Diversity

Students walk into our classrooms with all different types of backgrounds and baggage. As teachers it is our job to meet the strengths and learning styles of our students in helping them become successful learners. It is important that teachers know which students have Individual Education Plans (IEP), 504 accommodations, and any other special needs for the learning environment. Using technology gives teachers a way to “unlock” a child and provides an access to reach more students. (Ross, 2010)

In my classroom I have the following diversity groups:

**Students with Disabilities:** These students are learning disabled. In order to help meet their needs, these students will be in groups with higher ability learners. They are computer literate and will be able to navigate websites and software used in the unit. They will need a lot of direction and guidance as they convert fractions to decimals and divide the decimals.

**Multiple Intelligences:** The use of technology with presentation software, web searching, and design software will help tap into the different intelligences each student possesses.

**Gifted Students:** These students will more than likely become the leaders of their group. They will closely monitor and assist struggling students with the mathematical concepts along with keeping the group organized and on task. They will have the opportunity to expand the presentation to include more in-depth details.

**Students without access to technology at home:** Students will complete all technology components of the unit in class with access to the mobile laptop cart. The mathematical conversions and computation can be completed at home.