What Really Works With Exceptional Learners?

Exceptional learners are students who have disabilities that affect their ability to learn. These disabilities can range from mild to severe, and they can impact a student's ability to access the general education curriculum, interact with peers, and participate in extracurricular activities.

What Really Works With Exceptional Learners

by Beverly A. DeVries

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	35023 KB
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Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	392 pages

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Educating exceptional learners requires a specialized approach. Traditional teaching methods may not be effective for these students, and they may need additional support to succeed in school.

There are a number of evidence-based practices that have been shown to be effective for teaching exceptional learners. These practices include:

• Direct instruction: This teaching method involves explicitly teaching students the skills they need to know. Direct instruction is often used to teach students with disabilities basic academic skills, such as reading, writing, and math.
• Positive behavior supports: These are strategies that are used to prevent and address challenging behaviors in students. Positive behavior supports can include things like setting clear expectations, providing positive reinforcement, and teaching students how to manage their emotions.
• Assistive technology: Assistive technology can be used to help students with disabilities access the general education curriculum and participate in extracurricular activities. Examples of assistive technology include wheelchairs, hearing aids, and speech-to-text software.
• Collaboration: Collaboration between teachers, parents, and other professionals is essential for the success of students with disabilities. Collaboration can help to ensure that students are receiving the services they need and that their needs are being met.

In addition to these evidence-based practices, there are a number of other things that teachers can do to support exceptional learners in their classrooms. These include:

• Creating a positive and supportive learning environment: This means providing a safe and welcoming environment where students feel respected and valued.
• Setting high expectations for all students: This means believing that all students can learn and achieve, regardless of their disabilities.
• Providing differentiated instruction: This means tailoring instruction to meet the individual needs of each student.
• Monitoring student progress and making adjustments as needed: This means tracking student progress and making changes to instruction or support as needed to ensure that students are making progress.

Teaching exceptional learners can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. By using evidence-based practices and creating a positive and supportive learning environment, teachers can help these students reach their full potential.

Additional Resources

• Understood
• Special Education Guide
• Wrightslaw

What Really Works With Exceptional Learners

by Beverly A. DeVries

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	35023 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	392 pages

FREE