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A growing body of literature supports the effectiveness of Modified Schema-Based Instruction (MSBI) to improve mathematical problem-solving for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID). MSBI is an intervention package that teaches students to identify the problem structure and use a problem-solving heuristic to solve mathematical word problems. Previous research has primarily implemented MSBI in a one-on-one setting with a researcher as the interventionist. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a teacher-delivered MSBI in a small group format on the multiplicative word problem-solving skills of six middle school students with ASD/ID as well as their ability to generalize from word problems to video-based problems. Results of the multiple probe across participants design indicate a functional relation between MSBI and word problem-solving, but generalization varied across participants and maintenance was limited to two participants due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic school closures. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.

This systematic review provides a synthesis of intervention research that taught mathematical word problem solving skills to students with autism spectrum disorder between 1975 and April of 2020 by evaluating the body of research in terms of "what works", "for whom" and "under what conditions". The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC, 2014) quality indicators were used to evaluate methodology of the 20 included studies. The 18 studies that met the criteria to be classified as "high quality" were further analyzed in terms of intervention components (i.e., the "what"), how effectiveness was measured (i.e., defining "works"), characteristics of individuals included in the research (i.e., "for whom") and the tasks, settings, and instructors used (i.e., "under what conditions"). While six practices met the CEC criteria for classification "evidence based", including task analysis, system of least prompts, graphic organizers, explicit instruction, schema-based instruction, and technology assisted instruction, these practices were consistently used in combination as "treatment packages". Implications for practice and future research are discussed.

Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) were particularly vulnerable to the school closures that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. We sought to obtain a baseline understanding of the instructional experiences of students with IDD before March of 2020 to assess the nature and degree of the pandemic's impact. We recruited caregivers of students with IDD to complete a survey of their children's educational experiences across three time periods (before March 2020, Spring 2020, and Fall 2020). No caregivers reported that their children had experienced remote or distance learning prior to March 2020, and the majority reported their children lost access to instruction and related services outlined in their Individualized Education Program during Spring of 2020. We report additional findings related to instruction, attitudes, and skills. Implications for future research, practice, and policy are discussed.

This study reports findings of a systematic replication and as such sought to evaluate effects of an early numeracy curriculum on early number sense attainment for Kindergarten students with autism. Through daily 15-min story-based math lessons with embedded systematic instruction delivered by their classroom teacher, participants learned to compare sets, identify and work with patterns, and use standard and nonstandard measurement, and calendar skills. Results indicate a functional relation between the intervention and early number sense, and students were able to generalize skills when systematic instruction was faded. Similar results were mirrored by pre-post standardized norm-referenced measures of early mathematics abilities. Implementation of the curriculum had positive results on the teacher's perception of self-efficacy. The study's contribution to research, recommendations for practice, and implications for future research are discussed.

The Common Core State Standards in Mathematics outline both the content and practices students must engage in at each grade level to become mathematically proficient. Mathematical processes include problem solving, reasoning and proof, communication, and procedural fluency, which includes flexible thinking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of modified schema-based instruction (MSBI) on the acquisition and maintenance of math content and practices by middle school students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Two middle school students with ASD learned to solve proportional word problems containing extraneous information. Specifically, we measured mathematical problem-solving flexibility and communication using a 4-point rubric. Results of the reversal design found a functional relation between MSBI and the students' ability to flexibly solve the mathematical word problems and explain their answer, suggesting MSBI may be a useful strategy for some students with ASD.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a mathematics intervention that utilized the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework on mathematical problem solving skills for three middle school students with extensive support needs (ESN). Participants were taught to solve percent of change word problems related to personal finance (calculating the final price after leaving a tip or purchasing a discounted item). Visual analysis of the multiple probe across participants design indicated a functional relation between the mathematics intervention and an increase in mathematical problem solving skills. Results are discussed in terms of acquisition and generalization of mathematical problem solving skills. Implications for application of the UDL framework to mathematics instruction for learners with ESN are discussed.

