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Literacy instruction has an important role in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) because spelling and writing support precise communication. Unfortunately, few students with extensive support needs and complex communication needs (ESN/CCN) develop literacy skills at or above the first grade reading-level. Given that learning to read and write begins with extensive emergent literacy learning opportunities, limited skills may result from insufficient opportunity to learn (OTL) emergent literacy skills. This study examined the instruction provided in early U.S. childhood classrooms to students with ESN/CCN to understand OTL during this critical period. This study used a concurrent embedded mixed methods design integrating a survey of teachers of students with ESN/CCN (n = 26) with a qualitative multiple case study (n = 2). Results suggest the time teachers are devoting to instruction is not translating into increased OTL for individual students. Solutions that may increase learning opportunities and implications for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-determination skills are critical for improving life outcomes for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). The recent growth of postsecondary education (PSE) programs for those with IDD has provided additional opportunities for teaching self-determination skills. This study used a multiple probe across participants design with six individuals with IDD. The intervention consisted of a self-determination choice-making curriculum along with the use of a self-monitoring checklist to increase self-determination skills. Data were analyzed using visual analysis. Results revealed gains in participants' knowledge of choice-making steps with moderate effect size gains. Implications for practice and future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review presents the Universal Design Learning (UDL) approach to education. Classrooms have become increasingly diverse, with second language learners, students with disabilities, and students with differences in their perception and understanding information. Some students learn best through listening, while others learn best when presented with visual information. Given the increased number of new language learners across the world, the UDL approach allows successful learning for all students. UDL has allowed students to acquire information more effectively. UDL provides guidance to educators that is especially valuable for the diversity of classrooms and the diversity in modalities in learning, [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Great strides have been made in the development of effective methods of instruction for children with dyslexia. However, individual response to treatment varies, and weaknesses persist for some students with dyslexia despite otherwise effective instruction. Continued efforts are needed to support the prospective identification of poor response, particularly in routine intervention settings. The current study addressed whether indicators of dyslexia risk as outlined by hybrid diagnostic models predict response in children who received Tier 3 dyslexia intervention in their schools. The program's efficacy has been previously documented in remediating reading abilities in children with dyslexia. Data were examined from 115 elementary-age children who received routine Tier 3 dyslexia intervention in their schools. Logistic regression revealed powerful effects of preintervention fluency and gender in predicting response, with weaker effects of decoding and rapid naming. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder status also played a role in predicting response. Phonological awareness and listening-reading comprehension discrepancy did not predict response. Profile analyses indicated near- and far-transfer of skill for the adequate response group, whereas growth in the poor response group was limited to near-transfer. Findings support a continuum of severity that may be associated with less robust growth and generalization over the course of the intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since its inception, a premise of special education has been to provide students with disabilities with an appropriate education. The interpretation of appropriate has evolved across eras of special education. For students with learning disabilities, emphases on inclusion and high‐stakes achievement have eroded the intention of FAPE. It is time for a re‐envisioning of FAPE. A new vision should not presume the same outcomes for all. Restoring goals and individualized curriculum informed by the general education curriculum instead of exclusively focused "in the general education curriculum" is the way forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries provide invaluable services and supports to members of their communities, including school communities. Those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can receive particular benefits from their libraries, including supports in the areas of academics, social skills, communication, technology, literacy, leisure skills, and even employment skills. Additionally, librarians have reported ASD as the highest disability area they are asked to accommodate. In addition, school librarians have requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (2004) to support students they serve in their setting. While professional librarians are prepared for their field through high-quality accredited programs, very few programs provide coursework specific to individuals with disabilities and even fewer with any coursework in the area of ASD. This study utilized content analysis to review 90 librarian preparation programs yielding only five course syllabi from four universities that include courses in supporting individuals with disabilities. Only two of the five courses reviewed included information about individuals with ASD specifically. This study identifies a gap in training for preservice librarians that contributes to the needs already expressed by those in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co-teaching is the most popular model for supporting students with disabilities in the general education setting. However, the limited research that supports this framework as effective for increasing outcomes for students with disabilities may indicate co-teachers have