As schools emphasize accountability and academic progress for all students, professional collaboration is a critical aspect of planning accommodations and interventions that address the learning needs of diverse learners. To better understand collaborative processes, the authors investigated the nature of a collaborative planning experience for…

This article discusses how to use scaffolding in reading instruction for children with different reading abilities, including children with disabilities in inclusive settings. Scaffolding is described and a scaffolding model (the Scaffolded Reading Experience) is illustrated. The article also suggests possible program components for prereading…

This article provides a framework for systematically evaluating and adapting reading comprehension curriculum lessons for children with various reading abilities, including children with mild disabilities who are in the regular classroom. A sample checklist for evaluating reading comprehension curriculum lessons and a sample teaching format for…

This article describes a social skills instructional framework, with examples of its use in inclusive and diverse classrooms. The framework has three phases: (1) defining the social skill to be taught; (2) implementing instruction; and (3) moving to self-control. Also provided are guidelines for performance-based assessment of social skills. (DB)

This article describes how the affinity diagram, a tool for gathering information and organizing it into natural groupings, can be used in inclusive classrooms. It discusses how students can be taught to use an affinity diagram, how affinity diagrams can be used to reflect many voices, and how affinity diagrams can be used to plan class projects.…

Pennsylvania's instructional support initiatives for secondary students with special needs include collaboration, curriculum-based assessment, learning strategies, and instructional adaptations. A learning strategies model for low achievers is described, followed by one school's experience using instructional supports in regular English classes…

The history of the least restrictive environment concept is reviewed as it relates to students with severe disabilities (moderate, severe, or profound retardation; autism; multiple disabilities; or deaf-blindness). Stages in the evolutionary process and future prospects are analyzed, with attention to physical, functional, and social inclusion.…

Reviews effective inclusive teaching techniques, including multilevel instruction, activity-based and experiential learning, student-directed learning and self-determination, cooperative learning and peer collaboration, multiaged classrooms and heterogeneous grouping, individualized and adaptive instruction, teaching as facilitating student…