Instructional Settings in Science for Students with Disabilities: Implications for Teacher Education

Source: Journal of Science Teacher Education, Volume 20, Number 4 / August 2009, p. 353-363.

Finding appropriate instructional settings in science for students with disabilities is challenging, and the range of services or placements used is currently unknown. This study identifies administrative structures, instructional settings, and special/general education teacher roles in teaching science to students with disabilities. A phone survey was conducted with special education coordinators of fifth graders in 137 districts in Texas.
Survey data indicated that nearly all districts reported special education settings for the instruction of science for students with disabilities.
However, some districts provided only general education settings. Theoretical and practical implications for teacher preparation are discussed.