This paper presents a rationale for teaching higher level thinking skills to students with special needs, including those with mild mental handicaps and learning disabilities. It briefly reviews the literature on teaching such skills, stressing that thinking skills can be taught through specific teaching methods such as a four-step method (introduce the skill, explain the skill, demonstrate the skill, apply the skill) and careful questioning. Incorporation of higher level thinking skills into life skills is stressed, and teaching students use of the I PLAN five-step motivational and learning strategy is urged. Evidence of the I PLAN model strategy's effectiveness in increasing student input to Individualized Education Programs is offered. (12 references) (DB)