Evaluated were the effects of music therapy sessions on the behavior of approximately 300 moderately retarded, physically handicapped and multiply handicapped students. Data on attentive behavior and disruptive behavior were recorded by 37 special education teachers, 25 instructional aides and one principal who were trained to observe and record…

Representative adaptations currently being used to educate exceptional children are described and their effectiveness is weighed. Diagnostic-prescriptive teaching, behavioral modification techniques, lesson content modifications, and early intervention are considered, as are student placement options, such as special schools and classes and…

This article describes the problem-solving model (PSM) used in the Minneapolis Public Schools to guide decisions regarding intervention in general education, special education referral, and evaluation for special education eligibility for high-incidence disabilities. Program evaluation indicates students received special education services earlier…

Two studies, involving 16 high-school students and 45 business leaders, analyzed the effects of programs to modify attitudes toward individuals with disabilities, by comparing the traditional pretest/posttest design to a retrospective pretest/posttest approach. The traditional design indicated no significant attitude changes, while the…

Contemporary developments concerning the effectiveness of family involvement in early intervention programs are described within the framework of Public Law 99-457 and illustrated with investigations focusing on children at biological risk, children with cerebral palsy, and children with general developmental delays. (Author/DB)

Ninety-four 7th- and 8th-grade students with learning and emotional/behavioral disabilities received intervention services that incorporated monitoring and school engagement strategies. Half continued to receive services through grade 9. On two of three measures, students receiving continued intervention services were significantly more likely to…

The digest presents the background and reasons for early intervention with children at risk for handicaps. Early intervention is defined, and three primary reasons for intervention are cited: (1) to enhance the child's development, (2) to provide support and assistance to the family, and (3) to maximize the child's and family's benefit to society.…

The reports document achievements of early intervention programs (EIPs) for handicapped infants and young children in Massachusetts. The first report focuses on Project Access V and on evaluation of four major evaluation outcomes: (1) statutory compliance and generic impact of P.L. 89-313 expenditures; (2) overall P.L. 89-313 grant management and…

The paper presents an evaluation design for measuring the effectiveness of special education programs for handicapped preschoolers. Reasons for not selecting traditional evaluation designs are noted, and the use of a "change-index" is supported instead. A value-added analysis was selected to determine the value added by the program beyond that…

Three themes from a 1985 conference on early childhood special education are reviewed: (1) the effort to improve lives of impaired children and their families is effective; (2) questions remain about research methods in efficacy studies; and (3) there are additional data supporting the logic of early intervention. (CL)

The study assessed the effectiveness of a publicity campaign to sensitize people to the needs and concerns of physically disabled people and to promote favorable attitude change. Results indicated that while the visability of the publicity campaign can be considered a modest success, the campaign was ineffective in promoting positive attitude…

Conducted a follow-up interview for 57 former vocational rehabilitation clients regarding factors bearing on their vocational success. Responses to questions regarding their perceptions of rehabilitation services, work-related problems, employer-hiring attitudes, and support of family and friends suggested 12 recommendations for enhancing the…

The development of effective community integration training programs for persons with severe handicaps is examined in terms of the human needs of severely disabled persons, the importance of comprehension and community-oriented training, emphasis on generalization, and consideration of individual preferences and interests. (CL)

A study skill training procedure involving a modified study, question, read, recite, and review technique was functionally related to improved storytelling for three intermediate-grade learning disabled students. (CL)

The article presents an example of an evaluation process for use with inservice programs, specifically Project TIME, Training for Individualized Mainstream Education. Evaluation data (from such measures as a classroom observation scale and participant feedback survey) shape the direction of the inservice. (CL)