This page is dedicated as a portfolio to complete my requirements for my completion of the Moderate Disability Initial License.  Through my coursework as well as my practicum hours, I have completed the competency requirements as prescribed by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Competency 1: Educational Terminology for Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities 
My class at Tufts University specifically Education of the Exceptional Child provided me with a strong foundation in understanding and applying my students’ needs.  Through my time at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, as well as my own personal history with mild to moderate disabilities has allowed me to expand this knowledge and apply it into my practice.  Attached is my Case Study and Case Study Consultation Reflection.

Competency 2: Preparation,Implementation and Evaluation of Individualized Education Programs (IEP)
My coursework at Tufts University including Education of the Exceptional Child and Introduction to Teaching gave me a detailed and focused understanding of how IEPs work and how I am able to adjust my practice to fit their needs.  In addition to these classes, as well as working with students with IEPs and 504s in both a classroom setting and one-on-one,  I have attending two IEP meetings and one 504 meeting.  I have attached records of my attendance as well as notes that I have taken at each of the meetings.  Also attached is a lesson plan with notes on modifications for my students who have IEPs.

Competency 3: Design or Modification of Curriculum, Instructional Materials, and General Education Classroom Environments for Students with Moderate Disabilities
My coursework at Tufts University, specifically Education of the Exceptional Child and Introduction to Teaching allowed me to explore how students with moderate disabilities may need accommodations in the lessons and curriculum as well as the classroom environment.  I was then able to experiment and take theory into praxis with my classroom time.  Because each of my classes had students with 504s and IEPs, I had ample opportunity to make adjustments to practice for my students.  Attached are examples of student work from my students with reflection and some lesson plans that have evidence of making accommodations for my students.

Competency 4: Instruction on the Appropriate Use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication and Alternative Technologies
While the class Education of the Exceptional Child helped set a foundation of the various alternative technologies available for students with moderate disabilities, it was the external course held by Assistive Technology for Education on Assistive Technology that proved the most useful.  I followed up the seminar with a brief interview with one of the head special educators at Cambridge Rindge & Latin School, Kristin Kelley, where we spoke about the different technologies that CRLS offers for students.  Attached here is a Certificate of Attendance for AT training and the Assistive Technologies Interview with Kristin Kelley.

Competency 5: Ways to Prepare and Maintain Students with Disabilities for General Education Classrooms; For Example, Use of Behavioral Management Techniques
During the class, Education of the Exceptional Child and Supervised Teaching in the Middle and High School, we learned as well as experimented with various behavioral management techniques and strategies that not only allowed us to better connect with students with mild to moderate disabilities, but also as universal behavioral management for all students.