The author describes the Mentor Academy Program (MAP) a skill-based model for training gifted high school students as mentors and thereby becoming leaders in processing information and networkers creating and sharing information. Chapter 1 offers historical and philosophical, gifted education, and high school perspectives to stewardship (the dual…

Intended for college and university admissions officers, faculty, and administration, the booklet presents an overview of learning disabilities (LD) and the implications of LD on postsecondary services. A definition of LD is given, followed by a list of typical characteristics of LD adults. Characteristics of a model comprehensive college LD…

The manual is intended to help school administrators regionalize special education services. The procedures described are modeled after those of a regional effort in Maine to address the needs of moderately and severely handicapped students. Four major steps are outlined: (1) establishing communication to clarify issues, gather information, and…

Results of a survey of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Dependent Schools on the status of gifted/talented (G/T) programs are summarized. Charts depict the number of pupils in G/T programs, ranking among states, the percentage of public school enrollment and ranking, and the total state fund figures for G/T…

A computer implementation of precision teaching for severely mentally handicapped students is described. Computer technology reduces staff time during a typical precision teaching routine: design of suitable teaching programs, a series of timed short drills using these programs, conversion of results into numeric quantities, and design of improved…

The paper describes a learning skills program designed to serve college students whose learning styles are different from the norm and whose skill levels vary widely. Development phases of the program featured a task force approach to needs assessment, planning, initial pilot testing, and ongoing faculty development. Difficulties encountered in…

The book examines approaches for developing supports for families with special needs. Following a brief introduction to the needs of families with disabled family members, a section considers basic questions to be used in determining the needs of individuals within the family and of the family as a whole. An example of short-term care services is…

A model summer program for developmentally advanced preschoolers is described, including identification procedures, staffing, and curriculum. An open classroom approach was utilized with art, music, dance, and drama activities to encourage creative growth; reading, math, and science taught in an exploratory way for those children ready for…

The paper reviews research on severe and profound hearing loss and notes implications for hearing impaired students of instrumental enrichment (IE), a cognitive learning approach featuring metacognition. The development of IE by R. Feuerstein is traced to initial work with disadvantaged groups who emigrated to Israel. Noted are such…

The paper addresses three major concerns associated with incorporating microcomputers into educational settings: computer use, software selection, and hardware selection. Advantages of the computer in instructional settings are noted as well as its limitations. Staff is advised to select which of four applications is appropriate to their setting…

The document presents Maine's model for providing substance abuse treatment to the client with mental retardation. Introductory information on retardation and substance abuse is followed by a discussion of this population's unique problems. Services offered in the Mental Retardation Alcoholism project are reviewed, and contracts and cooperative…

SPIRIT is an Intelligent Tutoring System for tutoring probability theory which has evolved through a continuous process of experimentation and tuning. The system manages a unique flexible tutoring style. On one hand, the system may behave as a tutor who mostly observes the student without interference, intervening only when things are really going…

This booklet provides advice and guidelines for persons interested in developing and implementing child sexual abuse prevention programs. Eight steps to child sexual abuse prevention are outlined. Step 1 involves recognition that child sexual abuse can be prevented, and provides facts to use when discussing sexual abuse. Step 2 highlights ways of…

Article provided a glimpse at the origins and processes of educational innovation and change. (Author/RK)

This paper reports on the organization, development, and implementation of a "grass-roots" community approach to the problem of alcoholism. It includes a detailed discussion of its treatment services to active alcoholics. Emphasis is given to the critical role and importance of counseling and counselor tasks both within and without the program.…