ISAAC IN 4th GRADE

In this clip, we see students in the 4th grade, one of whom has a severe disability involved in four centers related to economics. In the first videoclip, the teacher explains modifications that allow Isaac to also participate in the centers with the children. Click below for additional videocllips:

• Issac's teacher tells about the learning activities and Isaac's participation.
• Cash register center. Isaac works on sorting simulated coins and paper money with help by a paraprofessional and peers.
• Advertisement center: Isaac chooses advertizements he likes and pastes these on a sheet along with other students, again assisted by a paraprofessional and other students.
• Going camping. Isaac's friend tells of a camping trip they are taking together.

In another class in the morning, Isaac participates as students study the impact of gravity and make observations on recording sheets. In the following clips you will see:

• Two peers involving Isaac in rolling a ball down an incline as they make and record observations.
• Isaac at the computer.

These clips illustrate how a student with a severe disability can participate in an activity working on goals important for him while other students are working on different goals -- all engaged in the same activity. It also is an example of partial participation. A student does not necessarily have to engage in all of an activity for it to be valuable.

The clips also illustrate how naturally and comfortably other students in the class interact with Isaac. He's become friends with several students.

Note also how, in both classes, the paraprofessional is available to assist but pulls back to allow Isaac's peers to interact with and support him in learning.

Michael Peterson, 2003

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