This document discusses strategies for differentiating instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners in the classroom, including students with learning disabilities, those who are gifted, and those with ADD/ADHD. It defines these categories of learners and their unique challenges. The document also outlines strategies for presentation of material, reading instruction, testing accommodations, and use of assistive technologies that can support different learners. Resources on specific learning needs and technologies are provided.

1. Differentiation in the Classroom Susan Purmort

8. Common Types Learning Disabilities Dyslexia Difficulty processing language Problems reading, writing, spelling, speaking Dyscalculia Difficulty with math Problems doing math problems, understanding time, using money Dysgraphia Difficulty with writing Problems with handwriting, spelling, organizing ideas Dyspraxia (Sensory Integration Disorder) Difficulty with fine motor skills Problems with hand–eye coordination, balance, manual dexterity Auditory Processing Disorder Difficulty hearing differences between sounds Problems with reading, comprehension, language Visual Processing Disorder Difficulty interpreting visual information Problems with reading, math, maps, charts, symbols, pictures

26. Resources continued The Rhode Island State Advisory Committee on Gifted and Talented Education http:// www.ri.net/gifted_talented/rhode.html Pub Med Health. (2011). Retrieved at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002518/ South Carolina Assistive Technology Programs. (2011). Retrieved at: http://www.sc.edu/scatp/ld.htm Special Education Service Agency. (2010). FM Systems and Listening Problems in the Classroom . Retrieved from: http://sesa.org/2010/05/fm-systems /

27. Resources continued Special Needs Education Suite 101. (n.d.). Retrieved at: http://karenplumley.suite101.com/assistive-listening-devices-in-the-classroom-a86435 Strategies for teaching students with learning disabilities. (2005). Retrieved from: http://www.as.wvu.edu/~scidis/learning.html Thomson, D. L., (2010). Beyond the classroom walls: teachers’ and students’ perspectives on how online learning can meet the needs of gifted students, Journal of Advanced Academics., 21(4) 662-712.