A literature review, the experiences of the authors, and the results of the Project To Improve and Reward Teaching (PIRT) at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, are used to derive suggestions for change in academic departments. A qualitative study of change in eight PIRT departments has provided data to support the suggestions. Assessing the…

In this digest the functions of an administrator in gifted and talented education are explored. Administrators are seen to have responsibilities in awareness of the students, in community, and the curriculum. Among specific tasks outlined for administrators are developing plans for continuing identification of gifted students, ensuring that…

This booklet reviews the literature and offers practical suggestions for dealing with exceptional children who are, or are suspected of being, abused and neglected. It describes what is known about child abuse in general and then as it specifically relates to children with disabilities. It examines factors associated with abuse and outlines…

Computer assisted career guidance (CACG) systems and other computer applications are becoming established components of counseling and guidance services. While technical details involved in software and hardware operations are usually attended to, problems resulting from interpersonal dynamics in the implementation process often contribute more to…

This booklet examines the plight of homeless families who have children who need special educational services. It explores the magnitude of homelessness among families, provides empirical descriptions of homeless populations, and identifies factors contributing to the rising incidence of homelessness in the United States. Specific effects of…

This book is intended to aid in the development of a counseling program component for gifted students. The 10 papers address the following areas: the nature and needs of the population, the role of interventionists (educators and parents), strategies for intervention, and model counseling programs. After an introductory paper which lists guiding…

This digest provides useful information on starting an elementary school foreign language (FLES) program. Individual sections address the following: (1) cautions in planning a FLES program; (2) initiating the planning process; (3) designing the program, with special attention given to scheduling and language choice; (4) programs that lead to high…

This digest, based on a larger document titled, "Homeless and in Need of Special Education," by L. Juane Heflin and Kathryn Rudy, focuses on educational aspects of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. Briefly discussed are: the effects of homelessness on children (e.g., increased health problems); the educational implications…

The ongoing process of developing new academic programs is slow, and the process by which this gradual reshaping occurs involves all aspects of the institution of higher education. The overlap of innovation in organizations, strategic planning, and program evaluation is important in this development. Administrators, trustees, and faculty members…

This digest urges greater collaboration between academic departments and student affairs personnel at institutions of higher education for the purpose of providing students with a seamless culture of learning. Reports of the American College Personnel Association, the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, and the American…

This booklet addresses the plight of pregnant teenagers and teenage parents, especially those in special education, and the role of program developers and practitioners in responding to their educational needs. After a brief introduction, a research synthesis notes similarities of predictors, extent, and consequences of teenage pregnancy and…

This digest summarizes information on incidence in and identification and intervention of potentially suicidal children and youth with disabilities. Estimates suggesting that some categories of exceptional youth have higher suicide rates than the general population are cited. Suicide risk factors and signs that a student is potentially suicidal…

The success of a merit pay program depends primarily on careful, cooperative planning involving all constituencies who will be affected, so that the resulting plan is affordable, acceptable to teachers, and adapted to the needs of the district. Criteria for awards should reflect the goals of the program, and should be applied fairly and…

This brief report summarizes a monograph of the same title. Evidence of increasing interest in high school-college partnerships is presented. Among the reasons cited for renewed interest are: changing student population, students' frequent lack of skills preparedness, and the awareness of a need for new models of inservice staff development for…

This booklet reviews the role of school personnel in detecting signs of depression and potential suicide, taking appropriate actions, and developing and implementing treatment programs. An introductory chapter notes factors related to depression and suicide that may be evident in exceptional children. The second chapter provides a research…