This article offers a variety of strategies for pre-service and beginning teachers to utilize in order to create positive and effective relationships with families that are built on clear communication and trust. It is crucial for new and veteran teachers to understand the importance of successful communication with parents and families of…

Research on communication instruction for students with severe intellectual disabilities is reviewed, focusing on the pragmatic elements involved in accomplishing a successful communicative exchange. A federally funded project, called the "Conversation and Social Competence Research Project," is then described. The project sought to…

Presents criteria that should be considered in the educational placement of a child with hearing impairments and in the development of the child's individualized education program (IEP), including consideration of communication and socio-emotional needs. A list of tests normed on students with deafness is included. (CR)

This curriculum guide, based on the position that career education is a major focus of the educational program, is designed to assist students with disabilities to become productive workers and independent adults. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the history and importance of career education for children with disabilities. The features of career…

This paper summarizes the research literature on the best ways for teachers to communicate with parents of children with disabilities. The relatively scanty empirical research suggests that what actually works with parents is not always what teachers expect. Findings suggest that research-tested methods of communication with parents of children…

This book presents ideas and techniques to help children with Down syndrome communicate better by mastering the language skills necessary for classroom success as well as those needed for social interaction. It also discusses the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process for speech-pathology services and what needs to be included in the IEP.…

This CD-ROM disk contains a curriculum on vector communication for students with moderate and severe multiple disabilities. Section 1 discusses pragmatic communication, functional analysis of behavior, augmentative and alternative communication, including gestures and signs, use of pictures and pictographs, and low, medium, and high tech…

The long-range goal of Louisiana's teacher professional accountability programs is to enhance student learning by providing opportunities for teachers to strengthen skill areas and by identifying those aspects of teaching performance that may need improvement. "Strategies for Effective Teaching in the 21st Century" is intended to be used…