This report presents the activities, accomplishments, and outcomes of a study of the long-term outcomes of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions with individuals with severe communication disabilities. The study evaluated long-term outcomes for 7 young men (ages 19-23 years) who had used AAC systems for at least 15 years.…

This book provides a guide for English language arts teachers in grades 6-12, demonstrating how students learn and how beliefs inform behavior. It promotes a student-centered and inquiry-based teaching philosophy. Seven chapters focus on: (1) "Education Begins with Philosophy" (e.g., belief shapes perception, curriculum in traditional and…

This monograph explores best practices for access and retention in higher education in programs that support the most diverse and nontraditional students on their campuses. It focuses on research, theory, and assessment in a variety of national programs. Its 14 chapters provide historic information about successful initiatives, multicultural and…

This final project report describes three related studies that examined reform efforts in a major metropolitan school district. Emphasis was on seven schools that had developed collaborative service approaches to reduce fragmentation of service delivery, increase accountability for students "at risk," and eliminate duplication of services. In…

Electronic Networks for Interaction (ENFI), an instructional tool for teaching reading and writing using computer technology, improves the English reading and writing of deaf students at all educational levels. Chapters address these topics: (1) the origins of the technique; (2) how ENFI works in the classroom and laboratory (software, lab…

This paper gives a brief outline of the Third Annual Paraeducator Conference. Papers include: "How to Stop Problematic Behaviors" (H. K. Reavis); "Using Incentives with Tough Kids" (W. R. Jenson); "How Do I Accurately and Successfully Dispute My Own Worst Thoughts?" (M. W. Egan); "IDEA '97: The Law has Changed:…

Academic underachievement represents a significant problem faced by many children. This guide for parents is based on a framework called "Building Blocks of Learning" that enables parents to evaluate their child's pattern of learning and to pinpoint strengths as well as weaknesses. By using strengths to bolster weaknesses, continuing damage to…

This collection includes conference papers on the education of the deaf and hard of hearing, including: (1) "Discovering Classroom Dynamics through Action Research: Strategies That Encourage Critical Thinking during Lectures" (Keith Mousley and Vicki Robinson); (2) "Current Literacy Practices That Are Working" (Henry Teller); (3) "A Prototype…

The academic achievement of students in health occupations programs at High Schools That Work (HSTW) sites in 1996 was compared to academic performance levels at HSTW sites in 1994. Health occupations students at HSTW sites improved their average reading scores from 269 in 1993 to 278 in 1996. During the study period, the gap widened between HSTW…

The academic achievement of students in family and consumer sciences programs at High Schools That Work (HSTW) sites in 1996 was compared to performance levels in 1994. Family and consumer sciences students at HSTW sites significantly improved their average reading scores (from 261 in 1994 to 269 in 1996). The percentages of family and consumer…

The effects of work-based learning on student achievement were examined by analyzing data from the 1996 High Schools That Work (HSTW) assessment. The comparison focused on the experiences of 12th-graders in structured work-based learning programs and 12th-graders with after-school jobs. A larger percentage of students earning school credit for…

This report compares South Carolina's reading and mathematics performance on the most recent administrations of the state assessment with performance on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). To indicate how South Carolina is doing in narrowing the academic achievement gap between African American and Latino students and their…

This document presents state-level data on South Dakota's K-college education, including demographic distribution across each educational level, participation and success in Advanced Placement, percentage of students taking high-level courses, school funding gaps, and high school and college graduation rates. South Dakota's 2002 Stanford 9 results…

This report compares Tennessee's reading and mathematics performance on the most recent administrations of the state assessment with performance on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). To indicate how Tennessee is doing in narrowing the academic achievement gap between African American and Latino students and their white, middle…

This report compares Virginia's reading and mathematics performance on the most recent administrations of the state assessment with performance on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). To indicate how Virginia is doing in narrowing the academic achievement gap between African American and Latino students and their white, middle…