Teaching Content: Skill-Building in Inclusive Contexts

The author has 40 years of teaching experience and this book was written to share insights and ideas, starting with philosophy of education, then presenting a model of second language acquisition/learning, and introducing the basic principles of universal design, standards for fully including all students, and suggestions for differentiating instruction to assure equity and accessibility. With those fundamental aspects established, the author presents concepts and techniques to support listening, speaking, reading, and writing in an integrated skills approach based on a holistic communicative methodology. The appendices include: 1) an observation protocol that emphasizes differentiated instruction for inclusive settings; and 2) a reprint of the author's master's research on teaching discussion skills and which marks a baseline from when the author was a new teacher and expressing his earliest dispositions prior to four decades of experience that ultimately shaped his professional development. Reflection is the primary mode of thought utilized in the production of this text. Lifelong learning and maintenance of an open mind towards new ideas, challenges, and opportunities are at the heart of Dr. Scott's approach to professional development and personal growth. "Education is the solution to important problems being faced everywhere in the world today," said Scott. "If novices as well as seasoned teaching professionals, and students and families in school communities feel more hopeful and confident after reading these ideas, that would make me very happy."