Helping Adolescents with ADHD & Learning Disabilities

This course will provide understanding and assistance to teachers working with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Learning Disabilities (LD) students. Educators will be able to define and identify students with commonly used assessment instruments. An understanding of the legal requirements are presented along with developing IEP's and Section 504 plans. Student self-management and behavior interventions are explained. Teachers will understand the role of medication and addressing gifted ADHD or LD students. Teachers will write chapter reviews and an essay explaining how the information in the book can be utilized in schools and classrooms. (3 credits)

Write a brief paragraph or two about ideas, knowledge and information that you thought was significant from each chapter in the book. Perhaps statements, a paragraph or a concept that was enlightening and applicable to teaching. Bullet points of main issues are also fine.

1. Adolescents with ADHD and/or LD
2. Understanding Legal Requirements
3. The Learning Environment
4. Reading and Writing in the Content Areas
5. Teaching Homework-Completion Skills
6. Teaching Adolescents to Use Self Management
7. Developing IEP's and Section 504 Plans
8. Behavioral Interventions
9. Understanding the Role of Medication
10. Gifted Students and ADHD and/or LD
11. Diversity and Parent Involvement
12. Preparing for the Future: Transitions
13. Appendices: A: Problems and Strategies
14. B. Organizations C. Resources D. Web Sites

1. Educators will have a working knowledge about the specific definitions and specific problems of students with ADHD and Learning Disabilities.
2. Teachers will be able to understand the legal requirements and major laws dealing with student disabilities and the underlying premises of IDEA and section 504 plans.
3. Students will be able to address reading and writing issues in the content areas and utilize graphic organizers and students check lists as well as other instructional strategies.
4. Educators will learn strategies for teaching homework-completion and self-management skills.
5. Teachers will develop lesson or unit plans utilizing a variety of information presented in the book as well as writing an essay about applying the information in the classroom.

Write a two or three-page final application paper regarding your experience and understanding of the book Helping Adolescents with ADHD and Learning Disabilities. The essay should be in an area of interest that is relevant to your teaching and life experience. Write about your own experience and how you will apply the information in the book to your methodology or classroom. Alternative options to the final essay could be a classroom activity or project, a lesson plan or unit-plan

Total assignments include:

1. Chapter Reviews
2. Final Application Essay (or alternative assignment)
3. Video Review: Magnificent Mind