2.3 Mr Charlie Anderson is an experienced teacher at Starters full-service school. In his quest to identify and support learners with learning barriers in his class, he put together an inventory of the strengths and needs of the learners across a broad spectrum.Onthebasisoftheinformationgathered,he found a learner who needed extra support and he invited the learner’s parents to be part of the formulation of the individual support plan to support the identified learner. The review date was set for the learner unfortunately at the time of the reviews they found that the plan did not work as the learner had not shown any signs of progress.
2.3.1 Discuss what the next step should be to ensure that the learner is assisted and also state who should be involved in that step. (3)
2.3.2 Explain the importance of assessments to teachers. (3)
2.3.1 The next step to ensure that the learner is assisted would be to reassess the learner's strengths and needs to understand why the initial plan did not work. This could involve conducting additional assessments, such as observations, interviews, or standardized tests, to gain a deeper understanding of the learner's specific challenges and barriers to progress. It would be important to involve the learner's parents and other stakeholders, such as special education teachers or learning support specialists, in this process to gather different perspectives and expertise. Together, they can collaborate to develop a new individual support plan that takes into account the learner's unique needs and ensures appropriate and tailored interventions.
2.3.2 Assessments are important to teachers for several reasons. Firstly, assessments help teachers gather information about their students' current knowledge, skills, and abilities. This information allows teachers to understand where their students are in their learning journey and to make informed instructional decisions. Assessments also help identify areas where students may be struggling or facing barriers to learning, allowing teachers to provide targeted support and interventions. Additionally, assessments help teachers monitor student progress over time and determine the effectiveness of their teaching strategies and instructional interventions. By regularly assessing their students, teachers can better identify learning gaps and adjust their instruction accordingly. Overall, assessments play a crucial role in informing instruction and supporting student learning and growth.
2.3.1 The next step to ensure that the learner is assisted would be to conduct a thorough review of the individual support plan. This review should involve all relevant stakeholders, including the teacher (Mr. Charlie Anderson), the learner's parents, and any other professionals or specialists who may be able to provide insight and expertise.
During the review, the team should re-evaluate the learner's strengths and needs, identify any potential barriers or challenges that may have hindered progress, and explore alternative strategies or interventions that could better meet the learner's specific needs. It is important to have open and honest discussions with all parties involved to understand their perspectives and gather input on potential solutions.
The team may also consider seeking guidance or consultation from special education experts or support services within the school or educational system. These professionals can offer insights and recommendations based on their expertise, which can help inform the development of a revised support plan for the learner.
Ultimately, the goal of this next step is to ensure that the learner receives the appropriate and targeted support necessary to address their learning barriers and make progress in their academic journey.
2.3.2 Assessments are important to teachers for several reasons:
1. Identifying individual strengths and needs: Assessments help teachers understand the unique strengths, learning styles, and areas of improvement for each student. By assessing students' knowledge, skills, and understanding, teachers can tailor their instruction and support to meet their students' specific needs.
2. Monitoring progress: Regular assessments enable teachers to track the progress of their students over time. They provide evidence of whether students are making the expected progress or if they are struggling in any particular areas. This information allows teachers to adjust their instructional strategies and provide targeted interventions as needed.
3. Informing instructional decisions: Assessments provide teachers with valuable information to make informed decisions about their instruction. By analyzing assessment data, teachers can identify gaps in students' understanding, modify their teaching methods, and differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of their students. Assessments also help teachers determine which skills or concepts need more focus and reinforcement in their lesson plans.
Overall, assessments play a crucial role in guiding teachers' instructional practices, supporting students' individual learning journeys, and ensuring that instruction is targeted and effective.