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Definition: Refers to substantial limitations in present functioning in two or more skill areas such as communication, self-care, home-living, social skills, self direction etc.

Assessment Criteria: The most effective way of determining an individual's cognitive ability is through an IQ (intelligence) test. Two common tests are the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children and the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales.

Characteristics: Some characteristics that may lead to a child having an intellectual disability are, a lower IQ score, impaired cognitive functioning, attentional deficits, short-term memory, difficulties in academic performance, lack of motivation, speech and language difficulties etc.

Culturally Responsive Instructional Strategies: Community-Based Instruction (A strategy for teaching functional skills in the environment in which they would naturally occur rather than in simulated settings), Task Analysis (An instructional methodology whereby complex tasks are analyzed and broken down into sequential component parts), Cooperative Learning (Instructional process whereby heterogeneous groups of students work together on an assignment), Scaffolding (A cognitive teaching strategy in which the teacher provides temporary support to a student who is learning a new task, supports are gradually removed) and Functional Curriculum (A curriculum that emphasizes practical life skills rather than academic skills).

Assistive Technology: Low Tech: Picture Exchange Communication Systems, Eye Gaze Displays, Communication books/boards. High Tech: I-pad Apps, Accent Series

Reflections: Before reading about intellectual disabilities I wasn't exactly sure what they were. I just thought it was a type of learning disability and that children with Intellectual Disabilities just needed extra help in the classroom. After reading about Intellectual Disabilities I learned that these limitations can affect intelligence, learning abilities and everyday life skills. I also learned how to asses a student that may have an Intellectual Disability as well as teaching strategies to help these students succeed in and out of the classroom. Lastly, I can use my creativity skills from the Anne Frank Social Justice Festival to help create lesson plans that benefit students with Intellectual Disabilities as well!

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Definition: A disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. Frequently observed in individuals with learning disabilities.

Assessment Criteria: When determining if a child has ADHD, the use of rating scales, medical evaluations and observation instruments used by teachers and parents are all effective ways.

Characteristics: Hyperactivity, poor decision making, memory impairments, lack of emotional maturity, impulsiveness, difficulty planning/organizing etc.

Culturally Responsive Instructional Strategies: Self-Regulation/Monitoring (A behavioral self-control strategy on self-monitoring), Home School collaboration, Visual aids, Written as well as oral instructions, and letting students know what is expected of them.

Assistive Technology: Low Tech: Seat cushion, fidget toys.

High Tech: Revive (Classic, Connect or Connect Plus)

Reflections: Before learning about ADHD, I was familiar with the characteristics as well as how you can treat it such as medication. My best friend has ADHD so I was exposed to that behavior and personality a few years ago. After reading I learned more about teaching strategies and ways to help these students learn because it can be very difficult for them. Some low technology to help students are things like seat cushions and fidget toys. I have found fidget toys to help myself when I am anxious as well so they definitely can benefit children with ADHD. I learned from the Anne Frank Social Justice Festival that you can be your own superhero and incorporating that into a curriculum, especially for students with ADHD, can be very beneficial. They can find their strengths and powers to help them succeed.

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Definition: A disability in which there is a discrepancy between a person's ability and academic achievement; individual possesses average intelligence.

Assessment Criteria: For individuals that are being considered for a possible learning disability, they will receive a multidisciplinary evaluation conducted by a team of professionals. Frequently used measures of intellectual performance include the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale and the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children.

Characteristics: Some characteristics that may lead to a child having a learning disability are disorders of attention, hyperactivity, memory difficulties, poor gross and fine motor skills, oral language difficulties, reading disorders etc.

