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Module 3 - Session 5

FLEXIBLE GROUPING ACROSS LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

Meeting the Needs of Students with Disabilities Across Learning Environments

Module 3 - Session 5 Program Cover -  overview photograph of a group of students at a table on tablets

GETTING STARTED

OVERVIEW

Welcome to TALE Academy Module 3: Meeting the Needs of Students with Disabilities Across Learning Environments!

Goal – The goal of this module is to prepare educators to intentionally design and offer inclusive learning experiences for all students across all learning environments.

Module Content – This module consists of 8 sessions on meeting the needs of students with disabilities across learning environments. Each session contains a variety of content and learning activities.

Session Content – You are beginning Module 3 – Session 5: Flexible Grouping Across Learning Environments.

MODULE WORKBOOK

If you have not yet downloaded your personal copy of the TALE Academy Workbook for this module, do so now. See directions below. There is only one workbook for each module which contains activities for all sessions within that module. 

Step 1: Create your personal copy of the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook.

Throughout this session, you will complete the session activities and take notes in the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook. You will have many opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills you learn using your digital workbook. When you click on the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook link, you will be prompted to make a copy of the workbook. Once you do so, your notes and your work within your workbook will be visible only to you. Please note that the workbook is fillable using Google Slides. We do not recommend printing a copy due to the length of the workbook.

Step 2: Get familiar with the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook.

Now that you have your personal copy of the workbook, review pages 1-7 to learn about the workbook’s contents and tips for using the workbook. Don’t forget to add your name to page 1 to personalize your workbook!

 

Step 3: Review “Key Terms” for Session 5 in the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook.

Your last step is to review the key terms for Session 5. For every TALE Academy session, the key terms are listed at the start of each new session in the workbook. You can return to the key terms page(s) of your workbook throughout this session to add your notes.

GUIDING QUESTIONS & LEARNING OBJECTIVES

GUIDING QUESTIONS

  1. What is the difference between tracking and flexible grouping?

  2. Why is flexible grouping a high-leverage practice (HLP)?

  3. How can I implement flexible grouping across learning environments?

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this session, you will be able to do the following:

  1. Understand how tracking in special education can result in stigma.

  2. Recognize the difference between tracking and flexible grouping.

  3. Integrate flexible grouping into a lesson plan and consider how web-based strategies can be embedded.

ENGAGE: ACTIVATE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

LEARN FROM OTHERS: 
VOICES FROM THE FIELD

The following video highlights the reflections of New York State educators on how they use flexible grouping across learning environments.

Young girl on laptop

WORKBOOK
ACTIVITY

To activate your prior knowledge on the topic, please complete the following steps:

  • In your copy of the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook, complete Activity 3.5.1 – Ability Grouping Mythbusters.

If you have not already created your personal copy of the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook, you can make a copy by clicking here.

EXPLORE: TOPIC OVERVIEW

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

Select from the learning modalities below to explore an overview of the topic for this session. You may read a magazine-style article, watch a video, or listen to a conversational podcast.

 

You need to select only one option: read, watch, or listen.

As you read, watch, or listen, consider pausing and reviewing the key terms for this session in your workbook. You can add your own notes, ideas for application, or definitions of the terms in your own words.

Dive into our Module 3 – Session 5 READ, a magazine-style overview of the session topic with infographics and links to resources.

WATCH

Tune into our Module 3 – Session 5 WATCH, a narrated, animated video that provides an overview of the session topic.

LISTEN

Settle in for our Module 3 – Session 5 LISTEN, a conversational, podcast-style discussion among educators about the session topic.

EXPLORE: CHOICE BOARD

Select one option from the choices offered below to learn more.

You need to select only one of the choices, but you are welcome to explore all the resources!

Flexible Grouping: What You Need to Know

Synopsis: This understood.com webpage allows you to navigate several flexible grouping topics.

Format: Article 

Time: 10 minutes 

 

3 ways to use flexible grouping in real time to support student growth

Synopsis: In this blog, the author explores the various elements of flexible grouping, with a focus on adjusting groups in real-time which research suggests is very beneficial to students.

Format: Article

Time: 10 minutes

HLP #17: Use Flexible Grouping

Synopsis: View this CEEDAR video on using the high-leverage practice of flexible grouping. 

Format: Video

Time: 17 minutes

Continuous Flexible Grouping 

Synopsis: This is the start of a podcast series about continuous flexible grouping that includes strategies and classroom stories.

Format: Podcast

Time: 16 minutes

ESTABLISH: REFLECTION FOR ACTION

WORKBOOK ACTIVITY

  • Return to your copy of the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook and complete Activity 3.5.2 – Time for a Do-Over.

  • If you have not already made your personal copy of the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook, you can make a copy by clicking here.

EXTEND: DEEPER LEARNING

Extend your learning by engaging in a longer workbook activity and/or accessing additional resources.
This section is designed to help you begin a journey into deeper learning on the topic area.

WORKBOOK ACTIVITY

Return to your copy of the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook and complete Activity 3.5.3 – Flexible Grouping Planner. If you have not already made your personal copy of the Module 3 TALE Academy Workbook, you can do so by clicking here.

Time: 20 minutes

ADDITIONAL 
RESOURCES

Flexible Grouping for Inclusivity

Topic: Tips for school leaders for flexible grouping for inclusivity 

Format: Article

Time: 5 minutes

WRAP-UP & NEXT STEPS

This session gave you information and resources on how to use flexible grouping to support students with disabilities across learning environments. In the next session of this module, you’ll explore scaffolded supports across learning environments.

New York State Education Department Logo

The content of the TALE Academy was produced in whole or in part with funds from Contract C014452 and does not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the New York State Education Department (NYSED), nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by NYSED. In addition, NYSED, its employees, officers, and agencies make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, currency, or suitability of the content herein and disclaim any express or implied warranty as to the same.

All original TALE Academy materials may be used by educators under the “fair use” rule of copyright law. Fair use is permitted for all original TALE Academy materials without a request of permission. However, full credit must be given to any materials adopted, adapted or used. All TALE Academy website materials provide a full list of citations for this purpose at the conclusion of the “READ” documents.

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