Reading Disability: Assistive Technology

As a science teacher, my main concern will be that students are understanding the concepts presented and are able to apply these understandings in a variety of contexts. Reading is certainly helpful for solidifying background information, but it's not a necessity. If a student struggles on a test due to difficulty reading, I'd look into making adjustments that could, in turn, benefit the entire class.

I'd post my notes online to make them accessible to students at any time. I'd also provide information regarding text-to-speech technology. This would not only assist the reading impaired student, but would also cater to other students in the class who may be primarily auditory learners.

In terms of actual class time, I'd present the information in a variety of forms: text will be available on a projector for students who prefer to read the information, I'd outline the information and enhance definitions verbally, I'd provide demonstrations so students can see and actually conduct experiments that support the concepts, and I'd divide the students into groups to further discuss and teach each other the content to which they've just been exposed. By getting the students actively involved in their learning, the need for reading (and other specific skills) will be minimal, and students can focus on learning methods most useful to their own needs.

When administering a test, I liked the idea presented earlier about students using computers (provided there are safeguards in place to prevent cheating). I can provide a set of headphones to the student struggling with reading (or any student who desires them) so he or she can listen to the problems presented rather than read them.