Young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) need both academic and social skills required to apply acquired knowledge and skills in real-world settings. This study evaluated the effects of a multicomponent intervention incorporating both Modified Schema-Based Instruction (MSBI) and video-based instruction delivered via augmented reality (AR) to teach the social and mathematical problem-solving skills needed to execute personal finance tasks in the community. Participants were four 21-year-old young adults with ASD enrolled in a public school transition program located on the campus of a technical college. Findings of the single-case multiple probe across participant design support a functional relationship between the multicomponent treatment package and the social and mathematical problem-solving skills of the young adults with ASD. Furthermore, participants were also able to self-correct errors after watching AR-triggered model videos. Generalization to a novel setting was tested. Results, implications, and suggestions for future research are discussed

The purpose of this review was to examine the body of research on teaching mathematics to students with moderate and severe developmental disability that has been published since 2005, reflecting changes in both the academic expectations for this population and research and design standards in the evidence-based practice (EBP) era. We examined research on teaching mathematical skills for students with moderate and severe developmental disability from 2005-2016 and found 36 studies (33 single-case and three group-experimental studies), updating the Browder, Spooner, Ahlgrim-Delzell, Harris, and Wakeman analysis. Of the 36 studies included in the review, 22 single-case and three group-design studies received a rating of high or adequate quality using the National Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT) indicator criteria. In addition to systematic instruction, instructional procedures of technology-aided instruction, graphic organizers, manipulatives, and explicit instruction were found to be EBPs in teaching mathematics to this population.

This study evaluated an intervention developed through an Institute of Education Sciences-funded Goal 2 research project to teach students with moderate intellectual disability (moderate ID) to solve addition and subtraction word problems. The intervention involved modified schema-based instruction that embedded effective practices (e.g., pictorial task analysis, graphic organizers, systematic prompting with feedback) for teaching mathematics skills to students with moderate ID. The dependent variables included steps performed correctly on a problem solving task analysis, number of problems solved, problem type discrimination, and generalization of problem solving skills. Results of a multiple probe across student dyads design indicated a functional relation between three dependent variables and the intervention. Upon completion of the intervention, all eight participants with moderate ID correctly followed the task analysis, discriminated problem types, and solved word problems. Key discussion items include feasibility of teaching problem solving skills, types of modifications needed, and the generality of these skills to novel formats.

Effective instructional strategies to improve mathematical problem solving skills are critically important to student success in both school-based and real-world mathematics tasks. This study reports effects of a Virtual-Representational-Abstract Integrated framework on the mathematical problem solving skills of three middle school students with developmental disabilities (autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability). All participants improved in their problem solving accuracy when solving multiplicative comparison word problems using realistic double and triple multipliers. Additionally, all participants maintained their mathematical problem solving accuracy after visual supports (graphic organizer) were removed. Detailed findings and implications for future research and practitioners are discussed.

Mathematics education highlights the importance of helping students understand mathematical content and the ability to think critically about mathematics. Mathematical practice standards outline expectations for engaging students in meaningful mathematics activities to encourage a deep understanding of mathematical concepts and content. For some students, however, engagement in mathematical practices may not come naturally, and therefore will need to be explicitly taught. Students with autism spectrum disorder have communication and executive functioning deficits that are likely to decrease their engagement in mathematical practices. A multiple probe across behaviors single-case design was used to investigate the effectiveness of a modified schema-based instructional (MSBI) strategy on the use of mathematical practices of a middle school student with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The student was taught to solve equal group, proportional, and percent of change word problems using MSBI. Results provide evidence of a functional relation between MSBI and mathematical practices with three demonstrations of an effect. Results from social validity questionnaires also support the importance of the skills taught, along with an observed behavioral change for the student during mathematics instruction in his classroom setting. Implications for teaching and future research are discussed.

The Pandemic has required teachers to find ways to provide high-quality instruction in a virtual format. Video-based instruction (VBI) is a version of technology-aided instruction that has been effectively used in classrooms to improve mathematical outcomes for students with disabilities. This manuscript describes how a special education teacher can utilized VBI through free online platforms (i.e., SeeSaw, Loom) to implement a mathematical problem solving instructional strategy (modified schema-based instruction; MSBI) for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) while at home. MSBI utilizing VBI has successfully been used by teachers and researchers to improve additive and multiplicative problem solving skills for students with ASD. This manuscript describes how special education teachers can support students and their caregivers by providing high-quality problem solving instruction in a virtual environment.

