Blog Post

Adaptive Teaching: Empowering SEN Students for Success 

Adaptive teaching is a pedagogical approach that tailors educational experiences to meet the diverse needs of all students, particularly those with Special Educational Needs (SEN). By anticipating and responding to individual learning requirements, adaptive teaching can support an inclusive environment where every pupil can thrive. 

Unlike traditional differentiation, which often involves creating separate tasks for different ability groups, adaptive teaching emphasises flexibility within the classroom. Teachers modify their strategies to ensure all students work towards the same learning objectives, providing support as needed without lowering expectations. This approach promotes a growth mindset and prevents the capping of potential.  

Adaptive teaching offers many benefits, particularly to those with SEN. These include: 

Enhanced Engagement and Participation: Adaptive teaching strategies, such as scaffolding and the use of visual aids, make learning more accessible and engaging for all, but particularly SEN students. This inclusivity encourages active participation and reduces feelings of isolation or shame. 

Improved Academic Outcomes: By providing tailored support, adaptive teaching helps close attainment gaps, enabling SEN students to achieve their full academic potential. This approach ensures that no pupil is left behind.  

Development of Social Skills: Inclusive classrooms that employ adaptive teaching support the building of improved social interactions among students. SEN pupils benefit from collaborative learning opportunities, incidentally enhancing their communication skills and building peer relationships. 

Cultivation of Independence: Adaptive teaching encourages self-directed learning, empowering SEN students to take ownership of their education. This autonomy builds confidence and prepares them for future challenges. 

To successfully integrate adaptive teaching, you will need to look at: 

Assessing Individual Needs: Regularly evaluate each student’s strengths and areas for development to inform instructional planning. 

Flexible Lesson Planning: Design lessons that can be easily adjusted based on student responses and understanding. 

Collaboration: Engage with teaching assistants, specialists, and parents to create a fully inclusive support system for SEN students. 

Ongoing Professional Development: Attend workshops and training sessions to stay informed about effective adaptive teaching practices. 

Embracing adaptive teaching not only enhances the educational experience for SEN students but also enriches the classroom dynamic as a whole. By committing to this approach, you can ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to succeed. 

At the upcoming SEND Leadership Conference on 4th March 2025, Beccie Hawes, CEO and Head of Service for Cadmus Inclusive, will deliver a keynote titled “Adaptive Teaching for Pupils with SEN: What is it and How Do You Do It?” With extensive experience across mainstream and specialist settings, Beccie will provide practical strategies for implementing adaptive teaching in schools. Her session will equip delegates with tools to create supportive and effective learning environments for SEN pupils. 

Free Webinar with Arran over Dyslexia Week

10/01/2021

Over the past 20 years of working in the field dyslexia and special educational needs, technology has been a big part of my life. For the last four years I have been able to work closely with Microsoft on their ongoing development and support in the areas of accessibility, and in particular dyslexia.

As a severely dyslexic adult I wear many hats in the dyslexia world. From being chair of my Local Dyslexia Association, Trustee of the British Dyslexia Association, Founder of the Dyslexia Show, and the UK’s dyslexia and SEND consultant for Microsoft.

Dyslexia Week takes place from the 4th to 10th October. As with my role with Microsoft I’m delighted to be offering a number of free webinars to support those within education and the wider dyslexia community. To help understand tools and features built into Microsoft 365 to support those within education that have difficulties or differences with dyslexia.

 

Monday 4th Oct 4pm Microsoft and Dyslexia

This webinar will give you a brief overview of the past five years’ worth of development and investment from Microsoft in the areas of supporting those with dyslexia. A very quick overview of the names of features and tools that we will discuss in more detail over the week that can support young people adults and families in the areas off dyslexia. Arran will also give an insight into his personal background of how technology has changed his life.

  • Microsoft History of Dyslexia
  • Arran’s Personal Journey
  • Introduction of features and tools to support in schools and families.
  • A starting point for anyone on a journey to use technology.

Register 

 

Tuesday 5th October 4:00 PM Microsoft, Dyslexia and Reading.

This free webinar will give you the overview of the tools and features that are available in Microsoft 365 to support with reading. Looking at all areas of Microsoft from both an education point of view, to working at home. Giving you the understanding that these free and inbuilt tools are available for you to use the very next day.

  • Overview of Immersive Reader
  • Read Aloud in Other Products
  • Using Microsoft Edge
  • Looking Online and Desktop Products

Register 

 

 Wednesday 6th October 12:30pm- 2pm Lunch with Arran

This is an open and free webinar for anyone to join at any time between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM you could ask Arran any questions about accessibility related to Microsoft and the wider world. Arran will be on hand to give you any support and advice you have on a particular subject. This is an open conversation session where you’ll be invited to discuss and have a conversation with those in the room regarding how we use technology to support learning.

  • Free and Informal Session
  • Ask a Question
  • Join anytime over the hour and 30 minutes.
  • Talking all think Microsoft and Technology

Register 

 

Thursday the 7th October 4:00 PM Microsoft, Dyslexia and Writing

Getting information down on paper can be difficult for a number of people with dyslexia. This webinar will give you information on the tools and features available across the Microsoft operating systems and Microsoft 365, on how to use tools to support with writing. Looking at free inbuilt tools that are available for you to use the very next day.

  • Dictation in Microsoft 365
  • Dictation in Windows 10/11
  • Using Microsoft Editor

Register 

 

Friday 8th of October 4:00 PM Microsoft Reading Progress

Back on the 4th May 2021 Microsoft announced a new feature built into Microsoft Teams to support with fluency of reading. Reading Progress. This webinar will give you a 30-minute overview of the Reading Progress functionality and how easy it is to start using it straight away.

  • Background to Reading Progress
  • Benefits of using Reading Progress
  • How to set up and start using Reading Progress
  • Thoughts, Questions and Next Steps.

Register 

All sessions will be recorded, and if you want to speak to Arran at any time of how to use Microsoft 365 within your school, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.