The support teachers provide is crucial to ensuring all students have the opportunity to engage in learning in safe, supportive and well-managed learning environments. Students may require varying supports depending on their strengths and needs, including reasonable adjustments to the learning environment, teaching or curriculum.
This practice guide will help teachers refine their approach to supporting students’ physical needs so students can engage in learning and experience success at school. It’s part of a suite of resources developed in partnership with MultiLit and the Institute of Special Educators to help teachers refine or refresh their understanding and practice of supporting students with diverse needs.
This guide outlines the following practices for supporting students’ physical needs:
- Identify students’ preferences, strengths and needs.
- Ensure safe access to and mobility within the school and classroom.
- Support the use of adaptive equipment and assistive technology.
- Make reasonable adjustments to learning and assessment tasks.
The advice in these guides is designed to complement – not replace – existing school and system policies, procedures and guidance.
Keywords: classroom management, student engagement