Using Technology to Engage Students With Learning Disabilities

Billy Krakower (@wkrakower) is a full-time teacher at Woodland Park Public Schools in Woodland Park, New Jersey, where he has taught computers and special education to grades 3 and 4 for over eight years. He is the Chief Financial & Event Officer for Evolving Educators, LLC (evolvingeducators.com). Billy co-moderates two weekly Twitter chats, #NJed chat and #satchat (for educational leaders). He co-hosts “SatChat Radio,” a weekly show interviewing educators on BAM Radio Network and available on iTunes. Billy is one of the lead organizers of edcampNJ and edcampLeadership North NJ. He is on the teacher advisory board for ReadWorks. Billy is a 2014 ASCD Emerging Leader, and a member of the NJASCD Executive board and serves as the Technology Committee Chair. He also served as co-director of NJ-ASCD Northern Region (Fall 2013 - June 2015). He has presented at more than 20 local and national technology conferences on topics including Twitters & You, The Science Behind a Mystery Location Call, and Connecting Beyond the Classroom.?Billy has an Advance Certificate in Educational Leadership and a dual Masters Degree in Special Education & Elementary Education from Long Island University. Billy is a Google Certified Educator and an Edmodo Certified Trainer. You can read more about Billy, his awards, and his presentations at www.billykrakower.com. He is passionate about helping every child and adult enjoy and learn using technology tools in easy, fun and empowering ways.Sharon Plante, an educator with over 19 years′ teaching experience in special education, has been an educator at Eagle Hill-Southport for over eleven years, as well as currently serving as Director of Technology. She holds a B.A. in Child Development from Connecticut College, a M.Ed in Special Education from George Mason University, and a certificate in Administration and Leadership from Sacred Heart University. Sharon utilizes her educational training and love of technology to engage students with learning disabilities in building their skills and finding success. She has presented at Everyone Reading, EdRev, Edscape, ATIA (Assistive Technology Industry Association), IDA (International Dyslexia Association), and New York Chapter of ALTA (Academic Language Trainers Association), as well as at several Edcamps, on using technology to empower the dyslexic/LD learner. Sharon is the 2015-2017 chair of the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools Commission on Technology, as well as a member of the board for Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities. Additionally, she hosts a podcast for Bam Radio Network on Learning Differently bringing together the voices of those working in the many aspects of special education and blogs at iplantes.com. Sharon is a co-founder of #edtechchat, a weekly twitter chat and podcast. Additionally, she is the co-organizer of EdCampSWCT and EdCampCAIS.

"This books details a wide range of practical tools and strategies that aren′t just useful for students with learning disabilities. Every contemporary educator could implement these methodologies to transform their learning environment into a place that honors and respects the differences of EVERY learner. No matter the population of students with whom you work, follow these simple steps. Read the book. Employ the content. Observe the successes. Then share those achievements with others!"

• Preface by Peter DeWitt and Ariel PriceIntroduction1. What, How, and Why2. Rocking Reading and Writing3. Mastering Mathematics4. Becoming a Study Skills Star5. Show What They Know: Creation6. Technology and UDLAppendix: The Language of Special Ed