Whitby Writes Instructional Guide to Teach Mathematical Word Problem Solving to Middle-Schoolers with Autism

Peggy Schaefer Whitby, a University of Arkansas associate professor of special education, has written a book to help teachers teach mathematical word problem solving to middle school students with autism spectrum disorder.

Whitby, who is board certified at the doctoral level as an applied behavior analyst, wrote Solve It! published as part of a series by Exceptional Innovations, which publishes educational materials. The subtitle is Teaching Mathematical Word Problem Solving to Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

 Whitby was mentored by the late Marjorie Montague, a professor at the University of Miami who developed "Solve It!" It is an instructional approach that focuses on the unique challenges students with autism face when learning how to solve mathematical word problems.

Whitby designed and field-tested instructional accommodations and techniques that support students with autism spectrum disorder in successfully accessing the evidence-based Solve It! approach. The instructional accommodations also can be integrated seamlessly into inclusive classrooms.

The book helps teachers understand the research that supports the teaching approach both across types of disabilities and to students without disabilities. It also gives information on modifying instruction as needed, and it instructs teachers on how to assess the effectiveness of Solve It! with their students.

The book comes with a flash drive with additional material, including video of Whitby using the instructional approach and case studies of three students with autism. It aligns with Common Core State Standards and standards used in states that have not adopted the Common Core standards.