Differentiation for Special Needs Learners

Abstract

With the advent of legislation such as the current Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the inclusion of students with disabilities in schools has steadily increased. More recently, the level of language and cultural diversity represented in public schools has also increased. Consequently, today's classrooms include students with a wide range of learning needs. For example, Carlos has a language-based learning problem, Ben struggles with attention problems, Maria's weak reading skills interfere with her learning in all areas, and Jason has superior cognitive ability but great difficulty with mathematics. Classrooms rich in diversity most decidedly do exist—classrooms that give all students opportunities to learn about differences and abilities and about how to celebrate individuality while building communities. They can be wonderful learning environments for our children.