Algebra for All: Meeting the Needs of Students with Disabilities
My students need 12 Amazon Fire tablets, as the app required for differentiating our rigorous algebra curriculum is available through them.
FULLY FUNDED! Mrs. S.'s classroom raised $680
This project is fully funded
My Students
I work in a self-contained classroom setting, supporting middle-schoolers scoring anywhere from the 1st-7th grade math level. My goal year after year is to successfully teach all of the required math standards, while also finding ways to fully support those students who are not quite at grade level. I frequently use technology in my lessons, and try to incorporate instructional videos and other online components into my students' learning.
I absolutely love what I do, and constantly strive to better my teaching ability by attending professional development tailored to special education and mathematics.
I have found over the years that collaboration and the incorporation of technology are both the most motivating factors that drive learning in the classroom. I find that this is especially accurate in the special education setting, as many of my students are visual and kinesthetic learners. This year, I want to make it easier for my students to have quick access to this technology.
My Project
I teach 8th grade self-contained special education math, and this year I am preparing my students for the "Algebra For All Initiative." In the NYC Department of Education, it is a goal to have all 8th grade students take the NYS Algebra Examination. This is an exam typically given in the 9th grade, but the hope is that if more students are given the opportunity to take the exam and pass it in 8th grade, then they will be able to begin their high school career one year ahead of the rest. This will eventually help lead many more students to be able to complete college-level and AP courses as seniors (which some colleges require as part of their application approval process).
As a special education teacher, this makes me incredibly nervous, but also very excited to rise to the challenge!
Most of my students are scoring between the 4th and 7th grade math level, with some scoring in the 1st or 2nd grade. (These students are alternately assessed and will not be required to take the algebra examination).
I have attended many Algebra for All workshops over a 3-week period in July and August, and learned about some amazing apps my students can use to sharpen their algebra skills, reteach any material that may still be confusing after I've taught it, and provide valuable and important data for me to assess and analyze throughout the process.
I have requested twelve Fire 7 Tablets so I can bring STEM math learning into my classroom to help my students understand Algebra. There are apps available through the Google Play Store which can be downloaded directly onto the Amazon Fire Tablets.
I would love to have a class set of Fire tablets for my students to be able to use in class to provide them with extra support.
More than half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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