Six studies are reviewed which indicate that direct instruction tends to produce higher academic gains for handicapped children than traditional approaches. They also suggest that some subtle principles of direct instruction--such as insistence on complete (rather than partial) mastery of each step in the learning process--are important.…

The meta-analysis of 22 studies on the effectiveness of computer assisted instruction (CAI) with exceptional children indicated that most studies reported CAI to be largely effective but that the result of calculating effect sizes indicated a moderate effect for CAI. (Author/DB)

Evaluated a training program designed to teach 61 learning disabled junior high school students to set realistic ahcievement goals, to expend effort to reach the goals, and to accept personal responsibility for achievement outcomes. Goal setting strategies and effort attribution training were successful for 70 percent of the students. (JAC)

Research on the effectiveness of cross-age tutoring is presented and specific applications with disadvantaged and learning disabled students noted. Reasons for success are cited, including greater personalization and strengthened ego strength and self-esteem of both tutors and tutees. (Author/CL)

The Minority Issues Inservice Program, a three-year cooperative inservice program regarding special education of minority handicapped children, was evaluated with 34 participants (building trainers, teacher trainees, contrast Ss). Results indicated that trainees increased their weekly mastery, made substantial and continuing applications, and had…

A camping experience provides learning disabled students with opportunities to increase their self-esteem, sense of social cooperation, use of language, and rapport with teachers. (CL)

A model of early intervention that focuses on Proactive Empowerment through Partnerships (PEP) is described. The manner in which the PEP principles and social systems notions are operationalized at the programmatic level is also described. Data are presented to validate and evaluate the social systems perspective of early intervention. (Author/CL)

The article proposes the viability of meta-analysis as a useful technique for integrating cross-study findings in early childhood special education. Issues of efficacy research, research integration, and the mechanics of conducting a meta-analysis are discussed, and efficacy studies are presented. (Author/CL)

Seven evaluation questions and strategies are presented about the quality of services provided by early intervention programs. Questions address such aspects as exemplary practices model implementation, performance and progress monitoring, and sensitivity to client/community needs. (Author/CL)

A token reinforcement program was successful not only in promoting positive behavior changes in a mainstreamed behavior problem second grader but also in creating attitude changes in her regular class teachers. Findings suggest that positive commitments to mainstreaming were related to the teacher's effectiveness in improving students'…

Discusses a study of the efficacy of mainstreaming. The goal of the study was to see what actually went on in schools, how people thought about mainstreaming, what they did about it, and how teachers, administrators, and students experienced it. (JOW)

The paper describes the results of a three-year job placement project for moderately and severely handicapped individuals which developed a training and advocacy approach to placement that involved client training by staff at the job site. A 63-percent retention rate for employees and substantial earnings are reported. (Author/CL)

A study investigated the differential effects of psycholinguistic training programs on Illinois Test of Psycholinguistic Abilities (ITPA) scores obtained by educable mentally retarded, trainable mentally retarded, and culturally-economically disadvantaged preschool and elementary students. (Author/SW)

As a result of highly specific phonic lessons, reading performance was increased by three years over a three month period. (Author)

The author recounts personal experiences with her severely retarded daughter and goes on to consider the principles of mainstreaming. (SBH)