Adrianne Tomlinson

MUED 480 - Student Teaching

30 January 2020
Background Information: Student B

After being in my middle school placement, I was able to observe a special needs student

that is typically in a self contained environment. Student B is a male seventh grader of hispanic

descent. Although spanish is spoken primarily at home, he prefers to speak English and does

speak English at school. He has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual

disability, and speech and language impairment. Additionally he has deficits in social and

emotional reciprocity and is not capable of developing and maintaining relationships with others.

Occasionally, he has stereotyped or repetitive movements, use of objects, or speech. Student B

loses focus with increased noise and when other students struggle with remembering proper

classroom behavior. His academics are lower than his grade level in addition to low functional

skills and reasoning skills. Because he has multiple disabilities, he is normally in a least

restrictive environment. Although, he spends most of his time in a special education classroom,

he has been granted permission to come to choir class without a special education assistant.

After reading the background about this student, I was able to come up with a variety of

accommodations to incorporate into chorus class. One thing I noticed is he enjoys praise and

compliments. Therefore, I think it is important to give him praise when he is doing the right

things in class so he is reassured of what the expectations are. Additionally, it is important to be

clear with instructions and answer his questions that he asks so he is aware of what is happening

in class. I believe it would be useful to give Student B a buddy to help him keep his music

organized and keep him on task with what the rest of the group is doing. Other things that would
be useful to do to help this student would be having Student B be close to the teacher and give

him motor breaks when necessary. Additionally, sometimes he may need alternative assignments

do to his low academic skills. Otherwise, this student is a great singer and with the right support

from the teacher and peers he will be an important voice in the seventh grade chorus class.