Kurdish Studies Apr 2023 Volume: 11, No: 3, pp. 27-38 ISSN: 2051-4883 (Print) | ISSN 2051-4891 (Online) www.KurdishStudies.net Received: May 2023 Accepted: June 2023 DOI: https://doi.org/10.58262/ks.v11i3.003 Training Special Education Teachers to use Reading Interventions with Students with Intellectual Disabilities Majed Alshehri 1 Abstract Modern inclusive education systems place a top priority on providing students with a high-quality education, especially those who require special schooling. One of the most important abilities for these to have the ability to read proficiently, which is the basis for both academic achievement and lifetime learning. This paper emphasizes the value of providing special education teachers with training in research- proven reading interventions in order to improve student results. Evidence-based reading therapies, which target particular reading issues and advance reading competency, have gained popularity. This study describes the essential elements of extensive training courses created to give special education instructors the information and abilities they need to apply research-based reading interventions. The research analyzes the many facets of such training programs, including material selection, instructional methodologies, assessment methods, and continuous professional development, drawing on recent literature and educational practices. The study also explores the advantages of providing special education teachers with training in research-based reading interventions for both teachers and students. It looks at how these treatments improve instructors' pedagogical strategies, strengthen their comprehension of reading challenges, and provide them the tools to customize interventions to meet the needs of particular students. The paper also highlights the benefits of evidence-based training for students, who benefit from receiving tailored instruction that can greatly raise their reading comprehension, reading fluency, and general academic engagement. In conclusion, this research effectively address the varied learning needs of students with reading difficulties, it is crucial that special education teachers receive training in research-based reading interventions. Teachers can create a more welcoming and encouraging learning environment and eventually enable students to achieve higher levels of literacy and academic success by incorporating scientifically established strategies into their teaching practices. Keywords: Evidence-Based Reading Interventions, Instructional Methodologies, Pedagogical Strategies, Special Education Teachers. Introduction In the past, reading education was not provided to students with intellectual disabilities since it was not thought that they would learn to read (Koritsas & Iacono, 2011). The cultural expectations for this group of learners have changed over the years, and now it is expected that children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities will get literacy education and benefit from it (Reichow et al., 2019). The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA; 2004) and No Child Left Behind (NCLB; 2002) are two federal laws that require schools to improve reading results for all children, including those with disabilities. These regulations mandate that all students receive age-appropriate, relevant, and evidence-based reading instruction that fosters achievement in the least restrictive setting (LRE). Recent data, however, indicates that just 9% of kids with disabilities and 40% of students without disabilities tested at proficient or above levels in eighth-grade reading (Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), 2013). Additionally, only 3% of students with ID scored proficient on a statewide reading test (Trexler, 2013). This circumstance demonstrates the necessity for general and special educators to find 1 Department of Special Education, College of Education, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Riyadh, 16278, Saudi Arabia. Email: maj.alshehri@psau.edu.sa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8343-4503