Rhonda Rosenberg’s Research Shows column [“Einstein’s struggles motivate students,” April 7] has revealed what I have observed for many years now, teaching the same population and most of the time 7th- and 8th-grade students with disabilities. Although that particular research focused on science, it is also true of other subjects as well. Whether it is Reginald Punnett, O. Henry (William Sydney Porter), Gary Soto, Walter Dean Myers, John Venn or any other name associated with a topic, the tasks become more meaningful when I present material about an author’s background to my students. They are more attentive, retain more and incorporate that newly acquired knowledge in their responses.

Chaitram Aklu, IS 292, Brooklyn