From an early age, children start showing predispositions toward certain skills or school subjects. A child who falls behind in reading comprehension or struggles with simple math problems can improve with a little extra attention from the teacher. But learning gaps among special needs students can rarely be remediated with extra homework. These are gaps in access, support and instructional design, and they become bigger the longer they’re not addressed.
Teachers looking to provide extra support to students with special needs can benefit from training that connects research-based strategies with classroom challenges. Fitchburg State University’s online Master of Education – Curriculum and Teaching (Non-Licensure) program prepares educators to close learning gaps with evidence-based approaches, always keeping students’ individual needs at the center.
Educational Inequalities and Systemic Barriers
“Learning gaps occur when students lack the knowledge, skills, or conceptual understanding to keep up with their peers at school,” write the authors of Elevate K-12. “For example, if a child learns to read slower than their peers, without extra support, they’ll soon fall behind. As they struggle to catch up, they’ll experience learning loss, and the gap will become harder to close.”
Persistent issues, such as foundational understanding of math or language skills, can create a domino effect, making new material harder to grasp. For students with special needs, these gaps are exacerbated by systemic barriers such as rigid curricula that fail to accommodate their learning styles.
Differentiated instruction is designed to address these disparities and be more inclusive of the individual needs of each student. By modifying content, teaching methods and assessments, educators can create multiple ways for students to engage and demonstrate understanding of the same subject.
Training and Support for Inclusive Strategies
There are several tools and strategies educators can use to bridge learning gaps among special needs students, including the use of technology. Through courses such as Assessment Led Instruction for Teachers and Using Technology to Enhance Student Achievement, Fitchburg State’s students learn to assess the curriculum and use technological tools to come up with creative solutions for smoother learning experiences. Some popular classroom strategies include:
- Scaffolded lessons: Breaking down tasks into smaller, structured steps, such as focused vocabulary work before a book assignment or work stations.
- Multimodal instruction: Combining text, audio and hands-on activities, like pairing read-aloud sessions with tactile letter blocks for early readers.
- Alternative testing: Offering choices other than regular tests for students to show their learning progress, such as doing a presentation, making a poster or writing an essay.
- Peer-assisted learning: Organizing mixed-ability groups where students explain concepts to each other, reinforcing understanding and social connections.
- Individual work sessions: Allowing students to study on their own (if possible) and still earn credits can be a great motivator, as it feels more manageable for them than doing it all at home.
In addition to these “analogue” strategies, digital curricula can also enhance accessibility to all students, as pointed out by OECD. These approaches not only help students catch up academically but also foster independence and resilience, creating conditions where progress can continue beyond immediate interventions.
Importance of Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Reform Planning
Closing learning gaps requires efforts that extend beyond individual classrooms. “Engaging parents and caregivers in the educational process ensures consistent reinforcement of learning, both at school and home, which is instrumental in fostering students’ academic success,” note the authors of Heartwise.
Collaboration among teachers, specialists, administrators and families ensures interventions address both academic and social-emotional needs. Interdisciplinary teams can co-design curriculum plans that consider developmental differences, cultural relevance and the use of technology to support diverse learners.
By applying differentiated instruction, using targeted interventions and working in partnership with specialists and families, educators can create learning environments where every student has a fair opportunity to succeed. Fitchburg State’s Master of Education – Curriculum and Teaching (Non-Licensure) online program offers a path for teachers ready to lead this change.
Learn more about Fitchburg State University’s online Master of Education – Curriculum and Teaching program.
