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The purpose of this article is to offer teacher training and professional development recommendations in mathematics based on the findings of a federally funded 3-year intervention study that improved the problem solving of middle school students with a focus on students with learning disabilities. Over the 3-year project, 29 seventh and eighth grade teachers implemented a problem-solving intervention based on cognitive strategy instruction. Though the intervention was successful in improving students' problem-solving performance, several issues related to teaching effectiveness and teacher training came to light. The article will: (1) describe the intervention and its implementation, (2) present the findings of the study, and (3) discuss the issues of effectiveness and possible solutions via teacher education and professional development.

The effects of a mathematical problem-solving intervention on students' problem-solving performance and math achievement were measured in a randomized control trial with 1,059 7th-grade students. The intervention, "Solve It!," is a research-based cognitive strategy instructional intervention that was shown to improve the problem-solving performance of 8th-grade students with and without learning disabilities (LD). The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the effectiveness of the intervention could be replicated with younger students. Forty middle schools in a large urban school district were included in the study, with one 7th-grade math teacher participating at each school (after attrition, n = 34). "Solve It!" was implemented by the teachers in their inclusive math classrooms. Problem-solving performance was assessed using curriculum-based math problem-solving measures, which were administered as a pretest and then monthly over the course of the 8-month intervention. Students who received the intervention (n = 644) embedded in the district curriculum showed a significantly greater rate of growth on the curriculum-based measures than students in the comparison group (n = 415) who received the district curriculum only. Results of the Bayesian analyses indicated that the intervention effect was somewhat stronger for low-achieving students than for average-achieving students. Overall, findings from the present study as well as the previous study with 8th-grade students indicate that the intervention was effective across ability groups and is an appropriate program to use in inclusive classrooms with students of varying math ability.

This study investigated the effectiveness of "Solve It!" instruction on students' knowledge of math problem-solving strategies. "Solve It!" is a cognitive strategy intervention designed to improve the math problem solving of middle school students with learning disabilities (LD). Participants included seventh- and eighth-grade students with LD (n = 77) and average-achieving students (n = 77). We examined treatment effects of the intervention, as well as differential effects of treatment across ability levels, on students' knowledge of problem-solving strategies using the Math Problem-Solving Assessment. Results showed that students across ability levels who received "Solve It!" instruction reported using significantly more strategies than students in the comparison group. Implications for instruction are discussed as well as directions for future research. (Contains 2 figures and 2 tables.)

The purpose of this study was to examine the growth trajectories from early to late adolescence of teacher ratings of students' behavior problems from 9th through 11th grade and student self-reports of alcohol use in a sample of predominately minority adolescents (n = 179, 90% African-American and/or Hispanic, 43% boys, 57% girls) in a large, urban school district. The study investigated whether parent attachment, school commitment, gender, race/ethnicity, and educational placement influenced these outcomes. Multi-level growth modeling was the primary statistical procedure used. Results indicated that increased parent attachment was associated with reduced levels of alcohol use and school commitment was not associated with growth trajectories of problem behavior in the multilevel models, although gender, race/ethnicity and special education placement were significant predictors. Our findings suggest that teachers perceive greater levels of behavior problems for minority students and youth in special education. Student self reports also indicate adolescent frequency of alcohol use increases over time. (Contains 2 figures and 3 tables.)

The purpose of the study was to improve mathematical problem solving for middle school students with learning disabilities by implementing a research-based instructional program in inclusive general education math classes. A total of 40 middle schools in a large urban district were matched on state assessment performance level (low, medium, and high performing) and socioeconomic status. One school from each pair was randomly assigned to the intervention condition, and one eighth grade math teacher participated at each school (n = 40). Because of attrition at the outset, 24 schools completed the study (8 intervention, 16 comparison). The intervention, "Solve It!", a research-based cognitive strategy instructional program, was implemented for 7 months, and periodic progress monitoring was conducted. A cluster-randomized design was used, and the data were consistent with a three-level model in which repeated measures were nested within students and students were nested within schools. The results indicated that students who received the intervention (n = 319) showed significantly greater growth in math problem solving over the school year than students in the comparison group (n = 460) who received typical classroom instruction. Moreover, the intervention effects did not differ for students with learning disabilities, low-achieving students, and average-achieving students. Thus, the findings were positive and support the efficacy of the intervention when implemented by general education math teachers in inclusive classrooms. (Contains 3 tables and 4 figures.)

