In recent years, preschool and elementary school teachers have noted increases in behavior concerns and developmental delays, possibly caused by prenatal drug or alcohol exposure. This document notes that it is more important to ascertain the children's challenges than the causes. It describes the most promising practices identified for improving…

This book is intended to serve as a freestanding reference for teachers whose classes include students with academic or behavioral difficulties. The recommended best practices were originally developed for students with disabilities but have been found to be effective with all students. Each chapter provides principles, suggestions and specific…

Few would argue against the idea of planning and implementing improvements to the nation's schools. This report contends, school improvement planning processes have frequently not been conceived in ways likely to produce desired learning outcomes for many students. The analyses presented in this report focus on a lack of attention to how schools…

During the early 1980s, use of crack cocaine by expectant mothers introduced U.S. schools and social agencies to a large cohort of children with attachment problems, attention and learning difficulties, hyperactivity and other abnormal behaviors. Research focused on the early characteristics and needs of so-called "crack kids," but little…

This book is an effort to introduce early childhood educators to Vygotsky's perspective, research on young children that has been stimulated by this perspective, and current educational practices emanating from it. The discussion is divided into seven chapters. Chapter 1 provides an overview of Vygotsky's life, the social conditions in which his…

This book offers principles and practical suggestions for effectively teaching students with a variety of learning difficulties in the regular classroom. Chapter 1 contains tips for helping all students feel welcome in the classroom and Chapter 2 suggests ways to get all students involved in all learning activities. Chapter 3 describes categories…

A study investigated Japanese college students' perceptions and assessments of their college English classes, and to what factors they attribute difficulty in acquiring oral English. Subjects were 189 students from a junior college and a university, in first- through third-year English conversation classes. Most were English majors required to…

The film, "Telling an Old Story" (part of the series "Writers Writing" that was coproduced by WNET and Learning Designs and televised by WNET in 1985), was integrated into college developmental writing classes and proved to be an effective strategy for the improvement of students' writing skills. The film was presented with the…

From a sample of 6,000 pupils in a Tennessee school district, this study relates the variables of gender, social class, and number of parents in student households to achievement on a norm-referenced test. Charts presenting data findings comprise three-fourths of the document. Investigation was motivated by studies that connect student learning…

Jonathan Turner Junior High School, in Jacksonville, Illinois, identified 121 7th- and 8th-grade students as being below grade level in one or more subject areas. A special program for slow learners was designed, which called for classes of no more than 20 students. The program was successfully initiated without special funding or added personnel.…

Information on types of learning disabilities (i.e. dyslexia and dyscalculia) is presented to help professionals in the field of higher education learn about how to identify learning disabled (LD) students, appropriate accommodations and modifications, special services, resources for referral, policy implications, and legal issues. Due to improved…

A project was conducted to develop materials that could be utilized by teachers for informal assessment of the needs of students in vocational programs. Sixteen modules were developed to help teachers identify some of the areas in which students have special learning needs, clarify various levels of abilities, and distinguish the different…

This basic vocational related skills assessment module in welding is one of sixteen modules designed to help teachers assess and identify some of the areas in which special needs students may encounter learning difficulties. The materials in the module allow for informal assessment in three basic areas: academic skills, motor skills, and…

This basic vocational related skills assessment module in woodworking is one of sixteen modules designed to help teachers assess and identify some of the areas in which special needs students may encounter learning difficulties. The materials in the module allow for informal assessment in three basic areas: academic skills, motor skills, and…

This basic vocational related skills assessment module in horticulture is one of sixteen modules designed to help teachers assess and identify some of the areas in which special needs students may encounter learning difficulties. The materials in the module allow for informal assessment in three basic areas: academic skills, motor skills, and…