Solving word problems is a large part of algebra coursework and statewide testing. However, solving secondary mathematics word problems is difficult for most students and extremely challenging for students with specific learning disabilities (SLD). In recent meta-analyses, two problem solving strategies emerged as effective for secondary students…

Evidence-based instructional strategies in mathematics provide critical support related to academic achievement for students with disabilities. Data from national achievement assessments suggest that students with disabilities' academic growth in mathematics stagnates at the secondary level. Given that the majority of previously researched…

This implementation project focused on supporting teachers who provide mathematics instruction and/or intervention to students with mathematics learning disabilities (MLD) and mathematics difficulties (MD). The research team worked with three schools, over three years. Instructional delivery differed across schools, primarily in setting and amount…

Algebra is considered by many to be a gateway to higher-level mathematics and eventual economic success yet students with and without disabilities often struggle to develop algebra skills. This study builds on the limited understanding of how virtual manipulatives support students with disabilities in the area of algebra by investigating their use…

All students, including students with learning disabilities, deserve a mathematics education that successfully prepares them for their future endeavors. This preparation includes effective instruction in algebra, which is known as the gatekeeper to post-secondary schooling, employment, and constructive citizenry. However, majority of students with…

The researchers conducted a microanalysis of two purposefully sampled sessions of a tutor working with a student with a learning disability (LD) engaging with multi-step equations with and without fractions. During the tutoring sessions, the student experienced quick, independent success on equations without fractions, but struggled considerably…

The researchers conducted a qualitative case study on a learning community comprising special education and psychology majors. This community was strategically organized to foster interdisciplinary learning among its members and to design interventions for students struggling with mathematics anxiety, specifically in classes like Algebra 1.…

Implementing an integrated sequence of concrete-representational-abstract depictions of mathematics concepts (CRA-I) can improve the mathematics achievement of students with disabilities, and explicit instructional strategies involving problem-solving heuristics and student verbalizations can help facilitate students' conceptual understanding of…

Algebra is a gatekeeper. For the 6% of students with dyscalculia (i.e., mathematical learning disabilities), an inability to pass algebra may significantly limit academic and career opportunities. Unfortunately, prior research on dyscalculia has focused almost exclusively on elementary-aged students' deficits in speed and accuracy in arithmetic…

Proportional reasoning and knowledge of fractions are critical skills for completing algebra successfully, yet many students with mathematics learning disabilities (MLD) enter algebra classes without adequate prior knowledge of these skills. This study used a single-subject/case research, combined multiple-baseline and alternating-treatment design…

In the era of 21st century learning, many secondary students with learning disabilities continue to struggle with mathematics problem solving. Emerging evidence suggests self-regulated strategy development can be combined with existing evidence-based and promising practices during mathematics instruction. These practices include explicit…

In this paper, we make a case for the importance of teaching secondary school level algebra to students with learning disabilities (LD). Furthermore, we illustrate how they struggle and present best-practices on how they are best supported. We demonstrate effective ways of how teachers can show students with LD how to solve challenging algebra…

This study evaluated the effects of the "Super Solvers" Tier II fraction intervention program on the algebra and fraction skills of secondary students with mathematics learning disabilities and consistent low achievement in mathematics. A quasi-experimental group design was used to evaluate the performance of the treatment and control…

It is imperative teachers use evidence-based practices to instruct all learners. Yet, there are limited reviews focused on educational practices to support secondary students with learning disabilities in algebra. This evidence-based systematic review focused on research published in peer review journals between 1999 and 2019. Eighteen studies…

We provide a detailed description of a purposefully sampled tutoring session during which a student with a learning disability displayed common tendencies we have seen in our work on algebra teaching. The student struggled with solving equations in general and especially with distribution and knowing how to distribute terms and what steps to take…