Common Core and Exceptional Learners:  How can we help all students meet the standards?

1. What can teachers do when gifted students meet all their required standards?

1.1. Providing challenging and enriching activities

2. What are effective ways to assess the learning of exceptional students in relation to the CCSS?

2.1. Formative Assessments

2.2. Accommodations for Standardized Assessments

2.3. Setting clear targets

2.4. Writing IEP goals aligned with the CCSS

3. How can we implement CCSS for exceptional learners in preservice teacher training?

3.1. All teachers should have training included for how to help exceptional learners meet the standards, not just special education majors.

4. CCSS do not include provisions for exceptional learners.

4.1. English Language Learners

4.2. Students with Disabilities

4.3. Gifted Learners

5. What are some classroom instructional strategies to help students with special needs?

5.1. Universal Design

5.2. Project-based Learning

5.3. Collaborative Learning

6. References:  Konrad, M.; Keesey, S.; Ressa, V.A.; Alexeeff, M.; Chan, PE. & Peters, M.T.  (2014).  Setting   Clear Learning Targets to Guide Instruction for All Students.  Intervention in School &   Clinic, 50 (2), 76-85.   Vantassel-Baska, J.  (2015).  Common Core State Standards for Students With Gifts and Talents.    Teaching Exceptional Children, 47 (4), 191-198. Wakeman, S.; Karvonen, M. & Ahumada, A.  (2013).  Changing Instruction to Increase    Achievement for Students With Moderate to Severe Intellectual Disabilities.  Teaching   Exceptional Children, 46 (2), 6-13.