Discussion

Watch this video,http://extmedia.kaplan.edu/gradEd/ED553/Spellings_Video_2.mov, in which Margaret Spellings discusses the changes taking place in today’s classrooms. (A transcript of the video can be found in Course Documents).

Consider these questions and post your responses to the Discussion Board:

• At one point, Spellings says, “The days of educating elites to high levels and leaving lots of other people behind, those are long over.” What is your perspective on this quotation?
• Name two ways in which you can use technology in your classroom to help customize learning for individuals.
• What plan do you have for reaching diverse learners?

As you respond to your classmates, consider their suggestions about using technology and teaching diverse learners. What advice can you give them about their suggestions? Are there additional ideas that you would incorporate into your own teaching practice?

Part 2

Reaching All Learners

After examining diverse learners in Part 1 of the Discussion and reading Chapter 10 in your text, you should have a clear understanding of what diversity means in the classroom. It not only means a difference in race, but it also involves teaching the exceptional or gifted child and teaching learners with different abilities, including those with special needs.

Consider these questions and post your responses to the Discussion Board:

• What do the critics say about education in the past few decades?
• How can schools still meet the accountability requirements set by Every Student Succeeds Act ( ESSA) and the state, and also keep students engaged and interested in learning?
• How will you as the classroom teacher or educational leader meet the needs of all students?

As you respond to your classmates, discuss your personal feelings about ESSA and standardized testing in this country. Many people have strong opinions on this topic, so now is a good time to share your personal feelings. Support your opinion with ideas from your text, readings, and outside sources.