The four webinars linked to this theme can be utilized as “stand-alone” learning topics or combined to be maximally relevant for the participant. The series opens with an overview of learning challenges; their characteristics and how they might present in the classroom, and then moves to practical means to address these challenges through pro-active differentiation of the environment, instructional programming and means of assessment. In each of these webinars, professionals discuss and provide “real-world” strategies and approaches for meeting the learning needs of a diverse student population.
Webinar #8: Differentiated Teaching and Student Challenges
Was: Wednesday, October 26, 2011 – 7:00-8:00PM Ontario Time (DONE -(Click here to arrange a repeat)
This webinar will ‘set the table’ for a series of webinars focusing on strategies for incorporating differentiated teaching into today’s busy classroom. This opening session will provide teachers with an overview of some common learner challenges, and how they might manifest in the classroom. Although a number of learning profiles will be touched upon, special attention will be paid to ADHD and its potential impact on learning. Practical strategies will then be recommended and discussed. Specific teaching strategies related to Learning Disabilities, Anxiety Disorders, and Externalized “acting-out” Behaviours will be discussed in upcoming sessions.
Presenter: Helen Rees – B.A. (Hons.), P.G.C.E., Specialist AQ (Special Education)
Ms. Rees has more than 25 years of teaching experience in both the United Kingdom and Canada, primarily in the field of Special Education, with an emphasis in the area of Speech and Language Impairment. She is currently employed as an Itinerant Special Education Resource Teacher for Developmental and Physical Exceptionalities with the Halton District School Board of Ontario, Canada.
Webinar #9 – Supporting the LD Student in Your Classroom
Was: Wednesday, November 2, 2011 – 7:00-8:00PM Ontario Time – DONE (Click here to arrange a repeat)
The purpose of this session is to demonstrate how to support the LD student in the general classroom setting. Discussion will focus on instructional, environmental and assessment accommodations and practical classroom strategies to meet the needs of the LD student. Teachers will be encouraged to develop subject-specific resources which can be adapted to meet the needs of the LD student.
Presenter: Carol Adler – B.A., B.Ed.
Mrs. Adler completed her B.A. at McMaster University and her B.Ed. at Brock University where she also earned Specialist qualifications in Special Education and Guidance. For over twenty years, she has worked in the field of Special Education at the High School level applying the “whole student approach” to the design and implementation of the education plan, in order to meet the special needs of every student. She is currently a Learning Resource teacher with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board.
Webinar #10 – Helping Anxious Students in the Classroom (Internalizing Behaviour)
Was: Wednesday, November 9, 2011 – 7:00-8:00PM Ontario Time (DONE -(Click here to arrange a repeat)
This webinar will review the signs and symptoms of an anxious student who directs his/her worry and concerns inward. A case study of a grade 2 student with generalized anxiety will be presented, and strategies for assisting this student with a typical day at school will be discussed. Adjustments to the strategies based on varying age of students will be discussed. All strategies are practical, easy to implement and will be at your fingertips for use in your classroom tomorrow.
Presenter: Carol Balint, B.Ed.
Ms. Balint has over thirty years experience as an educator, and working with children and adults with special needs. Carol graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from McMaster University, a B.Ed. from Queen’s University, and has a Specialist Certification in Special Education.
Carol’s early career was with Non-Profit Agencies, developing programs, and advocating for services and the inclusion of children and adults with intellectual disabilities. She has over 25 years of experience in Ontario public school classrooms, alternating regularly between regular and special education disciplines. She is currently a Learning Resource Teacher with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board.
Webinar #11 – How Can I Teach This Student? – Externalized Challenging Behaviours
Was: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 – 7:00-8:00PM Ontario Time (DONE -(Click here to arrange a repeat)
This webinar will focus on externalized challenging behaviours including work refusal, argument, melt-down, and general non-compliance to teacher direction. Ms. Helen Rees and Ms. Bev Miller will discuss and provide strategies and interventions designed to identify student skill deficits, minimize disruption to learning, and maximize student growth across all emotional, cognitive, and social domains. Special attention will be paid to the approaches of Collaborative Problem Solving and Applied Behaviour Analysis/Positive Behavioural Supports.
Presenter: Helen Rees – B.A. (Hons.), P.G.C.E., Specialist AQ (Special Education)
Ms. Rees has more than 25 years of teaching experience in both the United Kingdom and Canada, primarily in the field of Special Education, with an emphasis in the area of Speech and Language Impairment. She is currently employed as an Itinerant Special Education Resource Teacher for Developmental and Physical Exceptionalities with the Halton District School Board of Ontario, Canada.
Presenter: Bev Miller – B.Sc., Cert. of Education, M.Ed. (Adaptive Instruction)
Ms. Miller has more than two decades of educational experience, working in integrated classrooms and in the area of Special Education in both Canada and Australia. Ms. Miller is currently an Itinerant Resource Teacher for Regional Autism Services with the Halton District School Board of Ontario, Canada. She has a special interest in supporting students with Asperger’s Syndrome and other social/anxiety disorders in the school environment.
