This study sought to examine the effects of Tier 2 intervention in a multitiered model on the performance of first- and second-grade students who were identified as having mathematics difficulties. A regression discontinuity design was utilized. Participants included 126 (Tier 2, n = 26) first graders and 140 (Tier 2, n = 25) second graders. Tier…

Procedures and strategies that consistently lead to teachers' sustained use of innovative research-based practices are characterized by the provision of both behavioral and technical support and opportunities for teachers to explore the conceptual aspects underlying the research. A case study illustrating these components suggests reasons for…

Critiques K. Kavale's meta-analysis, which reported reliable significant correlations between auditory-perceptual skills and reading achievement. Concludes that Kavale fails to provide evidence that teaching auditory-perceptual skills is useful to learning disabled children unless skills are functional reading skills. (Author/CL)

K. Kavale responds to criticism of his earlier meta-analysis assessing the relationship between auditory perceptual skills and reading. R. Gersten and D. Carnine rejoin that the correlations Kavale found between auditory skills and reading achievement scores are of limited pragmatic use to the field. (CL)

Impact evaluations of special education programs can be designed and conducted to produce information useful for program improvement. Case studies of recent impact evaluation support this position. Assessment of program implementation and measurement of outcome--two critical areas that can greatly improve the usefulness of evaluation results--are…

Current research on direct instruction is reviewed with a particular emphasis on studies of instructional design and technology and research on effective staff development. Among conclusions was that the same instructional variables affecting learner performance with traditional materials affect learning with computer-assisted instruction and…

In response to Borko and others (EC 233 123), this article considers implications for collaborative efforts between special educators and classroom teachers. Three themes are pursued: the evolution of a shared language between special and general education, the nature of expertise and methods for sharing expertise, and the nature of the change…

This article examines the conflict between literature-based or whole-language approaches to reading/literacy instruction and the direct instruction approach, as used with students having or at risk for learning disabilities. It concludes that each approach is often depicted in an idealized fashion but that, in practice, the approaches overlap and…

Case studies of four secondary special education teachers indicate that coaching during implementation of a videodisc mathematics program brought positive changes in teaching techniques and enhanced use of motivational strategies and classroom management techniques. Results also suggest teachers may be more receptive to feedback on their teaching…