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Transportation access is a major contributor to independence, productivity, and societal inclusion for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities (IDD). This study examined the effects of pedestrian navigation training using picture prompts displayed through a video iPod on travel route completion with 4 adults and IDD. Results indicated a functional relation between picture prompts on the video IPod and pedestrian navigation skills to and from various locations. Maintenance data indicated all participants continued navigating trained routes for up to 232 days using the video iPod. Generalization measures to untrained routes were positive. Social validity data suggested iPod training was useful and practical for teaching independent pedestrian navigation skills. Last, limitations, suggestions for future research, and implication for practice were provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many educators are reluctant to use scripted instruction, reporting that scripts are mechanical in nature and only appropriate for low-level skills. This study sought to investigate the impact of a supplemental program’s script on the rate of on-task and off-task instructional opportunities offered by the instructor for students to practice the specific skills targeted in lesson exercises. Using a multiple-baseline across-participants design, four paraeducators delivered daily instruction, first in a nonscripted version of an explicit supplemental program and then in the scripted version of the same program, to 12 first-grade students identified at risk for reading failure. Upon introduction of the script, the rate of on-task instructional opportunities for student practice was substantially higher, and the rate of off-task instructional opportunities diminished. Both paraeducators and student participants preferred the scripted instruction. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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 tutee's 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reciprocal peer tutoring can be an effective supplement to teacher-led instruction, but students need to have the tutoring skills necessary to teach their peers successfully. Previous studies have addressed the challenge of providing essential information to a naïve tutor, allowing for correct modeling and feedback. The present study compared incidental learning of vocabulary words through classroom reading instruction to a combination of incidental learning supplemented with peer tutoring. Eight fourth-grade students were trained to tutor each other using a digital recording and playback device that provides audio prompts to naïve tutors. Results indicated that students made modest gains from incidental learning and much stronger gains from peer tutoring with audio prompting. Implications for practice and future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]