Culturally Responsive Instructional Strategies: Self Instruction (A cognitive strategy for changing behavior; pupils initially talk to themselves outlaid while performing a task and verbally reward themselves for success), Mnemonic Strategy (A cognitive approach used to assist pupils in remembering material; the use of rhymes, pictures, acronyms, and similar aids to help in recall), Direct Instruction (A teacher directed instructional technique used to produce gains in specific academic skills; emphasizes drill and practice along with immediate feedback and reward), Inclusive Education (A way to serve students in a least restrictive environment), Flexible Teaching (allowing the use of audio recorders for note-taking and test-taking)

Assistive Technology: Low Tech: Calculator (for math help)

High Tech: Livescribe (smartpens for note taking)

Reflections: Before reading about learning disabilities I was familiar with the characteristics and ways to asses students who may have them. I learned from my sister who is a Special Education teacher! After reading, I learned many Assistive Technologies that can be used such as smartpens and teaching strategies such as the mnemonic strategy to help students learn. I can use my creative thinking strategies that I learned from the Anne Frank Social Justice Festival to help myself succeed as a future educator as well!

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Definition: Emotional and Behavioral Disorders refer to a range of mental health conditions or disorders that significantly impact an individual's ability to function in daily life, academic, social, and emotional settings. These disorders are characterized by patterns of emotional or behavioral responses that are disruptive, challenging, and often inappropriate to the situation, resulting in difficulties at home, school, or in other social settings.

Assessment Criteria: Assessment criteria for Emotional and Behavioral Disorders are crucial for identifying and diagnosing the presence and severity of these conditions in individuals, particularly in children and adolescents. A comprehensive evaluation typically involves gathering data from multiple sources and using standardized tools to assess various emotional, behavioral, and cognitive factors.

Characteristics: Some characteristics that may lead to a child having an Emotional and Behavioral Disorder are, extreme mood fluctuations, difficulty controlling emotions, fear/anxiety, aggression, disruptive behavior, hyperactivity etc.

Culturally Responsive Instructional Strategies: Integrate SEL into daily classroom routines. Teach students how to identify, understand, and manage their emotions, and how to develop social skills to interact appropriately with others. Another strategy is to teach culturally relevant methods of conflict resolution that resonate with students' own values and traditions. Positive reinforcement is another great strategy to help students with EBD learn. Lastly, culturally responsive mindfulness practices or relaxation techniques are very helpful for these students. For example, practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or specific cultural rituals for stress reduction can be incorporated.

Assistive Technology Low Tech: Fidget tools, reinforcement systems and calming tools.

High Tech: Positive Behavior Support Apps, Social Emotional Learning Apps and ClassDojo

Reflections: Before reading about Emotional Behavioral Disorders I was familiar with the characteristics but I did not know much about how to assess these students as well as assistive technology to help them succeed. The Anne Frank Social Justice Festival can help myself as a future educator to brainstorm ideas for my students to succeed. This allows me to use my problem solving skills and creativity to create the best classroom environment for my students.

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Definition: Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by a range of challenges in two primary areas, social communication and interaction as well as restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests.

Assessment Criteria: Assessing students with Autism Spectrum Disorder involves an evaluation that considers multiple domains of development, including social communication, behavior, sensory processing, and cognitive skills. The goal is to identify strengths and challenges, create intervention strategies, and support the development of individualized education plans or treatment plans.

Characteristics: Some characteristics may be challenges with initiating or sustaining conversations, problems with understanding social cues, difficulty in making friends, limited or absent eye contact, etc.

Culturally Responsive Instructional Strategies: Visual schedules help students with ASD understand routines, sensory breaks in between learning are always helpful and visual and hands-on learning are very beneficial for these students too.

Assistive Technology: Low Tech: Communication boards/pictures, visual schedules, fidget toys.

High Tech: Speech generating devices, social skills and behavioral apps, sensory apps.

Reflection: Before reading, I had a decent idea about Autism Spectrum Disorder. My sister teaches special education and she taught me a lot about the characteristics, assessment criteria and assistive technology. The Anne Frank Social Justice Festival taught me a lot about brainstorming, problem solving and creativity. I can use all of these skills to help create helpful IEPs for my students who need them.