The beginning of the 21st century is marked by systemic, economic and social transformations in Poland and Russia, that significantly affected the education system, including the education for persons with special needs. This paper is an attempt to present synthetically the changes relating to persons with disabilities. The current state of the…

The polio vaccine became available in 1955, due almost entirely to the efforts of the March of Dimes. In 1921, Franklin Roosevelt gave a public face to polio and mounted a campaign to prevent it, establishing the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis in 1938. During the Depression, U.S. citizens were asked to contribute one dime. Entertainer…

Transmitting the achievements of civilization and the values of culture to younger generations is the task of today's higher education as the agent of socialization, the accumulation of human capital, and the formation of the middle class. All of these vital functions of higher education can be accomplished provided that efforts are made to ensure…

The article examines issues related to the professional development of teachers. The presented material is structured according to four main themes: teacher self-assessment of their professional competence; their attitude toward traditional forms of training; their participation in events organized by the educational community and associations;…

A survey of 27 Russian students and educators enrolled in a defectology course found that most respondents were knowledgeable of and supported inclusion practices advocated in the United States and Western Europe, although belief in traditional practices of segregation of individuals with disabilities was also evident. The survey also addressed…

Discusses special education in Russia by reviewing: (1) background information on the formation of a Russian-American partnership; (2) special education in Russia from an historical perspective; (3) the current status of special education; and (4) future directions of Russian special education. Identifies an emerging theme of more humanistic…

Describes changes that are occurring in Russia with regard to the treatment of students with disabilities, those at risk, or who are juvenile delinquents. The need for an interdisciplinary and interagency model of service delivery to meet the needs of persons with disabilities and to prevent increases in crime is proposed. (CR)

Discusses both the background and the current state of treatment of children with disabilities in Russia. Describes the theoretical basis of the modern Russian approach to disability, the current population's needs, and the existing system for referral and rehabilitation. Identifies merging trends and new perspectives on the Russian treatment of…

Traces the history of special education services in Russia from its beginning in the early nineteenth century through the rapid expansion of both private and government-supported programs and institutions under the restrictive Soviet period. Changes being implemented currently are noted, including provision of learning disability specialists in…

Reports on two educators' visits to Poland, Russia, and the Czech Republic between 1991 and 1993 and their observations on the early childhood educational systems in these countries. Examines the role of children and families, preschool education, curriculum, special needs children, and the training of kindergarten teachers in these countries.…

Discusses tensions and dilemmas that arise in the implementation of Vygotskian psychology. Analyzes the development of special educational needs and practice in the former Soviet Union and compares this with similar changes in England and Wales. Uses interviews in Russian schools and Moscow State University to illustrate the analysis. (CFR)

This teacher's guide and student guide unit contains supplemental readings, activities, and methods adapted for secondary students who have disabilities and other students with diverse learning needs. The materials differ from standard textbooks and workbooks in several ways: simplified text; smaller units of study; reduced vocabulary level;…