Dr. David Rose is perhaps best known for his connection to the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) and as a main and driving force behind the collection of instructional, assistive, and access principles known as Universal Design for Learning (UDL). His research background includes principal investigator on National Science Foundation and…

For students with learning disabilities (LD), note taking during lectures and discussions is a difficult task. Many students have difficulties with listening comprehension and written expression, two important skills vital for successful note taking during teacher lectures. Note taking is a cognitively demanding task whereby students must…

"Augmentative and alternative communication" (AAC) refers to a wide variety of communication devices, systems, tools, and strategies that support or replace spoken language. Augmentative and alternative communication users represent a range of ages, abilities, and communication needs. Support for AAC often begins in the public school…

This article provides an overview of the literature on special education law and policy and teacher preparation for special education technology use and identifies current issues, focusing on four key obstacles regarding the status of special education technology access and implementation: (a) the mismatch between legal requirements, policy…

Practice-based opportunities are provided throughout a teacher preparation program. During these opportunities, teachers demonstrate learned skills and strategies and receive performance feedback. Real-time feedback is delivered when the teaching behavior is occurring, allowing for more immediate and, typically, more targeted performance feedback.…

Students with learning disabilities tend to focus on lower-level elements of writing, leading them to compose poorly organized paragraphs comprised of strings of linear ideas. Deficits in language and working memory negatively impact ability to produce quality writing. Technology and software applications can provide a means of academic supports…

Universal design for learning (UDL) is a construct that first appeared in the literature approximately 20 years ago. Yet, there is little agreement about what UDL looks like in the classroom. The purpose of this article is to assist students, educators, and parents in identifying universal usability designs, behaviors, and tools that reflect the…

Students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) often struggle with behavior and can display academically challenging behavior in the classroom. Therefore, teachers should consider implementing evidence-based strategies that promote desirable behavioral and academic outcomes. This article focuses on how general and special educators can use…

Written expression is often difficult for students with and without learning disabilities. Research-based strategies to support this essential skill include self-regulated learning strategies, technology, and tools for planning and writing. This article describes a multifaceted technology-based writing intervention with embedded self-regulated…

Understanding mathematical concepts is important for all students, although often challenging for many students with disabilities. Historically, educators have used concrete manipulatives to support and build conceptual understanding. Mobile devices provide a valuable option to support students with disabilities in mathematics through app-based…

Students with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are increasingly included in general education and are expected to access core content, including science. Development of science content knowledge, scientific literacy, and scientific thinking are areas emphasized in legislation as well as the National Science Education Standards as…

Tablet devices, as assistive and instructional technologies, can be highly effectual pedagogical tools with multifaceted benefits, such as the ability to integrate multimedia and the ability to track student progress over time. The unique value of particular assistive and instructional technologies explains, in part, why they are more widely used…

Keeping students engaged in the curriculum is extremely important when attempting to close the achievement gap for students with and at risk for disabilities. This is particularly important for students with learning disabilities or behavior disorders. This article discusses the use of applications (apps) for mobile technologies that may be used…

Secondary students with learning disabilities (LD) can benefit from using assistive and instructional technologies to support content and skill acquisition. Digital pens have features that can be beneficial for students who struggle with comprehension, note taking, and organization. Livescribe pens, in particular, provide a variety features that…

Students with behavior problems often lack the self-regulation skills necessary for success. One strategy shown to improve these skills is self-monitoring. Traditionally, self-monitoring has been done using paper and pencil, with some sort of prompt to complete the procedures. Prompts have involved teacher cues as well as technology. Current…