My InspirationWorking in special education has equipped me to address gaps in student learning, particularly in reading. As a former member of a multidisciplinary team responsible for identifying, assessing, and delivering systematic and explicit interventions, I have developed the skills to be an effective teacher in the general education setting. Often, students are promoted to skill levels they are not prepared to master, resulting in significant learning gaps. With the Science of Reading now at the forefront of educational methods using its multisensory approach, educators still need to provide additional academic support beyond the curriculum to ensure student achievement and progress. This need has inspired me to pursue an action research project aimed at informing other teachers on how to make the curriculum more effective and student-centered.
While school districts include teachers as stakeholders in researching, piloting and voting to adopt new curriculum, there is no one-size-fits-all curriculum meeting the diverse needs found within the classroom. Teachers require additional information and tools, not necessarily provided within the curriculum, to elevate student learning. Nixon and Williams (2014) argue that diverse modalities cater to different learning styles, fostering a more inclusive and engaging learning environment. Structured language within a multisensory approach, such as Orton-Gillingham, promotes basic literacy skills (Schlesinger & Gray, 2017) This observation highlights the broader impact of well-structured and best educational practices to teach curriculum effectively and increase student participation. There needs to be more versatile, adaptable curricular approaches and additional resources to meet the diverse needs of students effectively. 
Enhancing Engagement and Progress in ELA Curricula: Addressing the Gaps in Instructional Design
In many English Language Arts (ELA) curricula, lessons can be lengthy with limited supplemental activities, appropriate instructional time frames, and opportunities to accommodate different learning styles. These challenges can lead to student disengagement and reduced retention of key concepts. Lengthy lessons without adequate reinforcement can cause boredom and difficulty in grasping complex ideas. Moreover, the suggested instructional time frames often do not align with the diverse needs of learners, causing some students to struggle or lose focus. Balancing comprehensive content coverage with student engagement remains a significant challenge for educators. Another major issue is the lack of opportunities to explore content through various learning styles, such as visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile modalities. Many ELA curricula fail to address these differences, leaving some students feeling marginalized or disengaged. To address these challenges, curriculum developers and educators need to prioritize inclusivity, flexibility, and innovation. By incorporating varied supplemental activities, adjusting instructional time frames, and accommodating diverse learning styles, educators can better meet the needs of all students and promote a more inclusive learning environment. For more information behind my thought process and how I reflected on this action research journey, click on the following Blog Link Want to Learn More?
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