LITERACY INSTRUCTION FOR MAINSTREAMED STUDENTS - WHAT SUGGESTIONS AREPROVIDED IN BASAL READING SERIES

In this study we investigated six widely used Basal reading programs f or suggestions for literacy instruction for Mainstreamed Special Educa tion students (MSE). The kindergarten, first-, third-, and fifth-grade materials were analyzed for each of the six Basal reading programs se lected. A Basal analysis instrument, based on a literature review and focus-group interviews, was designed to record teaching suggestions fo r MSE students. Only two of the Basal reading programs included sugges tions directed to the needs of MSE students, and their suggestions wer e few. Discussion focuses on the need to provide general education tea chers with teachers' manuals and professional development opportunitie s that offer explicit suggestions for meeting the needs of MSE student s in general education classrooms.