This study investigated the effects of cognitive strategy instruction on the mathematical problem solving of three adolescents with spina bifida. Conditions of the multiple-baseline across-individuals design included baseline, two levels of treatment, posttesting, and maintenance. Treatment 1 focused on one-step math problems, and Treatment 2 focused on two-step problems. All students substantially improved as measured by performance on criterion tests of math problem solving. Discussion centers on the need for intervention studies with students with spina bifida that specifically address their unique characteristics and the adaptations and accommodations that benefit these students. (Contains 1 table and 2 figures.)

The purpose of this longitudinal study was twofold: (a) to investigate academic, behavioral, and emotional outcomes for adolescents who were followed longitudinally from middle through high school and (b) to determine if early assessment of achievement and behavior predicts academic and behavioral outcomes for adolescents who were identified as at risk for developing emotional and behavioral problems when they were in primary school. Teacher ratings and student self-reports suggested that the behavioral and emotional symptoms for this school-based sample of predominately minority adolescents (n = 212, 91% African American and/or Hispanic, 45% boys, 55% girls) decreased across time, although there was significant variability for individuals. The at-risk students in special education had significantly higher self-ratings of emotional problems than the other groups and viewed school more negatively. Assessment of reading and math achievement and teacher ratings of behavior in primary school predicted achievement and behavior through middle and high school for at-risk students. Results have implications for early identification, prevention/intervention programs, and transition planning for children and youth at risk for developing problem behaviors. (Contains 6 tables and 3 figures.)

The purpose of the study was to investigate the metacognitive abilities of students with LD as they engage in math problem solving and to determine processing differences between these students and their low- and average-achieving peers (n = 73). Students thought out loud as they solved three math problems of increasing difficulty. Protocols were coded and analyzed to determine frequency of cognitive verbalizations and productive and nonproductive metacognitive verbalizations. Results indicated different patterns of metacognitive activity for ability groups when type of metacognitive verbalization and problem difficulty were considered. Implications for instruction are discussed. (Contains 3 tables and 3 figures.)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the trajectories of behavioral problems for a sample of predominately minority adolescents (n = 212, 91% African-American and/or Hispanic, 45% boys, 55% girls) in a large, urban school district and to determine the impact of parental and peer relationships, gender, and risk status on their development during middle and high school. Multi-level growth modeling was the primary statistical procedure used to track internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems across time. Results indicated that behavioral problems as rated by students' teachers declined significantly for both boys and girls, a finding that is in direct contrast to previous studies of adolescent behavior. The quality of parental relationships was a strong predictor of both types of behavior whereas the quality of peer relationships predicted only internalizing behavioral symptoms. These findings suggest that behavioral trajectories may be somewhat unique for this population underscoring the need for additional research in this area. The findings also have implications for intervening with children and youth who display behavioral problems during critical developmental periods.

The purpose of this article is to discuss curriculum-based measurement (CBM) as it is currently utilized in research and practice and to propose a new approach for developing measures to monitor the academic progress of students longitudinally. To accomplish this, we first describe CBM and provide several exemplars of CBM in reading and mathematics. Then, we present the research context for developing a set of seven curriculum-based measures for monitoring student progress in math problem solving. The rationale for and advantages of using statistical equating methodology are discussed. Details of the methodology as it was applied to the development of these math problem solving measures are provided. (Contains 2 figures and 2 tables.)

