When schools switched to online learning in the pandemic, some students thrived in the new environment while many more fell behind. This resulted in the achievement gap between high and low student performance widening further and it is now one of the biggest challenges facing educators.
For teachers with special needs students in their general education classrooms, the problem is only magnified. They not only have to deal with the academic challenges that their students are facing, but also the added challenges of behavioural disorders and learning deficits. It's a tall order for any teacher.
As a teacher, one of the most important things you do is ensure that students are receiving a high-quality education that meets their individual needs but this can be a real challenge given the vast range of abilities that students are bringing to the classroom. So principals and teachers are always looking for ideas on how to close the gap.
While it can be tough to know where to start, there are a few key strategies that can help meet this challenge. Check out these ideas for closing the student achievement gap.
Firstly make use of available resources, such as professional development opportunities and instructional materials and be sure to collaborate with other teachers in order to share best practices.
Secondly, create a positive and inclusive classroom environment. The most important thing to do when teaching students with the achievement gap is to set high expectations. All students are capable of meeting high standards, and it's important that they know that from the start. In addition, it's important to provide plenty of support. This might mean offering extra help outside of class or working with parents to ensure that students have what they need at home.
Finally, it's important to be flexible in your approach. Every student learns differently, so it's important to be willing to try different methods until you find something that works. By taking these steps, you can help close the achievement gap and ensure that all students have the chance to succeed.
Closing the achievement gap is possible, but it will require a concerted effort from educators, parents, and students. It’s also important to get the support you need in order to be successful. We hope this article has given you some ideas about how to get started.