Latest Updates and Site Changes 4/22/09 COABE PP Added to file download

The Fast Facts readings are a collection of short and concise articles on a variety of topics related to learning differences. Completing the readings is a good way of building the foundation of knowledge that is necessary to understand learning difficulties and disabilities. In Pennsylvania, Act 48 continuing education professional development hours can be earned by completing each series of articles and answering questions, supplied by the ABLE LD Project, about each reading. Presently there are four series of ten readings, or forty total readings, that are available. During the coming year we will be adding a “webinar” type video and audio conference call to each offering, allowing participants to discuss questions and issues directly with the author of the readings and other practitioners. For more information on the Fast Facts or to sign up to complete one of the Fast Facts Series, e-mail Pat Capito at pcapito@stairwaysbh.orgmailto:pcapito@stairwaysbh.orgFast_Facts_Act_48_Readings/Fast_Facts_Act_48_Readings.htmlshapeimage_3_link_0
LD Related Web Links The Internet offers a wealth of educational resources. This section provides links to a variety of sites that we have found interesting and useful in developing a better understanding of learning differences. While many of the links are to major national sites, many are less well known but have been idtentified as offering useful information or instructional tools. Web_Links.html
What Should An Instructor Or Tutor Know About Teaching Adults with Learning Differences. This section identifies the skills and knowledge that are needed to be a “good teacher,” especially with students who show special learning needs. It also contains links to the Pennsylvania “Teacher Competency” project and additional resources that list the skills and abilities that a teacher should posses. If you need ideas to help you develop a personal professional development plan, this is an excellent resource to use in your self evaluation. It is useful tool to use in completing an self assessment of your abilities.LD_Knowledge.html
The Pennsylvania Learning Differences Project: Information about the PA ABLE LD Project can be found in this section including a summary of project goals and an overview of the professional development services that are available. This section also contains information about the LD Academies and the “coaching” that will become a major format for LD professional development. ABLE_LD.html
Information about ABLE LD Project Activities This section contains information about upcoming and past events and news about the status of project initiatives. News.html
Readings, Articles and Other Material This section contains articles that did not fit anywhere else in this site. Articles_and_Readings/Articles_and_Readings.html

This site has been developed by with the intent of distributing information about learning differences and field testing new ideas. To facilitate PDE ABLE professional development, some of the material from this site have been duplicated in the Learning Differences branch of ABLEsite, the official web site of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Adult Basic and Literacy Education. Dr. Richard Gacka is the Director of the ABLE Learning Differences Grant which is funded through PDE ABLE. The web address for the ABLEsite LD branch is http://www.able.state.pa.us/ld.

Unless marked otherwise, permission is granted to copy and use materials for instructional purposes, with the expectation that appropriate citation of the source will be given.

Professional development that is relevant, concise and available when you want it !

What do teachers say about the Fast Facts Independent Studies series? Click hereAbout_the_Fast_Facts.html
Instructional Adaptations: Most instructors ask the question, “But, what can I do in my class?” This section provides practical suggestions in the format of “snippets” and “tips for teachers,” all designed to help practitioiners modify their instruction and provide creative, effective and adapted teaching. Most of the suggested activities require little in the way of special materials. Many represent instructional or management techniques that can be implemented immediately. “Good teaching” is teaching that is adapted to meet learner needs. Look in this section for ideas that you can implement immediately to help students who may be having difficulty learning. Most of the adaptations address specific areas of difficulty but require little or no special equipment. Instructional_Ideas/Instructional_Ideas.html
Downloads from Presentations: This section contains links to electronic copies of handouts that were used in site-based presentations. Using the links in this section you can download MS Word documents, PowerPoint presentations and other files distributed at Dr. Gacka’s talks.File_Downloads.html

Get answers to the question, “So...what do I do now?”

The Fast Facts Independent Study Series (40 readings in all)

The LD Coaching initiative. Information about the agencies and activities participating in the LD Coaching initiativeCoaching_and_08-09.html
FAST FACTS SERIES 4 “CASE STUDIES” Series 4 moves professional development to a higher level, asking readers to answer “what would you do if...” types of application questions. You can find the Case Studies by clicking on this text or using the link at the top of the page. Eight hours of Act 48 Professional Development hours have been approved for individuals who complete Series 4. FF_Case_Studies.html

NEW MATH SITES  FOR TEACHERS ADDED

This site is designed to be a resource for instructors, tutors and supervisors working in the field of Adult Basic Education. A portion of the site deals with professional development topics related to the Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) Learning Differences Grant, a State Leadership Grant funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Those items can be found in the ABLE LD Project section identified below by the Pennsylvania Department of Education logo and in other areas of this site.


This site will help you to build the conceptual foundation that is needed to understand the range of difficulties shown by the students who request services from ABLE programs.  This site also offers practical suggestions for instructional adaptations that can be applied in the classroom.


Instructors, tutors and administrators who work in Pennsylvania ABLE programs can obtain Act 48 professional development hours by completing designated activities such as the four Fast Facts series of readings.


We hope that you find the contents useful and relevant. Please share your comments and suggestions with us.

Understanding

The PA Learning Differences project is funded through a PA Department of Education, Adult Basic and Literacy Education (ABLE) State Leadership Grant.