Cluster analysis was performed on the adaptive behavior scores of 2 samples of 200 institutionalized mentally retarded individuals. Three clusters were found to be stable across clustering methods, subject samples, and time points 3 years apart. Cluster membership was meaningfully associated with demographic characteristics and neurological and…

A scale of course appeal was tested on medical students in preclinical courses. Results showed that positive (pleasure, satisfaction) or negative (anxiety, grief) student reactions were substantially correlated with an independent measure, the Course Valuing Inventory. In addition, different student adaptation modes appeared to correspond to…

This book defines and reviews five central problems in the study of second language acquisition (SLA): (subconscious) transfer, staged development, cross-learner systematicity, incompleteness, and variability. The central thesis of the text is that linguistic knowledge is an autonomous component of SLA, distinct from the socially determined use of…

This paper explains the rationale for utilizing computer-based, hypermedia tutorials for radiology education and presents the results of a field test of this educational technique. It discusses the development of the hypermedia tutorials at Montreal General Hospital (Quebec, Canada) in 1991-92 and their use in the radiology residency program. The…

This guide to educational services for individuals with traumatic brain injury emphasizes that there is no such thing as a typical brain injury and that each child's recovery is unique. It stresses the schools' responsibility to serve these children's educational, psychological, emotional, communicative, and/or health needs, and urges public…

While teachers are becoming increasingly aware of different learning styles, they have generally rejected the practical use of learning styles in the classroom. This bulletin summarizes theories and findings on learning styles, demonstrates their use in exceptional and regular classrooms, and offers recommendations for those who want to use the…

The first of 11 documents on the Hawaii Integration Project (HIP) of severely disabled students presents information on ways to tailor social studies lessons for lower elementary nonhandicapped students (K-3). The curriculum stresses similarities among students and the importance of students learning from each other. Unit I explores similarities…

This article proposes the use of special education knowledge within a general education framework. Research on federal policies to achieve educational equity has shown that special education policies have created elements of an unequal educational system. Rural educators need to move beyond "special education" in rural settings, to address the…

A method of graphing multivariate data, called the star plot, is very useful in educational contexts because it provides teachers and guidance counselors with information not present in unsupplemented student achievement data. The utility of the method can be seen in analysis of data from a study of factors related to the problem-solving ability…

Reports on successfully using letter writing and dialogue journals in a classroom where the children's writing tended to be remarkable similar because they did not insert their personalities into their writing. Their writing grew individualistic, and their vocabularies improved through invented spelling. (SKC)

Since current instructional, environmental, medical, and neuropsychological interventions do not yield predictable benefits for learning disabled children, there is a need for naturalistic research on the prevention and correction of learning disabilities and learner differences. School personnel should focus on program development, evaluation,…

This digest discusses the need for differentiating language arts instruction for gifted students in grades K-8. It begins by describing differentiation approaches, including acceleration, depth, complexity, challenges, and creativity. It then explains how teachers can differentiate the language arts curriculum in the following five areas: (1)…

Issues associated with differentiation of learner needs and instruction in second language teaching are discussed. Differentiation is distinguished from mixed-ability teaching in that the former places emphasis on the requirements of individual learners, while the latter concerns pupil management for teaching purposes. An introductory section…

The development of programing for the gifted and the culturally diverse follows the same general developmental sequence: awareness, recognition, appreciation, acceptance, and affirmation. A gifted program model, based on the recognition of individual differences, enrichment, and self-actualization through counseling, can be effectively applied…

Discusses the purposes of student grades, including those driven by Individualized Education Programs. Grading options to ensure objectivity, fairness, and accountability for students with diverse needs are suggested. Types of tests available and possible adaptations are described. School districts are urged to create a grading policy that is…