This paper examines state-of-the-art early childhood education and gifted education, identifies points of intersection and potential collaboration between the two fields, and offers implications for practice. Intersection points discussed include the characteristics of good programs, importance of early intervention, integrated curriculum, parent…

This paper discusses issues related to educating children dependent on medical technology. It examines the movement toward greater normalization for these children, the use of transdisciplinary teams to develop specific plans addressing the students' unique health care and educational needs, and possible curricular and classroom accommodations.…

This article discusses the history of integrating services for students with disabilities and modern service integration initiatives. Examples of requirements for service integration are listed and interprofessional collaboration is described. The complexity, difficulties, and opportunities associated with school-related integration and…

This article discusses the increasing use of paraprofessionals in special education and addresses the following five areas: the role of paraprofessionals, the impact of the proximity of paraprofessionals on students with disabilities, the impact of paraprofessionals on teacher engagement, the importance of professional recognition, and strategies…

This article provides a rationale for changing the base upon which healthcare services for individuals with stroke and aphasia can be provided. It summarizes the interaction between the Aphasia Institute and the West Greater Toronto Stroke Network who worked together to effect meaningful change. A set of guidelines is provided. (Contains…

This project identified models, practices, and existing projects, both in Indiana and throughout the United States, that demonstrated partnership efforts between families/home (particularly those families having students with disabilities) and educators/schools. This report presents a literature review on the nature, extent, effectiveness, and…

This study conducted a literature review concerning the use of teacher collaboration as a problem-solving process intended to provide educational services to students at risk and with disabilities. Various types of resistance to collaborative service delivery were grouped in the following categories: knowledge, skills, and training perceptions of…

A study examined the relative merits of individual and cooperative methods of vocabulary instruction in the seventh grade. It was hypothesized that socialization would act as a motivating force among these adolescents, and that those involved in paired instruction would show increased vocabulary retention. Students in both control (individual) and…

An insightful overview of what makes schools effective is presented. The report is based on a study of 272 schools that have been recognized by the Department of Education as exemplary, with particular focus given to the 60 private elementary schools within this group. Themes and characteristics that are frequently mentioned include strong…

In a reflection upon the characteristics of effective schools and colleges of education, descriptions are offered on the qualities of effective leaders, management teams, and organizations. The dean is characterized as the key to the effectiveness of a teacher education institution. The dean must not only have a clear mission and high…

This paper explores a model of self-supervision for professional school psychologists which maximizes the amount of supervisory resources available. The history and current status of supervision in school psychology is reviewed. One model of self-supervision for professional school psychologists, the supervisory pool concept, is described and…

Theory Z is a form of management which stresses consensual, participative decision making through quality circles. Replacement of the hierarchical school district organization by self-direction and trust within the educational community can lead to commitment, loyalty, and motivation. Cooperation in equal partnership ends the adversarial…

This brief paper examines issues in service delivery and collaborative partnerships in light of requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 and the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, both of which emphasize the importance of providing access to the general curriculum for students with disabilities and…

To illustrate the principles and conflicts inherent in ensuring the self-determination of individuals with disabilities, this paper discusses the challenges faced by the parents of Shari, an adult with developmental disabilities. Throughout Sheri's 30 years, her parents have sought to create the kind of supports and opportunities that will put…

This article synthesizes research on teacher effectiveness, school effectiveness, and organizational change and interprets what the findings imply for staff development in the schools. Nine research-based themes for staff development efforts are outlined. (PP)