Assisstive Technology

If a student has difficulty reading then assessing their science knowledge through reading seems unfair. I agree with Alex that this is mostly testing them on their reading ability. As a science teacher, it is most important for me to evaluate the student's understanding of science concepts; however I believe it is also my responsibility to help them access science material by providing them with necessary reading strategies or assisting technologies. If a student is really struggling with reading comprehension, helping them organize text and make meaning of what they read will ultimately help them achieve my overall goal: understanding science! Although I am not a reading teacher, reading is a necessary part of science in the classroom as well as in the real-world. To participate in future science endeavors students must be able to access science literature and comprehend scientific journals. For some students this may only be possible through assisting technology. For example, text may be provided in Braille or large print. Written text can also be read through digital devices. Whether it is a matter of simply providing reading strategies for better comprehension, or providing alternative assessments through assisting technology, science content should be made available for all students and adapted to each student's individual needs.