Are you ready to transform your classroom into an inclusive environment where every student can thrive? We will begin with a comprehensive overview of language-based disabilities, including specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia and communication disorders such as apraxia. Next, we will explore a wide range of accommodations and modifications, classroom routines and activities, and UDL (universal design for learning) techniques tailored to support students with weaknesses in receptive language, expressive language, decoding/reading, and encoding/writing. By the end of the workshop, participants will be equipped with practical strategies they can implement immediately to support the diverse needs of their students.
Content will be in the form of slideshows, articles, and videos. Participants will complete short reflections, activities, and/or assignments to accompany the content, along with a culminating project that applies strategies learned throughout the workshop.
This workshop can be used in conjunction with the Individual Professional Development Plan to satisfy the minimum 15 PDPs related to effective schooling for students with disabilities and instruction of students with diverse learning styles.
About the Instructor
Jessica Holicker is a 6th grade Math Teacher and Language-Based Special Educator at Norton Middle School in Norton, MA. With extensive experience in both general education math and special education settings, including inclusion and substantially separate classrooms, Jessica has developed an educational philosophy centered around the belief that every student is unique and deserving of meaningful learning opportunities. Her passion for fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment allows all students to thrive. In addition to her teaching role, Jessica supports her colleagues as the school’s former teacher technology liaison and current lead mentor. However, her favorite role remains as the co-director of the middle school’s drama program, where she inspires creativity and collaboration among students.