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Research into Differentiating Instruction with TechnologyThe impact differentiating teaching literacy using technology for students with special needs and English Language Learners. Diane Williams Touro University Abstract This study focused on researching a literacy technology strategy with a high visual component with differentiated instruction for students with special needs. These students have learning challenges and disabilities. This mixed methods study explored whether these students show improvement over a two week time period with modified and differentiated work and how students respond to a visual approach. The data was collected through work samples, assessments and observations, and anecdotal records such as field notes. The results suggest that technology is a helpful tool differentiating instruction for students with special needs. The assessments and data showed that using a high visual component was beneficial to both students and their scores were higher with the use of technology. This action research showed that differentiating instruction using technology made a positive impact on students with special needs. The Problem
There has been an overall decrease in national literacy scores for every student group but especially in high need groups. There was a state decrease for students with disabilities from grades 4-8 in the reading average. Literacy has been a consistent problem. Many schools with a high population of English Language Learners (ELL) and lower socioeconomic students have an ongoing problem with low scores in literacy. This study will take place with a kindergarten class in a Title 1 school. Not only are most of the children at a socioeconomic and sociocultural disadvantage, but some are second language learners and several in the class are special needs student. It is very important to gain the knowledge to help them succeed without frustrating them, and bridge the achievement gap in their world as much as possible. It is important to study how students who are at risk, especially those with special needs, can achieve literacy skills.
Purpose of the Project The purpose of this study was to find strategies that will better meet the academic challenges of students with special needs. As a teacher, this researcher had observed that proficiency in literacy is always a challenge for students. More research is needed on how students with special needs learn and how teachers can properly modify instruction and at what level scaffolding. This poster below is a summary of my research paper. For access to the complete Research Paper Click here Click on the poster for a close up. 
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