The article discusses in general terms the principle of normalization, along with its implications for the means and ends of instructing the severely handicapped. (Author/DLS)

Students with disabilities need self-determination skills to achieve desired in-school and post-school outcomes. Many of these students need direct and explicit instruction to develop these skills. To provide this instruction, schools can infuse self-determination skills into content instruction or adopt a stand-alone self-determination…

Argues that terms like "self care" and "survival skills" may make working parents feel better about having to work, but are linguistic cop-outs that obscure a serious and widespread evasion of social responsibility. (DT)

Because educators lack data on outcomes of educational interventions with handicapped students, the criterion of the least dangerous assumption is presented as an interim standard. The criterion holds that without conclusive data educational decisions should be based on assumptions which, if incorrect, for potential will provide the least danger…

Demonstrates the importance of the use of nonformal education programs for teaching basic survival skills to adults in developing countries. (Availability: Dept. of Adult Education, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506) (SK)

This article provides evidence that general intelligence ("g") has pervasive utility in work settings because it is essentially the ability to deal with cognitive complexity. Data from the National Adult Literacy Survey are used to show how higher levels of cognitive ability improve individuals' chances of dealing with the demands of…

Due to the increasing importance of science and technology in daily life, the general public is required to have the ability to evaluate the use of science and technology. Basic knowledge and competence necessary for evaluation and relevant decision making are called "technological literacy." The framework of technological literacy is…

Describes a curriculum guide to teach self-help skills for single parents. The guide features problem solving and decision making as the skills essential for effective management of one's life. (JOW)

The Alabama Rural Elderly Enhancement Project was originally intended to help maintain the health and independence of the elderly in Alabama; it developed into an intergenerational program. The project director's leadership built a strong organization that promoted linkages among community agencies and with citizens. (JOW)

Presents a rationale for changing from the current emphasis of precollege computer courses on BASIC programming skills to a focus on teaching applications software skills. Reviews research regarding the quality of computer literacy courses. Discusses parallel cognitive and affective consequences of programming and applications software. Promotes…

Includes three responses to David Lemire's article "Math Problem Solving and Mental Discipline." Contends that quality mathematics instruction should result in citizens capable of functioning productively in this highly technological, capitalistic, and democratic society. Proposes that mathematics is very relevant for real-life problem solving.…

The paper reports findings of a California committee on the need for differential graduation standards for students with learning disabilities and/or other educational handicaps. The committee proposes minimum levels of proficiency in career education, vocational education, work experience, and independent living skills to help students gain…

Career education offers an opportunity for schools to build comprehensive programs that will help handicapped students prepare for independent living. To be successful, programs at the secondary level must include family and community involvement, hands-on activities, systematic assessment, vocational education, and early experience. (JOW)

The author concludes that, without changing practice to reflect both the philosophical concepts of normalization and the psychological concepts of development, such handicapped people will continue to suffer the traditional trade-offs of normalization at the sacrifice of development, or development at the cost of normalization. (DLS)

Discusses the social organization of knowledge with respect to the teaching of everyday living skills. Examines communication strategies in a lesson on nutrition, finding a disjunction between the teachers' skill-oriented curricular framework and the impulses toward practical reasoning in the students' responses. Advocates a coping-oriented,…