Teaching the cognitive behavior modification technique of self-instruction to students with learning disabilities involves seven steps: (1) cognitive modeling; (2) overt external guidance; (3) overt self-guidance; (4) modeling of faded overt self-guidance; (5) fading overt self-guidance; (6) modeling of covert self-instruction; and (7) covert…

An instructional strategy for teaching fiction to students with learning disabilities (LD) is presented and applied to the teaching of a short story. The three-step strategy involves students in assessing what they already know about the story, what they think they are likely to read about, and then what they know after reading the story. (SW)

This overview of the second special issue on effective mathematics instruction for students with learning disabilities provides brief summaries of the issue's articles. Articles are meant to assist teachers in the design, implementation, and evaluation of mathematics programs for students with learning disabilities. (CR)

The application of academic teaching techniques in a mainstream secondary school vocational-technical classroom was assessed, along with implications for students with learning disabilities. The techniques involved daily reviews of the previous lesson, probes for understanding through questioning, student demonstrations, and self-monitoring…

Students with learning disabilities may gain from use of "flip-flop" study guides to gain key vocabulary and concepts. Rather than providing definitions for terms, the student provides terms for definitions and concepts in the study guide. Such guides allow the teacher to focus on particular concepts and provide repetition of information for…

Offers a six-step procedure for developing and implementing a response cost system for changing problem classroom behaviors of students with learning disabilities. Steps described are establishing classroom rules, rewarding compliance, selecting reinforcers, reducing noncompliance through response cost consequences, following through on…

This article describes an activity, "four of a kind," to help foster friendships among elementary students in general education classrooms that include students with learning disabilities. Small groups of four students use a poster format to list both their individual characteristics and the things they have in common. (DB)

Reasons to use students as tutors to teach mathematics to students with specific learning disabilities are discussed. Descriptions of types of tutoring and training procedures for tutors are included. A guide for implementing math peer tutoring is provided, including procedures for getting ready, running the program, and enrichment and extension.…

This article discusses using a group contingency as a technique to increase appropriate behavior and decrease inappropriate behavior of students with learning disabilities who are either in regular classrooms or special classes. The advantages and disadvantages of three types of group contingencies (dependent group contingency, independent group…

This article urges establishment of an infrastructure to promote reform in the design, adoption, selection, and implementation of high quality commercial technology, media, and materials (TMM) to benefit all students, especially students identified as learning disabled. Four "brutal" market realities suggest that the emphasis must be on quality…

The use of cooperative learning to teach mathematics to students with learning disabilities is explored. Cooperative learning components are described, including lesson preparation, lesson instruction, and lesson evaluation. An example of using cooperative learning to teach mathematics is provided, along with a table of examples of cooperative…

The development and implementation of portfolio assessment is presented, with considerations for the use of this approach with learning-disabled (LD) students. Research on the usefulness of portfolio assessment with students with LD is needed, as is teacher training. Also considered is the issue of technical adequacy whereby portfolio assessment…

Ways to facilitate communication between parents and teachers of students with learning disabilities are discussed, along with communicating with culturally diverse parents. In addition, basic communication principles are addressed, including: being accepting, listening, asking the right questions, and providing encouragement. (SW)

Consideration is given to using the branching strategy to teach mathematics to children with learning disabilities, or any elementary school child having difficulties. Branching involves altering instructional goals and expectations for students based on developmental levels, learning characteristics, and sensory needs, and changing the antecedent…

This article offers guidelines and suggestions for adapting mathematics instruction when teaching students with learning disabilities in the general classroom. Techniques for teaching computational skills, solving algorithms, and problem solving are offered. General techniques include increasing instructional time, varying group size, and using…