Collaborating teachers and instructional assistants support a diverse group of eighth-grade students in geometry through the use of video and interactive exercises and a graphic organizer.
The eighth-grade geometry class at West Jessmine Middle School (Nicholasville, Ky.) is co-taught by Melissa Rhorer, a special education teacher, and the regular math teacher, Jennifer Howard. Three instructional assistants provide additional support in a class comprised of both accelerated learners and those with significant learning disabilities.
The lessons incorporate a SmartBoard©, which uses video and interactive exercises to engage the students. Melissa and Jennifer developed a resource booklet for students to take structured notes in a consistent manner. It also serves as a way for teachers to scaffold the material and differentiate when appropriate.
This video was originally part of a multimedia professional development resource, Literacy Without Limits, produced by KET in 2007 in collaboration with the Kentucky Department of Education.
Kentucky Department of Education: Characteristics of Highly Effective Teaching and Learning
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