Special Needs Case Study

Step 1: Gathering Student and Classroom Information

Directions for Step 1

  1. Download form for each task.
  2. Print out the form(s) to use in the classroom.
  3. Type the information to complete each form for your portfolio.

Forms for Step 1 (word format)

Task 1A: Summary of Existing Information

Once you have identified a student for your case study, locate background information on the learner. This information may be gathered from a variety of sources including:

  • the student's cumulative folder
  • the student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
  • reports of interviews or meetings with the student's parents
  • interviews with teachers past and present

The Summary of Existing Information should include:

  1. Background Summary. This section should present a summary of general personal and educational information about your target student such as age, grade, school history (performance, retentions, behaviors, etc.) and information that is important to know to provide you with a basic, yet comprehensive, understanding of the student's educational and instructional history.
  2. Disability Impact. The purpose of this section is to present a clear and concise history of the learner's disability and its impact of the student's education, learning, and social and emotional development. This section should include information about the type or disability the student has, when the disability was diagnosed, how it is manifested (i.e. cognitive and/or psychomotor strengths and weaknesses) and how the disability affects the learning process.
  3. Summary of IEP. In this section you are to list the student's present level of performance (strengths and needs), instructional goals and objectives, and special services to be provided. NOTE: If the case study student is not identified as disabled, this section will address unique needs, goals and projected strategies for use with this individual.
  4. Area(s) to be Further Assessed. Based on the information you have gathered for items 1,2,and 3 above, list areas in which more information is needed. (You will obtain this additional information in Step 2 through assessment activities in the classroom.)

Task 1B: Assessment of the Learning Environment

This checklist will help you to assess four of the five components of the learning environment of your classroom. They include: instructional setting, teaching style, instructional tasks, and instructional activities and materials.

Task 1C: Characteristics of the Learner

Check the characteristics which you observe in your case study student. This task will help you determine the types of data to collect in Step 2.

Task 1D: Analysis and Reflection

Once you have completed the checklists above, analyze, reflect upon and predict how well the educational environment and teaching styles will present challenges or benefits to your special needs student.