Evaluated Life Skills training programs conducted within 3 Canadian penitentiaries in terms of how effectively they met goals of changing inmates' personal and social functioning. Comparison of 68 treated inmates with 22 untreated controls indicated clear benefits for trained subjects. Discusses findings in terms of value of training in Life…

Development and validation of the Assessment of Social Competence (ASC), designed for individuals at all levels of functioning, are described. Results from samples of 140 children/youth and 161 adults with mental retardation and other disabilities indicate ASC is a comprehensive, criterion-referenced tool for both descriptive and intervention…

This study examined factors of personal competency and community participation in discriminating between 336 people with mental retardation living in small group homes and small foster homes. Personal competencies were least important in distinguishing on the basis of setting. Primary differences emerged in extent of community participation,…

To determine the worth of leisure education for adolescents with mental retardation, this study tested a model program in the public schools of Wake County, North Carolina. Findings indicated positive changes in behaviors and attitudes. Limitations, implications, and recommendations are also discussed. (GLR)

Interviews were conducted with staff and family members of 54 Australian individuals with mental retardation and with nine of the individuals, who had been moved from a psychiatric hospital to community residential homes. Overall, all informants regarded the move as positive and reported improvements in daily living skills, social skills, and…

Violence and risky behavior sound a wakeup call for schools. Schools need to teach accurate, honest, and relevant life-saving reality education. A K-12 comprehensive health-education framework with age-appropriate prevention messages and positive life skills is crucial. Programs need to be accurate, up-to-date, and brutally honest. (MLF)

Travelers with dual sensory losses present the rehabilitation professional with additional tasks and responsibilities that expand the instructional curriculum. Effective instruction in rehabilitation and orientation and mobility includes teaching strategies and tools for dealing with unfamiliar people through "communication" (conveying…

This study's purpose was to determine the youth leadership life skills of Texas 4- H, FFA, and FCCLA members participating as school tour guides. Descriptive characteristics were evaluated to determine those affecting leadership life skills development. School tour guides participating in the exit-meeting during the 2004 San Antonio Livestock…

A survey assessed the placement expectations and prognostications of educators, physicians, psychologists, and social workers (N=383) for mildly, moderately, and severely mentally retarded persons. Physicians had lower expectations of retarded individuals, particularly regarding the independent living skills of the moderately retarded and…

Four interdisciplinary programs for the developmentally disabled are described: (1) a paraprofessional degree training program; (2) supported employment for institutionalized adults; (3) a service/research program in the area of communication technology and training for nonspeaking persons; and (4) a communication skills program for persons who…

Offers 11 recommendations (based on the success of vocational training programs established at Wisconsin's Ethan Allen and Lincoln Hills correctional high schools) for establishing a curriculum that meets problem students' needs. (IW)

Based on observations in 10 preschools in Taipei (Taiwan) in 1982, describes social-emotional behaviors for teacher-child interactions, display of emotions, self-esteem, responsibility, and peer interactions. These behaviors are compared to those seen in centers on the Chinese mainland, suggesting similarities and differences in educational and…

Describes the basic principles of the Personal Discovery Approach to motivating students (individuation, tasks, journey, imagery, dreams) and program modules (survival strategies, autobiographical work, "Express Yourself,""Experimental Listening," value clarification, "Group Time,""Human…

Outlines key problem-solving and decision-making skills in which special needs students are deficient. Discusses the importance of teaching those skills. Describes a specific procedure called the Personal Problem Solving Guide, which utilizes readily available personal computer technology to teach children social decision-making and…

This study solicited 56 teachers' perceptions of nonacademic skills of students with behavioral disorders (BD) and learning disabilities (LD). Regular class teachers perceived differences in nonacademic skills demonstrated by BD, LD, and normally achieving students. Differences were also found between regular and special educators' assessments of…