My quote that is my favorite and sums up my room would be "it's okay to not know, but not okay to not try." Every student is different and all learn at their own pace. I want every student to make and achieve their personal goals. The challenge is effectively personalizing learning and assessment.
I have a large classroom of 35 6th graders for the upcoming year.
Our school houses over 50 languages and cultures making it very diverse. This year, my school is moving towards full inclusion with our special education department. I'm am excited for these students to be with their fellow classmates and myself get a co-teacher in the class that can benefit all students in the room. I have five students who have various learning disabilities and that it will be their first year mainstreamed. I also have an autistic student who requires a great deal of one-on-one time. My students, who I got to meet on the last day of school are excited and nervous about the transition to middle school and what lies ahead. When it comes to data, I have a wide range with some learners testing at a 9th grade level in reading and some only at a 2nd grade level. I definitely have my work cut out for me this year, but I'm extremely excited!
My Project
My students need hand held response devices as a tool to actively participate in the class. I have learners that are afraid to contribute vocally, but with a hand held device they can easily type a response to contribute to discussion. I have always used exit slips as a quick assessment for my class, but it takes time to grade. With hand held devices, the information is sent directly to my computer and immediately give my feedback allowing me to change my instruction that day. These devices also allow students to go at their own pace and respond when ready and it would be a huge benefit for my learners who need the extra time. I incorporate centers in reading and science, and with the hand held devices, I can monitor progress electronically and quickly.
We live in the digital world where students tend to participate more when instruction is tied to technology.
With these devices, my students will receive instant feedback and results as well as targeted interventions that are personalized. Being able to constantly assess students and change instruction for the individual student will ensure that each student makes their goals and potential. I envision that having these devices, I can get all of my students exceeding their goals for 6th grade.
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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