[nobe-l] Supporting/Teaching geometry

[J Acheson]

Greetings, everyone!

This question is more aimed at teachers of the visually impaired who have high school students or to totally blind teachers teaching high school math needing to access and implement the use of technology based instruction.
 My district has recently adopted a new math curriculum for algebra, geometry, and algebra 2. The curriculum consists of disposable workbooks and a wealth of online material. I currently have and anticipate having geometry students who are totally blind. The mainstream teachers are using smart boards for the bulk of their instruction and accessing online materials and videos. The videos are an absolute nightmare. Last week while I was observing this class, the video teacher said, "this is congruent with this". Even the special ed geometry class is very fast paced. My current student has a full-time para professional available to adapt materials as they are presented in the classroom. The dilemma constantly presents as a choice between supporting the blind student and talking over the teacher or waiting until the teacher is done and then re-talking the information. This is a struggling student who lacks many basic math skills. 

I have told the teacher numerous times that I must have a copy of everything she plans to present through the SmartBoard at least two weeks in advance. This has just not happened and in fairness to the teacher I am not sure it is entirely possible because the online material is fluid and can be changed as the comprehension of the class waxes and wanes. 

Please offer suggestions both on and off list. I am a certified math teacher as well as  a TVI. In the past I have ended up teaching the geometry class. When I do teach the geometry class to a blind student or students I do so in a manner that will prepare them to enter back into the mainstream math class the following year by providing detailed strategies as I teach content. I have found this to be a very valuable option for some students. However, at this time, this is not an option. 

As the use of technology in the classroom and in basic instruction has increased it continues to present unique challenges for blind students. There is quite a bit that is not accessible, especially in the area of math. Then, too, there is the old problem of we have a new math book and surprise you find out on September 5! 

Anyway, please offer suggestions on how I can best provide assistance to the student in her technology rich environment.