Blumberg Center for
Interdisciplinary Studies in Special Education

Project for responsive educational systems

online professional development

Evidence-Based Interventions and Extensions:  Academic

Algebra (Part 1): Applying Learning Strategies to Beginning Algebra
This case study offers strategies for enhancing learning for students who have difficulty with beginning algebra.  It includes strategies for using algebra manipulatives, teaching vocabulary, and implementing graphic organizers.

Algebra (Part 2): Applying Learning Strategies to Intermediate Algebra
This case study offers strategies for enhancing learning for students who have difficulty with algebra.  It includes strategies for using algebra manipulatives, teaching vocabulary, and implementing graphic organizers.

Online Bargain Basement Returns (extension)
This PowerPoint presentation includes resources for K-12 and beyond, for both acceleration and enrichment, with interactive courses for individual students and robust curriculums that educators can use with an entire group or class. (Click on the link at the bottom of the webpage)

PALS: A Reading Strategy – Grades K-1, Grades 2-6, Secondary
These modules outline the benefits of implementing Peer Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS), in which students work together in pairs to improve reading skills.  Each module includes systematic strategies in each of the PALS activities and printable materials.

RTI (Part 5): A Closer Look at Tier 3
This module describes students who require intense interventions, components of Tier 3 reading interventions, students’ response to these interventions, parent involvement, and issues related to English language learners.

Note: The Fuchs model of RTI identifies Tier 3 as special education.  Indiana’s Vision of RTI provides intense interventions (Tier 3) for any student whose data indicates that need.  Referral for evaluation for special education services for specific learning disabilities, emotional disabilities, or language impairment takes place when a student shows no or minimal progress toward goals.