Welcome to another online addition of the Arizona Promising Practices forum. For those new to this service, each issue, which will now be sent to you on a regular basis, will focus on: (1) Recommended National Educational Websites; (2) A Local or Arizona Website/Practice of Importance; and (3) One promising practice article in condensed form. We welcome your recommendations for improvement to this forum or suggestions on future topics (these will be wide ranging to if nothing in this update interests you, hold on for future editions!) The Arizona Promising Practices Forum and website, www.azpromisingpractices.com is a FREE resource of the Arizona Department of Education.

Mary Urich, ACPE Director murich@mail1.ade.state.az.us  

In this issue we focus on research based Tips for assisting ADHD students with classroom interaction and learning. Brought to you by the University of St. Thomas, this is a practical application that may be used by teachers and students and shared with parents.

But first:

National Website of Importance - If you are looking for a website that incorporates a large number of study guides and strategies for students, check out St. Thomas University and their online guide at www.iss.stthomas.edu/studyguides/

Promising Practice Research and Teaching Tips

You are not alone if you have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. About 4% of school age children have this. In addition, other students have one or a few of the characteristics of ADHD.

Characteristics of ADHD:

In class:

·        You might interrupt or answer out of turn

·        You might not be able to take good notes

·        You might have trouble with commands or instructions

Doing homework:

·        You might have trouble concentrating

·        You might not be attentive to details, or make little mistakes

·        You might forget things, even to turn in your homework

Getting help

You might need help learning, and determining your preferred learning style

The strategies below are suggested as part of a professionally organized program of assistance. These will be helpful to know and develop in overcoming ADHD:

In class:

To help you follow instructions:

*  Simplify instructions down to a basic one or two, and build from there. Verify these with your teacher, or

*  Ask your teacher to break down assignments into steps for you to follow

To contribute in class
*  Answering out of turn, or interrupting the class or teachers is normal for ADHD, but it is best to remember that you are trying to learn

*  Write your question or comment down on paper before speaking Practice raising your hand before volunteering

To take good notes is task for all students. These techniques may give you an advantage:

*  Bring a tape recorder to class

*  Study with a classmate taking the same class

Homework:

To help you concentrate:

*  Find a quiet place in your home, to avoid distraction such as movement and noise of your family, pets, TV, telephones, music, etc.

*  If space in your home is limited, your parents or tutor may find space in a library, religious structure, neighbor's house, or other sympathetic place

*  Special "headsets" can block out noise and help you focus get into a routine, a consistent time you study

To help you remember:

*  Develop routines/habits! For example, before going to school, organize your schoolwork in the same way each day. Have some one help you begin to establish this pattern

*  Keep you assignments in the same pocket of your backpack.

*  Tell your teacher about it Keep a list of things to remember in a pocket of your backpack.

www.iss.stthomas.edu