difficulty providing students with specialized instruction to meet individual learning needs. In this article, co-teachers are provided a model for integrating effective practices strategically within various co-teaching models to increase educational outcomes for students with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: After nearly a century of federal policies focusing on career-related high school coursework, a 2006 policy reauthorization especially called for increased rigor in STEM-themed career and technical education (CTE) courses and increased participation from all students, and particularly women and those with disabilities. We explore whether this reauthorization helped meet these calls for increased participation. Research Questions: We asked the following research questions in exploring the implementation of the Perkins IV act: (1) How have the predictors of participation in AS-CTE coursework changed during the decade between 2004 and 2013? (2) Were students in the class of 2013 more likely to participate in AS-CTE than those in the class of 2004? (3) Is there a specific difference in AS-CTE participation for female students and students with disabilities in the class of 2013 as compared to the class of 2004? Research Design: To respond to these questions, we merged two nationally representative datasets--the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002 (ELS:2002) and the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:2009). We employed basic logistic regression to explore changes in participation and ordinary least squares regression to explore changes in credit accumulation. We also utilized double hurdle and state fixed-effects models to account for various potential biases. Results: We found that there were slight changes in predictors of applied STEM CTE course-taking, though female students remained significantly less likely than male students to participate in each cohort. Exploring across cohorts, we found students in the later cohort (HSLS:2009) to be both more likely to participate in applied STEM CTE and more likely to complete more units. Finally, when exploring female students and students with IEPs, we found that these students were more likely to participate in applied STEM CTE, but were not more likely to complete more units. Conclusions: A first implication from these findings is that it appears the national efforts and sentiments around increasing high schoolers' participation in CTE course-taking have taken hold. Second, it appears there may be a specific role for states as they look to grow participation in applied STEM CTE--and CTE in general. Finally, additional focus needs to be placed on increasing CTE participation for underrepresented students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Students with high-incidence disabilities (e.g., learning disabilities, emotional behavior disorders, and autism spectrum disorders) often receive most of their education in general education classrooms. Once in these classrooms, students with disabilities are expected to learn from the general education curriculum. For students with disabilities participating in general education and inclusion classrooms, technology offers an opportunity for them to be active participants in classroom activities and to make meaningful progress in the general education curriculum. The articles presented in this special issue illustrate how technology can help students with disabilities to become active participants in general education classrooms. The technologies described in the articles were developed as research-to-practice pieces so that practitioners can integrate the technology into their classrooms. This issue focuses on two themes: (a) technology to support student learning in inclusive or general education classrooms and (b) technology to promote student engagement and enhance performance feedback of teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For students with learning disabilities (LD), note taking during lectures and discussions is a difficult task. Many students have difficulties with listening comprehension and written expression, two important skills vital for successful note taking during teacher lectures. Note taking is a cognitively demanding task whereby students must temporarily hold/rehearse incoming verbal lecture information, quickly construct representations into meaningful bits of information that can be recorded, and then transcribe the bits of meaningful information onto paper before the information is lost and before processing any new incoming information. Despite the difficulty of this task, smartpen technology can aid students during note taking by storing verbal lecture information and then syncing it up when students amend their partial notes. This article provides an overview of a smartpen strategy and a guide for teachers to implement this assistive technology in their classroom and improve the note taking of students with LD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Standardized assessment of content knowledge for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) topics is pervasive in both K-12 and postsecondary institutions. Yet, most instruments are developed with little to no validation for students with learning disability (LD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this study, we evaluate the effectiveness of new test instruments designed to assess conceptual understanding of statistics content and the extent to which construct-irrelevant factors, such as language processing, influence the performance of students with disabilities. Generalized linear mixed-effects modeling was used to identify the factors that were predictive of student performance. Results indicate that the average sentence length in word problems was uniquely predictive of student performance on emerging assessments of conceptual understanding. The results provide new evidence of the barriers facing students with disabilities on emerging tests of conceptual knowledge. A general framework for measuring the impact of these barriers and the effectiveness of accommodations is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of mixed-reality teaching experiences on participants' perceptions of their classroom management ability are evaluated using a mixed-methods design. Mursion, a technology that enables virtual simulations, is used. Participants include 29 undergraduates pursuing