A survey of 28 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Part H coordinators throughout the nation investigated current assessment practices used to prescribe augmentative and alternative communication devices for young children with disabilities. Few respondents reported that they provided training "to a great extent" in the uses of…

The impact of computer-mediated technology on the preparation of 72 third-graders for inclusive classes was explored. Male students in a computer instruction group out-performed males in control and teacher instruction groups with respect to basic knowledge about students with mental retardation. There were no differences among female students.…

A recent report of the British Mental Health Foundation identified key issues in service provision for children with learning disabilities and severe challenging behavior. Recommendations addressed issues such as definitions of challenging behavior, early intervention, implications for educational services, residential education, and…

Analysis of 366 surveys completed by Pennsylvania teachers with educational responsibility for students using assistive technology found teachers were informed and experienced in the use of computers and assistive technology, issues of equipment complexity were seen as barriers to assistive technology utilization, and training and maintenance were…

This article describes how preservice teachers have used SITE (Sharing Ideas about Teaching Effectively), a computer program that uses a hypertext environment to create a database of effective teaching tactics, to teach students with and without disabilities more effectively. Types of information found on SITE are illustrated. (CR)

The construct validity of the Preschool and Kindergarten Behavior Scales (PKBS) was evaluated with 94 kindergarten students. Results supported both the convergent and discriminant validity of the Social Skills and Problem Behavior scales of the PKBS. Results also support use of the PKBS for identifying young children who are behaviorally at risk.…

This article reviews and synthesizes recent research on higher education faculty shortages in the special education field, and outlines areas of needed research. Issues discussed include high attrition rates, faculty diversity, and insufficient and misplaced incentives. Strengths and weaknesses of available research are discussed. (Author/PB)

The need for more interdisciplinary training for professionals who deliver services to students with multiple disabilities was examined in a survey of 50 occupational therapists, 50 physical therapists, 50 speech-language pathologists and 50 teachers in clinical or educational settings in Kentucky. The survey found a need for interdisciplinary…

Procedures developed by Gwinnett County (Georgia) Public Schools to evaluate and serve the increasing number of students with medically complex needs are outlined. A medical review panel convened to address health and safety issues and requests that the school provide unique or specialized health care procedures is described, as is the development…

Eight preschoolers with moderate developmental disabilities were paired with typically developing peers who had been taught simple strategies to facilitate communicative attempts. Consistent improvements in social interaction by trained peers and target children were demonstrated. These improvements generalized when trained peers were assigned to…

Attitudes toward support service models that are shifting away from specialist-reliant toward natural support systems were studied, from the perspectives of professionals and parents (N=119) who were educational team members for students with deaf-blindness and multiple disabilities in general education settings. Analyses suggest inconsistent…

This study examined the characteristics of 280 adults who came to an inner-city adult literacy program. Participants were characterized by a wide range of cognitive, academic, and social difficulties; the extent of these difficulties increased dramatically as literacy level declined. Results support the need for comprehensive educational, social,…

In this interview with Susan Conners, a middle school French teacher who has lived with Tourette syndrome (TS) since age 6, she discusses her lack of diagnosis until age 36, difficulties in school, why TS should be listed under "Other Health Impaired" in federal legislation, characteristics of TS, and interventions. (Contains…

This article introduces two articles that address the history and funding of personnel preparation for special education in general and the specific history of federal funding for general education teachers to work well with students with disabilities. It urges the incorporation of accountability in teacher education programs to justify funding.…

The perspectives of 241 multi-discipline early interventionists were elicited by asking them to describe three wishes they would make to change early intervention to ensure quality services. With few exceptions, practitioner perspectives conflicted with accepted early intervention best practices such as family-centered interventions or provision…