I am a special education teacher at a rural high school in Mississippi where I teach reading and language arts to students with significant disabilities. There is a high degree of poverty in the community where I teach. My students are all unique and they all have their own challenges. Some are autistic, some have down's syndrome, some have multiple disabilities including physical disabilities. All of my students are struggling readers, reading on pre-kindergarten to 3rd grade level. Most, however, are aware that they are in high school and would like material suitable for their age, not their disability.
At our school, we try to make our special needs students' high school experience mirror that of their non-disabled peers as much as possible.
Rather than remain in one classroom all day, our students change classes for reading/language arts, math/science, and job/life skills. They also all take an elective of their choice with their non-disabled peers. Most of my students realize the books that they are able to read are meant for much younger students. Because of this, it is hard to encourage independent reading. I would like to change that by offering books that my students will want to read.
My Project
I have selected books from Saddleback that are referred to as high/low books. These books are of "high" interest to high school aged students, but they have a "low" reading level. The books will be used to create a classroom library and students will be allowed to select books for independent reading. Once the students have read the book, they will take an informal assessment to assess their comprehension of the book and the vocabulary presented in the book.
The donations for this project will allow me to create a leveled reading library full of books that my teen students with special needs will WANT to read!
The books are about subjects that are age appropriate for teen students. The graphics on the covers are interesting and depict teens from this century! I think offering these books will encourage a love of reading that will, in turn, increase my students reading level.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Ladner and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
