After reading this chapter, you should be able to

1. Summarize both the different ways that students develop and the implications of their individual needs for increasing their learning.

2. Describe at least four ways to distinguish students in terms of their academic ability.

3. Describe the major categories used by schools to identify and categorize students with disabilities.

4. Explain the responsibility school and teachers have to effectively serve students with disabilities.

5. Identify strategies for working with students that are exceptional in other ways, including gifted and talented, struggling, and at risk.

6. Examine implications for teaching and learning that can occur when you see each student as exceptional in his or her own way.