The Common Core State Standards for Mathematics highlight the importance of not only content standards for mathematics but also mathematical practices such as communication, representation, and reasoning, skills that are often difficult for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Through a single-case multiple-probe-across-participants design, this study found modified schema-based instruction (MSBI) to be an effective strategy to increase the use of mathematical practices for middle school students with ASD when solving multiplicative word problems. Four students eligible for special education services under the area of autism enrolled in sixth-grade general education mathematics classes increased their use of mathematical practices for two problem types (multiplicative comparison and proportion) and maintained the use of mathematical practices 4 to 8 weeks after intervention. Additionally, all participants generalized their use of mathematical practices to novel multiplicative comparison problems containing extraneous information, and three of the participants generalized mathematical practice skills to proportion problems containing extraneous information. Implications for practice are discussed.

The current study evaluated the effects of modified schema-based instruction on the mathematical word problem solving skills of three elementary students with autism spectrum disorders and moderate intellectual disability. Participants learned to solve compare problem type with themes that related to their interests and daily experiences. In addition, researchers compared the effects of concrete and virtual manipulatives within the treatment package. Results of the multiple probes across participants with an embedded alternating treatments design showed a functional relation between modified schema-based instruction and word problem solving. Two of three participants performed more steps in the virtual condition and one participant had equal performance in both concrete and virtual conditions. When given a choice between conditions upon skill mastery, all three participants preferred the virtual condition and maintained treatment effects. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.

The purpose of this study was to support the development of mathematics and self-determination skills of young adults with extensive support needs. Mathematical problem solving is a natural context for teaching two component skills of self-determination: self-monitoring and goal setting. Three young adults with extensive support needs (i.e., autism and intellectual disability) were taught to solve real-world thematic word problems using modified schema-based instruction (MSBI). To build self-determination skills, participants self-monitored completion of problem-solving steps using a task analysis, self-graphed steps completed independently correct and then set goals for subsequent sessions. Generalization was measured within the context of scaling ingredients from a recipe without instructional supports of a task analysis or graphic organizer. Results of the multiple probe across participants design indicate a functional relation between MSBI and steps of problem solving completed independently correct. Implications for practice and research are discussed.

Replication research provides evidence to establish, refute, or support evidence-based practices. Systematic replications are also necessary to determine "what works for whom when." The purpose of this study was to conduct a conceptual systematic replication to evaluate the effectiveness of a multicomponent treatment package on multiplicative problem solving for middle school students with extensive support needs. Using a modified schema-based instructional strategy, three participants were taught to solve percent of change problems contextualized in real-world scenarios and a purchasing strategy (i.e., next-dollar strategy) to help them determine how much money was needed to pay for services/products. In addition, goal-setting and self-graphing activities supported development of self-determination skills. Findings from the multiple probe across participant design demonstrate a functional relation between the intervention and independent problem-solving behaviors of all three participants. Students also generalized problem-solving behaviors when presented with real-world stimuli of coupons and receipts. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.

This article examines the role that replication research has played in the development and refinement of mathematics interventions for learners with extensive support needs. By highlighting 16 research studies, we seek to inform stakeholders of lessons learned and knowledge gained through replication. These studies show that when given high-quality instruction in the area of mathematics, students with extensive support needs can make great gains in their early number sense and problem-solving skills. Further, social validity data indicate teachers improved their implementation of systematic instruction as a result of using scripted curricula and transferred their skills to other content and skill areas. Implications for practice and policy are discussed, as well as a call for future research.

Effective instructional strategies to improve mathematical problem solving skills are critically important to student success in both school-based and real-world mathematics tasks. This study reports effects of a Virtual-Representational-Abstract Integrated framework on the mathematical problem solving skills of three middle school students with developmental disabilities (autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability). All participants improved in their problem solving accuracy when solving multiplicative comparison word problems using realistic double and triple multipliers. Additionally, all participants maintained their mathematical problem solving accuracy after visual supports (graphic organizer) were removed. Detailed findings and implications for future research and practitioners are discussed., Author(s): Jenny R. Root [sup.1] [sup.3] , Sarah K. Cox [sup.1] , Deidre Gilley [sup.2] , Taryn Wade [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.255986.5, 0000 0004 0472 0419, School of Teacher [...]

