Scheduling guidelines for teachers of severely handicapped students include that instruction should be activity-based and that interaction with nonhandicapped peers should be maximized. Characteristics of the students (physical limitations, age, and reinforcing activities) and of administration (necessary daily activities, personnel, regular…

Discusses five classroom seating arrangements developed by Anthony Papalia that correspond to five learning styles: (1) traditional teacher-front for incremental learners; (2) half-circle for intuitive learners; (3) circle with teacher seated for sensory specialists; (4) small-group seating for emotionally involved learners; and (5) scattered…

Presents classroom setup and display ideas that can help elementary teachers create an effective learning environment. Ideas include signposts for instructions; a classroom duties chart; teacher helper hats; and bulletin boards that feature famous authors, graphs, daily news, student work, and creative writing. (SM)

Suggests ways classroom teachers can prepare for absences and help make substitute teaching productive. Recommends forming a list of preferred substitutes at the beginning of the school year; clarifying with students expected behavior; and preparing a permanent substitute packet. (LS)

By giving each student a number to keep throughout the school year, teachers can maintain efficient classrooms. The paper describes this classroom management system, in which students apply for classroom jobs. The numbers can be used for homework and classroom assignments, organizing attendance, choosing teams, drawing names, and teacher files.…

This manual offers suggestions for the first year teacher with ideas and advice compiled from educational literature and questionnaires completed by other first year teachers, principals, and education professors. Topics include: (1) curricular preparation; (2) physical environment of neighborhood and school; (3) school rules and regulations; (4)…

The booklet examines issues and strategies in serving learning disabled (LD) secondary students. Chapter 1, on program development, reviews such program options as varieties of the resource room model and self-contained class and examines three major factors involved in decisions about program emphases: (1) administrative practices, (2) teacher…

Suggestions are presented to increase the special education teacher's organizational efficiency, focusing on instructional planning and use of time and space as they relate to classroom organization. (JDD)

Describes important components of parent education classes including: (1) class composition; (2) inherent vulnerability of participants; (3) a fun and encouraging atmosphere; (4) teachers who ask and do not tell; (5) teachers who accept mistakes; (6) a parent-friendly class that includes food, movement, and modeling; and (7) focus on parenthood as…

The six editions of this newsletter provide a forum for the sharing of research findings and instructional strategies by faculty of Western Michigan University on issues connected with critical thinking. Topics addressed include alternative program designs for critical thinking instruction, a philosophical exploration of what critical thinking is,…

Twenty-eight third grade teachers were observed by a team from the Research and Development Center for Teacher Education at the University of Texas in order to identify discipline and teaching strategies most conducive to the establishment of a successful student-teacher relationship. This package is the result. Ideas and suggestions designed to…

In multigrade instruction, children of at least a 2-year grade span and diverse ability levels are grouped in a single classroom and share experiences involving intellectual, academic, and social skills. "The Multigrade Classroom" is a seven-book series that provides an overview of current research on multigrade instruction, identifies…

The state of the art of exemplary teaching in exceptional child education programs is spelled out in this report, which was generated from observations of such practices, particularly in classrooms in Jefferson County (Kentucky) Public Schools, and referenced against various professional standards. The best practice standards described focus on…

The author explains a school-specific lesson observation format that meets the specific needs of teachers and evaluators. The lesson observation components of teacher evaluation become a positive experience for both teachers and evaluators using this system. (MD)

In multigrade instruction, children of at least a 2-year grade span and diverse ability levels are grouped in a single classroom and share experiences involving intellectual, academic, and social skills. "The Multigrade Classroom" is a seven-book series that provides an overview of current research on multigrade instruction, identifies key issues…