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Special Educators Borrow From Brain Studies

Teacher Krista Vetrano talks to 4th grader Oliver Wayland Thompson about coping strategies, at the Ivymount School in Rockville, Md. The relaxation techniques are among a growing number of interventions drawn from research in mind and brain science that are making their way into special education classrooms nationwide.

—Stephen Voss for Education Week

By Nirvi Shah

Rockville, Md.

In a corner of a classroom here at the Ivymount School , a frustrated 7th grader tells himself to take a deep breath. Slowly, without distracting his classmates, he calms down.

This exercise is among many strategies derived from brain-science research that educators at this private school are using with students with disabilities. In this case, the technique is being taught to students with Asperger syndrome, for whom self-control in a moment of frustration can be elusive.

The five steps to regaining calm—including breathing deeply, reading directions, and telling oneself to give something a try—are taped to many of the desks of students in...