Algebra Unit Plan

Because lessons do not stop when a student leaves the classroom, purposeful collaboration with other teachers, staff, and families can help reinforce and expand the student’s knowledge and skills. Whenever possible, teachers should try to engage families in ways that encourage them to have their child practice the math skills at home. Having both the teacher and parents/guardians on the same page helps to support the student.

Read the case study to inform the assignment.

Case Study: Fiona

Grade: 9th

Age: 14

It is the beginning of the second semester, and Fiona is having a great deal of difficulty in her mainstream algebra class. Prior to this year, she was receiving instruction in the resource setting. At her eighth grade transition IEP meeting, her parents expressed their wishes that Fiona be in the mainstream algebra class, despite her special education teacher explaining that low reading comprehension negatively affects the understanding of math concepts. Fiona understands basic concepts of algebra but has not mastered the skills needed to move to the higher-level concepts her class is now working on. Currently, her math performance has been measured two years below grade level and her reading performance one year below grade level. Fiona’s general education math teacher has spoken with her parents about the possible need for additional support, and her parents have agreed to help at home, as they do not want her being pulled out for resource at this time.

The following goals have been identified by the special education teacher collaborating with the general education math teacher for Fiona:

1. Simplify addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division equations [e.g., (2x + 6) + (4x + 7) = 6x + 13].
2. Solve expressions with variables (e.g., 3x = -24).
3. Write and solve the algebraic equation in a real-life word problem.

Part 1: Strategies

As the special education teacher, select two researched-based instructional strategies that could be used to help Fiona meet her identified goals.

Instructional strategies should include:

• Explicitly teaching related vocabulary
• The use of the concrete-representational-abstract strategies
• Graphic organizers
• Mnemonic devices
• The use of assistive technology

In 250-500 words, summarize the recommended instructional strategies, rationalizing their appropriateness for Fiona’s goals and ability to help motivate Fiona to meet her goals. Include specific tips for implementation.

Part 2: 3 Day Unit Plan

Design a comprehensive mathematics unit plan based on the goals identified for Fiona. Outline three sequenced lesson plans, using the “3 Day Unit Plan Template.”

Your unit plan must include:

• Appropriate augmentative and alternative communication systems and assistive technology to make the lesson content more accessible.
• Integration of both formative and summative assessments to demonstrate mastery and support the generalization of learning for the student.
• Integration of an appropriate ELA writing standard related to Fiona’s third identified goal.

Part 3: Home Connection

In 250-500 words, explain how you plan to involve Fiona’s parents in meeting her goals. Include a specific at-home activity to help in her continued success.

Support your choices in Parts 1 and 3 with 1-2 scholarly resources.

College of Education (COE) program competencies and national

As a tenured special education teacher at the local public school you have been a key part of the of the multidisciplinary team process for the assessment of Manuel.  You have been able to work closely with Mr. Franklin, one of Manuel’s teachers.  You have contributed to the formal assessment process for this student who has exhibited learning challenges over a period of time.  As a result, you are now able to use this data to make informed decisions about his possible eligibility for special education services and the determination of the individualized supports.

As you become more competent in your field it is likely that you will be asked to create formal or informal presentations for families, teachers, or other professionals.  Imagine that you have been asked to present “The Case of Manuel” at a local workshop for the purpose of explaining the requirements of the assessment process, the components of the evaluation report, and how to base instructional recommendations based upon the data collected through the evaluation process.

Instructions:
For your final project you will create a presentation (Powerpoint with Speaker’s Notes) explaining the requirements of the assessment and evaluation process and how to construct instructional recommendations based upon the data collected through the evaluation process.  To do this, you will synthesize your own personal and professional experiences, current research, and the knowledge learned throughout this course.

Use the instructions below for the content and written communication expectations for the presentation.  Before submission, review your assignment using the Grading Rubric to insure it meets the expectations for distinguished performance.  If you have questions about the assignment or the rubric, please contact your Instructor using the “Ask Your Instructor” discussion before the due date.

Content Expectations:
Using information from your experiences with Manuel, create a presentation (14-15 slides in length) suitable for general education teachers and parents with children in special education settings.  Include speaker’s notes on each slide with scholarly citations written in APA 6th edition format to support your statements.

Use at least 10 scholarly sources to support your position pertaining to the evaluation and assessment process for students with mild to moderate disabilities.  The references must include:

• Current research on the evaluation and assessment process,
• At least one researched strategy for parent involvement, and
• At least one researched strategy for ensuring that your assessment and evaluation methods are both valid and reliable.

In addition to the above general requirements, your presentation must contain the following specific elements:

• A title slide with the following information (1 slide):
  • Title of paper
  • Student’s name
  • Course name and number
  • Instructor’s name
  • Date submitted
• Concise statement of the purpose of the presentation (1 slide).
• Synopsis of the historical perspectives, current legal and ethical standards, and landmark cases that impacted the assessment and evaluation procedures used in the case of Manuel (2 slides).
• Description of the multidisciplinary assessment process that drove the planning and development of Manuel’s individualized education program (2 slides).
• Explanation of how the special educator’s role within the multidisciplinary assessment and evaluation process contributes to the development of an appropriate program (2 slides).
• Summary of how the multidisciplinary team analyzed assessment findings to identify Manuel’s strengths and areas of need (2 slides).
• Comparison of the characteristics of the diverse assessment methods used as diagnostic tools to evaluate, monitor, and guide the development of Manuel’s Individualized Education Program, including the classroom instruction strategies implemented by the teachers (2 slides).
• Critique of the safeguards that assure special education ethical evaluation and assessment practices do not discriminate on the basis of race, culture, or native language (1 slide).
• Conclusion with recommendations for next steps for Manuel (1 slide).

Written Expectations:

• Syntax and Mechanics:  Exhibit meticulous use of grammar, spelling, organization, and usage throughout your submission.
• Organization:  Use the above listed guidelines for explicit headings within your presentation.
• Source Requirement:  Reference at least 10scholarly sources including the course text (minimum 10  sources total) in order to provide compelling evidence to support your ideas.
• Slide Requirement:  Include at least 14 to no more than 15 slides. All slides with the exception of the Introduction Slide must include speaker’s notes with text citations.
• APA format:  All in text citations, page format and references must be written in APA 6th edition format