Homework, like grandmother's spring tonic, is a useless and hated ritual that is continued only because everyone seems to expect it. The best way to make homework enriching and personal is to prepare idea cards for each study unit, allowing each student to select a suitable project. (SJL)

The use of heart rate measurement to aid in the design of individualized exercise programs is suggested. (LH)

Twenty-one steps to aid in curriculum development are outlined, including reading or rereading assessment reports developed by teachers or other professionals; knowing the home, school, and community music resources; and determining and teaching prerequisite skills. Journal availability: National Association for Music Therapy, Inc., P O. Box 610,…

The educational experiences of students result from the prescribing of resources and activities. Available resources and activities are referred to as learning alternatives. Alternatives help to promote the learning of concepts, themes, topics, and skills and to clarify values, interests, attitudes, and personal goals. (Author)

Examines three aspects of individualized reading instruction programs and concludes that, although individual programs vary greatly, every child needs personal attention to progress and grow in ability to read. (JM)

The underlying ingredient of individualized mainstreaming is inclusion, not separation, on a long-term basis. The policy of inclusion encourages grouping patterns that allow children who are different in many ways to live and learn together when it is of benefit to them. (Author)

Cost data were analyzed for individualized models implemented at five rehabilitation agencies serving Canadian adults with mental handicaps. The analysis examined such items as average cost per client, ratios of clients to training staff, and amount of time training staff spent with clients. (JDD)

This study found that, when assessment of activity preferences of 15 adults with intellectual disabilities was included as part of the Individualized Habilitation Plan (IHP) development process, 78 percent of participants' IHP objectives were preferred activities. Preferred activities requiring a greater degree of staff support were included on…

This article identifies content and process components for developing and evaluating schoolwide programs as well as programs for individual secondary students with mild disabilities. Program comprehensiveness and flexibility are stressed. Content components include social/oral communication, basic literacy, life skills, and others; process…

This document is a synthesis of the key points provided in the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) Early Childhood Transition FAQs: SPP/APR indicators C-8 and B-12 released on December 1, 2009. It was developed to assist states with the implementation of effective transition policies and practices. The following is included: (1) Transition…

This article describes three different ways of using paraeducators during adapted physical education. (1.) Having paraeducators read a portion of the lesson plan that describes the desired support towards lesson objectives. Paraeducators then assist all students when needed. (2.) Assigning specific modifications for paraeducators through the IEP…

It is incumbent upon each school psychologist to engage in ethical behavior based on current ethical codes guiding school psychology. The school psychologist is often the team member most knowledgeable regarding federal and state laws mandating educational services. Sometimes ethical dilemmas that school psychologists face are the result of a…

Physical interventions for special education students in crisis remains a controversial concept. The first minute of a crisis situation represents the most crucial time to prevent injury or the exacerbation of injury. Although preventing violence and escalation of negative emotions is the first step in crisis management, school staff also must be…

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic illness that can impact learning and often requires medical management in the school setting. School psychologists must therefore be knowledgeable of special service eligibility criteria associated with T1DM, the health-related services often required of such students, and what health-related services…

This article describes an effective model for employing paraprofessionals to provide behavioral support for students in a general education setting. Behavioral health assistants (BHAs) worked under the supervision of school psychologists and counselors and provided behavioral interventions for students with behavioral goals on their individualized…