This review considers both the content and methodologies of 5 single-subject and 2 group experimental design studies investigating the effects of cognitive strategy instruction on the mathematical problem solving of students with disabilities, using quality indicators proposed by Horner et al. (2005) and Gersten et al. (2005). Findings indicated that the research base of both single-subject and group experimental studies did not meet the methodological criteria to support cognitive strategy instruction as a evidence-based practice for improving mathematical problem solving of students with disabilities. The shortcomings identified in the empirical literature supporting cognitive strategy instruction, however, can be addressed in future intervention studies bearing in mind the quality indicators and standards for determining evidence-based practices. (Contains 3 tables.)

The purpose of the study was to investigate the trajectories of depressive symptomology and self-concept in adolescents between the ages of 13 and 17 and to determine whether primary school teacher ratings of adaptive and maladaptive behavior predict self-reported depressive symptoms and self-concept in adolescence. This study is part of an ongoing longitudinal study of a school-based sample of students representing a continuum of risk for developing emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD; N = 212). Results indicated a strong relationship between depressive symptoms and self-concept for both initial status and growth over time (i.e., depressive symptoms decreased, whereas self-concept improved). No effect was found for gender on initial status or growth for either construct. However, for self-concept, the growth trajectory indicated a significant effect for risk classification (not at risk, at risk no special education placement, at risk special education placement). Compared with the other classification groups, adolescents in special education at risk for EBD showed a significant decrease in self-concept after age 15, a markedly different trajectory from their peers. Additionally, high internalizing behavior was associated with more depressive symptoms and lower self-concept. Finally, early teacher ratings of adaptive behavior were predictive of both initial status and growth for depressive symptoms, but only initial status for self-concept. Implications for depression prevention and intervention among children and adolescents are discussed. (Contains 3 tables and 6 figures.)

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of research-based interventions that incorporate self-regulation strategies to improve mathematics performance of students with learning disabilities (LD). Self-regulation is a metacognitive function essential to academic success. Students with LD are notoriously poor at self-regulation and must be taught explicitly to monitor and control their cognitive activities as they engage in academic tasks such as mathematical problem solving. This article describes intervention studies that use self-regulation strategies to improve mathematics performance of students with LD at the elementary, middle, and secondary school levels. Several techniques to facilitate effective implementation of self-regulation instruction in the classroom are presented.

This study examined in depth a group of adolescents (n = 12) who were identified as having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The group was identified as part of a longitudinal study of students who were screened in primary school as at risk for developing emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) and peers who were identified as not at risk in secondary school (N = 165). The prevalence of ADHD comorbid with EBD and learning disabilities (LD) was investigated. Teacher ratings of behavior on the Behavior Assessment System for Children (Reynolds & Kamphaus, 1992) were used to identify students with ADHD and/or EBD. For LD identification, students met criteria on at least 1 of 5 models for identifying LD. The study also investigated gender differences as well as differences between students with and without ADHD on several school variables (e.g., achievement, ability). Results indicated that 12 students (7.3%) of the sample met the criteria for ADHD identification. More girls than boys with ADHD were identified (a ratio of 3:1). Within the ADHD group, 7 students met criteria for comorbid ADHD/EBD, and a range of 1 to 6 students met criteria for comorbid ADHD/EBD/LD, depending on the model used to identify LD. Students with ADHD scored more poorly than students without ADHD across all school variables. Implications for early and appropriate identification and intervention for students with ADHD are discussed, particularly for girls with ADHD who may be underidentified.

The purpose of this study is to describe academic and behavioral outcomes for adolescents who were identified when they were in kindergarten and first grade as being at risk for developing emotional and behavioral disorders. Results indicated that primary school academic achievement and teacher ratings of academic competence were highly predictive of middle school reading achievement and moderately predictive of math achievement. Teacher ratings of behavior across time were consistent and reliable, and behavioral ratings by primary school teachers were predictive of students' behavioral ratings by middle school teachers. These findings suggest that young students with academic and behavioral problems continue to display problems into adolescence, placing them at serious risk for school failure and dropping out. Results have implications for early identification and prevention/intervention programs for at-risk students. (Contains 6 tables and 1 figure.)

