Teaching English language learners has long presented challenges for teachers tasked with bringing these students to a level of language comprehension comparable to that of native speakers. These challenges and issues can lead to difficulty comprehending core academic topics for those learning the English language. "Optimizing Elementary…

Educators today are challenged with the task of designing curricula and standards for students of varying abilities. While technology and innovation steadily improve classroom learning, teachers and administrators continue to struggle in developing the best methodologies and practices for students with disabilities. "Models for Effective…

The article offers a classroom management technique, PASSWORD, that facilitates the smooth transition of handicapped students from the resource room to the regular class. Students are each asked a "code question," usually a review question, the answer to which is the password for leaving the resource room. (DB)

The article recommends specific reference and other materials that would be helpful in a resource room for gifted children, including dictionaries and various periodicals. (DLS)

The author discusses aspects to be considered by resource room teachers of deaf students to implement media in the classroom. Among topics discussed are student needs, degree of mainstreaming, media equipment and personnel, and preparation and use of materials. (CL)

Resource programs are an outgrowth of recognition that special classes have been largely ineffective for many handicapped children. Resource teachers offer both direct and indirect services via assessment, programing, and consultation. Despite potential difficulties in maintaining gains in a mainstreamed child, resource rooms are cost effective…

The scheduling model presented is designed to use an Extension Center to reduce the size of teaching groups, curtail the flow of students in and out of classrooms for support services and provide on a rotating basis an observation/evaluation period for resource teachers. (Author/CL)

Practical guidelines are offered to help the teacher integrate microcomputers into a resource room environment for learning disabled students. The author lists basic software packages that are reported to provide proven "starter paks" in language, reading, and mathematics at specified grade levels. (JW)

English projects successfully used in secondary resource rooms for learning disabilities include student-developed storybooks, pen-pal letters, anthologies of student writing, and bulletin boards. (CL)

Factors of location, use of space, room arrangement, and time-out area are examined for their effects on resource room programing for exceptional students. (CL)

Intended for special education teachers developing a high school resource program, the article contains 21 "tips," such as writing a short introductory letter to regular teachers when initiating a new program, striving to achieve administrative support, and communicating frequently with parents. (DB)

Seven strategies are described to encourage resource room students' development of independent organizational skills. Suggestions include use of specific duty sheets, time management instruction, and teaching of proofreading and checking techniques. (CL)

The author suggests that the systems approach used in industrial management can help in the planning of special centers for handicaped students in regular schools. Special centers are considered in terms of their growth, benefits, and as a system development. (SB)

The article describes the program at Wellesley (Massachusetts) High School's Academic Resource Center, a program in which game-playing is used to improve the academic functioning of special needs students in preparation for reintegration into the regular classroom. (SBH)

A half-day structured learning program for high school students unable to function adequately in mainstream settings is described. Key ingredients include a weekly student-staff meeting, goal setting and goal checking, behavioral checklists, group counseling in the form of a Human Relations course, and academic modifications. (JW)