The Push-In Model: For Students with Learning Disabilities

Private schools that provide education for students with learning disabilities have a choice of taking up any legitimate teaching approach that is out there. There’s no dearth of teaching models that are specially designed for students with learning disabilities. And one such approach is the ‘push-in model’. If you’re scanning through private schools for students with learning disabilities, choosing one that imbibes the push-in model will be a sensible decision.

An Overview of the Push-In Model 

The model is founded on a collaborative approach that combines the components of special education along with mainstream education – academic subjects such as math, science, English, etc. – in an all-inclusive classroom environment. In this approach, the school’s general education teacher (for instance, the math teacher) and the special education teacher work together as a team, though they have different roles to play. Children with learning disabilities are taught in a typical classroom environment with their peers.

Small groups of about three to five students that share the same intellectual level are made by teachers and are taught by keeping common goals (different for each group). These goals are a part of a personalized and flexible curriculum – in keeping with the Individualized Educational Program (IEP) set up by IDEA.

Ways in which the Push-In Model can be Adapted

Many private schools for children with learning disabilities incorporate this model because of the positive influence that it imparts on each child’s learning. This approach is beneficial for special education children as well as their classmates in developing valuable social skills. Mentioned below are ways in which this method can be adapted in learning disabilities private school:

• Creating a group to enhance academic skills of the students – the aim of this group can be to form a set of fundamental skills necessary for completing work independently in a typical classroom setting. These skills include study strategy, time management, textbook use, note taking, public speaking, etc.
• Creating a writing or language group – a speech and language therapist can give his or her time to this group. The aim of this group can be to help students work on their writing projects and help them improve their diction.