a degree in special education for learners with mild or moderate/severe disabilities enrolled in a university-level course focused on developing skills in managing the learning environment. Participants teach three different scenarios in the Mursion lab over the semester and complete a 21-statement survey using a 5-point Likert-type scale (i.e., strongly agree–strongly disagree) and reflect about their experience into a video camera. Results indicate that some participant perceptions changed over time because of the Mursion experiences and that the academic program being pursued made no difference in the participants' Mursion experience. Implications for practice with a focus on rural education and limitations of the study are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides an overview of the literature on special education law and policy and teacher preparation for special education technology use and identifies current issues, focusing on four key obstacles regarding the status of special education technology access and implementation: (a) the mismatch between legal requirements, policy recommendations, and the supports students with disabilities actually receive in schools; (b) the limited professional knowledge about special education technology and few meaningful options for making improvements to this professional body of knowledge; (c) the rapid pace of innovation in terms of availability of new apps, products, and hardware; and (d) the inherent conflicts between the commercial nature of special education technology and best special education technology practice. Recommendations, resources, and actionable ideas toward transformative change are shared with hopes for equitable and meaningful special education technology access and implementation for students with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Written-expression curriculum-based measurement (WE-CBM) is used for screening and progress monitoring students with or at risk of learning disabilities (LD) for academic supports; however, WE-CBM has limitations in technical adequacy, construct representation, and scoring feasibility as grade-level increases. The purpose of this study was to examine the structural and external validity of automated text evaluation with Coh-Metrix versus traditional WE-CBM scoring for narrative writing samples (7-min duration) collected in fall and winter from 144 second- through fifth-grade students. Seven algorithms were applied to train models of Coh-Metrix and traditional WE-CBM scores to predict holistic quality of the writing samples as evidence of structural validity; then, external validity was evaluated via correlations with rated quality on other writing samples. Key findings were that (a) structural validity coefficients were higher for Coh-Metrix compared with traditional WE-CBM but similar in the external validity analyses, (b) external validity coefficients were higher than reported in prior WE-CBM studies with holistic or analytic ratings as a criterion measure, and (c) there were few differences in performance across the predictive algorithms. Overall, the results highlight the potential use of automated text evaluation for WE-CBM scoring. Implications for screening and progress monitoring are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Federal policies have aimed to improve access to grade-level curriculum for students with disabilities (SWD). Current conceptualizations of access posit that it is evidenced by students' academic outcomes. In a meta-analysis of 180 effect sizes from 23 studies, we examined access as outcomes by estimating the size of the gap in reading achievement between students with and without disabilities. Findings indicated that SWDs performed 1.17 standard deviations, or more than 3 years, below typically developing peers. The reading gap varied by disability label but not by other student and assessment characteristics. We discuss implications for access to grade-level curriculum and potential reasons for why the achievement gap is so large despite existing policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of standards-based reforms, there is increasing emphasis on ensuring that students with moderate intellectual disabilities (ID), including students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), learn to read. There is also converging evidence that explicit teaching of letter sounds, phonics, and sight words is effective for this population, but that students' responsiveness varies. A critical part of individualizing reading instruction for students with disabilities is the reliable assessment of progress and mastery of reading skills. However, assessment of many students with ID and students with ASD is challenging because of attention, behavioral, and communication issues related to testing situation; therefore, obtaining consistent results often proves to be a difficult task. We hypothesized that alternate assessment presentation formats, as a testing accommodation, would improve the reliability, validity, and consistency of assessment performance. In this study, three different presentation formats—word lists, flash cards, and PowerPoint presentation—were used when administering proximal, curriculum-based reading assessments to determine whether a particular format increased student engagement, reduced the need for prompts, and increased accuracy of identifying known items on the test. While statistical analyses did not support the hypothesis of a format by student effect, visual analysis of the data did suggest that the number of prompts required varied by student as a function of assessment format. Most noteworthy, assessment reliability, estimated with generalizability theory, indicated that reliability increased as a function of format by student. