Marti Messick

It is my job to provide reasonable accommodations for all students who need it. It is not my job to provide individualized instruction for every student because I am not trained for that. Reasonable accommodations are varied and based on the student's needs.

I learned there is a difference between OCD and OCPD. OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) done to relieve anxiety, which the person usually finds irrational, while OCPD (Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder) is a personality pattern of perfectionism, rigidity, and control where the person often sees their rigid behaviors as appropriate and correct, leading to interpersonal problems.

Also, it is good to start each day with a clean slate for students with some mental health disorders.

Focus on strengths. Disabilities are varied and there are many options for accommodating those disabilities to capitalize on the student's strengths.

I have been reminded of many types of disabilities which has heightened my awareness. 

I did not know that there were no retroactive accommodations. I also learned why 504s are called 504s.

I learned that a disability not only is defined as the physical or mental impairments that substantially limits life activities, records of those impairments, but also if someone "is regarded as having such an impairment". I was unaware of that tenet of the legal definition. I'm not exactly sure how it applies in a school setting, but I now know a broader definition.

Make notes in real time about mistakes made and ideas for improvement. Also, ask other instructors for help...most are willing to provide assistance.

I think the most helpful content for me were the strategies for helping the silent students. I have tried small groups but I have not utilized student panels in the way that was described in the module. I think that might be a great approach for some of my students. 

Also, even though it is much more work, I need to add in more assessments that are not objective tests to curtail cheating. 

Recognize what type of student I am dealing with (instead of generally labeling them as a "difficult" student). This well help determine strategies to improve the situation with the student and in the classroom. 

The human component is the most rewarding and the most challenging.