Self-Directed Learning to Improve Science Content Knowledge for Teachers

Students with disabilities often struggle in science and underperform in this important content area when compared to their typical peers. Unfortunately, many special educators have had little preparation to develop science content knowledge or skills in methods for teaching science. Despite their lack of content knowledge, special educators are often solely responsible for teaching science to students with disabilities in resource settings and self-contained classrooms; while in inclusive settings, special educators may be called on to coteach or consult. Given their increased role in teaching this content, special educators may experience anxiety about their own science knowledge. This column provides special educators, via self-directed learning, with information and resources to enhance their science content knowledge and build awareness of students’ ideas in science so they can provide high-quality instruction in science for students with disabilities.