Embracing Disabilities in the Classroom: Strategies to Maximize Students’ Assets

"The practical aspects of the book provide a wealth of ideas about how educators can make modifications and accommodations for individuals in their classrooms while fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere." —Anne Beveridge, Coordinator of Primary Years Program Branksome Hall, Toronto, Canada "Provides background historical information, current trends, suggestions for novice teachers, and new ideas for experienced teachers." —Leslie Hitchens, Special Education Teacher Crossroads Elementary, St. Paul, MN Foster positive experiences by differentiating not only instruction but attitudes too! How we treat others often influences how individuals feel about themselves. This book illustrates how educators can effectively promote sensitive, inclusive classroom practices that maximize success for students with disabilities. Embracing Disabilities in the Classroom provides content-rich interdisciplinary lessons accompanied by behavioral, academic, and social interventions that capitalize on student strengths. Inclusion expert Toby J. Karten demonstrates the impact of literature, self-advocacy, role playing, and strategic interventions on students′ growth and achievement. The numerous lessons, tables, rubrics, instructional guidelines, and charts help readers: Determine effective strategies for differentiating instruction for specific disabilities Modify lessons and curriculum appropriately in the content areas Encourage students to become active participants in learning Increase disability awareness and foster inclusive mind-sets in students, colleagues, and families This practical resource provides special education and general education teachers, principals, and teacher leaders with both effective instructional strategies for curriculum delivery and responsive approaches to promoting positive attitudes toward disabilities. Given appropriate support and an accepting environment, all students are able to achieve, thrive, and succeed in school and in life!

Table of Contents:
Preface Acknowledgments About the Author Part I. Introducing Disabilities 1. Historical Background of Disabilities Chapter Highlights Classroom Connections Ways to Differentiate Attitudes Then to Now Out and About Beyond Terminology Legislation Says...and the Classroom Does 2. How Others Interact and Acknowledge Disabilities and Differences Chapter Highlights Classroom Connections Ways to Differentiate Attitudes Dislabeling Activities Part II. Classroom Implications 3. Entering the Inclusion Classroom Chapter Highlights Classroom Connections Ways to Differentiate Attitudes Assessing, Modifying, & Adapting the Curriculum Capitalize on Strengths: What to Minimize & Maximize 4. Mastering the Curriculum Chapter Highlights Classroom Connections Ways to Differentiate Attitudes Presenting Curriculum 5. Content-Related Strategies and Lessons Chapter Highlights Classroom Connections Ways to Differentiate Attitudes Their Strategies, Not Ours! Put Me in Coach! It’s All in the Presentation! Reading Curriculum Concerns Appropriate Reading & Language Arts Accommodations, Adaptations, and Strategies for Lessons Writing Curriculum Concerns: Write On! Mathematics Curriculum Concerns: Math Matters, Too! Other Curriculum Lessons 6. Instructional Differentiation and Sensitivities That Respond to Students’ Behavioral, Social, Emotional, and Perceptual Needs Chapter Highlights Classroom Connections Ways to Differentiate Attitudes Part III. Schools, Families, and the Future 7. Increasing Disability Awareness and Better Attitudes for Families and All Communities Chapter Highlights Classroom Connections Ways to Differentiate Attitudes 8. Future Horizons for Disabilities Chapter Highlights Classroom Connections Ways to Differentiate Attitudes Commitments to Students’ Achievements Appendix A: Differentiating and Assessing Attitudes With Ability Awareness Rubrics Appendix B: Enabling vs. Challenging Your Students Appendix C: Student Data Documentation Appendix D: Increasing Communications and Collaboration References Index

About the Author :
Learn more about Toby Karten′s PD offerings Toby J. Karten is an experienced educator who has been immersed in the field of special education for her entire career. As an accomplished author and researcher, she has presented successful staff development to local, national, and international audiences. Toby is affiliated with Drew and Monmouth University and is an adjunct professor and graduate instructor at the Regional Training Center, which is affiliated with Gratz College and The College of New Jersey. Being involved in the field of special education for the past three decades has afforded Ms. Karten an opportunity to help many children and adults from elementary through graduate levels around the world. She has been a resource teacher, staff developer, adult educator, and inclusion coach and consultant in New York and New Jersey schools and in many districts nationally and globally. In addition to her roles as an inclusion coach, student and family advocate, professional developer, mentor and resource teacher, Toby designed graduate courses titled From Challenge to Success; LD, ADHD, and the Spectrum and Skills and Strategies for Inclusion and disABILITY Awareness.  She has trained instructors in three states to teach her courses. In addition, she has designed online courses for NaMaYa titled Collaborative Practices for Inclusive Classrooms and Interventions for Students with Dyslexia and Other Reading Differences. She has been recognized by both the Council for Exceptional Children and the New Jersey Department of Education as an exemplary educator, receiving two Teacher of the Year awards. She earned an undergraduate degree in special education from Brooklyn College, a master of science in special education from the College of Staten Island, a supervisory degree from Georgian Court University, and an honorary doctorate from Gratz College. Toby has authored several books and resources about inclusion practices and the CCSS, which are currently used for instruction on many college and university campuses and schools throughout the world. Ms. Karten is married, has a son, and a few dogs. She enjoys teaching, reading, writing, artwork, and most of all, learning.  Toby believes that inclusion does not begin and end in the classroom, but is a philosophy that continues throughout life. Hence, inclusion is not only research-based, but life-based as well!  

Review :
"The practical aspects of the book provide a wealth of ideas about how educators can make modifications and accommodations for individuals in their classrooms while fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere." "Addresses a very critical and pertinent topic in education today. It is so important that the needs of students with disabilities be met to give them the opportunity to succeed." "Very informative. Provides background historical information, current trends, suggestions for novice teachers, and new ideas for experienced teachers." “A must-have resource for all educators, this book is filled with creative, hands-on strategies for children of all ages and grade levels K-12 in all content areas. Both general and special educators will find a variety of practical, valuable strategies that they can use immediately in the classroom. Karten has written another winner!” "An obvious wealth of information, Karten continues to offer the latest strategies to maximize student success in the special education setting! An exceptional resource for those looking for an understanding of not only the history and legislation, but also the content lessons that work!" "As a beginning teacher, I have used Karten′s previous books for great ideas for starting my teaching career. This book provides the same great examples and strategies not only for special education teachers, but for ALL teachers!" "Karten has put together an excellent resource that should be a must-have for all professionals in special education. She provides not only an excellent background of special education in the classroom, but also a comprehensive source to aid in quick and easy activity plans. The book helps both the novice and the expert special educator identify functional and meaningful strategies that work in the school setting." "Karten clearly outlines a practical path to meeting the needs of all learners." "This is a must for all educators, current and future. The clear lessons help new teachers adapt their weekly plans to benefit all students."