We hope you all are having fun, safe, refreshing summers so far. As we talk with teachers around the Region, there is a lot of discussion about graphic organizers as mnemonic accommodations for students with learning disabilities. For certain students, blank graphic organizers may also be allowable accommodations on the statewide assessment. Research into graphic organizers indicates two important points: first, that they work best when information is delivered from big ideas down to details, with an opportunity for students to summarize information at the end. Second, that students get the most benefit when graphic organizers are used strategically. For example, if a science teacher were consistent with one type of G.O. for her lectures, another for investigations, and a third for review, this consistency would allow students to develop greater fluency with the resource.
There are an abundance of free graphic organizers on the internet. Here is one good resource: Free Graphic Organizers.
Also, many Social Studies teachers are interested in using blank maps as an accommodation for certain students. A blank map can be a great way to trigger recall in students. There are also many of these resources online, but here is one fairly comprehensive set: Free Blank Outline Maps.
We hope your summer is off to a great start! It’s so important to take this time to relax, refresh, and “refill” the tank. It’s also a great time to think about the big picture — what really matters for my students and what can I do to facilitate life success for them? This is a great article from the Frostig Center, based on a long-term study of students with disabilities, that highlights six identified attributes that predicted life success for students with learning disabilities: Success Attributes. Take a look and share with parents, teachers, and students if you feel it’s something of value!
Thank you for all that you continue to do to ensure the success of your students!
The Region 13 AGC team would like to wish everyone a happy, safe, and fun summer break. We know we’ll see many of you here for workshops and institutes throughout the summer, and we would also like to share some valuable resources.
These documents have been developed by the AGC statewide collaboration and approved by the Texas Education Agency. Familiarity with their contents will be valuable for anyone working with students with disabilities in any instructional setting.
Register now for Region 13’s summer Power of Inclusion workshops!
This workshop is an updated version of Power of Two, with content that is applicable to all educators who are collaborating for inclusion: general education teachers, special education teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, and more. The cost of the workshop is $90 per attendee which includes a book on co-teaching for each participant.