# data[].attributes.body
I was extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to interview Kristy and share in her process and experience. I learned that the method and model of approach is never as important as the students and their progress. Therefore it's imperative to remain adaptable and adjust strategies as needed on a student by student basis. I wish I had asked her more about how she handles behavior in the classroom, dealing with the diverse challenges in special education must provide many challenges to instruction and I'm curious how she navigates it daily. I was surprised to learn that English language learners didn't receive services until age six in her district, as I thought that would be something available earlier on in development. I'm grateful that teachers like Kristy have accepted the call to teach. Romans 12: 6-7 states, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach (Top Bible Verses for Teachers: Scriptures on Teaching Others, n.d.)." I hope to use my gift in the same fashion, and reflect the change that I want to see in the world.

# data[].attributes.body
Albanese, E. (2021, October 4). Pre-teach, teach, reteach - School News Network | A Window into Your Public Schools. School News Network | a Window Into Your Public Schools. https://www.schoolnewsnetwork.org/2021/10/04/pre-teach-teach-reteach/

Estes, T. H., & Mintz, S. L. (2015a). Instruction: A Models Approach, Enhanced Pearson Etext with Loose-Leaf Version -- Access Card Package. Pearson College Division.

Hagen, M. (2018, July 16). Read It Once Again. Closing the Gap. https://www.closingthegap.com/read-it-once-again/

Top Bible Verses for Teachers: Scriptures on Teaching Others. (n.d.). https://www.christianity.com/bible/bible-verses-for-teachers-110#:~:text=Read%20through%20this%20collection%20of%20Bible%20verses%20about,stewards%20of%20God%27s%20varied%20grace%22%20%281%20Peter%204%3A10%29

# data[].attributes.body
Kristy assesses her students progress via teacher observation, classroom data, and IEP goals. Her strategies are modified for each individual child based on needs and concept attainment. Oftentimes that means adding visuals or manipulatives, adding modifications or accommodations, or by changing techniques and prompt levels. She goes on to clarify that sometimes its as simple as changing the environment, it all depends on the child.

# data[].attributes.body
Kristy goes on to highlight the necessity of a differentiated approach to instruction due to the various skill levels of her students. "By using a variety of instructional models and strategies, teachers differentiate instruction (Estes & Mintz, 2015)." Her approach always begins with direct instruction, but must be fluid and engaging so as to maintain focus, and so she adapts her model as needed.

# data[].attributes.body
She mentions that students in her district do not qualify for services until they are six years of age. Highlights that the English language learners in her class benefit from the use of visual aids, demonstrating that pictures and objects help to make lessons concrete.

# data[].attributes.body
Kristy goes on to illustrate that due to the age of her students ranging from three years old up until six years old she uses a lot of visuals and hands on activities to teach concepts. Including, visual schedules, symbols, activities such as painting, crafts, manipulatives, sensory, etc. She introduces concepts using a pre-teach, teach, re-teach technique. "That means, first, students learn standards and lessons that are coming up in their classes, before their general education peers do. They learn them again in their subject-area classes, and If they still need support, they re-learn them one more time in Strategies (Albanese, 2021) ." Based on her special education students various skill sets, she feels this approach allows for better retention and familiarity when approaching new material. She pairs this with modeling to aid in helping the students learn new concepts.

# data[].attributes.body
Kristy uses a Read it Once Again curriculum which "provides a comprehensive preschool / early childhood curriculum that promotes and establishes an early literacy-based foundation for the development of basic skills. It also provides the educator with student goals and objectives based on developmental milestones with structure and rationale (Hagen, 2018)." This particular curriculum includes and relies heavily upon the parents, or guardians, of the student  in the development and implementation of instructional processes and promotes constant communication between the parents and school.

# data[].attributes.body
Kristy Dimarco.
Horry County Schools.
Carolina Forest Elementary.
Early childhood special education.