Utilizing an iPad for ECC domains such as
social skills, technology, compensatory skills, and
visual efficiency are just some of the ways to address a student with low vision's IEP goals while
incorporating the Common Core Curriculum. It is
important to note that without a collaborative relationship with the student's teacher, none of these
lessons would be possible to implement. Therefore, when using the itinerant teacher model, it is
vital for the TVI to remain in contact with the student's teacher before and after each session.
I am sure many of you are wondering how
data is kept for each of these lessons. Yes, there
is an application for that as well! Personally, I
prefer to use an application called Super Duper
Data Tracker, which allows me to input my student's name and IEP goals. It also gives an option to check off whether or not the student met
his/her goal, needed prompting, or did not meet
their goal during a specified session. Session
data is tracked over time and graphed into visually appealing line graphs. This app is just one of
the many ways data can be tracked, but in our
tech-savvy, data-driven world of teaching, I
thought it would be important to note how to keep
the "IEP police" away!
To conclude, it is not impossible for an itinerant teacher of the visually impaired to incorporate the Expanded Core Curriculum into the Common Core Curriculum. With the advent of iPad
technology, they actually mesh well together. It
may not be a perfect marriage at first. But over
time, practice may make perfect.
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