This study investigated students' mathematics achievement, estimation ability, use of estimation strategies, and academic self-perception with 135 students (n=135) in grades 4, 6, or 8, either with learning disabilities (LD), average achievers, or intellectually gifted. Students with LD differed significantly from average achievers in their use of fewer effective estimation strategies. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)

A study involving 66 sixth-graders with learning disabilities, average achievers, and gifted students found gifted students used significantly more visual-spatial representations than the other two groups in solving mathematical problems. Students with learning disabilities used significantly more pictorial representation than their peers, a technique negatively correlated with successful mathematical problem-solving. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

This article discusses forces driving mathematics reform: shifting theoretical paradigms, disappointing levels of mathematics performance of students in the United States, and the impact of rapidly changing technologies. Concerns about this reform from the special education community are discussed, and synthesized special education research relevant to mathematics reform is provided. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

This article describes "Solve It!," a research-based instructional program for middle school students who have difficulty with mathematical word problems. It describes the theoretical framework of the program, reviews research on the program, presents an overview of the program, and discusses implementation issues such as finding time for individual assessment. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)

Presents findings from five studies measuring students' attitudes towards mathematics, perception of performance, perception of the importance of mathematical problem solving, and perception of problem difficulty. The interaction of affect and cognition and the implications for assessing and teaching mathematical problem solving to students with learning disabilities are discussed. (Author/CR)

This article describes the Mathematical Problem Solving Assessment-Short Form, an evaluation tool to assess various affective factors, cognitive and metacognitive factors, and strategies associated with mathematical problem solving of middle school students. The theoretical basis for the test is discussed and an actual student protocol is used to illustrate administration, scoring, and interpretation of the test. (Author/CR)

This article recommends that, to comply with federal legislation, a multilevel, multimodal approach be used for assessment and identification of students with attention deficit disorder (ADD). It identifies several purposes of ADD assessment, explains various instruments and procedures, and offers guidelines for using assessment to determine educational needs and evaluate program efficacy. (DB)

Nine junior high school students with learning disabilities received instruction in story grammar elements and character development. Over a two-month period, students significantly increased the amount they wrote and mildly to moderately increased the quality of the stories produced and the number of internal responses and plans of characters. (Author/JDD)

Results of this study of 30 middle school students with learning disabilities indicated that, despite a positive attitude toward mathematics, subjects differed from average-achieving and gifted students in general mathematical achievement and problem-solving ability. Mathematical problem solving was related to ability to represent problems and predict appropriate solution equations and operations. (Author/JDD)

This article discusses the advantages of using computer-assisted composing (CAC) to teach composition to elementary and secondary school students with learning problems. It also describes the effects of CAC on student writing and offers several caveats for teachers who plan to use CAC in their classrooms. (JDD)

This commentary on Edwin Ellis' model of integrative strategy instruction for use with students with learning disabilities argues the need for systematic investigations of the multiple facets of the program. The ISI model is examined in terms of the eight principles of strategy instruction outlined by H.L. Swanson. (JDD)

This study examined the verbalizations of 90 middle school students as they thought aloud while solving mathematical word problems. Results indicated that students with learning disabilities (LD) and average achievers were less strategic in approaching mathematical problem solving than gifted students, and LD students approached problem solving in a qualitatively different manner than their more proficient peers. (JDD)

Junior high school students (n=72) with learning disabilities received direct instruction in cognitive strategies, instruction in metacognitive activities, or both. Students improved in mathematical word problem performance and compared well with normally achieving peers. Discussion focuses on the treatment effects and maintenance and the issue of separability of cognitive and metacognitive components of instruction. (Author/JDD)

Six students (ages 12-14) with learning disabilities received either cognitive or metacognitive strategy instruction for mathematical problem solving, followed by instruction in the complementary component. Results indicated that cognitive and metacognitive strategies were more effective than either cognitive or metacognitive strategy instruction alone. Students did not, however, maintain the strategy over time. (JDD)