Data analysis inherently requires problem solving, yet it is the most understudied mathematical skill for individuals with extensive support needs. The current study taught elementary students with extensive support needs (i.e., autism and intellectual disability) to solve math word problems requiring analysis of scaled pictographs through modified schema-based instruction on an iPad. Results of the single-case multiple probe across participants design found a functional relation between the iPad-based math intervention and math problem solving, with a large effect size (Tau-U = 0.96) confirming visual analysis. In addition, participants were able to generalize problem-solving skills when they were presented with data analysis problems from grade-level social studies textbooks and visual supports were faded. Implications for practice and future research in teaching mathematics to learners with extensive support needs are discussed.

Problem solving is an important yet neglected mathematical skill for students with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability (ASD/ID). In addition, the terminology and vocabulary used in mathematical tasks may be unfamiliar to students with ASD/ID. The current study evaluated the effects of modified schema-based instruction (SBI) on the algebra problem solving skills of three middle school students with ASD/ID. Mathematics vocabulary terms were taught using constant time delay. Participants were then taught how to use an iPad that displayed a task analysis with embedded prompts to complete each step of solving the word problems. This study also examined participant's ability to generalize skills when supports were faded. Results of the multiple probe across participants design showed a functional relation between modified SBI and mathematical problem solving as well as constant time delay and acquisition of mathematics vocabulary terms. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a multicomponent mathematics intervention (modified schema-based instruction, video anchors, and goal setting with self-graphing) on mathematical problem-solving skills of secondary students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Three participants were taught to solve percent of change word problems, which involved calculating the discounted price of an item or activity after using a coupon and then determining whether they had enough money to make the purchase. Results of the multiple probe across participant design indicate a functional relation between the intervention and problem solving, and all participants were able to generalize skills from word problems to real-world stimuli (i.e., coupons, receipts, menus). Implications for practice and future research are discussed.

This study used modified schema-based instruction (MSBI) to teach mathematical word problem solving to three students with ASD in fifth and sixth grade. Following explicit strategy instruction, the participants learned to use an 8-step task analysis and a graphic organizer to solve and discriminate between math word problems requiring algebraic reasoning. A multiple probe across participants design was used to establish a functional relation between MSBI and word problem solving, with a non-parametric measure (Tau-U) confirming visual analysis of a large effect (0.87). Results indicated students increased the number of steps of the task analysis solved independently correct, total problems solved, and discrimination of problem type. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.

This study investigated the effects of a modified system of least prompts and an electronic story-mapping intervention for elementary students with autism spectrum disorder. Participants were first taught to identify story element definitions using constant time delay. Participants then listened to age-appropriate narrative texts with a problem-solution structure, completed an electronic story map, and orally answered questions related to the story elements. If unable to complete the map or answer questions, a system of least prompts was used that redirected the students to use provided supports and provided rereads of portions of the text. A multiple probe across participants design was used to examine the effects of the intervention. Outcomes indicated the intervention was effective for teaching story element definitions, labeling of the story element map on an iPad, and comprehension of story element questions. The limitations of the study as well as implications for future research and practice are discussed.

Demonstrating comprehension of text is a complex skill that is an area of difficulty for many students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Shared story reading is an intervention that has a history of effectiveness in teaching literacy skills to students with extensive support needs. This study used a multiple probe across participants design to evaluate the effects of shared story reading using e-texts and embedded prompting on vocabulary and reading comprehension of grade-aligned narrative texts by elementary students with ASD who were also English-language learners. Outcomes indicate shared story reading with the embedded technological supports was effective for teaching comprehension of WH questions as well as identification of WH rules and definitions. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is growing in popularity and has demonstrated positive effects for students with disabilities, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this review, criteria for group experimental and single case studies were used to determine quality (Horner et al., "Exceptional Children" 71:165-179, 2005; Gersten et al., "Exceptional Children" 71:149-164, 2005; National Technical Assistance Center on Transition Center 2015). Included studies of high and adequate quality were further analyzed in terms of content, context, and specific instructional practices. Based on the NTACT criteria, this systematic review has established CAI as an evidence-based practice for teaching academics to students with ASD with support from 10 single-case and two group design studies of high or adequate quality. Suggestions for future research and implications for practice are discussed.

