What are some important steps in interpreting data from high stakes
assessments? Understanding what type of data is collected by the system.
Request more data or data that is necessary but wasn’t included in the data
system from the state. Find out the number of students, with disabilities or taking
alternative assessments, included in the test and ask if those numbers are
calculated into the given statistic. If available ask for the number of students with
a specific type of disability included in the test. Look at data in multiple ways.
What does the law say about the instruction and assessment of students with
disabilities?
The law states that the teacher must assess the student’s current education level
and state how the child’s disability affects his/her ability to participate in general
education requirements. Set goals for the child and put necessary
accommodations in place to facilitate meeting the goals. Basically, ensuring that
the children with disabilities have every opportunity to participate in all aspects of
their education with their peers.
Why is it important that students with disabilities have access to the general
education curriculum? What are some ways to help these students to access the
general education curriculum?
It is important that children with disabilities have the same access as their peer
so that they have the ability to succeed and grow. Time and time again statistics
saying this person will never walk or understand you have been proven wrong. If
the child isn’t allowed to try or is expected to be a certain way, they will. Case in
point Helen Keller. Educators can help those students by not discouraging their
participation out of fear of their failure or being too busy to help. The child must
be allowed to fail and try again just like any other child, so they do not feel
singled out.
What are accommodations? Services or support given to the child to promote
success. Reading to a child with a learning disability all subjects so they can
understand their test. Or pencil grips to help with motor skills, ear muffs or a
private test taking place for kids with sensory issues, frequent breaks or shorter
testing slots.
Modifications? Modifications are when an assignment or the expectations of an
assignment are modified to accommodate the child with disabilities. Such as
shortening the required words of an essay or allowing a child more time on an
assignment. Use modifications with caution as to not dumb down or give a lazy
kid a way out of more work.
Alternate assessments? When a child has a more severe cognitive disability a
different kind of evaluations are necessary. Such as a life skills test (tying shoes,
holding a pencil, etc.) will be used rather than a traditional reading writing test.
Provide three examples of an accommodation. Pencil grips, books with large print,
different testing areas.
Modifications are permitted in universities. True or False True
