Exceptional Learners

In the classes I teach, I have several students on IEP and 504 plans, so it was nice to finally figure out what the differences are between them and what they mean. I find that the biggest difference in these students is their ability to complete tasks at the same time rate as the rest of the class. I have a few students, now that the classes have switched, who I need to investigate and see if they have plans. The first two terms of the year I had students with plans that required me to seat them at the front of the room because of either hearing  loss or to help them focus and lessen the distraction because of the room.

It's been interesting to watch the elementary students I teach, because I'm not given their plans at the beginning of the year. After visiting their classes a few times, I was able to start to pick out the students that I thought might have some difficulties. I asked their teacher about some of their behaviors and I was right. One in particular, was an autistic child, who regardless of the assignment I gave, would draw zombie, Halloween type pictures. I asked them to draw a self portrait and he drew a pumpkin for his head. Noticing his fixation, I asked his teacher and was then informed of his autism. I have since worked with him and given him very specific details as to what I'm looking for and have seen him branch out and try new things.

I have a 9th grade student right now that has a hard time completing and turning in assignments, so I gently remind him and work with him to get them in on time without counting them as late. I am more lenient with his subject matter and the extent to which he completes assignments. I also work with his mother to let her know what assignments I am missing.

I have another 9th grade student who is chronically ill and rarely comes to class. For him, I do not dock his grade for missing class like I do other students.


One thing I've found, is that some students take advantage of the plans. One student was known to openly express that "it doesn't matter what I do in class, because they will pass me anyways," so it became more of crutch and I think he abused the system.

I haven't had a lot of experience with new language learners, but know that our school offers programs to work with these students. They also offer classes after school that will assist these students with math and reading if they are referred by their teachers.