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. 

SEND Group and Dekko Comics

05/19/2021

Back in 2020 the year was bleak, the pandemic was rife, there lockdowns there were ups and downs and not knowing what was going to happen next was on everyone’s mind, especially mine.

I founded SEND Group back in 2016 after applying to 17 jobs and not getting a response. As a severely dyslexic adult that has worked in the dyslexia field for over 20 years and have a vast network, I was able to deliver what I set out to achieve. To ensure teachers, ta’s, schools and educational professionals have personalised continuing professional development from known experts within their respective fields, to ultimately empower their achievements.

Going forward I always looked at resources and at how we could support more young people in our schools through different ways. Maybe through technology, such as something that is very different fun and engaging in a very different way.

I came across Dekko Comics as part of my role as founder of the Dyslexia Show, knowing that Dekko Comics Founder Rossie Stone was dyslexic and had ADHD. As with most people within the dyslexia world I got on with Rossie amazingly well and we both got to realise, at the later part of 2020, that there was definitely a business relationship brewing.

Working closely with the Dekko team on marketing and strategy, pulling together ideas and resources that I am aware of, and other people told me about, to help support them in their ongoing mission in creating fun and engaging resources for young people at Key Stage 2.

I was delighted at the end of April when we were able to launch Dekko Schools Resources, a truly different way of thinking when it comes to supporting all students, pulling together 144 comics stories and validating all 12 comics to the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum, along with the free resources and National Curriculum guides. Supporting teachers in using the Dekko Comics in their lessons by having the subject map. Which comes as a free resource.

Creating the activity pack that gives 60 activities related to Dekko comics. Dekko for Education is a truly different way of thinking, it supports all people especially those that are reluctant readers or have difficulty reading but want to be engaged by using fun and wacky ideas.

For me I see the joy in young people when they read something that they enjoy like a comic book, let’s use this to support with learning and support with development and ultimately empower that young person.

Arran Smith

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