I would suggest combining the checklist with the additional strategy of timed check-ins with Sam. It appears that now that the checklist is implemented, Sam’s problem is staying focused and on-task. Using a timer, Sam’s teacher should set a quiet alarm for every 15-20 mins, and check on Sam at each interval, and redirect back to task if necessary. His teacher should ensure that she is referring to the checklist when redirecting Sam, and discuss his progress on the list with him. The desired outcome is that once Sam becomes accustomed to checking his checklist at short, regular intervals with the teacher, he will be able to transition to using this strategy without the teacher’s supervision.

The use of a planner for Sam is a great strategy because his teacher records all the class assignments that Sam needs to work on.  Sam can go back to his planner every time he needs to remember what to work on, to check the assignments he has finished and see the assignments he still needs to work on. The use of a planner is a great strategy to keep Sam focused and keep him on task.

Another strategy that Sam’s teacher should use in addition to the planner is to make Sam responsible for writing down his own assignments, make him check daily with his teacher to receive feedback, and write a small reflection at the end of the day to make sure that he is still on task or see what he needs to work on.

 

Sam’s teacher utilizes a checklist that was placed in his planner, to ensure that he stays on task in his group. These strategies are beneficial to Sam because they encourage him to stay motivated and organized. The checklist can also hold Sam accountable because he has the ability to check off what he has completed while also being able to see what still needs to be done. Sam also struggles to stay organized in class, the planner is helpful because it organizes the assignments that need to be completed for his group work. Meeting with his teacher will ensure that Sam is staying on task and that he is on track with his checklist and planner.

Part 2: 

An additional strategy Sam’s teacher can utilize is meeting with him daily to have him work on creating his own planning techniques. This strategy can help him to have control of what he believes he can finish each day/week. Having him set his own intentions and goals can encourage him to take charge of his individual education. It will also allow him to slowly become more on task each week because he will have an understanding of what he can complete. As time goes on, his checklists will become more advanced.  

Part 1

A strategy a teacher uses to help Sam be successful in his learning is writing the due dates on his planner for each task that needs to be completed. This is a good strategy for Sam, because he struggles with completing assignments on time. By doing this it will help him stay focused and organized with his assignments. Also, by seeing the time and due dates it helps give a visual representation on where he is at in his schedule and keeping Sam accountable for turning in his work on time.

Part 2

One additional strategy Sam teacher could have used to help Sam be successful in his learning is allowing short breaks, after completing each assignment, or after 20-30 minutes of focused work. By having Sam have short breaks and getting up to walk around, can help Sam reset his focus & attention and not get distracted. It can also help with his behavior that can at times distract his classmates.

  An Additional strategy Sam’s teacher could use to ensure his completion of this project is to offer sources for the project such as books or websites. This strategy would be effective in helping him and his group become more successful, because they would have the knowledge and tools to locate the background information on their chosen leader needed to complete the project. 

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Although the planner is effective and has good intentions, it needs to be advanced to the next level to  ensure Sam is taking accountability and not being so dependent on his teacher. In order to further his success, Sam needs to begin taking on the responsibility of writing in his planner and completing the checklist on his own. Weekly check-ins need to be done with Sam to recognize if he is completing the task at hand. In order for him to grow as a student, he needs to take accountability and learn to use the resources on his own with guidance and support when needed. Monthly meetings with student, teachers, and family can also be implemented to target his struggles and provide academic interventions to better help him.