This system aims to improve the communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity in schools that serve students with disabilities, especially those in urban and/or high-poverty settings. The STAR system outlines five practices that build a more adaptive and inclusive education environment while utilizing modes of communication and…

The place of private residential programs in the care of individuals with disabilities is discussed. Problems often associated with residential centers are considered and the Woods School, a private institution for handicapped children and adults, is described as an example of the positive benefits of private institutional care. (PHR)

The parent of a handicapped child reviews the development of parent groups and parent advocacy internationally. Among the programs described are weekend education courses for parents in Norway, deinstitutionalization efforts in England, mass media approaches in France, and the Extend-a-Family program in Canada in which a handicapped child is…

The column presents three brief articles on mainstreaming. W. Tice presents his view that Public Law 94-142 (the Education for All Handicapped Children Act) has been a disaster for American education. J. Halpert discusses problems in the implementation of P.L. 94-142. One high school's response to the mainstreaming mandate is recounted by P.…

This study examined the involvement of students with disabilities in the New American Schools Development Corporation (NASDC) projects. The report begins with a description of the competition to select demonstration projects that would create teams to design, implement, and disseminate "break-the-mold" schools to bring about educational…

Discusses (1) rationale for early identification and programing for gifted/talented children, (2) issues in developing a program for young children, (3) procedures for identifying the young gifted child, (4) guidelines for program evaluation, and (5) principles for program development. Two university programs, one for identifying gifted…

Presents achievements of the Community College of Denver's Center for the Physically Disadvantaged, which provides blind, deaf, brain-damaged, and wheelchair students with vocational evaluations, health services, instructional support, counseling, and job placement. Emphasizes special attitudes, resourcefulness, and commitment instead of…

Examines the legal mandates requiring vocational education to serve the handicapped and presents examples of progress that has been made over the past 10 years. (LRA)

Offering a discussion for administrators and practitioners serving disabled and at-risk infants, toddlers, and their families, these three addresses explore issues, strategies, and models of program evaluation. "Major Issues in Program Evaluation," by Kathryn Barnard, discusses the purpose of, process of, and ways of doing program…

An integrated work search and leisure search curriculum was developed at Portland State University to teach mildly handicapped secondary students how to improve their transition skills. Outcomes are documented in terms of employment, job search competence, and satisfaction with leisure activities. (TE)

Personnel preparation in learning disabilities should stress a broad theoretical understanding of individual differences, interdisciplinary collaboration, and working with families. These goals can best be met by generic programs with specialization only in terms of severity of learning impairment. An outline for such a 2-year program is given.…

Thirteen brief articles look at high school programs for students with special needs with emphasis on programs offered in New York State. Articles have the following titles and authors: "Vocational Education for Handicapped Students in New York City High Schools" (F. Yauch); "Development of a Comprehensive Program for High School…

This report is the second to appear in a series of studies carried out by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's Centre for Educational Research and Innovation (CERI) during the past 5 years. The first report concerned the integration of handicapped young people into ordinary schools. The present report deals with what happens…

Maintains that appropriate staff training for family and child care center providers is critical in providing services to special needs--disabled--children, and outlines briefly a course designed to provide such training offered by Montgomery College in Montgomery County, Maryland. (BB)

Overcoming the education obstacles facing women, minorities, and the disabled is discussed. A report published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) on the topic of bringing underrepresented groups back on track for careers in science, math, and engineering is examined. (KR)