If we are to bring about change in current practice classroom teachers must be able to effectively teach science in inclusive classrooms. Without appropriate modeling by science methods professors, with accompanying experiences in classrooms where students with disabilities are fully integrated, any substantive change is unlikely. The Curriculum Development in Teaching Science to Students with Disabilities Project provides training to teachers and teacher educators to help them improve their ability to teach science to students with disabilities. The primary goal of the project is to prepare a training module for teachers and teacher educators, which improves their knowledge about teaching science to students with disabilities. Participants receive opportunities to experience effective instructional practice for students with disabilities plus guidance and direction for guiding students with disabilities in science learning.
Explicit teaching is a desirable strategy for convergent instruction.
There are basic facts, principles and concepts that are necessary for good science understanding and sound scientific reasoning. The steps included in this approach are helpful in improving the efficiency of instruction when the focus is on dissemination. The seven steps included in mastery teaching are demonstrated using an approach presented in many staff training and administrative training workshops. The strategy is particularly effective in providing learning alternatives for students through skill enhancement activities and small group instruction. Inquiry teaching is an effective strategy to determine if students have an understanding of a concept.