Self-monitoring has proven to be an effective strategy for improving academic performance for students with learning disabilities (LD). In addition to academics, these interventions have improved actions such as task completion, engagement, and on-task behaviors. As a supplement to self-monitoring, self-talk strategies have similar effects in…

Fidget toys have been marketed as universal educational supports in the absence of a scientific evidence base. This article gives an overview of the existing literature on the effect of fidget toy use on student attention, behavior, and learning, and a review of two competing theoretical approaches to fidget toys: sensory processing theory and…

Students with learning disabilities are suspended at disproportionate rates in schools. Although research has shown the ineffectiveness of suspension as a disciplinary tool, school administrators continue to use it to combat behavior infractions. This column presents a review of the literature on suspension for students with learning disabilities,…

Schoolwide positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) is a systems-level approach to promote appropriate behavior, increase academic achievement, and improve school climate. The PBIS infrastructure engages families as partners in school systems and extends evidence-based positive behavior support to the home. The article discusses a…

Increasing numbers of students with disabilities and those at risk for school failure are participating in general education classes. They are expected to master the content, to take primary responsibility for their success, and to manage their own progress. Unfortunately, many students do not consistently demonstrate the nonacademic skills that…

Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) represent about 3% to 5% of the school-age population and are most often educated in the general education classroom. Unfortunately, general educators may not be prepared to provide supports for children with ADHD or other types of diverse learning needs. Children with ADHD have many…

Students with learning and behavioral disorders often lack the requisite academic skills and behavioral self-control to remain engaged during passive seatwork activities. Because independent seatwork composes a large portion of the instructional time in general education classrooms and teachers expect students to demonstrate self-control in these…