This article describes how "curriculum-based measurement--computation" (CBM-C) mathematics probes can be used in combination with "error pattern analysis" (EPA) to pinpoint difficulties in basic computation skills for students who struggle with learning mathematics. Both assessment procedures provide ongoing assessment data…

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) display impairments in social interactions and communication that appear at early ages. Fewer social engagements of children with ASD with peers often lead to long-term negative outcomes, such as social isolation and restricted language and cognitive skills. Although there is a clear need for social…

A key issue in using the federal definition of emotional disturbance (ED) is the challenge of measuring five characteristics of ED (Epstein, Nordness, Cullinan, & Hertzog, 2002). Stated briefly, these five characteristics include: (1) an inability to learn; (2) relationship problems; (3) inappropriate behavior; (4) unhappiness or depression;…

Many adolescents with learning disabilities (LD) experience difficulties reading. To improve reading outcomes for these students, research has demonstrated the importance of providing students with appropriate texts. Appropriate texts are those that match both the reading and interest levels of students and are often credited with reducing…

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates the implementation of a behavior intervention plan based on a functional behavioral assessment when a student's behavior necessitates disciplinary actions. However, IDEA does not provide any clear guidelines as to what the plans should contain nor how they can address behaviors that…

Algebra progress monitoring is a research-based practice that extends a long history of research in curriculum-based measurement (CBM). This article describes the theoretical foundations and research evidence for algebra progress monitoring, along with critical features of the practice. A detailed description of one practitioner's implementation…

Contemporary teachers need instructional practices that are (a) powerful enough to meet the needs of a rapidly diversifying student population, (b) feasible to implement on a classwide basis, and (c) socially acceptable to them and their pupils. Classwide peer tutoring (CWPT) is one such instructional practice. In addition to describing CWPT, its…

One validated model for teaching strategies to less skilled writers is the self-regulated strategy development (SRSD) approach. This method has been used to successfully improve the writing of children with learning disabilities and has recently been extended to students with emotional and behavioral disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity…

Many teachers feel unprepared to deal with disruptive behavior and believe this substantially interferes with their teaching and their ability to successfully include children with disabilities (Schumm & Vaughn, 1995). In addition to the stress of dealing with never-ending piles of paperwork, working with challenging students may be one of the…

When students arrive at content classes reading below grade level, teachers are challenged to deliver complex content. Also, students often study facts without reaching larger concepts. Research at the University of Oregon has concluded that if the teacher takes responsibility for identifying and elucidating the concept within course materials,…

Using information from a 20-year study, this article presents a conceptual framework for fostering success attributes in students with learning disabilities and provides suggestions for classroom activities. Activities are suggested for fostering self-awareness, proactiveness, perseverance, goal setting, use of support systems, and emotional…

This article discusses findings from the Asperger Syndrome Research Project, which investigated the complex characteristics of children and youth with Asperger Syndrome (AS). Intellectual, academic, social and emotional, and sensory characteristics are described, along with suggestions for professionals and parents for addressing these…

Social stories and comic strip conversations were successfully used to teach social skills to a 14-year-old student with Asperger Syndrome. As a result of the training, the student's behavior changed. The student enjoyed using comic strip conversations and began to request their use from others at school and home. (Contains references.) (CR)

This article presents a rationale and explanation of a personal profile assessment summary, a means of gathering, synthesizing, and conveying critical information about students with moderate and severe disabilities. A summary of information from a preliminary study on the use of personal profile summaries is included. (Contains references.)…

This article discusses the development of mediation as an alternative to litigation in resolving special education disputes. It describes the successes and challenges associated with special education mediation cases in Missouri prior to the 1997 IDEA amendments, which require such intervention, with an examination of four specific cases.…