Standard 2: Learning Differences

2(h): The teacher understands students with exceptional needs, including those associated with disabilities
and giftedness, and knows how to use strategies and resources to address these needs.

While student teaching I taught in an

Advanced Pre-Algebra class and in a co-taught
Math 7 classroom where the majority of the students qualified for special education services, I
was actively involved in differentiating instruction for my diverse learners. My first experience of meeting students diverse needs, was
creating an answer key for the districts preassessment, and working with the special education co-teacher to develop a modified version of
the pre-assessment for the co-taught Math 7
class. The modified version of the preassessment included; eliminating one possible
answer, bolding key words and phrases such as
least to greatest, sum, and product, as
well as providing hints like Hint: Substitute.
The second experience I had concerning
meeting diverse learners needs, was in the Advanced Pre-Algebra class. On a daily basis extra challenging problems are provided, in addition to the assigned homework, to accommodate gifted students. However, an additional
concern was brought to our attention by a parent at Open House. The concerned parent stated that he reviewed the textbook with his student and his child had learned all of the material at his previous school. In order to meet the
needs of this student we discussed the issue with
the department head and the parent addressed
the issue with the principal. It was decided that

the student would take the Pre-Algebra final,

based upon the students score a decision upon
his placement would
be made.
The student
took the final and received a
B. The
decision was
made to
place the
student in
Algebra.
The
Algebra
teacher also
met informally with
my cooperating teacher
and I to
The pre-assessment with modifications
learn how
for Co-Taught Math 7.
she could
best meet this students needs during the transition. The placement in Algebra proved to be a
great fit for this gifted student. This student
will now be challenged and develop his mathematical reasoning and skills.

Reflection
Through my student teaching experience I learned that it is important to teach the individual student. Every student has certain instructional needs , that if met, will help the student reach their full potential. In
order to meet each students needs an effective teacher reaches out to resources and colleagues to make informed and appropriate decisions.