Materials

Students with disabilities may be able to succeed in the current curriculum with some adaptations. The length of the task may be shortened if appropriate (a reduction in the number of math problems or spelling words, for example); however, if the material is too difficult for a student, simply reducing the task will not be beneficial. An entire assignment may need modification. Also, it may be necessary to obtain books at a higher or lower level to accomodate all students in addition to providing computer based assessment.

Instruction

Instructional strategies can be adapted for learning disabled children in the inclusion setting. The use of mnemonic devices, extrinsic rewards, one-on-one teaching, and peer tutoring have all proved to be successful strategies in classrooms when used appropriately. Emphasize how to learn instead of what to learn.

Environment

The learning environment may need to be adapted if a child is easily distracted or has trouble functioning in the classroom.

This information was taken from The Journal of Special Education, volume 29, No. 2 and Fastback No. 373.

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