Explores what some deem the best way to objectively determine what a student knows. Adaptive Testing has been around since the early 1900's, but only with the advent of computers has it been effectively applied to day to day educational management. Cites a pilot study in Portland, Oregon, public schools. (MVL)

Surveys elementary administrators and social studies teachers in Billings, Montana concerning teaching methods used and those desirable to meet the needs of individual learners. Reports subjects' ratings of a variety of teaching methods and how well these methods address individual differences. (RS)

In "Centennial School District v. Commonwealth" the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that the school district only had to provide individualized instruction to the gifted student within the district's present curriculum. The decision can be cited as persuasive authority in the 25 states that have mandatory gifted education statutes. (MLF)

This response to Woodward and Noell (EC 607 857) notes the heavy investment of time required to develop educational software and specifically addresses concerns about computer-assisted instruction which does not incorporate computer-managed instruction; the supposedly "unique" needs of students with disabilities; and current technological…

An orientation and mobility (O&M) instructor presents a case study of a blind 14 year old with mild cognitive deficits and emotional and behavioral problems. The case study demonstrates the importance of individualizing the O&M curriculum, including changing the usual sequence of instruction. (DB)

Considers the need for staff training in virtual libraries. Highlights include instruction and training, including in-house training, vendor contracts, and self-paced instruction; documentation; current awareness via professional literature, electronic discussions, bibliographies, and conferences; information filtering through selective…

Provides an overview of alternatives to whole-class instruction which incorporate limited individualization. Discusses the purpose and process of using tiered activities, learning outcomes/mastery learning, learning centers, cooperative learning, computer-assisted learning, and self-directed learning (including negotiated contracts, journals,…

Discusses activities for use in multilevel language classes, or in regular classes with students of varying abilities. They include start-up activities suitable for everyone, activities where students perform a task at different levels, and activities that incorporate a variety of different activities. Small group and individual activities are…

This response to a previous article comparing guidelines for developmentally appropriate practice in the fields of early childhood education and early intervention/special education stresses the importance of individualizing application of principles and the need to look beyond effectiveness and efficiency as dimensions for evaluating practice.…

Suggests that music education by its nature is well suited to meeting the special needs of at-risk students. Discusses the role of music in motivating and enabling students to succeed. Defines the causes of failure as inability and lack of desire to learn when at-risk students receive the wrong kind of instruction. (DK)

Describes a flexible model for developing library research skills based on analysis of a relevant text. Students begin by tracing endnotes, reflecting on purpose each cited source serves in fulfilling writer's goals, and practicing locating similar resources. Model can be adapted to individual instruction, group instruction, or computer assisted…

Two studies compared the performance of students (total n=66 and ages 5-21) with autism or developmental disabilities in one-to-one instruction to performance of those transitioned to small groups. Results indicated successful transition to small group formats across curriculum areas including language, math, readiness, and shopping. (Author/DB)

Describes the use of Keller's Personalized System for Instruction with the addition of videotapes, interactive videodisc, and computer-delivered tutorials in an undergraduate mathematics course. Modifications of Keller's plan for British universities are discussed, examination results are studied, and the quality of the learning experience is…

Questionnaire responses from 6 samples totaling about 2,000 third- and fourth-grade teachers were analyzed regarding the extent to which gifted and talented students receive differentiated education in regular classrooms. The study found that teachers made only minor modifications in the regular curriculum, with provision of thinking and…

The Teen Parenting Program, combining individualized academic and parenting instruction, has decreased future costs to society by reducing the dropout rate for expectant mothers from 80 percent to 38 percent and second pregnancy rates from 30-45 percent to 8 percent and by increasing birthweights of babies born to program mothers. Describes the…