Baltimore's Job Squad is a placement alternative that motivates the handicapped person to improve independent job-seeking skills through the teamwork of counselors, peers, and community resources. Job Squad's background, support system, organization, positive results, and future implications as a valuable placement technique are discussed. (Author)

Describes a model for the selection of instructional materials for adult basic education programs. Reviews the model's seven stages: identifying learner problems; defining objectives; prescribing learning experiences; selecting instructional materials; selecting appropriate deliveries; evaluating and planning improvements; and reorganizing,…

Addresses difficulties in the mentoring relationship, especially of African-American youth. Suggests ways to avoid the risks of "drive-by" mentoring, notes the problem of social distance between mentors and students being mentored, identifies characteristics of ideal mentors, offers guidelines for providing necessary program structure…

The evaluation strategy adopted by a rural Ontario (Canada) community health center is described, focusing on problems caused by multiple programs, variable and culturally diverse client base, and nontraditional approaches to health and wellness. The evaluation attempted to give a broad picture of the center's dynamics, processes, and efficacy.…

This commentary on "Natural Supports in the Workplace: The Jury Is Still Out" (Test and Wood), argues that the principles of natural supports should not be subject to empirical testing because they function as a guide to strategy development and strategy selection. Discusses the difficulties in examining natural support strategies. (CR)

This article identifies six core elements that have empirical support and should be included in instructional programs for students with autistic spectrum disorders. They are: (1) individualized supports and services; (2) systematic instruction; (3) comprehensible/structured learning environments; (4) specialized curriculum content; (5) functional…

The study investigates factors influencing the establishment, operation, and elimination of an elementary enriched/accelerated program existing from 1958-69. The program's life cycle and perceived effects on students were investigated to determine factors that may continue to affect programing for the gifted/talented. (Author/JDD)

This article describes a program, designed by the Brighton Central School District (NY), which utilizes recently retired teachers as mentors for newly hired teachers. Selection of retirees, program outcomes, and implications of this program for the school district are also discussed. (IAH)

If educational programs for adults are to have greater impact and fulfill their promise, more attention must be given to comprehensive programs and their potential for achieving major benefits for organizations, communities, and society. (SK)

Teachers and staff as well as students are not immune to substance abuse. Presented are simple guidelines on what to look for in physical effects, what to do if someone is suspected, and how to get help. (SI)

Argues that for early intervention programs to become part of national, state, and community efforts to assist families in early education, they must represent the cooperation and joint planning of constituencies involved, including the research, policy, consumer, and practice communities. Describes an early education demonstration program that is…

The wellness program is applied within the higher education setting as one means to control health care costs. Discussed are the program's design, objectives, content, facilities, structure and staff, financing, and evaluation. It is noted that wellness programs are not only cost effective but can help to improve morale and increase productivity.…

This study evaluated the extent to which individualized service plans (ISPs) for individuals with disabilities are consistent with established policies. Evaluation of 50 ISPs from Australian community residences for people with moderate to severe disabilities found major deficiencies in the plans, such as a lack of measurable objectives. (DB)

Describes the use of interactive computing in a college reading/study skills course. Focuses on the use of Realtime Writer, an interactive communication system, and Word Perfect, a word processing program, to improve students' writing skills. Reviews major software and hardware components, uses of both programs, and advantages. (DMM)

This commentary on the demonstration programs of the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program discusses their role in inducing educational change, their usefulness in illustrating new ideas, their broadening of the definition of the gifted student, their ability to change participating teachers' perspective, and their…