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Special education consists of specially designed services available for students with disabilities, and should be available across placements. Students with the most significant disabilities continue to be taught in restrictive settings, despite accumulating evidence suggesting their special education services can be delivered effectively in general education settings. Every individualized education program (IEP) must contain a statement describing how the student will be provided a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. The present study used content analysis to examine least restrictive environment statements of 88 students' IEPs to determine what factors, including supplementary aids and services, were considered in making placement decisions. We further analyzed the classes and activities in which students participated in general education settings. Findings reveal supplementary aids and services were not considered in placement decisions, although a number of factors centering on curricular considerations, environmental demands, student deficit, and personnel requirements were noted in making placement decisions. We further found students primarily participated in non-academic instruction while in general education settings. Implications for policy, practice, and research are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used longitudinal data from Washington State to investigate the relationships among career and technical education (CTE) enrollment, inclusion in general education, and high school and postsecondary outcomes for students with learning disabilities. We replicated earlier findings that students with learning disabilities who were enrolled in a "concentration" of CTE courses had higher rates of employment after graduation than observably similar students with learning disabilities who were enrolled in fewer CTE courses. We also found that students with learning disabilities who spent more time in general education classrooms in high school had higher rates of on-time graduation, college attendance, and employment than observably similar students with learning disabilities who spent less time in general education classrooms in these grades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teacher educators play a critical role in preparing preservice teachers to provide students with significant disabilities access to the general curriculum. This qualitative study investigated 11 teacher educators’ definitions of access and their self-reflections on their practices to prepare preservice teachers to provide students with significant disabilities access to the general curriculum. Teacher educators described their practices, which included shaping preservice teachers’ philosophies and dispositions and preparing them with the knowledge and skills to provide access. Findings from this study could translate into improved outcomes for teacher educators, preservice teachers, and ultimately students with significant disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reading instruction for students with intellectual disability (ID) has traditionally focused on single skill instruction such as sight word reading. Given that multicomponent reading interventions have been linked to improved reading skills across multiple reading components for students in general education, it is logical to examine the impact of multicomponent reading interventions for students with ID. The purpose of this literature review was to examine characteristics, outcomes, and quality of multicomponent reading interventions for students with ID. In this review, seven empirical articles fit the inclusionary criteria. Findings indicate that students with ID who were exposed to multicomponent reading programs significantly improved their reading skills compared to their peers with ID who received traditional sight word instruction or to their previous reading performance. This literature review highlights effective strategies used to provide multicomponent reading instruction to students with ID. Implications for reading instruction for students with ID are provided, along with implications for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of special education’s focus on moderate and severe disabilities (MSD) has undergone a number of changes in the past five decades. Some have been philosophical, some based on research, some based on mandated practices through U.S. law, and some based on the development of better technologies. While pioneers in the field first established the basic principles on which an appropriate education for students with MSD is based, subsequent scholars and professional organizations have determined how those principles are best implemented. As rural special educators involved in the field since the 1970s, we provide a reflection on the barriers and challenges faced by rural special education teachers as they continue to address the needs of rural students with MSD and make suggestions for current and future practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the most recent two decades, federal policy has urged high schools to embed applied science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses into the curriculum to reinforce concepts learned in traditional math and science classes as well as to motivate students’ interests and long-term pursuits in STEM areas. While prior research has examined whether these courses link to STEM persistence for the general student population, no work has examined the role of these courses for students with learning disabilities (LDs). This is a critical lapse, as these courses have been supported as being one path by which STEM material can become more accessible for students with diverse learning needs. Hence, this descriptive study examines the landscape of applied STEM course taking for students with LDs. The findings suggest students with LDs are less likely to take applied STEM courses in high school compared to the general population. Additionally, while the general population does benefit from taking these courses, there is a unique association between applied STEM course taking and advanced math and science course taking or math achievement for students with LDs. Hence, there is no evidence that applied STEM course taking is related to any closure of the STEM achievement gap for students with LDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the outcomes of the Vision Studies program of University of Massachusetts Boston and the Northeast Resource Center for Vision Education based on interpretation of National Plan for Training Personnel recommendations. Topics mentioned include the School for Global Inclusion and Social Development, expansion of state educational agency partnerships, and the estimated number of vision professionals being prepared by university programs per year.

