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Goal

We would like to purchase USB headphones for scholars to use when working on the laptops. The USB headphones help prevent the headphone jack from breaking off in the laptop. Having headphones on while working allows for less distractions. Our students use assistive technology such as Le4arning Ally and require headphone access.
To provide assistive technology items to students with developmental disabilities (SLD, ASD,OHI, etc.) to support access to communication systems and a variety of learning activities.
The goal is to provide students with a classroom environment where students feel safe, secure, and ready to learn. Using non-traditional seating areas throughout the classroom will allow a student to have a choice, and feel more comfortable, in their classroom. It will increase their engagement in independent learning which will in turn increase their overall academic success.  

 

What will be done with my students

Students will use the USB headphones when working on
programs such as MYOn, Istation, and LearningAlly for reading, dreambox and reveal for math and iStation for reading. Headphones will help create less distractions.
The card packs will be used for our coteach routine. They will be used in small groups to practice their number facts in a fun way while thinking strategically.
The funds from this grant would be utilized to allow students the use of flexible seating and flexible seating areas to have better access to areas in the classroom. Allowing students to have a variety of choices in their seating will help them feel more comfortable in their learning environment. Having options other than the traditional chairs will help them become, and stay, engaged in their learning. We know there are different types of learners and many students learn in different ways. If you take two students of the same age, gender, and race they both can approach their learning differently. There are people within the ergonomics community that have research that shows that sitting can be as complicated as our learning style. While we are told to sit still, our bodies are still moving. Flexible seating will give students options throughout the day. For instance, they might want to sit on the floor on a wobble cushion when they are reading to stay focused. Perhaps while completing their math work, they might need to stand to get movement. This can help them think straight, while remaining engaged with the learning task.  

 

Benefits to my students

The headphones help prevent less distraction from other students working at different paces and lessons. It also allows the teacher and coteacher to work with small groups and not hear others using the technology programs.

The math cards will allow my students to build their math fact fluency in a fun, engaging manner through the use of games.
With this funding I hope that we will be able to develop a learning environment that works best for the individual needs of students. Giving students the ability to make a choice that works best for their learning will give students potential to create positive learning situations. Learning will be very different and based on the individual needs of a student. Allowing them to take ownership, and make a choice that fits their individual needs, that will benefit their ability to stay focused, and engaged, in their learning. Students should take pride in their learning, and giving them a choice, even as small as a chair, or a cozy carpet will help aid ownership of their work. Flexible seating areas will also allow for those students with sensory needs an individual outlet while working.  

 

Describe the Students

The Midtown Academy Center for Literacy Innovation provides a systematic, multisensory, structured approach to literacy instruction. Students will have opportunities for remediation in reading, writing and math. Our school is providing free and reduced lunch, a high amount of ESE performers and low socioeconomic backgrounds.
My students include students with autism, students who receive language and/or speech therapy, ESOL students, as well as gifted students. I teach at a Title One school, so many students are on free and reduced lunch. Assistive technology is necessary for our students to access everyday classroom items and curriculum.
In all of our CLI classrooms you will find a wide range of academic abilities. Many students benefit from one-on-one, or small group interventions, with scaffolding support. All students can learn. However, they do not all come to school with the same toolbox of resources. These funds will help level the playing field for our scholars. 

 

Budget Narrative

The headphones will be used daily as students with IEPs and 504s require assistive technology to access curriculum (read aloud testing etc.). The flashcards will be use daily for fluency remediation by the classroom co-teacher. The flexible seating will be used daily for opportunities for movement, an accommodation that is part of all of our students' IEPs. These tools in combination will increase engagement and ultimately close the learning gap in some of our most pressing populations. 

 

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