Hfe - Journal 1 - Wendling
Hfe - Journal 1 - Wendling
Hfe - Journal 1 - Wendling
disabilities spread throughout all the buildings in the district. According to NYSED data (2022-
2023), 10% of our students have disabilities and 23% are economically disadvantaged. Deciding
what are the most important topics to consider when teaching these students has come with
Assessing their needs will be done by speaking directly with their teachers and reading over their
IEP’s and 504 plans, to then decide what lessons and curriculum will be the best fit for the
students.
PENFIELD CSD ENROLLMENT (2022 - 23). (2022-2023). NYSED Data. Retrieved February 19, 2024, from
https://data.nysed.gov/enrollment.php?year=2023&instid=800000034104
Successes:
One of the successes I have had since the start of this semester include making stronger
connections with students. Making stronger connections with students has been difficult for me
this time around with my elementary students because it is the middle of the school year. I found
myself struggling at the beginning more than I have at other schools, because it is so far into the
year, and I only see them for 8 weeks. (My position is spread across 4 buildings throughout the
school year) Even though it took longer at this school for the kids to buy in to me as their teacher
and the content I would be covering with them, I have made some very strong connections with
many of my students. The school I am currently at has a lot of students that come from low
socioeconomic status, and I have students ask me to have lunch with me more at this building
Challenges:
One challenge I have struggled with this semester is differentiating instruction for my
12:1:3:1 class of 4th and 5th graders. I love this class so much and I feel a special attachment to
them and the staff in their classroom, but they have been the most challenging for me to teach
To overcome the challenge of my 12:1:3:1 class, I have been trying hard to work with
their teacher and student teacher to find out what works best for each child in the room. They are
all on completely different IEP’s and 8 students in the room use devices because they are non-
verbal. I have found the use of “Boom Cards” very helpful for the class, as they are able to use
the interaction of the SMART board and be completing the assignments on paper at their desks. I
have also been bringing extra worksheets for early finishers and bringing some general education
4th grade work for 2 students in the class who can complete the work independently with the
Questions:
I am waiting to hear back from my district when I can start completing hours at the high
school level, as this week I will not hear anything due to the break. How many hours can be
completed at the elementary level, 12-15 hours is what I was originally told I think? Is the first
lesson the one that is going to be videotaped/ is this something I could record with my 5th
graders? I am excited to get started at the high school hopefully right after break. Thanks for all
your help!