Constructed Response Exercise

Constructed Response

Read the scenario provided and answer each of the short answer sections with one or two paragraphs for each of the four sections.

Case History
Scenario – Mr. Banks' Class
Jonathan is a seven-year-old student in Mr. Banks' class who is exhibiting difficulty in phonetic activities, such as breaking down words into correctly segmented syllables. Jonathan also seems to have difficulty paying attention in large-group activities and lessons, regardless of subject matter. After consultation with the school speech language pathologist, it was found that Jonathan is most likely struggling with hearing certain frequencies, which are inhibiting his ability to hear well in larger-class activities and are likely causing interference with his ability to tell the difference between specific sounds. At this time, Jonathan is not being given any hearing aids, but is recommended to be placed where he can hear better in class. Other recommendations include using phonics activities more targeted to Jonathan's specific needs.

Classroom Observation November 13th—Focus on Jonathan Wilson
In the first portion of observation, Mr. Banks was teaching a math lesson using manipulatives to perform addition. The classroom is arranged in 5 ‘islands' with 4 desks pushed together to form an island. Mr. Banks provides the instructions for students to work alone, and not to help each other with the assignment, despite being in groups of four. As the students begin working through their assignment, it is noted that Jonathan immediately started talking with the nearby students, seemingly trying to ask what the assignment was. Jonathan did not seem to be distracted, but was seemingly unaware of the task. Mr. Banks directly addressed Jonathan and provided him with more direct instructions, and class proceeded with no further incidents at this time. Jonathan seemed, at this time, to be a focused student, and not an intentional disruptor of the class. When the next portion of the lesson was explained and it was time to begin working on the next steps, Jonathan did not begin his work, but just sat looking around. It is assumed that Jonathan was afraid to disrupt the class again, as Jonathan is averse to drawing attention to himself in this way. Mr. Banks again went and provided direct instruction to Jonathan which seems to have resolved the current issue.
In another portion of the class, students are to listen to an audiobook reading of a story and answer questions following the story.
Jonathan, who is normally very eager to participate in class activities, did not raise his hand or try to answer the questions. When asked for the answer to a specific question regarding the story, Jonathan did not have an answer. In reviewing Jonathan's grades on the reading portion of class, it is found that Jonathan has conspicuously inconsistent grades on assignments, including some perfect scores, and other non-passing scores, with notes that Jonathan did not participate fully. These trends seem to indicate that Jonathan's hearing is preventing him from having active participation in specific types of Essay Questions


1. Students as learners
Identify two specific actions Mr. Banks should work to support Jonathan and his language and literacy development.
Discuss the impact of language deficits on other areas of learning and development.
Explain why each action will benefit Jonathan. Base your answer on understanding of principles of childhood development and the focus of students as learners.

2. Instructional Process
Describe three ways in which Mr. Banks should alter his instructional processes to support Jonathan's areas of need. These modifications can be to curriculum, instructional practices, or to the classroom environment.
Discuss how these modifications are designed with the whole class in mind.
Explain why each modification is helpful in meeting Jonathan's

3. Assessment
Describe both formative and summative assessment processes Mr. Banks should employ to identify progress or lack of progress for Jonathan and other students with regards to material comprehension.
Explain how each process Mr. Banks employs is a valid and reliable measure of student comprehension.
Describe how these processes may inform future classroom practices as they indicate student comprehension deficits.

4. Professional Development, Leadership, and the Community
Identify two ways in which Mr. Banks can promote awareness of Jonathan's needs to his educational community, including his family and other teachers.
Explain how promoting professional development of this sort will benefit Jonathan and students like him.
Describe what measures should be taken to ensure that the efforts are ethical.