and mistakes
Making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. Encourage your students to ask questions, express their ideas, and try new things, even if they might not be perfect the first time.
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Classroom strategiesClick to read
It's important to establish clear expectations, create a positive classroom culture, foster a sense of belonging, provide resources and support, encourage risk-taking and mistakes, and show interest in your students.
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By implementing these strategies, you can create a supportive and nurturing learning environment that helps your students succeed.
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Summing upClick to read
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Assistive technology
How can we help students with special needs?Click to read
Software / Hardware
Assistive technology refers to any type of technology or device that is used to help individuals with disabilities or special needs to perform tasks that might otherwise be difficult or impossible
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Text-to-speech softwareClick to read
- Converts written text into spoken words: This can be helpful for individuals with visual impairments, dyslexia, or other reading difficulties.
- Can be used with a variety of different devices: This can include computers, smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices.
- Useful for a variety of different purposes: For example, individuals can use text-to-speech software to listen to e-books, access online content, or have documents read aloud to them.
- Customization: Many text-to-speech programs allow users to adjust the speed and pitch of the spoken words, as well as the voice used to read the text.
- Helpful for individuals with a variety of different disabilities: In addition to individuals with visual impairments or reading difficulties, text-to-speech software can be helpful for individuals with cognitive or learning disabilities, hearing impairments, or other challenges.
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Speech-to-text softwareClick to read
- Speech-to-text software converts spoken words into written text: This can be helpful for individuals who have difficulty typing or writing due to physical impairments, cognitive difficulties, or other challenges.
- Can be used with a variety of different devices: This can include computers, smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices.
- Useful for a variety of different purposes: For example, individuals can use speech-to-text software to take notes, write emails, or create documents.
- Customization: Many speech-to-text programs allow users to adjust the speed and pitch of the spoken words, as well as the voice used to read the text.
- Helpful for individuals with a variety of different disabilities: In addition to individuals with physical impairments or writing difficulties, speech-to-text software can be helpful for individuals with cognitive or learning disabilities, hearing impairments, or other challenges.
Screen reader softwareClick to read
- Screen reader software is designed to assist individuals with visual impairments: It reads aloud the text and other information displayed on a computer screen, allowing these individuals to access digital content.
- Can be used with a variety of different devices: This can include computers, smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices.
- Different purposes: For example, individuals can use screen reader software to access websites, read emails, or access documents.
- Customization: Many screen reader programs allow users to adjust the speed and pitch of the spoken words, as well as the voice used to read the text.
- Helpful for individuals with a variety of different visual impairments: This can include individuals with low vision, blindness, or other vision-related challenges.
OCR and Scan-to-documentClick to read
OCR (optical character recognition) software is a type of software that allows users to convert scanned or digital images of text into editable text. OCR software is often used to digitize paper documents or extract text from images for use in other applications.
Scan-to-document software often includes OCR functionality, which allows users to convert scanned documents into editable text. For example, a user might use scan-to-document software to scan a paper document, and then use the OCR functionality to convert the scanned image of the text into editable format.
Summing upClick to read
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