Abstract:

-If a child can´t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn- Ignacio Estrada

The state of New York requires students to learn at least one year of a foreign language to graduate from high school. Many students with special learning needs (LD, ADHD, ODD, OHI,etc) struggle to learn in their native language. Students´ find it very challenging to understand how they are to learn a new language when they haven´t mastered their own language.
My colleagues and I have created a team project to assess, discuss and develop plans to meet the individual students needs and help them be successful with their academic careers. Presenting at an International Conference will provide an opportunity to gather valuable insights that can contribute to improvements for both our team and other educators helping students with special learning needs learn a foreign language. At our presentation we will share the process, results and success of multiple secondary students who overcame their difficulties and mastered their first year of a foriegn language. Individually, we will identify our roles on the team and how we each ´teach the way the students learn´.

Assessment of students is an ongoing practice for educators worldwide. Our school psychologist performs a battery of Formative Assessment methods (observations, multiple choice tests, portfolios, classwork, etc.) and includes objective feedback which provides valuable learning opportunities for our students. She identifies the cognitive level of the student and the specific reading level they are performing at within their native language. She offers specific strategies that will best help the individual student succeed.

Our Spanish Language Teacher creates daily lessons with a focus on the state standard requirements. She develops lessons to include the aspects of foreign language teaching within the scope of individual educational path of each student. She shares lessons that are highly motivating to encourage the students to learn.

Our Reading Specialist incorporates reading strategies the students have learned in their native language to assist them in generalizing these skills to learn a new language. She supports the General Education Teacher.

Our Special Education Teacher reinforces the strategies the students have learned and implements specific strategies the psychologist has outlined. She supports the teachers´with motivation skills to encourage the students to make their best effort. She assists students with organization, staying focused, planning, and self-regulation.

Keywords:

Special Education, Cognitive Abilities, Motivation, Reading, Secondary Students, Language Skills.