Teaching algebra with a functional application to students with moderate intellectual disability

A multiple probe across participants design was used to examine the effectiveness of a treatment package to teach students with moderate intellectual disability how to solve simple linear equations. The investigator read realistic scenarios of a problem, used actual items as manipulatives, presented a visual aid of the equation, and used a system of least prompts procedure to teach the students to solve the problems. The results revealed the treatment package was effective in teaching students with moderate intellectual disabilities to solve linear equations. Participants generalized the ability to solve algebraic equations to problems in the natural environment.