A workshop with virtual consultation practice-based professional development model for self-regulated strategy development persuasive writing instruction was evaluated in a randomized controlled trial. Nineteen general education teachers and 564 Grade 5 and 6 students in 16 low-wealth rural schools participated. Following training, teachers provided instruction in their inclusive classrooms. Results indicated that students receiving instruction improved in the number of persuasive elements and words written when compared with students in the control group. Differences in element type were evaluated with largest effects noted for reasons and explanations. Student group differences were noted with nonstruggling students having greater gains than struggling students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SPLASH is a 3-year professional development program designed to work with classroom teachers of students with moderate and severe disabilities. The program targets new teachers and employs methods aimed at supporting rural classrooms. The training content focuses on evidence-based practices in English language arts, mathematics, and science, as well as support for overall classroom practices that allow for academic rigor. Each teacher is paired with a coach for the duration of the 3-year participation and, in addition, receives observation support from university personnel with bug-in-the-ear intervention and ongoing support through virtual professional learning communities. Coaches also receive training and ongoing support throughout the program. This article describes the design, application, and outcomes of the SPLASH program. Implications and considerations for future directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The public education of students with disabilities in the United States is governed by federal policies that promote school improvement, protect students from discrimination, and provide those who need it with special education and related services to meet their individual needs. This article explains the legal aspects of teaching students with disabilities in the context of music education. Topics address promoting student achievement through the Every Student Succeeds Act, protecting individual access to the music curriculum under Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, and providing music instruction to special education students under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Guidelines are provided for making music instruction for students with disabilities both legally correct and educationally meaningful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing high-quality programming for students with moderate to severe disability (MSD) and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be challenging for teachers across the range of experience and training including those in rural contexts. This article outlines a process for the iterative refinement of teaching programs comprised of an evaluation of the current program, the identification of targets for improvement, the development of goals and objectives, and the creation of an implementation plan. Furthermore, strategies for facilitating implementation are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helping struggling readers to learn history content in middle school can be difficult due to heavy reading demands. In this study, researchers taught poor readers with and without disabilities in eighth grade to generate main idea statements; create, compare, and contrast paragraphs; and identify cause and effect relations, along with relevant multisyllabic word study and vocabulary, as they read history text. The 34 participating students included 14 with disabilities and 20 without disabilities, who scored below the 5th percentile in reading, on average. The results were compared across special education and English learner status and with 81 typical readers from the same classes who studied the same units of history. Treated students made significant gains in use of these strategies, and poor readers with and without disabilities performed similar to their typical reader classmates in two of the three strategies following instruction. The instructional routines for each strategy are described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four studies into characteristics and instructional needs of students with learning disabilities are summarized in this article. These studies are also reviewed in the wider context of mathematics intervention research in special education. These studies generally rely on qualitative methodology, and they are best understood in light of a constructive approach to learning. Two themes bind the four studies reviewed here. The first is what distinguishes students with math difficulties from those that may be considered as having a math disability. The second is the nature of curriculum and how the work described in this special issue departs from structured approaches to interventions that have a long and rich history in special education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent educational policy has raised the standards that all students, including students with disabilities, must meet in mathematics. To examine the strategies currently used to support students with learning disabilities, the authors reviewed literature from 2006 to 2014 on mathematics interventions for students with learning disabilities. The 12 articles reviewed contain various instructional focuses, including systematic instructions, problem-based instruction, and visual representation. This review includes discussion of the interventions used, including the success of interventions used for both students with disabilities and students without disabilities. Implications for practice and future research are also discussed, including the need for continued research on middle and high school interventions to address a variety of mathematical skills and concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to decades of research on secondary transition for individuals with disabilities, cross-agency collaboration with adult service providers is an integral element of positive post-school outcomes. While much has been written about the general functions of vocational rehabilitation (VR) professionals and their part in the transition planning process, limited research has explored the role these professionals play in curriculum decisions, particularly for students with the most significant disabilities. Through the use of semi-structured, face-to-face interviews, the authors