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…

Music classrooms are diverse and joyful; however, it can be challenging for music teachers to meet the needs of all students. One approach to enhancing the music learning of students with disabilities is to use peer-assisted learning strategies. The purpose of this article is to describe the benefits of peer-assisted learning for students with and…

Students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience conversational or pragmatic language difficulties which can interfere with reciprocal and sustained social interactions with peers (Paul, Orlovski, Marcinko, & Volkmar, 2009). Peer mediated intervention (PMI), in which typical peers serve as mentors, is emerging as an effective high…

Reading comprehension expectations in content areas have increased for students during the past decade. Many secondary students, including students with learning disabilities, improve their reading proficiency of grade-level text when they receive explicit instruction. The authors propose a self-questioning strategy routine designed to enhance…

An increasing number of students with ASD receive special education services within secondary general education settings (Snyder, de Brey, & Dillow, 2018). Given that secondary teachers instruct multiple classes throughout the day, it is becoming more likely that general educators will have students with ASD in their classes and be responsible…

Ensuring students with severe disabilities access the rich relationship and learning opportunities available within general education classrooms is an important--but challenging--endeavor. Although one-to-one paraprofessionals often accompany students in inclusive classrooms and provide extensive assistance, the constant presence of an adult can…

Children with complex and severe communication impairments often cannot meet their communication needs with their natural voice and may require the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). There are many communication and learning challenges facing children who use AAC; however, using AAC for social communication is especially…

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of an evidence-based practice that addresses the learning needs of middle school students who have difficulty comprehending science texts. The teachers used a single-subject reversal design to implement peer-mediated instruction while asking to what degree the use of peer-mediated…

Making the transition from high school to college poses challenges for most students. Moving from a secure, regulated world of secondary education into an unfamiliar environment requiring greater independence can be a destabilizing experience. For students with learning disabilities (LD) and/or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), managing this…

This article evaluates the use of "reverse-role tutoring" in a project in which students with emotional and behavioral disorders became tutors for students without disabilities but who were performing below grade level. Results indicated tutors improved five target behaviors and tutees improved their writing skills. Insets summarize the…

This article briefly reviews the research on classwide peer tutoring and presents guidelines for implementing peer tutoring in classes that include students with disabilities. It discusses preparation of materials, assigning students to pairs, student training, and classroom implementation. Specific application to reading instruction is made.…

Offers suggestions for using classwide peer tutoring (CWPT) to teach health and safety in an inclusive setting.Suggestions include advantages and concerns associated with using CWPT procedures, content material, curriculum development and adaptation, linking CWPT procedures to a health- and safety-education curriculum, teacher and student training…

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The presence of ADHD is associated with behavioral and academic difficulties within a classroom setting. With a prevalence rate of 3% to 5%, teachers will undoubtedly come in contact with a student with ADHD at one…

The Peer Education Program (PEP) of Hillside University Demonstration School in California gives typical intermediate-level students and students with intensive needs mutually beneficial experiences as they learn, work, and play together. PEP leaders work with younger students on reading, math, art, physical education, and computer skills. The…

This article describes a special education preschool program that included four children without disabilities to serve as peer models to the eight children with disabilities. Results indicate that the peer models made a positive contribution to the program, as measured by their interactions with children with disabilities. (Contains references.)…