A View of the Special Learner:Effective teachers understand that all children differ from each other in a number of ways. Teachers should view differences among students as variablities, not necessarily disabilities.

Laws Affecting Students with Disabilities: Several federal and state laws currently protect the rights of individuals with disabilities and enable them to participate more fully in school programs and activities.

Types of Disabilities: In a classroom, teachers are responsible for providing appropriate instruction for a variety of students with special needs as a result of diagnosed conditions, including specific learning disabilities, mild mental retardation, or sensory impairments.

Students with Reading Difficulties: Often instruction for students experiencing difficulty with reading requires special techniques and strategies based upon individual student needs.

Gifted Children:Gifted students are diverse in their instructional needs and present a unique challenge for teachers. Providing an appropriate instructional program for gifted students will often involve special instructional strategies and techniques based upon individual student needs.

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students:The changing demographics of America have resulted in classrooms that reflect numerous regional cultures, ethnic groups, and religions. Effective teachers celebrate diversity and create learning communities that respect cultural heritages and accept differences among individuals.