McREL awarded federal grant to develop instructional framework for visually impaired students
March 11, 2008
Denver
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Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL) announced that, in collaboration with Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, it will begin work on a three-year study, Visualizing Science with Adapted Curriculum Enhancements (ACE), through a $1.5 million Mathematics and Science Special Education Goal 2 Research Grant, offered by the federal government.
The purpose of the study is to develop an instructional framework and materials aimed at providing teachers with the knowledge and tools they need to develop an effective strategy in meeting the needs of visually impaired students in grades 6–12 as they learn abstract science concepts.
The ACE framework includes three primary components: 1) understanding the spectrum of visual disabilities; 2) determining the needs of visually impaired students in the classroom; and 3) implementing ACE science visualization techniques, including models, tactile graphics, and observation instructions and descriptions.
The research elements of the project will be conducted in Colorado and Pennsylvania, and participants will include approximately 24 teachers. Sites include the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind, and other schools in Colorado, western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio.
John Ristvey, a McREL principal consultant who is serving as co-principal investigator and development team lead on the study, said, "For visually impaired students to succeed in mainstream-science classrooms, they need teachers who not only understand their needs but have the practical tools—background knowledge, assessments, and visualization techniques—to fulfill those needs. The goal of the ACE intervention is to ensure that the tools are of the highest quality and utility possible."
The researchers will conduct the study in three stages—first, they will work with the teachers in developing the materials; second, they will test the materials in classrooms and refine them as necessary; and third, they will test the revised materials. Methods to assess the materials will include surveys, interviews, and observations; student motivation will be assessed by survey.
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McREL is a nationally recognized, private, nonprofit organization located in Denver, Colo., dedicated to improving education for all students through applied research, product development and service. In 2006, McREL provided research-based guidance to educators and policymakers in 42 states across the U.S.
