Beginning special education teachers today are highly likely to be asked to co-teach with general education teachers at some point in their career. Besides supporting their students, new special education teachers may be tasked with persuading their colleagues to try out both new methods of collaboration and unfamiliar models of instructional…

This study employed a randomized experimental design to investigate the effectiveness of a self-questioning strategy for improving student reading comprehension of grade-level social studies text material. Fifty-seven seventh grade students with a range of abilities, including English as second language learners and students with learning and…

Literature-based guidelines for teaching science to students with disabilities include choosing appropriate curriculum materials; using effective instructional strategies (i.e., tutoring, cooperative learning, mnemonic strategies, self-monitoring); adapting specific science activities; and using effective assessment procedures. (DB)

Differential effects of a peer-tutoring intervention on the academic achievement of 203 7th-grade science students with and without disabilities in co-teaching and non-co-teaching settings were examined over an 8-week period. Impact of peer tutoring was assessed using a 2 condition by 2 settings by 2 types of students analysis of covariance with…

To succeed in moving into regular class settings, learning disabled and other handicapped students must acquire generalization strategies. Approaches to aid generalization include verbal or written instructions, feedback, reteaching and positive practice, rewards or contracts, and peer cooperation. (CL)

Throughout the history of education, debate has existed between the relative merits of instructed versus constructed knowledge. In this article, we review our program of research in science education for students with disabilities in order to reveal some insights into this debate. We review research in science curriculum, mnemonic strategies,…

In response to Derry (EC 233 120), this article considers implications of learning strategy instruction for teachers of special education populations. The paper identifies relatively easy- and relatively difficult-to-train cognitive strategies, and reviews research on mnemonic instruction (complex mnemonic instruction, group-generated mnemonic…

Discusses instruction in mnemonics to help students with disabilities and learning difficulties improve memory for school content. Discusses what mnemonic strategies are; offers general techniques for improving memory; and explains (with examples) the mnemonic techniques of using keywords, using pegwords, and using letter strategies. Also provides…

This article describes characteristics of students with disabilities with respect to four major domains of school functioning; identifies two major approaches to science education (content-oriented and activities-oriented); and analyzes the interaction of the characteristics of students with disabilities and the curricular approaches with respect…

This article describes one teacher's application of mnemonic strategy instruction in her inclusive, 4th grade social studies class. It explains how the strategy was employed to promote recall of academic content, the strategy's effectiveness, and students' attitudes. Discussion focuses on theoretical and empirical support for mnemonic instruction…

This manual is intended as a resource for teachers who have special education students in their mainstream science classes, for curriculum adoption committees, and for publishers and consumers of science curriculum materials. Part 1 describes general characteristics of students with disabilities and provides general mainstreaming strategies and…

The science curricula in grades K-6 in 4 school districts from 4 states are analyzed and compared. Two districts employ a content approach using textbooks as the dominant medium, whereas the other two employ a hands-on approach using manipulative activities and thematic units. Implications for students with disabilities are considered. (Author/PB)

Thirty-two qualitative investigations of co-teaching in inclusive classrooms were included in a metasynthesis employing qualitative research integration techniques. It was concluded that co-teachers generally supported co-teaching, although a number of important needs were identified, including planning time, student skill level, and training;…

Provides strategies for adapting microscope activities for students with disabilities. The following factors are considered: (1) mainstreaming strategies; (2) laboratory techniques; (3) observing and classifying; (4) vocabulary and terminology; and (5) safety. (ZWH)

Science and social studies have much to offer to all learners--including those with disabilities. However, instruction in these subjects has often been overlooked in the quest to better understand and improve leaning in English/language arts and mathematics. As we demonstrate in this paper, science and social studies help students attain skills,…