Teaching Algebra to Students with Learning Disabilities

2003 ◽  
Vol 96 (9) ◽  
pp. 622-624
Author(s):  
Marcee M. Steele ◽  
John W. Steele

In many states, students with learning disabilities are required to take algebra in high school. These students are usually served in inclusive settings (the general education classroom), where they often struggle with algebra because the content is so abstract. Although limited research and literature are available on algebra instruction for students with special needs, recognized strategies that promote students' learning can help make the algebra experience more enjoyable and successful for them and for the other students in the class, as well. This article highlights characteristics of students with learning disabilities, reviews current literature on algebra and students with learning disabilities, summarizes some of the recommendations, and describes how they can be put into practice.

1999 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 84-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
William D. Bursuck ◽  
Dennis D. Munk ◽  
Mary M. Olson

As more and more students with learning disabilities are being included in general education classes, concerns have arisen in regard to the low grades that these students are likely to receive. Although there is some evidence to suggest that teacher adaptations of grades are helpful, the extent to which teachers implement grading adaptations may be influenced at least in part by the teachers' perceived acceptability of the adaptations. One factor that may influence perceived teacher acceptability is student perceptions. Teachers may be unlikely to use adaptations that are perceived as negative by their students. The purpose of this study was to (a) assess high school students' perceptions of the fairness of grading adaptations, (b) identify factors (e.g., achievement level) that may influence perceptions of fairness, and (c) identify practices deemed most fair and acceptable to students with and without learning disabilities. This purpose was met by surveying and interviewing high school students with and without learning disabilities. The results of the surveys and interviews as well as their implications for grading students with learning disabilities in general education classes are discussed.


2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gauri S. Joshi ◽  
Emily C. Bouck

Given the history of poor postschool outcomes for students with disabilities, researchers repeatedly sought to demonstrate the links between predictor variables and postschool outcomes for students with disabilities. This secondary data analysis used the National Longitudinal Transition Study–2 to examine the relationship between postsecondary education–related transition services and postsecondary education participation for students with learning disabilities. Logistic regression analyses indicated receiving core content area instruction in the general education classroom was positively related to postsecondary education participation. Frequency distributions indicated students with learning disabilities attended 2-year college at higher rates than other postsecondary education programs. The results suggest educators should consider inclusion in general education classroom for core content area instruction for students with learning disabilities with postsecondary education goals to the extent permitted by their least restrictive environment.


2005 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 191-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larry J. Kortering ◽  
Laurie U. de Bettencourt ◽  
Patricia M. Braziel

Success in high school algebra is gaining increased importance for all students, including those identified as having learning disabilities (LD). Despite its importance, we know little about what students with and without LD say about their algebra classes. This study examined findings from a survey of 410 general education students and 46 peers with LD. The survey established data relative to the participants' favorite and least favorite classes, most difficult (and best) parts of algebra class, and ideas for helping more students to succeed. In addition, student participants reported whether selected interventions and accommodations were helpful.


1996 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 70-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerie Sawyer ◽  
Janet S. Nelson ◽  
Madhavi Jayanthi ◽  
William D. Bursuck ◽  
Michael H. Epstein

This study examined the experiences and views of students with learning disabilities regarding the homework they receive in their general education classes and identified ways that teachers and parents might positively affect students' performance. Subjects were 10 high school students identified as having learning disabilities. Individual interviews were conducted to elicit information from each student. An analysis of the interviews resulted in the emergence of three themes: (a) factors that make homework easy, (b) factors that make homework difficult, and (c) recommendations for teachers, students, and parents. The results, limitations of the study, and future research needs are discussed.


2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roddy J. Theobald ◽  
Dan D. Goldhaber ◽  
Trevor M. Gratz ◽  
Kristian L. Holden

We used longitudinal data from Washington State to investigate the relationships among career and technical education (CTE) enrollment, inclusion in general education, and high school and postsecondary outcomes for students with learning disabilities. We replicated earlier findings that students with learning disabilities who were enrolled in a “concentration” of CTE courses had higher rates of employment after graduation than observably similar students with learning disabilities who were enrolled in fewer CTE courses. We also found that students with learning disabilities who spent more time in general education classrooms in high school had higher rates of on-time graduation, college attendance, and employment than observably similar students with learning disabilities who spent less time in general education classrooms in these grades.


