Michele Koomen, Ph.D

Star Fall

iPad App: Proloquo2go: The symbol-supported communication app that gives a voice to people who cannot speak

Writing Tools

• Whitesmoke
• Dragon Naturally Speaking

Reading Tools

• Kurzweil text-to-speech reading system
• Read Write Gold text-to-speech reading system

Study Aid:

• Note-taking or Note-taking
• Flashcard Machine

50 ways to use WIkis

Wordle

50 ways to use Wordle in the classroom

Teacher attitudes about inclusion:

Norman, K., Caseau, D., & Stefanich, G. P. (1998). Teaching students with disabilities in inclusive science classrooms: Survey results. Science Education, 82(2), 127-146.

The experiences of learning science by a seventh grade student with LD and EBD:

• Koomen, M. H.  (Accepted). Learning from wizard: Inclusive science education.  Cultural Studies in Science Education.

The role of disciplinary literacy with ELLs with implications for SWDs:

• Lee, O., Quinn, H., & Valdes, G. (2013). Science and language for English language learners in relation to next generation science standards and with implications for common core state standards for English language arts and mathematics. Educational Researcher, 20(10), 1-11.
• Quinn, H., Lee, O., & Valdés, G. (2012). Language demands and opportunities in relation to Next Generation Science Standards for English language learners: What teachers need to know. Stanford, CA: Stanford University, Understanding Language Initiative at Stanford University (ell.stanford.edu).

To generate discussion about what inclusion is:

Stockall, N., & Gartin, B.  (2002).  The nature of inclusion in a blue ribbon school: a revelatory case. Exceptionality, 10(3), 171-188.

Assistive technologies

Overview

Overview using youtube

CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology): CAST is a nonprofit research and development organization that works to expand learning opportunities for all individuals through Universal Design for Learning.

Science Writer: A free online writing tool that is designed with the principles of Universal Design for Learning to explicitly guide and support middle and high school students through the process of writing a science report. Science Writer helps students choose and master research-based strategies for writing. Embedded prompts and multi-media supports guide students in both writing and the scientific process. 508 Compliant.

Inspiration software for developing graphic organizer and concept mapping (app for iPads)

Examples:

Graphic organizers. Graphic organizers are visual displays that illustrate relationships between terms, facts and ideas with far less text. Two common graphic organizers used in reading comprehension are semantic organizers and cognitive maps.

A semantic map is a graphic organizer that helps students organize descriptive information as they read expository texts. These maps allow students to cluster words in a way that is similar to how information is stored in memory. A teacher initiates the development of a semantic map before students read by presenting the concept that will be discussed in the text at the center of the map (for example: monarch butterfly wings). Next the teacher brainstorms words related or characteristic of the concept (for example: adaptations, physical characteristics, metamorphosis and flight).  These additional words or characteristics are placed in boxes or circles adjacent to the concept in the center. Alternatively, the teacher may provide the categories for the students, which is helpful for emerging or struggling readers. As the students begin to read they have a map of the overall vocabulary and characteristics of the concept. They add additional information to the existing properties as they read the text (Moss & Loh 2010).

Cognitive mapping may come in a number of forms. Boyle’s research found increased reading comprehension of students with LD when they used the TRAVEL mnemonic as they read (1996):

TRAVEL

Topic – Write down the topic and circle it.

Read – Read a paragraph.

Ask – Ask what the main idea and three details are and write them down.

Verify – Verify the main idea by circling it and linking its details.

Examine – Examine the next paragraph and ask and verify again.

Link – When finished with the story, link all of the circles.

References: 

• Boyle, J. (1996). The effects of a cognitive mapping strategy on the literal and inferential comprehension of students with mild disabilities. Learning Disability Quarterly, 19, 86- 98.
• Moss, B. & Loh, V. S. (2010). 35 Strategies for Guiding Readers Through Informational Texts. New York: Guilford Press.

On line forums and discussion

Todays Meet: Requires no user ID

Poll Everywhere

SERGE: Special Education Resources for General Educators: This website was designed to provide general classroom educators with quick access to information and professional development about addressing the needs of students who have disabilities and special education. We hope you will find the site easy to navigate as you seek answers to the questions you have about meeting the needs of students who have disabilities.

Text to speech

How to

YouTube and Other Resources

Building awareness:

Drive by Richie Parker

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILJGpjdY9U8

John Stossel reports on Carly Fleischmann

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEhc1o8oKeI

Neil Hilborn (OCD) "Button Poetry"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnKZ4pdSU-s

Don't Limit Me: Megan with Down Syndrome

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOwDfnoek6E

Including Samuel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6SRjD_9AnI

Full Inclusion

tp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uk2qJ1OhEa4

Full Inclusion with UN & Stevie Wonder

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cp4un4HoZjA

Famous People with Learning Disabilities

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoeZAXUZbqQ

Famous People with Bipolar, ADHD, BHP and Depression

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6FWNBsNsnc

Famous People with LD, OCD and Asperger's

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4DP8Qy0Cqc

In the news

Derrick Coleman (running back for Seattle Seahawks)

Haben Girma, first Deaf-Blind student accepted at Harvard Law School