My students need access to a laptop while in my class versus just on days we are able to get to a lab. Many students need to get on their speaking English program.
60% of my students qualify for free or reduced breakfast and lunch. Most of them have to take care of themselves after school and in the evenings. Getting homework done on their own is nearly impossible because they either have no accountability or anyone at home to help them.
I work hard to make sure all of their learning gets done in the classroom.
I have a good mix of low performers who have very little background knowledge which makes reading and writing especially hard for them, so I try to make sure I include special topics to build them up.
Part of these low performers are ESL, Special Education, and students with very little family support. A huge part of my project entails remediation and helping students find their strengths.
My Project
I like to give students the opportunity to learn in a safe environment. I have some students who do not speak English (at all) and some who are learning (but they are limited in proficiency). Our district has a program for ESL students to access when what we are doing class is beyond their current ability (time is not wasted on their learning)--they don't have to just sit there and wait.
Also, I mostly have students with Special Education programs or who are low in proficiency compared to their peers.
I have been recognized by the state as a teacher who is highly impacting. One of the reasons is that I don't just teach the class one lesson, but I have multiple lessons going on at once to be able to reach each student's needs. One of the things that makes this possible is having access to laptops so that students can work on their individual reading programs while I am conferencing with others.
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