1997 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 373-388 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Woodward ◽  
Juliet Baxter

This article presents results from a year-long study of an innovative approach to mathematics and its impact on students with learning disabilities as well as those at risk for special education. There is a considerable interest in the field regarding current mathematics reform, particularly as it reflects the simultaneous and conflicting movements toward national standards and inclusion. Results suggest that innovative methods in mathematics are viable for students with average and above average academic abilities and that students with learning disabilities or those at risk for special education need much greater assistance if they are to be included in general education classrooms. The success of the majority of students in this study raises questions about commonly advocated instructional methods in special education.


2021 ◽  
pp. 089590482110199
Author(s):  
Jennifer A. Freeman ◽  
Michael A. Gottfried ◽  
Jay Stratte Plasman

Recent educational policies in the United States have fostered the growth of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) career-focused courses to support high school students’ persistence into these fields in college and beyond. As one key example, federal legislation has embedded new types of “applied STEM” (AS) courses into the career and technical education curriculum (CTE), which can help students persist in STEM through high school and college. Yet, little is known about the link between AS-CTE coursetaking and college STEM persistence for students with learning disabilities (LDs). Using a nationally representative data set, we found no evidence that earning more units of AS-CTE in high school influenced college enrollment patterns or major selection in non-AS STEM fields for students with LDs. That said, students with LDs who earned more units of AS-CTE in high school were more likely to seriously consider and ultimately declare AS-related STEM majors in college.


Author(s):  
Jean Bragg Schumaker ◽  
Joseph Fisher

Multimedia software programs have been developed and empirically validated for teaching secondary students with learning disabilities new skills and strategies. Some of them can be appropriately put into practice in general education classes in which diverse groups of students are enrolled. One of them, the Commas Strategies Program (Schumaker & Sheldon, 2009), is featured in this article. Because comma skills are specified in national and state standards, all students are required to learn them. The Commas Strategies Program can be used to ensure that all students learn these skills. This article describes the previous research associated with the program and the components of the program. It also describes the features of the program that were specifically designed to ensure that diverse classes of students will learn from it. Further, it describes procedures teachers can follow to put the program into practice and ensure student learning. Enrichment activities that can also be used associated with the software program are suggested.


2018 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 212-218
Author(s):  
Gloria A. Carcoba Falomir

Algebra is considered an important high school course because it is recognized as the gateway to higher mathematics, college opportunities, and well-paying jobs. In the United States, most secondary schools require students to be proficient in algebra to be able to graduate from high school. One major component of algebra is word problem solving, which is used in algebra courses to teach students mathematical modeling and applied problem-solving skills. However, word problem solving is often a significantly challenging area for students with learning disabilities because it involves computing mathematical equations and implementing a myriad of cognitive processes that require conceptual knowledge. Diagrams are considered an effective and powerful visualization strategy because they help students see the hidden mathematical structure of the problem. The use of diagrams is recommended as students work toward more complex math concepts in middle school and high school.


1995 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marshall H. Raskind ◽  
Eleanor Higgins

This study investigated the effects of speech synthesis on the proofreading efficiency of postsecondary students with learning disabilities. Subjects proofread self-generated written language samples under three conditions: (a) using a speech synthesis system that simultaneously highlighted and “spoke” words on a computer monitor, (b) having the text read aloud to them by another person, and (c) receiving no assistance. Using the speech synthesis system enabled subjects to detect a significantly higher percentage of total errors than either of the other two proofreading conditions. In addition, subjects were able to locate a significantly higher percentage of capitalization, spelling, usage and typographical errors under the speech synthesis condition. However, having the text read aloud by another person significantly outperformed the other conditions in finding “grammar-mechanical” errors. Results are discussed with regard to underlying reasons for the overall superior performance of the speech synthesis system and the implications of using speech synthesis as a compensatory writing aid for postsecondary students with learning disabilities.


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