The consultant interested in helping teachers adopt curriculum-based assessment techniques should consider the process of innovation along with aspects of school culture. The consultant should examine four stages in developing a model program: creating a need, supporting change, implementing a guided practice, sequence, and allowing for…

An effective inservice program in special education identifies objectives, selects qualified staff, uses effective content delivery, uses the appropriate level of intensity, and evaluates inservice effectiveness. An example of an intensive inservice program that documented student progress illustrates the benefits of implementing a well-planned…

The article describes the program evaluation requirements as delineated in P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, and specifies the type of evaluation that is necessary to meet the stated requirements. (Author)

A review of traditional (such as psychotherapy) and behavioral approaches (such as self-monitoring and reinforcement) to obesity treatment of mentally retarded students led to the conclusion that the behavioral orientation was more successful. Implications for initiating such programs include thorough training, voluntary participation, and parent…

It is necessary for those who are developing and/or evaluating software for purchase to carefully consider its educational compatibility, instructional design adequacy, and technical adequacy. Specific factors are examined as they relate to the development and/or evaluation of educational microcomputer software for handicapped learners. (Author)

Intervention programs claiming to benefit young handicapped children are increasingly being required to provide evidence of their effectiveness. An intervention efficiency index (IEI) is proposed as a method of measuring child progress and program impact by relating changes in children's developmental capabilities to time spent in a program.…

The article represents a literature based set of practical guidelines regarding mainstreaming in the areas of inservice method, format, planning, goals and objectives, location, scheduling, evaluation, incentives, training personnel, school administration, and instructional materials. (Author/CL)

Suggests eight questions that can serve as a framework for determining the extent to which early intervention has accomplished the goals inherent in a family-centered approach. Conceptual issues and methodological considerations associated with documenting these outcomes are presented and recommendations regarding implementation and future…

To be effective, interagency agreements must overcome a variety of obstacles, including lack of coordination between state and local agencies. A process for overcoming those barriers includes identifying resources to be exchanged and teaching special education or mental health concepts to the other agency(ies). Useful agreements are written…

Some specific guidelines and procedures for developing and implementing successful mainstreaming programs are provided. Factors discussed include: developing criteria for mainstreaming; preparing handicapped students; preparing nonhandicapped students; promoting communication among educators; evaluating student progress; and providing inservice…

Both segregated and desegregated school models for severely handicapped students are considered, and an individualized transition plan is proposed. Among the plan's major components are that it must be comprehensive, involve parents and guardians, require actual participation of both sending and receiving personnel, and include the focused…

Goal attainment scaling (GAS) is a useful approach for evaluating special education services at the local education agency (LEA) level because it allows for individualization of program goals for a range of special education service programs.

Guiding principles of precision teaching are reviewed, the use of the Standard 'celeration chart illustrated, and implementation aspects involved in pinpointing, counting, charting, and evaluating are described. The article concludes with a brief summary of effectiveness research. (CL)

The model delineates a three-phase experience, progressing from general to specific endeavers. General exploration is encouraged during the guidance phase, followed by increased direct involvement through observation during the mentorship phase, with specific work experience coming finally at the internship site. (DLS)

A review of literature on topics of teacher consultant roles, cross-categorical services, approval criteria, and caseloads suggests the position of teacher consultant as it is being implemented may be untenable. There is a critical lack of role definition at state and local levels and a dearth of professional preparation in consultation skills.…