He had to work hard. He often woke up early to study before school and studied for hours in the evening. He went to summer school and retook tests.
He repeated kindergarten, then first grade, until he was in the same grade as his younger sister. But he continued to lag far behind his peers. By the time he reached sixth grade, he was still reading on a first- or second-grade level.
Thaller's story is familiar to many students with learning disabilities who must work two or three times harder than their classmates, often with less results.
On Monday morning, he joined his younger sister, Rachel, on a stage at the Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Hall and became a graduate of one of the nation's top high schools.
Low scores on cognitive tests prompted many medical professionals and educators to say it would be impossible for Thaller to ever attend college. Many suggested he pursue a diploma with fewer requirements or transfer to a special school with a less academic focus.
A major breakthrough came in middle school. Thaller's mother would read him chapters from the Harry Potter series at night. He was so impatient for her to get to the next chapter that he started reading ahead, pushing himself to understand the vocabulary and follow the story.
Shahnaz Khan believes in working in an inclusive classroom, with activities appropriately differentiated.
In this programme, we see how she works with her KS1 class at Bangabandhu Primary School, in Bethnal Green to recognise speech in text.
Shahnaz adapts her teaching style to encourage all the children to participate, and uses differentiated questioning to ensure every pupil benefits from the lesson.
simple voice recording
no time limit
The recording may then be shared via email, embedded on a web page, or downloaded to the QuickTime player on a computer.
Since there is no limit to the length of a recording, the potential uses of Vocaroo are also unlimited. It can be used to answer questions on a test, to tell a story, to describe how something works, to communicate via email, to recite poetry, or to sing a song
simple voice recording
no time limit
The recording may then be shared via email, embedded on a web page, or downloaded to the QuickTime player on a computer.
Since there is no limit to the length of a recording, the potential uses of Vocaroo are also unlimited. It can be used to answer questions on a test, to tell a story, to describe how something works, to communicate via email, to recite poetry, or to sing a song
"We've discovered a seemingly endless collection of smartphone apps that teachers can put to work in the classroom and beyond, creating a powerhouse of back-to-school mobile tools. Read on to discover 50 of the best smartphone apps for teachers, and share any personal favorites we've missed in the comments."
MITS Freedom Stick 1.0
The MITS Freedom Stick is the result of global collaboration and the leadership of Ira Socol. The design and primary technical work was all done by the Regional Support Center - Scotland North and East. We are extremely grateful fo
Our name, Connective Technology Solutions, reflects what we do best - seeing the connections between hardware, software, and solutions on how they can be utilized together. Most important is how they can address the needs of individuals from teachers and support professionals to students. We provide professional development, training, support and educational materials connecting current technology and the solutions enabling everyone to succeed.
Dan Herlihy is a national conference presenter on topics ranging from Creating Access on the Fly, Working with High and Low Incidence Disabilities, Creating Access to the Arts and Using Digital Images in the Classroom as a Teaching and Learning Tool. He is also an IntelliTools Training Specialist, and has written books and articles on technology integration, as well as producing CDs of educational activities for students. His expertise is in taking diverse technologies, and connecting them together to provide solutions for access.
"Free downloads of switch and touch-screen games and activities
Here are just a few of the activities I make to support my work with schools and individuals. Most of these are simple cause and effect activities you can use with a switch or touch screen. Want to learn how to make your own? It's easy. Send me an email and I'll tell you how.
Don't forget to click the pictures to download the files.."
Flockdraw is a free to use web based painting/drawing tool. It makes it easy to draw with multiple people for fun or business. You can have unlimited people in a room and it updates in real time. Uses different colors, shapes and text. Save your work to our gallery and show it off! Start drawing now!
This is a fantastic podcast where Tracy shares her successful experience creating a radio show with her special ed high school students. It's worth trying with your students!
This is an inspiring podcast interview with Tracy Pariseau, Sanford HS, Maine, teacher who works with emotionally disturbed students on IEPs. She shares her experiences creating a student radio show with her students.
Excellent blog post by Ira Socol in response to the blog post written by Lisa Parisi (Successful Inclusion Program). Great food for thought and some really valuable links to other resources.
Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities
The GCDD is Arizona's state planning council for people with developmental disabilities and is authorized under the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (P.L.106-402). The mission of the Arizona Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities is to work in partnership with individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through systems change, advocacy and capacity building activities that promote independence, choice and the ability of all individuals to pursue their own dreams.
iOutliner is a powerful way to manage your tasks, ideas, and projects in structured lists. Simple to use and customizable to the way you work and best of all its completely free.