Instructing Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities

Summary This research brief examines instructional strategies and curricular resources to support students with significant cognitive disabilities. Profiled school districts highlight the importance of selecting curricular resources that align with state standards to elevate student academic success on alternate state assessments. The research brief also reviews classroom structure for students with significant disabilities and professional development trainings for special education staff at profiled districts. Key observations from our research 1. Classroom structure for students with significant cognitive disabilities varies by district and student. 2. Use curricular resources and offer professional development that align with state standards to improve performance on state assessments. 3. Use curricular resources that visually appeal to students and connect to daily activities to engage students with disabilities with material. 4. Structure professional development opportunities to maximize teachers’ attendance and minimize disruption to special education programs. Download the Report