Utilizing Explicit Instruction to Support Students with Intellectual Disabilities – A High Leverage Practice in the Classroom

Presenter(s)

Event Details

Topic:

instruction, literacy & inclusion

Format:

demonstration

Subject Level:

beginner

Age Span:

kindergarten - grade 6
grades 7-12

Target Audience:

autism specialist
consultant

educator
family member / caregiver

K-12 administration

university professor / personnel

Professional Development Credits

IACET CEUs:

.01 CEU

ACVREP CEs:

1 CE

Presentation Length: 1 hour

Location:

Plaza 2

Description:

This session explores the sixteen guiding principles of Explicit Instruction (Archer & Hughes, 2011), emphasizing structured, clear, and direct teaching strategies for students with Intellectual Disabilities. Key principles include: 1. Clear Learning Objectives– Defining expectations for student learning. 2. Step-by-Step Instruction– Breaking tasks into manageable steps with clear guidance. 3. Modeling – Demonstrating tasks before student practice. 4. Guided Practice – Providing support and feedback as students develop skills. 5. Active Participation – Engaging students through hands-on activities. 6. Frequent Feedback – Reinforcing correct responses and addressing errors promptly. 7. Repetition and Review – Reinforcing learning through regular practice. 8. Supportive Environment – Minimizing distractions to enhance success. Applying these strategies, educators can create structured, engaging learning experiences that support students’ cognitive and communication needs, ensuring meaningful curriculum access for students with intellectual disabilities.

Learning Outcomes:

As a result of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Choose instructional routines to utilize the principles of Explicit Instruction.

• Organize instructional opportunities (for academics, communication, adaptive skills, transition skills, and social/emotional skills) using the Explicit Instruction routine.

• Analyze student data to determine the appropriate teaching scenarios for using Explicit Instruction.