Teachers focused on prevention of academic problems should apply procedures that enhance learning speed, or learning as a function of the time that the learner spends engaged in the intervention(s). Although few researchers evaluate or compare academic interventions using precise measures of learning speed, several strategies for modifying…

This convergent parallel mixed-methods pilot study explored the collaboration of preservice teachers (PSTs) in a university reading clinic. PSTs from a reading course and special education course were paired and shared responsibility for tutoring one child. Tutor surveys and focus group interview transcripts were used as data sources. Topics…

Secondary schools are implementing response to intervention (RtI) for mathematics but with limited research or guidelines. This study addresses the shortage of research regarding RtI in mathematics for secondary schools through the exploration of the effect of a Tier 2 math lab on the mathematical performance of seventh-grade students across one…

PBIS is has been consistently correlated with reductions in student exclusion including suspensions, expulsions, poor attendance, and high school dropout rates. However, school-wide strategies that do not specifically involve effective instruction in academic areas are unlikely to result in increased academic achievement. To address this reality,…

Response to intervention (RtI) in secondary schools is a viable option for mathematics, but limited research exists. In the study, students who received just Tier 1 (i.e., general education mathematics class) and students who received both Tier 1 and Tier 2 (i.e., a math lab) completed a pretest and posttest of grade-level content. The results…

Response to Intervention (RtI) has brought about significant changes in the way schools provide educational support for students at risk for reading difficulty. Much of the research on RtI has focused on evidence-based interventions that are typically offered outside of the regular classroom, with less attention given to instruction that is part…

A substantial achievement gap, with culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students falling behind native-English-speaking White peers, has been widely documented in research as well as government reports. However, a corresponding discipline gap has not been evident due to the various labels and methods used for identifying specifically…

Response to intervention (RtI) is increasingly being used in elementary and secondary schools both to provide early intervention and support to struggling students and to identify students who may benefit from special education. Although research exists to guide and support the implementation of RtI in elementary schools, much less information…

Special education teachers' practice is influenced by an understanding of special education policy and knowledge of implementation practice. This study examined the perceptions of nine special education teachers related to their interpretation of assessment, progress monitoring, and transition mandates in a large urban district. Qualitative…

Response to Intervention (RtI) is a multitiered system of support, designed to improve student learning outcomes and early identification of struggling students. Much attention has been paid to RtI for literacy at the elementary level, but less on RtI for mathematics at the secondary level. The current case study examines one high school's…

Planning language and literacy instruction and supplemental intervention for English Learners (ELs) in bilingual education programs begins by assessing their current performance, strengths, and needs. However, current functioning must be interpreted in relation to past performance and the nature and quality of instruction students have received…

This study investigated school principals' opinions of their knowledge, skills, and leadership roles in providing services and support to students with special needs. A total of 134 respondents were included. Responses were analyzed into 4 factors; leadership in special education, leadership knowledge, leadership support, and leadership decision.…

Schools implement Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) as a way of meeting students' needs in classrooms. PBIS focuses on tiered instruction. Tiered instruction is a teaching strategy in which the educator implements incremental changes that increase supports based on students' needs--academic or behavioral. Yet, tiered instruction…

This study examined the relationship between response to intervention (RTI) implementation integrity in reading and student reading outcomes. Data were collected from 64 principals and school psychologists at 43 elementary schools. Hierarchical linear regression was used to examine the degree to which implementation of RTI tiers and key components…

Many students with a history of speech or language impairment have an elevated risk of reading difficulty. Specific subgroups of these students remain at risk of reading problems even after clinical manifestations of a speech or language disorder have diminished. These students may require reading intervention within a general education system of…