Strategy Matrix: Organize Needs & Interventions - Colby Jacobsen #7
Disability: Communication Disability
Student’s Strengths: Student has strong computer skills, strong technology skills, and excellent alternative communication
skills (use of symbols, aid, and techniques that enhance the communication process)
Common Disability Characteristic Evidence-based Strategies
Academic
May struggle with their ability to talk, Computer Assisted Instruction: This student excels in computers and
understand, read, and write: This student technology. This type of instruction will be extremely beneficial in
has difficulty understanding lessons improving their capabilities.
communicated by the teacher which leads
to a disconnect in their reading, writing, See Saw: Because of this students disconnect and isolation during
and communication skills in the classroom, instruction, the use of see saw will be extremely beneficial. This will allow
but excels in computer and technology this student to utilize their technology skills to build a comprehensive
skills. record of their learning.
May lack ability to express ideas: This Art & Illustration: Expression in art and illustration allows this student to
student often stutters and lacks ability to stimulate higher level thinking and understand/express themselves.
produce speech, therefore doesn’t partake Because of their fear of speaking, this can be an alternative outlet to
in many class discussions. express comprehension.
Music: Music as a right brain process can help facilitate language- which
is a left-brain process to aid in speech/language disabilities.
Social / School Skills
May isolate themselves from peers: This Think Pair Share: This collaborative learning strategy will allow the
student never interacts with others in the student to think individually first, pair with a classmate, and share ideas.
class, keeps to themselves when they can, This will actively engage the student with other members of the class in a
and often acts out when required to work safe learning atmosphere. This allows the student to think on their own
with others. before practicing social skills.
Peer Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS): This is a very structured class-
wide peer tutoring program that combines effective instructional principles
and practices with peer mediation. This is an effective way to have this
student partner up for support, while still allowing them to play an integral
role in the process.
Often feel embarrassed: his student is often Academic Journaling: This will allow this student to monitor progress,
ashamed and embarrassed of their stutter express concern, and request guidance if needed in a private way leading
and communication disorder. This leads to to less embarrassment in the classroom.
this student’s aggression towards others. Self-Regulate: This will develop a stronger self-concept with more stable
moods and behaviors in this student therefore leading to increased
academic achievement.
Behavior / Organization
May lack self-esteem: Because of this Praise Notes: This method allows nonverbal student/teacher interaction.
student’s stutter and communication When this student is participating and staying on task, the use of a praise
disorder, they lack any self-esteem in the note will provide encouragement and build self-esteem.
classroom. They believe they are incapable Use of Positive Self Talk: Self-talk, although from a person’s mind,
and think it is easier not to try than to try controls the mind reversely to affect emotions, attitudes, degree of effort,
and fail. behavior, and even lead to better performance. This may help with this
student’s self-esteem and self-concept.
May get in to frequent arguments: This Check in Check Out: This will allow the student to receive encouragement
student is clearly very frustrated and and positive attention from their coordinator which will build confidence
embarrassed. They often act out in the and lead to less issues in the classroom.
classroom to distract from the Behavior Contracts: This will allow the student to also have input on
communication disorder therefore leading behaviors they would like to change. There will be clear expectations that
to arguments with both other students in the student must follow.
the class and teachers.
