Three adult subjects with mild mental retardation were trained in individualized social skills and then taught to self-monitor their behavior, initially using a self-monitoring device. Self-monitoring assisted in generalization of trained social skills across settings and people; however, maintenance results were variable. (Author/DB)

This paper combines Gardner's multiple intelligences theory with Bloom's conception of talent to provide a foundation for the practice of fostering students' specific talents as a primary goal of gifted education. Individualized personal and skills-based growth plans are seen as a medium for career-oriented education based on students' identified…

A study of adult students entering postsecondary institutions (n=187) found that their brain dominance was significantly related to their learning styles. The positive relationship and lack of a pattern among students indicates that they have different learning styles and individual instructional needs. (JOW)

Independent study is actually a range of strategies involving student participation in selecting topics to investigate; designing investigative plans, procedures, and products; establishing and employing evaluative criteria; conducting the investigation; and sharing its findings. This article shows how to gauge student readiness for structured- or…

A seven-step instructional modification process was devised to match adaptations to individual needs of students with mild disabilities. The steps include clarification of elements under teacher control; decision about whether or not a problem exists; selection and grouping of modifications; and selection of modification option and implementation.…

The paper suggests that the current aptitude-treatment interaction approach to accommodating individual differences in special education has not been proved instructionally useful. Formative evaluation is offered as a promising alternative that addresses individual uniqueness rather than dimensionalized individual differences. (Author/DB)

The Colorado Personalized Education for Physicians program focuses on assessing interpersonal communication skills through such techniques as video- and chart-stimulated recall, Myers Briggs Type Inventory, and Learning Style Inventory. Participants improve their patient communication skills through preceptorships or miniresidencies. (SK)

Explains computerized adaptive testing (CAT) and its basis in item response theory. Describes a CAT program in pharmacology. (SK)

"Personalization" can mean students' choices among various special programs, forcing most teachers to carry loads of 100+ students. Or "personalization" can start with loads of 50 students in a high school that accommodates individual needs within a simple, common program. The latter arrangement provides more learning…

SAGE is a five-year class-size-reduction program being implemented in 80 Wisconsin schools. A longitudinal, evaluative study is being conducted in 30 SAGE schools. Small classes have three effects leading to increased individualization: fewer discipline problems, greater knowledge of students, and more teacher enthusiasm (using directive methods).…

Describes how a small Texas rural school district provided services to a high school student who had learning disabilities and was also academically gifted. Recommendations for providing services to twice exceptional students are given, including the need for open and flexible educational plans. (CR)

Several districts have taken a radical approach to middle/high school transitions, removing ninth-graders from the mix to give them the attention needed to succeed in high school. Three ninth-grade-only schools with 720 to 750 students in Virginia, Texas, and Pennsylvania are profiled. Students experience less social pressure from upper-classmen.…

Evaluation of a Wisconsin initiative compared academic progress in three types of smaller K-3 classes (15 students per teacher) with that in comparison schools. Smaller classes had fewer discipline problems, more time for instruction and individualization, varied instructional strategies, and more content and in-depth coverage. (Contains 10…

Ralston (Nebraska) High School's restructuring was helped by participation in the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development's consortium. Ralston faculty led the change process, holding students to higher standards, altering curriculum beyond arbitrary subject limitations, changing the school year, and increasing staff expertise with…

The reading workshop is not based on ability groups, but provides a venue to focus on each student's strengths and needs. Components include a teacher-sharing time, focus lesson, state-of-the-class conference, self-selected reading and responding time, and student-sharing time. (MLH)