Charles L. Wood

Using In-Service and Coaching to Increase Teachers’ Accurate Use of Research-Based Strategies:

Increasing the accurate use of research-based practices in classrooms is a critical issue. Professional development is one of the most practical ways to provide practicing teachers with training related to research-based practices. This study examined the effects of in-service plus follow-up coaching on first grade teachers’ accurate delivery of three research-based strategies during math instruction. Teachers were trained to use a combination of whole-class instruction strategies, including model-lead-test for introducing new concepts and correcting errors, choral responding, and response cards. Results indicated that all teachers improved their delivery of the strategies after the in-service, with a second level of growth achieved after coaching. Improvements also generalized to untrained math sessions. Teachers reported very high levels of satisfaction with the training model.

Using In-Service and Coaching to Increase Kindergarten Teachers’ Accurate Delivery of Group Instructional Units

Early intervention is key to preventing academic failure and referral to special education. General educators are responsible for providing primary instruction for students at risk for failure; however, the training they receive related to specific instructional strategies for these students is often insufficient (e.g., 1-day workshops). Alternative forms of professional development that include a combination of in-service and follow-up support have shown more promise in promoting changes in teaching behaviors.This study examined the effects of in-service support plus coaching on kindergarten teachers’ accurate delivery of group instructional units in math. Teachers were trained to use a combination of whole-class instruction strategies, including model-lead-test for introducing new concepts and correcting errors, choral responding, and response cards. Results indicated that all teachers improved their delivery of instruction after the in-service training, with a second level of growth achieved after coaching. Teachers also reported high levels of satisfaction using the strategies.

Using Systematic Instruction and Graphic Organizers to Teach Science Concepts to Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Intellectual Disability.

Literacy in science is important for all students and is one component of access and progress in the general education curriculum. One barrier to science literacy for students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is the extensive amount of vocabulary involved in comprehending science content. Based on the inherent link between vocabulary knowledge and comprehension, graphic organizers (GOs) paired with explicit instruction can improve vocabulary as well as comprehension for students with disabilities. Using a multiple probe design, three students with ASD and intellectual disability were taught various scientific concepts related to convection (e.g., precipitation, condensation) via systematic instruction that included constant time delay and multiple exemplars of a teacher-directed GO. A functional relation was demonstrated between the GO with systematic instruction and students’ number of correct steps completed on the task analysis. Future research and implications for practice are discussed.

What We Know and Need to Know about Teacher Education and Special Education.

Researchers have conducted two prior longitudinal retrospective syntheses of the journal Teacher Education and Special Education. The present authors’ approach is different; they analyze only the content published during their tenure as editors. They define big ideas that they believe are representative of what they published. They found that federal initiatives and personnel preparation (32%) and teacher beliefs and practices (24%) accounted for 56% of the articles published, followed by the other category (11%) and program descriptions and evaluations; recruitment, retention and attrition; collaboration; and technology applications (each less than 10%). They also find that quantitative research approaches (55%), qualitative designs (14%), and mixed-method (11%) designs are represented in the published articles. The authors reflect on these outcomes and offer a perspective on teacher education and special education.

Effects of Coaching on Teachers' Use of Function-Based Interventions for Students With Severe Disabilities

This study used a delayed multiple-baseline across-participants design to analyze the effects of coaching on special education teachers’ implementation of function-based interventions with students with severe disabilities. This study also examined the extent to which teachers could generalize function-based interventions to different situations. In addition, this study examined the effects of function-based interventions on students’ problem and replacement behaviors. After an initial training on functional behavior assessment and implementation of function-based interventions, the experimenter coached each teacher. Results indicated a functional relationship between coaching and an increase in teacher fidelity scores. Teachers generalized the strategies to other situations with the target students. Although some improvement in student behavior was noted upon teachers’ use of function-based interventions without coaching, this improvement was not consistent for all students and across the replacement behaviors. A functional relationship was found between accurate implementation of the function-based interventions and an increase in the students’ primary replacement behaviors.

Comparing Whole-Word and Morphograph Instruction During Computer-Assisted Peer Tutoring on Students’ Acquisition and Generalization of Vocabulary

Students with disabilities often have large vocabulary deficits that continue to increase over time if effective interventions that supplement daily academic instruction are not put in place. The current study used a simultaneous treatments design to analyze the comparative effects of whole-word vocabulary instruction and morphograph instruction on students’ vocabulary acquisition and generalization through the use of a computer-assisted peer-tutoring program. Seven of eight middle school participants with mild disabilities involved in this study acquired higher percentages of vocabulary in the morphograph condition compared to the whole-word condition. All eight students were better able to generalize to unknown vocabulary in the morphograph condition. This study’s findings indicate a functional relationship between morphograph instruction and the acquisition and generalization of vocabulary.

Effects of Computer-Assisted Instruction on Students’ Knowledge of the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction and Disruptive Behavior:

Instruction about goal setting can increase students’ self-determination and reduce problem behavior. Computer-assisted instruction could offer teachers another format for teaching goal setting and self-determination. This study used a multiple probes across participants design to examine the effects of computer-assisted instruction on students’ knowledge of the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI) and level of disruptive behavior. Results indicated increased knowledge of the SDLMI and decreased levels of disruptive behavior for all participants. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

An Exploratory Study Using Science eTexts With Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Supported electronic text (eText), or text altered to provide support, may promote comprehension of science content for students with disabilities. According to the Center for Applied Special Technology, Book Builder™ uses supported eText to promote reading for meaning for all students. Students with autism spectrum disorder experience difficulty comprehending science content because of the extensive amount of background knowledge required in conjunction with difficulties understanding abstract and figurative language. Investigations on the most effective methods for reading comprehension and teaching science to this population are equally limited. In this pilot study, feasibility was supported in high levels of treatment fidelity and teacher- and student-reported satisfaction. A multiple probe across participants with an embedded ABCD design was used to evaluate various modifications of Book Builder™ on measures of vocabulary, literal comprehension, and application questions. Considerations for students with ASD, limitations, and recommendations for future research conclude the article.

Effects of Multimedia Goal-Setting Instruction on Students’ Knowledge of the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction and Disruptive Behavior

Students at risk for, or with, emotional disturbance during preadolescence struggle to adjust socially, behaviorally, and academically and often make choices about relationships that support problem behaviors. Research suggests explicitly teaching self-determination skills as early as preschool may prevent referral to special education with a label of emotional disturbance. This study examined the effects of a multimedia goal-setting intervention on students’ knowledge of the self-determined learning model of instruction and disruptive behavior. Results indicated a functional relationship between the independent variable and dependent variables. Limitations, suggestions for future research, and implications for practice are provided.

Tutoring With Technology

Peer tutoring is an evidence-based strategy used across a wide range of age groups and settings. Teachers may find it challenging to successfully pair students for tutoring because the tutor must be able to evaluate the tutees response as correct or incorrect. This article describes four examples of electronic devices that prompt tutors to provide accurate feedback during tutoring as well as the steps for preparing materials and using these devices for tutoring.