Instruction in academic core content provides students with moderate to severe disabilities a full educational opportunity that promotes current and future options in the community and can complement acquisition of daily living skills. However, high school teachers face many challenges in balancing instructional priorities given the mission to ensure all students are college and career ready. This article describes methods for designing instruction that is relevant, meaningful, and addresses multiple priorities during academic core content instruction for high school students with moderate to severe disabilities.

Students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) were particularly vulnerable to the school closures that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. We sought to obtain a baseline understanding of the instructional experiences of students with IDD before March of 2020 to assess the nature and degree of the pandemic's impact. We recruited caregivers of students with IDD to complete a survey of their children's educational experiences across three time periods (before March 2020, Spring 2020, and Fall 2020). No caregivers reported that their children had experienced remote or distance learning prior to March 2020, and the majority reported their children lost access to instruction and related services outlined in their Individualized Education Program during Spring of 2020. We report additional findings related to instruction, attitudes, and skills. Implications for future research, practice, and policy are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is growing in popularity and has demonstrated positive effects for students with disabilities, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this review, criteria for group experimental and single case studies were used to determine quality (Horner et al., Exceptional Children 71:165-179, 2005 (See CR20); Gersten et al., Exceptional Children 71:149-164, 2005 (See CR16); National Technical Assistance Center on Transition Center 2015 (See CR24)). Included studies of high and adequate quality were further analyzed in terms of content, context, and specific instructional practices. Based on the NTACT criteria, this systematic review has established CAI as an evidence-based practice for teaching academics to students with ASD with support from 10 single-case and two group design studies of high or adequate quality. Suggestions for future research and implications for practice are discussed., Author(s): Jenny R. Root [sup.1] [sup.2] [sup.3] , Bradley S. Stevenson [sup.1] , Luann Ley Davis [sup.1] , Jennifer Geddes-Hall [sup.1] [sup.4] , David W. Test [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) [...]

Young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) need both academic and social skills required to apply acquired knowledge and skills in real-world settings. This study evaluated the effects of a multicomponent intervention incorporating both Modified Schema-Based Instruction (MSBI) and video-based instruction delivered via augmented reality (AR) to teach the social and mathematical problem-solving skills needed to execute personal finance tasks in the community. Participants were four 21-year-old young adults with ASD enrolled in a public school transition program located on the campus of a technical college. Findings of the single-case multiple probe across participant design support a functional relationship between the multicomponent treatment package and the social and mathematical problem-solving skills of the young adults with ASD. Furthermore, participants were also able to self-correct errors after watching AR-triggered model videos. Generalization to a novel setting was tested. Results, implications, and suggestions for future research are discussed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Replications provide credibility by demonstrating under what conditions experimental findings can be repeated, the premise behind evidence-based practices. Replications in single-case research also investigate generalization of findings across groups. For groups with high variability, such as individuals with autism, assumptions of generalizability should be based on learners who are similar in critical ways. The purpose of this study was to use Coyne et al.'s framework for replication and the next generation guidelines for single-case research to extend understanding of “for whom” and “under what conditions” modified schema-based instruction (an established evidence-based practice for individuals with autism) is effective. In this distal conceptual replication of Root et al., contextual and instructional variables of theoretical and practical importance were intentionally manipulated or maintained and reported to model transparency and support replicability. Four high school students receiving special education under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act category of autism were taught mathematical and social problem-solving behaviors within the context of percentage-of-change word problems. Researchers used modified schema-based instruction and augmented reality in a one-on-one setting and assessed generalization to purchasing in the food court of a mall biweekly. We frame our discussion around the recommendations for replication research from Coyne et al. and recommendations for single-case research from Ledford et al., concluding with suggestions for future replications that use single-case research designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]