Educators today are challenged with the task of designing curricula and standards for students of varying abilities. While technology and innovation steadily improve classroom learning, teachers and administrators continue to struggle in developing the best methodologies and practices for students with disabilities. "Models for Effective…

The article offers a classroom management technique, PASSWORD, that facilitates the smooth transition of handicapped students from the resource room to the regular class. Students are each asked a "code question," usually a review question, the answer to which is the password for leaving the resource room. (DB)

The author suggests that the systems approach used in industrial management can help in the planning of special centers for handicaped students in regular schools. Special centers are considered in terms of their growth, benefits, and as a system development. (SB)

The article describes the program at Wellesley (Massachusetts) High School's Academic Resource Center, a program in which game-playing is used to improve the academic functioning of special needs students in preparation for reintegration into the regular classroom. (SBH)

A half-day structured learning program for high school students unable to function adequately in mainstream settings is described. Key ingredients include a weekly student-staff meeting, goal setting and goal checking, behavioral checklists, group counseling in the form of a Human Relations course, and academic modifications. (JW)

A kitchen timer, three-minute egg timer, and individual clocks made from paper plates were used to teach time management strategies to learning disabled elementary school students in a resource room. Their attention span increased, work habits improved, and there was less frustration for both teacher and students. (VW)

This case study of one resource program describes structures and techniques used in the regular classroom, playground, lunchroom, and resource room to help in mainstreaming handicapped students. In four years this program saw a 42 percent reduction in students classified as handicapped, although school enrollment grew by almost 38 percent.…

A teacher describes the organization of her resource room program for learning disabled elementary grade students emphasizing increased academic learning time through structured direct instruction and independent work time, activities to reinforce individual and small group instruction, and systematic material storage and recordkeeping. (DB)

An approach to occupational therapy (OT) in a rural school is described which utilizes a combination of direct service, monitoring, and consultation. A collaborative style of OT consulting is used, which calls for the therapist to join the child study team when motor-related problems are identified. The approach provides continuous and…

Described are five ways to coordinate resource room and regular education programs: (1) consultation services, (2) collaborative teaching/co-teaching, (3) structured recess program, (4) work completion groups, (5) and daily check-outs for contract monitoring. (DB)

Describes four models that have been shown to be effective in including students with disabilities in regular school programs: consultation, team teaching, aide services, and limited pullout service. Advantages and challenges of inclusion at the middle-school level are addressed. (DB)

A resource vision teacher describes activities to develop skills in solving mathematical word problems by three seventh graders with severe visual impairments. Students kept portfolios of problems they actually experienced in their daily lives. Success was achieved through providing an optimal environment, active involvement, self-assessment, and…

Suggestions for implementing cooperative learning strategies with mildly handicapped students in mainstreamed, resource room, and self-contained classroom settings are given. Guidelines are presented for: selecting a format for cooperative learning; establishing working guidelines; forming groups; arranging the classroom; developing cooperative…

This document presents model program efforts designed to foster academic and social growth for all students in the least restrictive environment. The program ideas were presented at a conference highlighting effective program collaboration between regular and special education. The programs aim to enhance student skills as well as foster…

This paper presents a summary of the current status of efforts to include students with mental retardation in mainstream educational programs. It begins with a summary of a New Jersey federal court's ruling requiring more inclusive education and a discussion of the commitment of the Arc (formerly The Association for Retarded Citizens of the United…