ITL608

Read pages 3 and 4 in the Performance Assessment Guide, which details how the Instructional Cycle 2 includes four specific steps to be completed in order: plan, teach, reflect, and then apply.

Asset-based pedagogies focus on the strengths that diverse students bring to the classroom. It is a direct response to deficit-based models to education of the past.

An asset-based approach to education is key in achieving equity in classrooms across the country. In recent years, while equity and access efforts shined a light on marginalized and underrepresented communities, some efforts treated schools and communities like they needed to be “saved.” With an asset-based approach, every community is valuable; every community has strengths and potential.

Read the definition of "Asset" on page 64.

Too often marginalized populations (e.g. some populations of people of color or students from lower economic communities) are approached with a deficit model. Attempts are made to instill in these groups of students the skills to make them successful at the Eurocentric education that dominates most schools in the United States.

For students with disabilities, the right accommodations and modifications can be as important to school success as appropriate IEP goals. These educational supports are similar, but they are not the same. Learn more about these supports and be prepared to discuss your child's needs at the next IEP meeting.

Students with disabilities who receive Section 504 or special education services often need accommodations to their educational programs. For special education students, accommodations help a student accomplish Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals, participate and make progress in the general curriculum, participate and be educated with students with and without disabilities, and participate in extracurricular activities. For students with a Section 504 plan, accommodations are used to eliminate barriers to full participation in school activities.

In recent years, the number of students diagnosed with disabilities who are attending postsecondary institutions has increased dramatically. Members of the largest group of students with disabilities have learning disabilities.