The motive for teaching this unit is threefold. First of all, federal and state law mandates teaching students who have disabilities alongside students who do not. Secondly, teachers who use this unit will learn about how and why all teachers are required to teach students with disabilities. Thirdly, students will learn about their peers' challenges, while increasing proficiency on Connecticut's Mastery Test Literacy strands.
Desired outcomes or learning objectives:
The students (in Grades 3-6) will study the physical and educational challenges faced by students with Intellectual Disabilities, such as Down Syndrome They will gain knowledge in order to approach and interact with individuals with intellectual or other challenges. Students will read, analyze, critique and share modern children's literature (fiction) and non-fiction in order to increase Disability awareness. At the end of the unit, students will present newly acquired knowledge learned in print and other visual media.