Task analysis is an evidence-based practice that promotes independence and instruction in inclusive settings. Although task analysis has an extensive history in the field of special education, recent research extends the application to both teachers and students, a pro-active approach, and promotes self-monitoring. When students with extensive…

This article presents the rationale, evidence base, and strategies for teachers and related service personnel to implement peer-assisted Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) modeling with their students with complex communication needs within inclusive settings across the school day. Specific steps for teaching the student's same-age…

High schools have the potential to foster the growth of students' interests and social relationships beyond the classroom. Sports teams, performing and visual arts groups, special interest clubs, and service projects are some of the extracurricular activities on campus that provide students with opportunities for personal development and social…

There has been an increased emphasis in recent years on supporting young children with building 21st century literacy skills such as critical thinking and collaboration. Unfortunately, young children with or at risk for disabilities are unlikely to receive access to experiences that build 21st century literacies. Pre-coding activities, which…

Co-teaching teams of special educators and science educators can collaboratively plan and implement the Rock Out the Rubric revising strategy to improve students' writing in science class. The strategy is implemented as part of the evidence-based writing practice of Self-regulated Strategy Development (SRSD). In this article, first we describe how…

Technology is infused into our daily lives and is used by nearly everyone. For this reason, Innovations in Special Education Technology (ISET) focuses on technology integration with a wide range of purposes. Educational technology falls on a spectrum from universal instructional supports for all learners (e.g., digital graphic organizers, virtual…

Many general education teachers have indicated they do not feel well prepared to meet the academic and behavioral needs of students with extensive support needs (ESN). Although teachers cite limited training, preparation, and experience as notable barriers to general education placements for students with ESN, the opportunity and success of the…

Children on the autism spectrum often experience difficulty generalizing social skills across environments and contexts, which can make developing friendships challenging in early childhood. This means that, in addition to initial social skills instruction, children with autism may need specialized supports to promote the generalization of newly…

For education to be a means of social transformation that is equitable for all, including students with disabilities, it is important for educators to understand and infuse student's multiple social identities and culture into educational planning and preparation for life. Intersectionality theory is a way to understand inequities by acknowledging…

Research supports the benefits of inclusive education for all students, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Additionally, educators are supportive of the idea of including students with IDD in general education classrooms. However, they report many barriers to doing so, including a lack of a systematic process…

High-quality early learning programs should ensure that all children have a variety of opportunities throughout their day to engage in play that is meaningful and promotes peer interactions (National Association for the Education of Young Children, 2009). Given the importance of play for all children, but especially those with developmental…

Paraprofessionals are a crucial component of special education services and can be vital to promoting inclusive learning opportunities. Although intentions behind utilizing paraprofessional support may be good, students with disabilities may become over-reliant on paraprofessionals, thus limiting student independence in the classroom. This paper…

As more schools move to adopt inclusive practices, special educators are expected to provide services to students in new settings, collaborate with their general education colleagues, and navigate various difficult situations. These new settings, models, and collaborative efforts can be stressful for the special educator because of the conflicts…

Although collaborating with families is essential to the success of students, especially those with disabilities (McConnell & Murawski, 2017; Yell & Bateman, 2020), it is a complicated relationship. It is a relationship bringing together people who care deeply about a child. These relationships can be emotional and include love,…

With a growing population of emergent bilingual learners in the United States, we are seeing more emergent bilinguals qualifying for special education services. Special education teachers must be prepared to meet the linguistic needs of their students in addition to disability related needs. One way of doing so involves adopting Culturally…