What is ADHD?
Challenges
Evaluation & Diagnosis
Ed Law
Strategies & Techniques
References
Resources
Related Links

Strategies & Techniques

Teeter (1998) maintains that “the intervention programs for ADHD adolescents are often multifaceted and typically include parent training, behavior management in the classroom, academic interventions for learning problems, social skills training, and pharmacotheraphy” (p. 150). While the literature on intervention strategies and techniques is very broad, it is also as different as each child’s strength and weaknesses.

Educational administration and teaching are by no means easy tasks, especially when students are scheduled into classes where the ability levels run the gamut. The classroom teacher is required to provide instruction that maximizes every student’s learning to the fullest. This becomes especially difficult for the teacher when ADHD students are added into the mix. 

Strategies and techniques collected from Teeter (1998), Barkley (1998), Dendy (2000), Reif (1998), Flick (1998), and from classroom experiences are listed below. These strategies and techniques are just a beginning. Teachers and administrators would do well to add their own strategies and techniques that have proven effective for adolescent ADHD middle level students.    

VARY TEACHING METHODOLOGIES	refer to Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory
	evaluate individual learning styles
	implement Differentiated Learning Strategies as appropriate
	Provide visuals i.e.) graphic organizers, outlines, study guides, samples, models, review sheets, copies of teacher's class notes, response cards, color codes, mainpulatives, highlighters
	implement a "buddy System", peer tutors, mentors, aides
MODIFY & REFORM TASKS, ASSIGNMENTS & WRITTEN WORK	assign fewer problems and questions
	substitute other modalities for written assignments & projects
	reduce class notes or ask to photocopy a proficient note taker's notes
	implement a special type of shorthand or code to improve class notes
	chunk out assignments into smaller more manageable pieces; accept pieces in stages that total a project's completion
	look for quality work not quantity, look for accuracy rather than speed
VARY TEST MODIFICATIONS & GRADING POLICIES	implement all modifications proficiently by providing for extended time, good test locations, exam & assignment formats
	give oral exams, shortened written exams, provide word banks for fill-in types of questions & essays, give open book exams, give take home quizzes
	adjust grading policy to level playing field, allow for misspellings, provide opportunities for extra credit or bonuses, permit retakes
	administer exam in small group setting & in smaller chunks, allow for breaks & stretches, utilize multiple days
	provide necessary tools  i.e.) calculators, dictionaries, computers
INTEGRATE TECHNOLOGY & SOFTWARE PROGRAMS	teach keyboarding and computer use
	provide appropriate technology  i.e.) laptops, Alpha Smarts, word processors
	provide appropriate software geared for 'tutorials, academic support, curriculum enhancement, Internet support, video taping & recording
	utilize technology for organizational concerns, study skills, and prompting