1st Edition
Activating the Untapped Potential of Neurodiverse Learners in the Math Classroom Tools and Strategies to Make Math Accessible for All Students
All students deserve access to a rich and meaningful math curriculum. This book guides middle and high school teachers toward providing all learners – including neurodiverse students – with the support necessary to engage in rewarding math content. Students who receive special education services often experience a limited curriculum through practices that create long-term disadvantages and increase gaps in learning. The tools and strategies in this book help teachers better understand their students to move them closer to their potential. Chapters include differentiation, assessment, classroom structure, and learning targets. Both general education math teachers who have not been trained in special education support and special education teachers with a limited background in standards-based math pedagogy will learn new skills to improve their teaching from this practical resource.
Part I Introduction 1. What We Believe about Teaching Math to Neurodiverse Students Part II: Before the Instruction Begins 2. Student Strengths, Needs, and Goals 3. Student Readiness 4. Crafting Learning Targets 5. Planning Differentiation Part III: During Instruction 6. Classroom Structures 7. Accommodations and Modifications 8. Graphic Organizers 9. Memory and Retention 10. Questioning 11. Manipulatives Part IV: After the Instruction 12. Assessment 13. Testing Accommodations 14. Data Analysis 15. Intervention
Biography
David Johnston taught middle school for 17 years and is certified in both math and special education. He has also worked as an instructional coach supporting and training math and special education teachers across several campuses. This book developed out of his work as a teacher, coach, and professional development leader. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Curriculum & Instruction from Texas Tech University.