explain the work of six transition specialists in a midwestern state who are jointly funded by VR and the respective local education agencies with which they work. Specifically, their influence on the development and implementation of transition-related curricula for students with severe disabilities is addressed. Participating VR transition specialists reported that they influence curricula through a collaborative approach, and focus on resource and knowledge sharing. These professionals also reported delivering several direct-service activities to students inside and outside of the school environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this review, we applied Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory to examine factors that support or restrict access to the general curriculum for students with significant disabilities. We organize the literature in relationship to factors within the micro-, meso-, macro-, exo-, and chronosystems that influence decisions about access to the general curriculum for individual students. We discuss these factors in relationship to placement, instructional contexts, and instructional content. Implications for research and practice are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This 3-year study evaluated the effectiveness of the Second Step–Student Success Through Prevention (SS-SSTP) social-emotional learning program on increasing prosocial behaviors that could serve as protective factors against peer conflict and bullying among students with disabilities. Participants included 123 students with disabilities across 12 schools in Midwest United States. Students labelled with a disability were selected for inclusion. Students completed self-report measures of school belonging, empathy, caring, and willingness to intervene in bullying situations. Report card grades and standardized test scores were collected from school records. Students with disabilities in the intervention schools reported a statistical and clinical significant increase in willingness to intervene in bullying incidents in comparison with students with disabilities in control schools and an increase of half a grade on their report cards in comparison with the control sample. The current study demonstrates the promise of social-emotional learning programming for students with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The TASH Inclusive Education National Committee responded to Horner and Dunlap’s call to ensure that future research integrates inclusive values with strong science by developing an inclusive education national research advocacy agenda. Qualitative methods were implemented to answer three questions: (a) What is the state of inclusive education research? (b) What research still must be done? and (c) What are recommendations for a national inclusive education research advocacy agenda? The findings include 15 areas organized within three domains advocating for continued research across systems-level capacity building, building and classroom capacity, and student learning and development. Implications for research and policy reform are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study explored how multiple educational personnel in a middle school identified as an exemplar of inclusive education defined and provided students with severe disabilities access to the general education curriculum. Data sources including a questionnaire, interviews, observations, observation reflections, and artifacts were collected from 12 participants who worked as administrators, general education teachers, special education teachers, or paraprofessionals. Findings point to educational personnel who are committed to providing access to the general education curriculum in general education classrooms and carry out this mission through shared responsibility, collaboration, peer supports, and multi-faceted learning structures. These findings are discussed in relation to future research and practice in the areas of inclusion and severe disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study examined one high school student’s access to inclusive education and experiences in an inclusive English class after he acquired severe disabilities and complex health care needs from a nontraumatic brain injury. Multiple sources of data (i.e., interviews, field notes, and documents) were collected and analyzed to formulate understanding of the unique particularities of this intrinsic, naturalistic case. Findings were organized into four major themes: (a) school reentry and adjustment, (b) communication access, (c) social inclusion, and (d) curricular access and assessment. Analysis of these major themes revealed that the focus student had minimal access to an inclusive education due to delayed school reentry, incomplete assessment data, and limited professional knowledge of acquired brain injuries and inclusive education. The student’s experiences in the general education English classroom were predominantly characterized by limited access to communication and peer interactions, undefined learning priorities, and an overreliance on adult staff. Findings from this study suggest the need for additional research related to the prevalence of students with nontraumatic brain injury, supports needed by families and students post injury, professional training for school personnel, and the use of 1:1 paraprofessionals and nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TeenACE for Science (TAS) is a writing intervention that combines components of Multimedia Technology, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) to help students develop expository writing skills in science. This developmental study examined the effect of the TAS intervention with two groups of culturally and linguistically diverse middle school students. Forty-six students in two classrooms that included general and special education students participated in a 12-week intervention during which they wrote multiple science reports. Students used the multimodal features of a productivity software (PowerPoint) to organize pictures and headings, take notes on a cognitive map, type in text, and record their voices narrating what they had written. This mixed methods study utilized pre-post tests and curriculum-based measures to examine quantitative changes. Qualitative measures included surveys and focus groups. Pre-post test results showed that students scored significantly