This paper presents a systematic approach for addressing the support needs of persons with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities and describes a new scale to measure individual differences in support needs. It explains the process used in developing the scale and discusses critical issues and practical challenges associated…

Two studies with children (n=123) with mild mental retardation were designed to test whether specific clusters of beliefs would predict imitation and persistence behaviors in this population. The studies found that belief scores were significantly related to such behaviors. Implications concerning motivation, the developmental-difference…

This paper identifies fundamental characteristics of successful heterogeneous public schools, outlining examples of practices that enable schools to accommodate greater student variance. Characteristics include, among others, outcomes-based instructional models; utilization of peer power; cooperative learning; opportunities for professional…

This study reports the very different reactions and choices of legally blind twin sisters who were provided services through the Mississippi Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind agency. Emphasis is on the importance of individual differences and variables, such as personality, over which the rehabilitation agency has no control. (DB)

Asserts that counseling psychology programs should consider providing education and training in health psychology. Presents guidelines for education and training including scientist-practitioner model, university-based context, grounding in counseling psychology and research methodology, core courses in health psychology, elective courses,…

A research study of identical twins, by Thomas J. Bouchard Jr., discloses that genetics exert a stronger influence over personality than we thought. Parents and teachers are advised to be active and alert observers of children's interests and talents to provide appropriate tools and resources to develop these propensities. (MLF)

The study examined the range of reading skills in 2,812 general education students in grades 1-6 attending 34 elementary schools. Results documented a wide range of reading skills both within and across grades. Findings are discussed in terms of relations between general and special education. (Author/DB)

Ten professional academic advisors were observed in advising sessions with 35 traditional-aged undergraduates to determine whether advising styles are observable and whether conceptual differences between prescriptive and developmental advising approaches are distinguishable. Individuals were observed to use one of three styles and did not vary…

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the domain specificity of multidimensional motivation and engagement (adaptive cognitions, adaptive behaviors, impeding/maladaptive cognitions, maladaptive behaviors) in mathematics, English and science high school subjects, with an additional focus on three key educational correlates (educational…

The children's picture book and parent/teacher discussion guide present disabilities as among the many "differences" that make the world interesting. Acceptance of people with handicaps is stressed in the sample questions and answers in the discussion guide. Fifteen additional resources (print, audiovisual, and other) are recommended. (DB)

The role of affect in counseling has been examined from several orientations. The depth of processing model views the efficiency of information processing as a function of the extent to which the information is processed. The notion of cognitive processing capacity states that processing information at deeper levels engages more of one's limited…

After a brief story illustrating the essential humanness of the work of educators, a British educator addressing an American audience reviews fundamental ideas about the nature of children and offers suggestions about optimal classroom practices. The ideas about the nature of children which are presented concern the uniqueness of individuals and…

The pros and cons of developing a performance-based physical education program are examined with particular emphasis upon individual abilities of students. (JD)

This learning center consists of six stations with progressive activities in various physical skills, such as ball handling, clay modeling, and rope jumping. The intent is to help youngsters to improve their skills in these areas and to realize that individuals vary in their abilities. (SJL)

In the model presented here, it is proposed that four factors and their interrelationships be considered when planning moral values instruction: the desired values of a society or subculture, learner ability, learner motivation, and theory-based instructional design principles. (Author)