The purpose of Project COMPETE is to use previous research and exemplary practices to develop and validate a model and training sequence to assist retarded youth to make the transition from school to employment in the most competitive environment possible. The curriculum described in this project working paper focuses on personal maintenance and…

A guide to developing lesson plans for classroom instruction in English as a second language (ESL) based on learning style theory draws on the experience of the Arlington County Schools (Virginia). It begins by describing the theory of learning styles, their applications, and the process of developing lesson plans by "4matting," which postulates…

The U.S. Department of State's Foreign Service Institute French Familiarization and Short-Term (FAST) course for personnel working and living in France consists of 10 weeks of French language instruction combined with practical and cultural information. An introductory section outlines FAST course objectives and sample teaching techniques in…

The manual examines three teaching programs designed to help special needs young adults cope with the normal demands of living in the community. Instruction is provided in college-based and community-based facilities by a course team. Three basic programs cover communication skills, self-help, and work experience. Each program includes information…

Describes reasons for the recent demise of the full employment goal in today's society. Predicts that the present and future reality of high unemployment will necessitate a change in the curriculum of public schools to include three main categories of "education for unemployment": (1) survival skills; (2) contextual awareness; and (3)…

Two educators describe the changes in a severely retarded, multiply disabled 12-year-old resulting from a functional curriculum approach. Assessment of his life needs and skills produced a new curriculum with emphasis on age appropriate interests. (CL)

Describes a full-year course called Applied Mathematics. The course covers topics in two general categories, namely, personal money management and job-related mathematics. General instructional strategies used and a sample student project (on budgets) are included. (JN)

Towers have been a part of developing society for centuries. In this activity, students investigate towers that serve a variety of purposes. Student groups build three types of towers, engineering them to hold an egg one foot high for 15 seconds. This activity requires a 60-minute time period for completion. (Author/SOE)

In this activity, students learn about composite materials, tension as a force, and how they act on structural components through the design and testing of a strip of plastic chair webbing. This activity requires a 60-minute time period for completion. (Author/NB)

This brochure describes the Challenging Athletes Minds for Personal Success (CHAMPS)/Life Skills program that was launched by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in 1994. The program was created to support the student development initiatives of its member institutions and to enhance the quality of the student-athlete experience…

Suggested activities for students include (1) analyzing their current financial position, (2) setting their financial priorities, (3) determining their net worth, (4) determining their income and expense, and (5) setting up a recordkeeping system. (HD)

This article describes the Life Skills program used to improve the social skills of 12 students with learning disabilities in an Israeli middle school. Each of two groups (girls or boys) met weekly for 5 months to address social skills topics. The article notes gender differences in reactions and participation, and outcomes in such areas as…

Presented are examples of academic, social, daily living, and motor skills that might be targeted for observational instruction for students with handicaps. At each of three phases of development (acquisition level, fluency level, and generalization level), suggestions are offered on choosing what to teach and deciding how to teach. (JDD)

The article questions the loss model used to explain a lack of motivation in visually impaired clients. An alternative model proposes that self-efficacy is the primary factor in adjustment, suggesting that early skill-oriented intervention can prevent loss of competence and foster a sense of personal control essential for successful…

Examined were the effects of reversing the color of stimulus materials used to teach survival vocabulary to 16 spastic cerebral palsied and 16 other multihandicapped adolescents with mental retardation. Compared to black-on-white cards, white-on-black cards improved the acquisition performance of both groups, but did not affect retention.…