Purpose: This article examines how the Republic of Ireland conceptualizes disability, specifically acquired brain injury (ABI); how it meets the needs of people with ABI; and its similarities and difference with the U.S. system of ABI professional care, policy, and services. The article provides ideas for improvements and innovations toward ABI…

Reports on research that shows that people with nerve or limb injuries may one day be able to command wheelchairs, prosthetics, and even paralyzed arms and legs by "thinking them through" the motions. (Author/MM)

A discussion of recent developments and research on school improvement efforts precedes a review of information needs for broadening the data base on implementation and evaluation of innovative school improvement programs for handicapped and nonhandicapped students. A table matches effective classroom learning environments and expected student…

This packet of information focuses on innovative practices related to supported living for people with disabilities. It opens with an article by John O'Brien, "Supported Living: What It's Not," which summarizes common misunderstandings of supported living. The next section describes eight innovative agencies in the area of support…

The "regular education initiative," whose chief proponent is Assistant Secretary of Education Madeleine Will, calls for the merger of special education and regular education into one system. It is based on the Adaptive Learning Environment Model (ALEM) developed by Margaret Wang and her associates. This paper reviews the research,…

This discussion of the impact of computers on education focuses on microcomputer developments since 1975, the advantages of microcomputers over other computers, some innovative computer based activities in the United States, and the principal inhibitors to effective use of computers in schools. Four references are listed. (CHC)

Summarizes key themes described in the learning organization literature and discusses ways in which each theme illuminates how schools might be better organized to deliver services for students with disabilities. Addresses organizational learning, knowledge, authentic communication, vision, steward leadership, systems perspective, and…

An onsite study of two major program areas (faculty development and curriculum revision) in a national sample of 11 Dean's Grant Program projects sought to increase understanding of how academic innovation and change occur in higher education, and the processes for effectively managing change. Case study methodology was used, and data were…

Examines some obstacles to full implementation of provisions of the 1997 Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Explores ways middle schools might overcome these obstacles, primarily by viewing behavior problems as errors in learning that can be ameliorated through quality instruction. Discusses ways in which schools must…

Reviews problems with the current movement to use national standards and performance assessment to reform education and the impact of the standards on students with disabilities. The characteristics of standards, as they are currently being employed, are discussed, along with issues related to measurement, reliability, and validity. (Author/CR)

This report describes materials identified during a study of professional training curricula in schools of social work, psychiatric nursing, clinical psychology, special education, and child psychiatry throughout the United States. The purpose of the project was to locate innovative course curricula and other materials designed to promote…

This paper reviews both the content and the methodological issues involved in the small but growing number of empirical studies on the use of Direct Instruction programs and teaching procedures with special populations. The research reviewed includes experimental and quasi-experimental work, summative evaluations of entire programs, and…

The successes and disappointments encountered in two programmatic efforts to incorporate effective instructional practices for students with learning disabilities into mainstream classroom activities are highlighted. The lessons learned from these two examples lead to implications for researchers and practitioners interested in improving…

This article discusses shifting from special education to inclusive, outcomes-based education (OBE) in South Africa. It examines why there is a shift toward OBE, different educational paradigms, and shifting from fundamental pedagogy to OBE. Necessary changes are highlighted, and include a shift from classification to using OBE for progression and…

This literature review examines alternative routes to teacher certification and presents alternative certification regulations and policies for 19 states. Three categories of nontraditional personnel preparation programs are noted: nontraditional recruitment programs, retraining programs, and alternative certification programs. A definition of…