are also likely to develop low self-esteem and participate in negative behaviors. Scott (2003) noted further that there is a pattern of negative practices that lead to student failure and behavior problems. Interventions must include early influences to change these negative teaching practices. When a teacher is unable to teach students effectively, learning becomes difficult for some students and this leads to frustration and negative behaviors.
Eaton, Gangluff, and Deere, (2004) reported that teaching problem students requires specific training. For example, educators teaching students with learning difficulties must use neurodevelopmental strategies such as learning to listen, not interrupting, and not providing a barrage of information. The teacher must coach instead of lecture students who have difficulty learning. Additional program components must include having the learner become active in the process, using the context in which information is useful, and using real problems for problem-solving.
Schools Attuned is a professional development and service program that provides educators with methods for recognizing, understanding, and managing students that have differences in learning. This program is based on the work of Levine and colleagues. The program is implemented in schools to enrich the education of all K-12 students. The program is designed to help teachers use neurodevelopmental content in classrooms to teach all students and help struggling students. Classroom lesson plans and assessment tools are modified to accommodate the different kinds of learners and help students with problems. Teachers have open communication (meetings) with other faculty to review and improve their skills and share experiences.
The program includes: 35 instructional hours; 10 hours of follow-up experiences; ongoing online learning support; and a yearlong commitment between the participant and the course site (Schoo...