higher on two Woodcock Johnson III subtests (Writing Fluency and Writing Samples) though no significant change was noted on the Editing subtest. Teachers rated the intervention as relevant, useful, and high quality; they reported continued use of the same protocol at a 1-year follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers design scripted supplemental mathematics programs for struggling students, such as students with learning disabilities (LD), to encourage an evidence-based presentation of concepts and use of instructional language in teachers’ implementation. In practice, teachers may or may not implement these programs with high fidelity, resulting in slight to substantial curriculum alterations. Yet there is a dearth of studies detailing the nature of changes teachers make during instruction or their perceptions of why the changes were necessary. We present a qualitative analysis of 10 special educators’ employment of a Base Ten Numeration and Multiplication/Division Strategies intervention with students with LD. Results show that teachers altered modeled practice and guided practice lesson components more than any other lesson component. Three interrelated themes illustrate reasons for pedagogy, materials, and tasks alterations: (a) scripted tasks/script, (b) connections, and (c) lesson delivery methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supported electronic text (eText), or text altered to provide support, may promote comprehension of science content for students with disabilities. According to the Center for Applied Special Technology, Book Builder™ uses supported eText to promote reading for meaning for all students. Students with autism spectrum disorder experience difficulty comprehending science content because of the extensive amount of background knowledge required in conjunction with difficulties understanding abstract and figurative language. Investigations on the most effective methods for reading comprehension and teaching science to this population are equally limited. In this pilot study, feasibility was supported in high levels of treatment fidelity and teacher- and student-reported satisfaction. A multiple probe across participants with an embedded ABCD design was used to evaluate various modifications of Book Builder™ on measures of vocabulary, literal comprehension, and application questions. Considerations for students with ASD, limitations, and recommendations for future research conclude the article. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Recent studies have raised concerns about the vagueness of alternate assessment eligibility guidelines, specifically, that students with mild disabilities (SWMD) have been inappropriately assigned to alternate assessment–alternate achievement standards (AA-AAS). In this study, special education teachers (N = 317) were surveyed about SWMD in vignettes to explore (a) perceptions of the clarity of eligibility guidelines, (b) teachers’ test-type decisions, (c) factors considered when making test-type decisions, and (d) teachers’ priority rankings of these factors. Teachers’ test-type decisions varied by state, subjectivity, and noninstructional factors. Findings raise concerns about the inconsistency and lack of specificity of the current state guidelines, their vulnerability to subjective interpretation of eligibility, and states’ different alternate assessment systems. Directions for future research, implications of the current findings, and limitations are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Naturalistic instructional approaches are used to provide intentional and systematic instruction to young children with disabilities during typically occurring activities. Several naturalistic instructional approaches have been described in the extant literature, although different terms have been used to refer to these approaches (e.g., activity-based intervention, embedded instruction). The purpose of this systematic review was to identify, examine, and summarize the empirical literature focused on naturalistic instructional approaches for preschool children with disabilities when instruction was delivered in classroom settings. Forty-three studies that met established inclusion criteria were reviewed and coded using systematic procedures. Studies were coded to permit within- and across-approach comparisons as well as with respect to quality indicators for study design features and relationships to reported outcomes. Findings suggest a need to specify clearly the contextual and procedural components of naturalistic instructional approaches to advance understanding about this evidence-based practice and the functional relationships between implementation of the approaches and child learning outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay describes major advances in educating students with severe disabilities. The authors propose that applied behavior analysis, the focus on functional life skills, and the promotion of academic content have been the major advances in the “how” and “what” of learning for this population. An increased focus on literacy, improved instruction for teaching state standards, and increased emphasis on students with the most significant disabilities are provided as goals for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The related constructs of opportunity to learn (OTL) and achievement growth are fundamental aspects of the current large-scale assessment and accountability system in operation in the United States. For purposes of this article, OTL is defined as the degree to which a teacher dedicates instructional time and content coverage to the intended curriculum objectives emphasizing high-order cognitive processes, evidence-based instructional practices, and alternative grouping formats. Both OTL and achievement growth, although frequently talked about by education policy makers and teachers, are actually difficult to measure. Much of my research, in collaboration with other colleagues, over the past decade has concerned the measurement of these constructs in ways that facilitate teachers’ understanding of them and to advance sound policies regarding the instruction and assessment of students with disabilities (SWDs). In this article, I examine both the measurement of OTL and achievement growth, share recent research on them, and outline an agenda for future research on these two important aspects of standards-based