I am a special education teaher collaborating in one regular 7th grade science class and in one regular 8th grade science class. What suggestions and ideas do you have for modifying the physical science curriculum, which includes chemistry and physics, that would be helpful to both my students, the regular education teacher and myself? Thank you for taking the time to respond to this.
Re: collaboration
Deb,
Thank you for your reply. My teacher has been teaching 8th grade physical science for 20+ years. last year was the first year he ever collaborated. I don’t think he was ever in favor of the idea but he does work very hard to have the kids learn. He believes in hands-on, demos, and other experiences. He also puts both the chemistry and physica problems into real life situations that the kids can relate to. He lectures for about half of the class, notes on an overhear and minimal and to the point. The kids then work on worksheets in small groups. He is not fond of adaptations for the tests but does allow me to retype the test [which is often difficult to read in a handwritten form and does let me make the adaptations I need for the test taking situation. he also comes up with ways for the kids to earn bonus points in daily assignments. All students are allowed to preview the test before the test day and ask any questions for clarification. He is not overly fond of technology but has allowed me to develop lessons for when we go into the computer lab. He was adamant about continuing the collaboration at the eighth grade level this year which I took as a huge compliment since in the past the idea of collaboration for 8th grade science was a big No. Also, since he is the department chair he does fully include me in the science department, including materials and attending workshops. Thank you for your suggestion about the book. I have not been able to find a good one. I just sometimes wish I could do more in the classroom but must admit I have learned a lot from a real science pro that I am able to take back to my own special ed instructional class. I look forward to exchanging ideas and experiences.
Hey. We need to get together on this because I’m doing the same thing. Not with much luck, though. My teacher used to be a high school biology teacher and he’s pretty much the lecture, note-taking, and worksheet type. He does provide a daily review which helps but he isn’t very receptive to hands on, experiential, multidimensional type activities. He does allow me to do whatever I want with my students but I don’t want them to be doing something noticeably out of step with everyone else. How about your teacher? Does he or she offer a wide variety of learning experiences? I recently read a great book on differentiated instruction by Dr. Kathie Nunley called Layered Curriculum. There are lots of ideas in there if you can get your teacher to buy into it.