Abstract:
The purpose of the research was to describe the effectiveness of using PLATO, an
integrated learning system, with special education students for the purpose of improving
their reading skills. A review of the literature identified at least 18 quantitative studies
since 1983. Nearly half of the studies were carried out by evaluators independent of the
developing company, which found positive and educationally meaningful results from
PLATO instruction. This action research study included pre-posttests, observations,
interviews, and a post-intervention survey. The eight student participants were special
education students from grades five through eight: all have been diagnosed and identified
with a reading or learning disability. The students participated in using PLATO activities
during their special education resource classes and in the regular education setting as an
alternate curriculum. Findings suggest that students enjoyed the program and increased
their reading skills. The teachers involved liked the program because the students could
work at their own pace and at their own functional level. The results of the study were
communicated to the learning community through a brief meeting with teachers that had
special education students in their regular education classrooms. The Learning
Community Report gives the details of the presentation to these teachers.