This project and analysis of data is the collaborative work of Pat
Baldauf, an evaluator for the Targeted Staff Development Grant, teachers
in an inclusion classroom and Jane Collins, Principal of Black River Elementary
School. Though the study focuses on a small number of students with disabilities,
this is the beginning of documenting pathways which strongly influence
the academic success of the student with disabilities participating in
a general classroom.
The following evaluator conclusions are made using the responses
to the student/parent surveys and standardized test results:
· When students with disabilities have consistent support and caring from teachers and parents, they have a positive attitude about school. All responses were positive concerning this from students and parents.· PROJECTION FOR 2000/2001 STUDY - The goal is to focus on more evidence of the effectiveness of collaborative implementation of multiple and specific strategies in an inclusion learning environment, which enhance motivation and academic success of students with disabilties in an inclusion classroom. The plan would be to study the difference in student performance and behavior before and after the implementation of these strategies. The schools participating will be BRE and Carthage Elementary School
· Students with disabilities like to be involved in Project Based Learning Activities and are enthusiastic about having choices in participating in such projects. All teachers are using Project Based Learning Instruction at least once a month.
· Most students with disabilities need guidelines and explanations for clarification of homework assignments in order to complete their work. Most parents are giving that assistance to their child as needed.
· From the standardized test data it would appear that students with disabilities are making consistent gains in reading and math as they participate in a learner centered environment where there is support and caring from parents, teachers and consultant teachers. Research has proven that quality work is the result of having this as one of the components in producing optimum effort and product results.
· During the 1999/2000 year there was an opportunity for this evaluator to document that the type of instruction used in this elementary inclusion class is also being implemented at Lisbon Middle and High Schools in math and science classrooms with great success. Another indicator that the strategies implemented as a result of teacher collaboration and the creation of a supportive learning enviroment can impact the motivation and performance of students with disabilities beyond elementary school.
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