This session details a proposed positive energy grant project which sought to equip teacher trainees at MU with skills in designing AT devices for the assistive technology lab located in Stayer Hall. How COVID affected the face-to-face implementation will be discussed, and the use of virtual means to train participants and equip the AT laboratory will be further explored.
This action research study was conducted to focus on improving students’ Spring Math scores through small group instruction focusing on number sense and math facts. The Spring Math intervention program was used to determine the participants for this study and assess the students’ ability to increase their scores. Spring Math data has been collected throughout the entire year as a pre-assessment to determine the class’s intervention focus. When the class median achieves mastery level for each focused intervention the class moves forward to the next focused intervention, regardless if each individual student has achieved mastery level and in some instances instructional level. Participants in this study included a group of six second grade students who have been unable to consistently obtain Spring Math instructional target scores. During this study, students participated in thirty minutes of in-person small group instruction four times a week, one day of fifteen-minute virtual small group instruction, and completed their weekly whole class Spring Math assessment four times a week. Small group instruction was student-centered with playing cards being used as manipulatives to teach addition and subtraction facts through card games. Each participant received a deck of playing cards and game instructions to use as homework practice two times a week. During this study Spring Math scores and completion of homework were recorded weekly. Student’s participation and correct answers during small group instruction were recorded daily. After the study participant’s Spring Math scores were analyzed to determine the success of the small group instruction.
This research project addresses the effectiveness of the word study program, Words Their Way. The program was implemented in a third grade classroom in the York Suburban School District during the 2020-2021 school year.
An inquiry question is developed about one aspect of instruction. The inquiry is researched and a plan is developed for the instructional methods that will be used. Artifacts and data will be collected.
Educators and other helping professionals often find it challenging to prepare individuals with severe disabilities for future possible employment after high school. In this presentation, we will share the results of literature reviews on employment for people with autism, Down syndrome, and intellectual disabilities. Recommendations to support positive employment outcomes for individuals with severe disabilities will be discussed, with emphasis on how future educators could best support individuals with severe disabilities in this area.
Educators and other helping professionals often find it challenging to prepare individuals with severe disabilities for future possible employment after high school. In this presentation, we will share the results of literature reviews on employment for people with autism, Down syndrome, and intellectual disabilities. Recommendations to support positive employment outcomes for individuals with severe disabilities will be discussed, with emphasis on how future educators could best support individuals with severe disabilities in this area.
Second grade students are at a critical turning point in their academic journey as they prepare for the rigor of third grade where they will begin standardized testing. One way educators can support these students in taking responsibility for their education and building their academic confidence is through the use of goal setting. This study aims to bring to light the benefits of goal setting for second grade students in the context of mathematics. Through this study, I will be looking at the improvement of academic achievement in a class of second grade students by implementing goal setting sheets and having goal meetings with the students. These components will be put into place with this group of students in hopes that they can take these skills with them and apply it to the rest of their academic journey as well as their everyday lives as a means to improve achievement and increase self-efficacy.
Presenters will discuss their experiences in developing a gardens curriculum for an outdoor learning center. Best practices that foster a generation of sustainability stewards by developing curriculum that connects communities and school with a focus on sustainability, equity and access will further be explored.
