The need for personnel preparation planning in special education is emphasized, and guidelines for meeting and going beyond the personnel preparation requirements in P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, are suggested. (CL)

The article focuses on decisions to be made in planning and implementing programs for gifted and talented students, including resolving issues in the following areas: definition of giftedness, identification, establishing the climate for success, delineation of program objectives and activities, evaluation, and dissemination. (CL)

Discusses various ways that parents can serve schools as volunteers as well as some productive spinoffs resulting from their educational assistance to teachers. (RK)

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing remote access to campus computer networks and the Internet, focusing on improved service, cost-sharing, partnerships with vendors, supported protocols, bandwidth, scope of access, implementation, support, network security, and pricing. Includes a checklist for a request for proposals on…

Higher education institutions have increasingly adopted marketing principles to achieve institutional objectives. However, direct application of the traditional marketing mix as characterized by four P's (product, price, place, promotion) can be problematic. A reconceptualization of the marketing mix applies four C's: concept (mix of goods and…

This survey of local education agencies (N=40) examines educational placement of visually impaired students and related factors that might be helpful in development of placement procedures for day school programs. Widespread acceptance of multiply handicapped children in day school programs appears to be affecting educational placement and related…

This article presents practical information to help teachers become an effective force for drug education in their schools. A profile of a second grade teacher is included. She created a program that combines parent involvement and building student self-esteem in an effort to prepare children to refuse drugs in later years. (IAH)

Strategies for establishing and maintaining an effective vocational assessment program for students with learning disabilities involve highlighting the school motivation and career planning connection, securing administrative support, conducting a needs assessment, communicating goals, maintaining open communication with school personnel,…

Contends that strengthening the relationship between university departments or schools of music and K-12 music programs will improve music programs at all levels. Discusses the goals and structure of the Partnership in Musical Excellence program that has linked the School of Music at Ohio State University and several Ohio school systems. (DB)

A checklist is presented that provides an organizational framework for the development, review, and selection of instructional techniques and programs for persons having severe handicaps. The checklist covers instructional content, description of learner population, instructional methods, testing and recording, individualization, program…

Describes one department's experience with curriculum development through the formulation of a departmental mission statement reflecting the shared sociological goals of faculty and students. Discusses the process of achieving consensus, the actual mission statement, and the curricular and program implications of such a process. (KO)

A mentoring program for both gifted and nongifted low- or under-achieving students in grades three-six was developed to improve students' academic standing and self-esteem. Mentors and mentees discuss difficulties with school or social relationships, become involved in special projects, etc. The program has also improved bonds among faculty…

Identifies a number of challenges facing the community services profession in the coming years, including not overextending itself; not working at cross purposes with other groups within or outside of the college; making community services more developmental; and building a sense of community within the field. (DMM)

Outlines characteristics of effective technology-based distance-learning programs that meet specific local needs, incorporate current educational theory and practice, and satisfy the social and emotional needs of the students. Presents guidelines for program development in rural schools. (SV)

Parents of 25 infants/toddlers with handicaps were surveyed to gain perspectives on easing the transition from home-based infant programs to preschool programs. Analysis of the results led to 4 major recommendations and a series of steps that infant program staff can follow to facilitate transition to preschool program options. (JDD)