Parallel Perspectives from Elementary Special Education
Welcome to the Modern Classrooms Project Podcast. Each week we bring you discussions with educators on how they use blended, self-paced, and mastery-based learning to better serve their learners. In this episode, Zach Diamond is joined by Leslie Pittman, a special educator from Baltimore City Schools to discuss her sixth year in education and her role in teaching math to grades three through five, focusing on helping students master all four math operations.
Through the conversation, Zach and Leslie emphasize the benefits of a Modern Classrooms approach, such as tracking student progress, providing data for IEPs, and offering individualized support. Leslie emphasizes the importance of adapting teaching strategies to meet each student's needs and aims to expand the use of this model in her school.
Here are three key takeaways from this podcast episode:
Meeting IEP Goals: Leslie shared how she tailored assignments to students using lesson classifications. Because the model required strong data tracking, Leslie was better able to meet student needs and reporting requirements. Modern Classrooms Project’s data-driven approach allows Leslie to effectively track student progress and tailor instruction to meet individual IEP goals.
Decreasing Accommodations: "One of my students was really progressing ahead a lot further than some of the other students. And so when we came around and had her IEP meeting, I actually recommended that this student actually doesn't need as [many accommodationas] as she currently has." Using evidence you collect during class can help to support the reduction of accommodations for students who are demonstrating significant progress.
Teacher Ease and Efficiency: This approach “allowed those students who are grasping the concepts to really work ahead… In this way, it's already prepared so that those who are understanding can continue to move on and not be held back." There are great time-saving benefits that allow teachers to efficiently differentiate instruction and provide targeted support to individual students.
By leveraging the flexibility and data-driven approach of self-pacing, Leslie is not only meeting the academic needs of her students but also empowering them to become independent learners.
Discussion questions for PLC and PD:
How can you leverage the data generated by a blended learning platform like MCP to inform and adjust your instruction to better meet the individual needs of students with IEPs?
How can you use a blended learning model to differentiate instruction and provide appropriate challenges for both students who are excelling and those who may require additional support?
How can you use data from a blended learning platform to advocate for adjustments to students' IEPs, such as reduced services or modifications to accommodations?
Our Host
Zach Diamond studied Music History and Theory at Oberlin College and received a Masters of Music in Music Education from Boston University. He taught music for five years in Lima, Peru, and is currently a Middle School music teacher at DC International School, a language-immersion school where he teaches in Spanish. He began implementing the Modern Classrooms Model in the 19-20 School Year and enthusiastically continues his work with the organization as a mentor and podcast producer.
Our Guest: Leslie Pittman
Leslie Pittman is a certified Baltimore City Schools Special Education teacher who has been working for the district 6 years. Her passions include incorporating the principles of growth mindset and restorative practices into her interactions with students and staff. Other passions include theater and travel.
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