Many pupils with mild handicaps are failing to succeed in mainstream placements because of their poor social skills. Social skills training is increasingly part of the special education curriculum for these pupils. This article examines issues and strategies regarding the generalization and maintenance of social skills in mainstream settings. (JDD)

Interviews with 60 grade 7 and 60 grade 10 teachers examined their testing practices in English, science, social studies, and mathematics. Results suggest that special education teachers need to teach adolescents with mild disabilities effective test-taking strategies and skills to enable them to cope in general education classrooms. Specific…

The resource manual is intended for school volunteers who help regular classroom teachers with mildly handicapped children. Chapter 1 briefly describes the purpose and development of the manual. Chapter 2, on kindergarten screening, begins with a discussion of the importance of early screening and followup, by G. Schiffman, then presents such…

The article describes teacher-directed and student-mediated comprehension strategies to improve the text comprehension skills of mainstreamed students with mild disabilities. Techniques include advance organizers, study guides, color coding, oral reading, critical thinking maps, and self-questioning techniques. Guidelines are offered for assessing…

This paper outlines a method for meeting the vocational needs of students with mild disabilities and the instructional demands placed on both teacher and student, without sacrificing time devoted to content areas. By manipulating the existing curriculum and environment, educators can cultivate the skills necessary for success in the working world.…

Problems are identified in adapting findings of laboratory-based cognitive instruction to mainstream classes. A metacognitive instruction model called Process-based Instruction (PBI) is then described. PBI recognizes the importance of interactions between student, teacher, and curriculum content and involves assessment, orientation, strategy…

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…

The ability of the special education student to make a smooth transition into the adult world depends upon a number of criteria, beginning with the support and assistance of family, friends, and school personnel. An appropriate curriculum for high school students with mild disabilities should accomplish the same goal as one designed for all high…

Teachers in rural areas are finding that more and more special needs children are being included in their K-12 classrooms to comply with the mandate for a free and appropriate public education even in isolated small school systems. For students with mild intellectual disabilities (MID) this placement is meant to accomplish both the academic and…

This book is a collection of essays on helping people with developmental disabilities communicate successfully. It is intended for practitioners and students in special education, speech-language pathology, and psychology. The essays are as follows: "Communicative Behaviour in the Least Restrictive Environment" (Ken Linfoot); "Play…