Social competence of elementary students (n=141) with learning disabilities, low achievement, or average to high achievement was examined. Ratings of social skills, peer acceptance, behavior problems, and self-perceptions were gathered from students, teachers, parents, and peers. Learning disability and low achievement groups were…

This quantitative and qualitative case study describes 30 months in the life of a young woman with autism and a history of life-threatening self-injurious behaviors (SIB) who moved from a large public institution into the community. Decreased frequency of problem behaviors was documented. The importance of multicomponent positive intervention…

A young adult with multiple disabilities (profound mental retardation, spastic quadriplegia, and visual impairment) was provided with a voice output communication aid (VOCA) which allowed communication through synthesized speech. Both educational and residential staff members interacted with the individual more frequently when she had access to…

Analysis of several national surveys found that states collect a tremendous amount of data on educational outcomes, but little on the status of students with disabilities. Trends toward increasing local control concerning decisions of testing participation and accommodation strategies were found. The need for carefully planned inclusion of…

Describes the demographic, social, and political variables influencing the development of young children; their relationship to the need for comprehensive services; and the need for early childhood educators who possess competencies to serve diverse groups of young children, including those dealing with poverty, violence, cultural diversity,…

This study explored the availability and frequency of use of 14 types of technology, as well as 68 teachers' views on what kinds would be most helpful, for students with learning disabilities. Information was obtained on: innovative uses of technology, the quality of software available, accessibility of computers, equipment needs for special…

Inclusion of students with learning disabilities in regular education is explored as it relates to the in-class reading specialist. Issues discussed include the necessity for preservice and inservice preparation for assuming coteaching roles, the importance of personal empowerment of reading specialists, and the need for meaningful integration of…

This response to five case studies of inclusive practices for elementary students with learning disabilities finds confirmation of fears that such programs would suffer from problems of organization, planning, and coordination; that related services would not be provided more frequently; and that program value is determined by teacher and…

Suggestions are offered for implementing a collaborative approach to teaching self-questioning and applying this approach to foster the self-regulated learner. Collaborative self-questioning was used in two settings: with adults who were poor readers and with fourth- and fifth-grade students with learning and language disabilities. (SW)

Examines the transition of youth with disabilities from high school to employment in 15 small rural Wisconsin school districts. Focuses on educational practices and employment outcomes. Program strengths included exposing students to a formal career curriculum, developing a student career plan, and incorporating vocational and career education…

This article describes a federally funded model self-determination project for students with severe emotional disabilities/behavioral disorders (SED/BD). The project promotes self-determination through instruction in problem solving, self-assertiveness, and self-management skills, and utilizes cross-age peer tutoring involving college students…

The effects of personal and teaching efficacy on teachers' use of curriculum-based measurement (CBM) and on student achievement were studied. Nineteen special education teachers each monitored 2 elementary school students with mild disabilities over 16 weeks in math computation using CBM. Teachers with high personal and teaching efficacy more…

Explores the effect of variations in caregiver sensitivity on the timing of their severely and profoundly deaf infants' acquisition of communication skills. Found that caregivers of deaf infants showed considerable variation in comparison to the caregivers of normally hearing infants. Contextual factors of a dynamic nature operate with varying…

Examines literature for guiding libraries to develop services that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Presents a case of the University of Alabama Libraries' establishment of a technologies lab to serve the needs of the blind, visually impaired, and learning disabled students; examines problems and efforts to increase staff…

Addresses differences between rural and urban communities in terms of family characteristics, home life, cultural values, social norms, and economic structures. Implications for rural special education include understanding the diversity of rural communities, developing relationship-based services, and considering ecocultural factors when…