Class #1 Meeting the Needs of Todays Students

Have the needs of students changed that much since the days I was in school? Well, certainly high needs children were never in mainstream classes, they were relegated to the "Special Education" classes. However, I wonder about the other students, the ones who could "blend in” more readily with their classmates. Students who had severe learning disabilities, ADHD, high functioning ASD, where were they?  Certainly I know that that the rates of ASD are on the rise, but I don't know if, statistically, the rates of other disabilities are on the rise as well. In fact, I have a suspicion that while the numbers may in fact be going up, there has also been an ideological shift in the way in which we approach the business of educating children, that has led to a higher identification of students with special needs. We have learned that while fear may have worked in the short term to control behaviour, in the long term it not only failed to control behaviour but it also failed to promote an environment in which students can learn. Therefore, if we can no longer use fear as crowd control, we need to be a lot more resourceful to engage students and meet their needs. To teach each child, no matter their learning style or disability, we need new tools with which to teach. Old teaching methods will not work for today's new model of inclusion and differentiation. It is only if we change the way in which we teach will we be able to effectively do our jobs and meet the needs of all our students.  

Assistive technology is key to a vibrant and engaged 21^st century classroom. By training students with AT, we are better able to make their learning relevant and meaningful to them. Through technology we can give the students access to the curriculum, giving them the independence they need to be successful. Independence not only builds self-esteem, but also will enable them to develop skills that will serve them through their lives. As with most aspects of teaching, in order for Assistive Technology to be successful it is crucial that it is not implemented in isolation. Working with all stakeholders to identify strengths and needs, as well as essential training and monitoring are keys for success.   

While the demands of teaching have never been higher, it is exciting to be teaching in the 21^st century classroom. The tools that teachers have access to are ever expanding and their power and full applications are only now being realized.