Parents (n=33) of children with disabilities, who were leaders in parent organizations, were questioned about their experiences in being mentored and in mentoring others. Seven themes are identified relative to effective mentoring of parents of children with disabilities. Specific mentoring activities are suggested and barriers to mentoring are…

Effects of inclusion programs in grades two to five were examined in a three-part study focusing on academic and affective outcomes of fifth-grade students who had specific learning disabilities (SLD) or normal achievement (NA), teacher and parent perceptions of SLD and NA students' growth in an inclusion context, and an analysis of anecdotal…

This paper defines key educational outcome terms, discusses national and international practices in the assessment of educational outcomes, describes activities of states in outcomes assessment, notes objectives of the National Center on Educational Outcomes, and delineates major considerations in the development of a comprehensive system of…

This response to Englert's article (EC 602 935) on sociocultural factors in teaching writing to students with learning disabilities addresses the application of social constructivist theory. It notes that the success of the Cognitive Strategy Instruction in Writing program may be not only attributable to its holistic social emphasis but also to…

Advocates research on the effectiveness of early intervention programs for disabled children based on scientific method, rather than advocacy of positions. Reviews effective intervention practices. Illustrates use of the biosocial systems research model, examining biological traits in the context of social systems. Discusses benefits of this…

This article describes a demonstration project that utilized 28 community early childhood programs as intervention placements for 30 preschool-age children with disabilities. Results suggested significant developmental gains for all children. Service delivery characteristics identified as necessary for the effective implementation of intervention…

A systematic approach to curriculum development for students with severe disabilities enrolled in extended school year programs is described. The approach is community driven, consistent with student Individualized Education Program objectives, tailored to the individual student, and teaches functional skills performed by individuals without…

The article offers a critical inspection of the effectiveness of resource room programs in serving students with disabilities. Types of resource models (categorical, cross-categorical, noncategorical, specific skill, and itinerant) are described. Also noted are ethical considerations (segregation versus integration) and suggested improvements in…

A study examined outcomes for 38 adolescents with disabilities from a career exploration and job-seeking skills instructional program. Results indicated students demonstrated better vocational decision-making confidence and career decisiveness, and performed better completing a job application and in a simulated employment interview. (CR)

Examines the existing research on multiculturalism in general teacher education and special education teacher preparation programs. Results find that a significant degree of research on multicultural teacher education has been narrow in scope and has utilized a pre/post test design to measure student growth. (Author/CR)

Reports on an experimental attempt to provide an appropriate public education for all children without the disadvantages of special education. The program, Project Breakthrough, provides services in the mainstream using the regular education initiative without categorizing children. Staff collaborate to help students based on need rather than on…

This article describes components of co-teaching and gives examples of what the teacher interactions of that component may resemble at each developmental stage of co-teaching: the beginning stage, the compromise stage, and the collaborative stage. The Coteaching Rating Scale is presented for examining the effectiveness of co-teaching classrooms.…

Two multiple baseline designs were used to evaluate a two-stage model for training four young adults with visual and cognitive impairments to grocery shop. A task-analytical flow chart of the behavioral skills involved in grocery shopping was used to increase completed skill steps and the number of correct items purchased. (Contains references.)…

This article describes a points-and-levels system to improve behavior of students with learning and behavioral disabilities in an upper-elementary special education setting. The four levels each involved specified responsibilities and privileges and students earned specified numbers of points to qualify for a "successful day" and eventual…

Special education policy requires schools to make disciplinary decisions concerning students with disabilities within a multidisciplinary team. In order to respond to this mandate, teacher educators must ensure that teachers have group collaboration and decision making skills. This article describes a multimedia problem-based learning module…