Speech language pathologists providing collaborative-consultative services are urged to utilize a student skills framework, such as that of the MEGASKILLS approach, which focuses on developing students' confidence, motivation, effort, responsibility, initiative, perseverance, caring, teamwork, problem solving, and common sense. (DB)

This article presents the techniques of a special education teacher who practiced effective scaffolded instruction. A case study illustrates use of scaffolded instruction to break the failure cycle and such techniques as establishing a shared goal, actively diagnosing the learner's understandings and needs, providing tailored assistance, giving…

This document presents a brief synthesis of recent literature on attention deficit difficulties with hyperactivity, particularly literature concerning classroom interventions. It describes diagnostic criteria for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, its incidence, behavioral characteristics of students who exhibit attention difficulties and…

A differentiated curriculum can provide the basis for discovering, serving, and nurturing academic talent across California's diverse student population. Differentiation provides tools to vary the curriculum or instruction so that students who have already mastered given material continue to progress and students who have a particular interest in…

In this publication are three short articles on successful school practices. "Learning Is the Outcome; Test Scores Are Just the Measure" describes test-preparation efforts in Mesa, Arizona, public schools. The district has instituted a program to assist principals and teachers in aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessment, and in…

This guide, in workbook form, offers an assessment model for service learning programs that focuses on the four constituencies of service learning: students, faculty, community, and the institution. The approaches described were evaluated and refined in a pilot study with 10 service learning courses. The model provides both quantitative and…

This review examines the research on literacy expectations and priorities for students using augmentative and alternative communication systems as well as for students without disabilities. It discusses implications of research findings for education and clinical practice, such as integrating literacy instruction with other activities, fostering…

This article discusses placement and educational approaches for students with hearing impairments including what the law provides, what students need, what conflicts exist, and implications for practice. The major principles of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (1997 amendments) are summarized. A continuum of placement options is…

This book discusses the challenge for today's schools to find the ways in which students with learning disabilities (LD) learn best and to deliver those opportunities for learning. The chapters focus on: (1) the elements of effective learning that belong in every classroom and the characteristics of students with LD; (2) theories of teaching and…

This paper identifies the bases and rationale for the concept of cooperative learning; describes the dynamics of the cooperative learning approach; and proposes methods that college faculty can use to enhance student motivation and learning. Cooperative learning is defined and is reported to have positive effects on student achievement, human…

Promoting nonviolent school discipline, this handbook describes a wide variety of punitive and preventive approaches practiced in American schools. After introductory passages discussing resistance to change and the declining but persistent use of corporal punishment, part one discusses the following topics under the heading…

This report identifies the methods and issues in the evaluation of student writing in classrooms and large scale assessments using an analytical scoring system from the Illinois Inventory of Educational Progress (IIEP). This guide is written for staff in state offices of education conducting large-scale writing assessments, and also for personnel…

Written for persons who serve as members of Committees on Special Education (CSE) in New York State, this guide reviews Committee responsibilities and various Committee management techniques. An introductory chapter outlines the impact of Federal, state, and local requirements and policies. The guide follows the sequence of Part 200 of the…

The paper provides information for Lutheran schools in Oklahoma attempting to design gifted programs in light of state accreditation requirements for such programs. The establishment of a committee for gifted programs is suggested as a first step. Formulating a philosophy about the program and the needs of students is the next step. Identification…

Intended for public school administrators and regular classroom teachers, the report discusses the nature of autistic children and examines aspects of successful educational programs for them. The historical background is traced down from Itard's wild boy through theories of faulty parental conditioning, to current thought on the causes of autism.…