This article describes a peer coaching model implemented in two elementary schools that included the following steps: identify coaches and their needs; identify learning buddies with similar needs; set up a schedule; determine supervision process; plan lessons; implement coaching sessions; reflect on lesson; and evaluate the model. (Contains…

This article describes the inclusion model implemented in one Washington elementary school and the educational experiences of two children, both with learning disabilities. The building-level model included the following components: university-based assistance, cooperative integrated reading and composition, cross-age tutoring, in-class specialist…

This introductory article describes a study that explored the meaning of special education in the context of full-time mainstreaming and the Regular Education Initiative. The study involved observing five full-time mainstreaming models of service delivery for elementary-age students with learning disabilities (described in subsequent articles).…

This article describes the inclusion model implemented in one Kansas elementary school and the educational experiences of two children, both with learning disabilities. The model is a variant of the Hudson Class-within-a-Class model, in which a substantial number of students at risk or with disabilities are grouped in a single class where they…

This response to Gersten and Dimino (EC 606 357) proposes that difficulties with both whole language and direct instruction of students with learning disabilities can be avoided with a model of instruction based on research in cognition and metacognition. Three techniques are discussed, including situated cognition, cognitive strategy instruction,…

This article describes the inclusion model used at one elementary school in Virginia and the educational experiences of a third grader and a fifth grader, both with learning disabilities. The school uses a collaborative teaching model that emphasizes strategy training and provides full-time services in general education classes. (DB)

This article describes an inclusion model called MELD (Mainstreaming Experiences for Learning Disabled) implemented at an elementary school in Pennsylvania and the educational experiences of a second grader and a fifth grader, both with learning disabilities (LD). The model is a schoolwide effort with special education teachers providing in-class…

This response to five case studies of inclusive practices for elementary students with learning disabilities raises questions about bottom-line practices expected in inclusive classrooms, the relationship between classrooms and their schools and administrators, and how the case studies can be used to stimulate development of the next generation of…

This response to five case studies of inclusive practices for elementary students with learning disabilities evaluates the studies by standards that require prioritized objectives, adapted methods and materials, effective teacher presentation, and systematic monitoring. It finds that the case studies show shortcomings in all areas, which appeared…

This response to five case studies of inclusive practices for elementary students with learning disabilities stresses the importance of educational restructuring, especially establishing goals that focus and direct what is taught in all classrooms and changing policies and operations to create more collaborative work structures. (Author/DB)

This response to five case studies of inclusive practices for elementary students with learning disabilities identifies three difficulties with the inclusion concept: (1) its noneducational nature; (2) its displacement of the uniqueness of special education; and (3) its promulgation of bankrupt conceptions of accountability. (Author/DB)

A model of writing instruction integrating word processing, strategy instruction, and a process approach, within a social context for writing as a meaningful task, was tested with 113 elementary students with learning disabilities. Students in experimental classes made greater gains in quality of their narrative and informative writing than did…

This paper examines overall themes arising from five case studies of elementary schools implementing inclusive models for students with learning disabilities and draws implications for policy and teacher preparation. Themes concern model variations, the role of the special education teacher, and evidence that students with learning disabilities…

This response to five case studies and reactions to them finds agreement that special education in inclusive programs is, by design, no longer "special." It urges: (1) adding resources to strengthen the continuum of services; (2) special educators to join general educators to re-create schools; (3) instructional focus on individual needs; and (4)…

This article reviews the evidence for balanced literacy instruction in the elementary years. The case is made that the balanced instructional model is particularly appropriate and beneficial for students who have initial difficulties in learning to read and write. Key features of successful reading instruction programs are described. (Contains…