This book conveys practical information on the instruction of students with mild disabilities, whether in self-contained, resource, or general education classroom settings. Emphasis is on research-based special education teaching methods. It first describes general principles of effective instruction, followed by more specific details associated with instruction in specific academic areas. Also included are examples of possible sequences of objectives and excerpts of possible teacher dialogues relevant to particular objectives. Individual chapters address the following topics: (1) teacher effectiveness; (2) designing effective instruction; (3) monitoring student progress; (4) classroom management; (5) reading; (6) oral and written language; (7) mathematics; (8) science and social studies; (9) study skills; (10) social skills; (11) teaching for transition (life skills, career and vocational education); and (12) consultation and collaboration. Appended are a sample Individualized Education Program forms and a list of publishers of books, tests, curricular materials, and software. (Contains approximately 650 references.) (DB)