This review examined the impact of online learning environments (OLE) on acquiring transferable skills (TS) through an analysis of 31 papers from the Web of Science database. Significant attention is given to critical thinking and communication skills, with moderate consideration given to creativity, problem-solving, and cooperation skills. Lesser…

This book addresses Problem-based Learning (PBL) in elementary schools and reveals how this can promote elementary students' development in critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, and citizenship, also known as the 5 Cs. Through teachers' interviews, the book explores which PBL strategies promote skills and knowledge gains…

Currently, one of the foremost questions many in the career and technical education (CTE) field are asking is: How can the design and delivery of CTE programs promote equity? CTE is currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity with policymakers and practitioners, and its proponents want to avoid repeating the history of vocational education,…

Everyone who runs a youth program believes in their hearts that their program helps kids, but in their heads, they know they need convincing data to prove it. This guide--updated from 2011--is here to help them get the data they need. The guide addresses a common problem throughout the youth field: Out-of-school time (OST) programs can help youth…

In 2010, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation's Education Program has established the Deeper Learning Initiative, which focuses on students' development of deeper learning skills (i.e., the mastery of core academic content, critical-thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and "learn-how-to-learn" skills). Two test…

The Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA) states that transition planning should begin at the earliest age appropriate and no later than age 16. IDEA requires schools to make collaborative efforts to provide students access to an array of postschool activities including integrated employment, postsecondary…

Concern over communication between schools and colleges spurred three organizations to sponsor a national conference to examine school/college relationships. (MD)

The article presents a way for teachers to rate the degree of facilitative communication employed with parents through responses to five situations dealing with parents of handicapped students. Responses vary from evaluating/instructing to understanding. (CL)

The article offers suggestions to special education personnel on eliminating technical language when dealing with parents and colleagues. (CL)

This paper points out the importance of special educators' communication skills in effective collaboration. The basic components of face-to-face communication are discussed, emphasizing the role of the speaker and listener. An explanation of the process of active listening is also included, noting possible verbal and nonverbal listener responses.…

Intended primarily for parents of and professionals working with handicapped children, the paper examines the parent-professional relationship and suggests ways to enhance communication. The parent's principal responsibility for monitoring the child's physical, psychological, and educational well-being is stressed. Suggestions for improving…

This paper reviews the impact on the instructional process of having paraprofessionals and adult volunteers, particularly parents and senior citizens, in the special education classroom. It discusses the duties they perform in the classroom and the reasons for low parental participation. The review of the literature suggests the following…

Interactions among parents and teachers are viewed from a transactional analysis (TA) perspective. Crossed transactions are depicted and adult-adult exchanges are cited as the bases of good parent/teacher relationships. (CL)

Presents examples of teacher-parent interactions designed to help teachers communicate with parents. The scenarios involve a teacher communicating with parents about a struggling student, a teacher communicating with parents about a student's behavior problems, and a teacher attempting to communicate with a confrontational parent. Teacher prompts…

Presents suggestions for how teachers can build positive, strong relationships with parents or caregivers, including: telephone parents before an open house or in-person meeting; start the first conference by asking parents to share what is happening at home; be aware of different cultures, values, and parenting styles; and enlist parent input.…