Degree Name
Master of Science in Education
Department or Program
Special Education
Advisor
Dr. Dimitris Anastasiou
Abstract
Reading comprehension is a challenge for adolescents with learning disabilities, particularly with respect to comprehending expository texts. The present literature review analyzes the importance of using graphic organizers (GOs) to improve reading comprehension for students with learning disabilities (LD). A systematic review was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of GOs to assist middle school students with LD improve their reading comprehension. The review covered 11 studies published between 1990 and 2013, which were coded and analyzed. Of these studies, nine provided evidence that GOs help students with LD with reading comprehension. However, three studies found no significant differences in the performance levels of students with LD. Implications for practice are discussed.