accountability systems for all students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an established and still-growing evidence base that promoting self-determination has positive school and post-school benefits for students with disabilities, and yet efforts to do so remain sporadic, at best. This article examines the evidence that promoting self-determination is critically important for students with disabilities, explores reasons such efforts are not wide-spread, and provides recommendations to remedy this situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides an overview of my experiences in special education as a teacher and subsequently as an intervention researcher providing background on where we were in providing instruction to individuals with disabilities 40 years ago (prior to legal protections and supports) compared with the present. This article acknowledges the progress that has been made in providing opportunities for students with disabilities to participate in the educational system including greater access to the general education classroom for increasing numbers of students with disabilities. However, stakeholders including special educators have inadequately targeted academic and behavioral improvements as their goals for individuals with disabilities. This is largely because the research base for students with disabilities with intensive academic and behavior needs is underdeveloped. Several recommendations are provided including increased funding for research on individuals with persistent learning and behavior problems that addresses how to acquire a more complete knowledge base about effective intensive interventions for these students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Educational services for students with visual impairments have changed over the past several decades. During this time, Camp Abilities, a developmental sports camp, has emerged as an authority in physical education instruction. This article describes Camp Abilities as a service delivery model for athletes and professional preparation students and discusses several educational strategies used at the camp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study examined the current role of specialized schools for students with visual impairments and compares these results to a 1994 study. Methods: Two surveys were used to gather data from specialized schools that were members of the Council of Schools for the Blind (COSB). The first survey gathered information about current enrollment in K-12, preschool, early intervention, and postgraduate programs. Data were also obtained from an ongoing longitudinal study of 2007–2012 graduates of specialized schools. Results: Enrollment levels at specialized schools were the same as when measured in 1994. The sample had a higher percentage of students with additional disabilities than in the past, but academic programs still played a significant role at these specialized schools, with over 60% of students with visual impairment and no additional disabilities attending college after graduation. The study found that 80% of the specialized schools were involved in outreach activities, with nearly 50% providing direct instructional services to students attending school in general education environments. Specialized schools also provided consultations and in-service training sessions to educators who work in general education environments. Discussion: The study shows that specialized schools continue to provide an essential placement option for some students with visual impairments at some time during their primary and secondary education. The majority of students at specialized schools have additional disabilities, but these schools continue to provide successful academic programs for the students who need them. Furthermore, the study shows that many of the specialized schools are involved in providing direct and indirect services to students being educated in general education environments. The continuum of placement options differs according to state. These differences result in varying degrees of involvement by specialized schools in the general education environment. It is critically important to ensure the continuum in each state affords every visually impaired child an appropriate education, although the location in which educational services are rendered may change with the needs of the student during his or her schooling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current large-scale assessment and accountability policies in the United States emphasize the need for all students to be appropriately included. However, there are many challenges to effective inclusion. Students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit unique social communication and behavior challenges that can hinder their effective inclusion in instruction and testing. However, no studies have systematically examined how this unique group of students is currently included in accountability programs. A statewide representative sample of 191 teachers selected a student with ASD and reported on (a) the extent to which the student received instruction according to the general curriculum, (b) the teacher’s academic expectations for the student, and (c) the method by which the student participated in accountability testing. Results indicated that many students were reported to rarely receive instruction according to the general curriculum, and many were reported to participate in an alternate assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The purpose of this study was to provide preliminary evidence of the criterion-related validity of curriculum-based measurement (CBM) for reading, mathematics, and written expression with postsecondary students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID). The participants included 41 postsecondary students with ID enrolled in a 2-year certificate program at a large Midwestern university. CBMs were administered to participants using standardized procedures, and results were compared with performance on the Woodcock–Johnson Tests of Achievement. Descriptive statistics were calculated as were bivariate correlations between CBM measures and the content-appropriate criterion measure. Results are discussed in terms of the potential use of CBMs as indicators of academic performance for postsecondary students with ID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]