Enabling Dreams Assessment

Setting: Social Studies Class
Special Needs Student: Student with Cerebral Palsy
Challenge: Include student using Assistive Technology
In planning lessons to implement during the course of the school year, it is important to incorporate components of the Universal Design for Learning model. The three main components of this model are:
1. Multiple means of representation – curriculum materials should be diverse like having digital and internet resources.
2. Multiple means of action and expression – Based on modifications and accommodations from IEPs, educators should allow students to submit artifacts using different levels of technology.
3. Multiple means of engagement – The primary focus of classroom management strategies is to keep students engaged. Using technology (low-high) will make accessing the curriculum easier and meaningful.
For special needs students, notes on key points will be provided in both print and auditory format (emailed).
When assigning a Project-Based group Lesson, a rubric must be developed to give learners a guideline for developing their projects, and to allow the teacher to grade assignments accordingly. The rubric would include the following categories:
Presentation to the Class
Quality and Quantity of Information
Collaboration with Group
Actual Project
During the lesson, Information will be presented to students using an array of media to present the information. Video, graphics, auditory information, and print materials will be available for instruction.
For the group project, students will be free to choose the primary format they wish to complete their project with, but will be required to use PowerPoint, as a medium-tech.
Assistive technology available for special needs student:
On-screen keyboard for computer access.
Mounting plate for wheel chair, which would allow student to mount either a video camera or a still camera. This will allow the student to contribute graphics or examples to the group during project development. A switch system will be in place to allow the student to control the devices. * For class presentation, student will use a text-to-speech program on the computer to present information during the group presentation.