Discusses distance education and the need for an accepted theory. Highlights include theories of independent study; theory of industrialization of teaching; theory of interaction and communication; and equivalency theory that is based on local control, personalized instruction, and telecommunications. (LRW)

Outlines an orientation to teaching that stresses the necessity of matching both motivation and capabilities and encompasses both regular instruction and remediation. Emphasizes improving regular instruction by enhancing teachers' abilities to personalize instruction. Notes the emphasis at all times is on use of the least intervention needed and…

Describes the development of a Technology College at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington that is characterized by the use of computer assisted instruction, the World Wide Web, two-way interactive video conferencing, and instruction individualized with the use of various technologies. (LRW)

Advocates the use of technology education to promote independent critical thinking and problem solving while introducing students to design and engineering concepts. Includes sample activities for a high school electricity and electronics course. (JOW)

Addresses the problem of automatically integrating adaptive content, or content adapted from an Internet context, into different courses and curricula. Focuses on the work of the Knowledge in Demand European project for developing adaptive content in an interoperable and interchangeable format and discusses personalized learning. (Author/LRW)

Describes how one elementary school implemented a plan to involve students with moderate learning disabilities in writing their own IEP programs. Asserts that process of student self-advocacy results in more active learners. (PKP)

Discusses and classifies nine strategies for personalizing instruction based on levels of interaction and thoughtfulness: Individualized instruction, accelerated learning, style-based instruction, technology-assisted learning, contract learning, authentic pedagogy, guided practice, cooperative learning, and topic study. (Conatains 11 references.)…

The Council for Exceptional Children conducted an online Web survey to obtain information on the instructional practices and attitudes of educators as they relate to self-determination and student involvement in the individualized education program (IEP) process. We obtained 523 usable responses from teachers, administrators, and related services…

The authors present the cases of two pupils who both show very serious, apparently similar learning difficulties, mainly in mathematics. An analysis beyond appearance of their learning activities revealed remarkable differences between them, in terms of both weaknesses and strengths. The authors point out that when teachers are planning remedial…

Newtonian mechanics is a core module in technology courses, but is difficult for many students to learn. Computerized tutoring can assist the teachers to provide individualized instruction. This article presents the application of decision theory to develop a tutoring system, "iTutor", to select optimal tutoring actions under uncertainty of…

Adapted physical education is a mandated service, whereas therapeutic recreation and traditional recreation are considered related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. In this article, the authors describe the distinctions between the services, recognition of need for referral, methods of assessment, sample…

Each edition of the IDRA Newsletter strives to provide many different perspectives on the issues in education topics discussed and to define its significance in the state and national dialogue. This issue focuses on Curriculum Quality and includes: (1) Suggestions for Conducting Effective Teaching Demonstrations in Classrooms with Diverse Learners…

This book serves as a reference to help prepare and support effective math content coaches. It provides insight into the leadership skills necessary to mentor other teachers, establish collaborative teacher teams, influence school culture positively, and improve student achievement. Contents include: (1) Examining the Role of a Math Content Coach;…

This article summarizes a unique approach to reducing the achievement gap that strategically blended differentiated curriculum with schoolwide enrichment teaching and learning. The theories of enrichment and instructional differentiation were translated into practice in an elementary school that had previously embraced a remedial paradigm. This…

Behavior-based interviewing (BBI) has been used in the business world for decades as a way to select new hires whose past behaviors indicate future success. Behavior-based interviews are based on the premise that past behavior is the best predictor of future performance and that interview questions should evaluate the knowledge, skills, and…