Experiencing the Curriculum Barriers Template

After previously going through the process of the Curriculum Barriers Tutorial where I explored a template that can be used to identify barriers that a student might face in the curriculum, I decided to complete a template on one of my own students. 

I chose to examine a visually impaired student of mine and how they would be effected by the 4th grade reading curriculum. When looking at the template below you can see the materials and methods that the student would use and experience as well as the qualities of that student. Identifying all of theses factors helped me to determine the barriers that this particular student faces when engaging in the reading curriculum in the classroom. 

After completing the template and reflecting on the barriers this student would face, I found myself referring back to the UDL guidelines and my previous posts to see how I could eliminate the barriers for that student. This is the great thing about the template. It really gets you thinking about how to improve instruction and make learning accessible for all. 

Here are some ideas that I came up with to eliminate this student's barriers in my classroom:

• Read the textbook online so that the text and visuals can be enlarged
• Provide the student with grade level books on tape
• Copy portions of texts and enlarge them on the copier
• Partner the student with a peer for seat work assignments
• Enlarge tests or allow student to type the essay portions
• Conduct the test orally