Four projects, conducted as part of an ongoing programmatic research effort to develop and evaluate curricular modules for Head Start classes, are presented. Project A was an attempt to identify the effectiveness of an intervention approach that involved the introduction into two classes of curricula in language, mathematics, motivation, and…

Presented in the second volume of a series emanating from a conceptual project on emotional disturbance are six papers on general aspects of interventions as well as biophysical, behavioral, psychodynamic, environmental, and counter theoretical interventions. In an "Overview of Interventions", W. Rhodes discusses a framework for viewing…

The purposes of this study were to learn about: (1) ways of identifying children not accepted by their peers, (2) the behavioral correlates of peer acceptance, and (3) strategies of teaching social skills to isolated children. Sociometric assessment, behavioral observations, and teacher and peer interviews were obtained in eight 3rd-, 4th-, and…

The paper introduces a 3-level paradigm for community assessment. First, Raza communities are conceptualized as belonging to three phases--culturally homogeneous, culturally in transition, and culturally heterogeneous. Each phase is determined by the proximity of the cities'"barrios" to the home country (Mexico, Puerto Rico, Central America) and…

This paper reports on an intervention program adopted by 73 North York, Ontario, elementary schools and used with 595 first grade pupils identified as likely to experience limited school success. Criteria for pupil selection were teachers' ratings, performance on the reading and numbers subtests of the Metropolitan Achievement Test (MAT) and the…

Current approaches to instruction of students with autism and severe behavioral disorders are reviewed, specifically the behavioral framework and the community adaptation framework. In contrast to such approaches, which overemphasize teacher control over student behavior, a facilitative approach to enhancing students' communicative competence is…

A need exists for appropriate curricula for students who are both limited English proficient (LEP) and learning disabled (LD). This paper reviews learning strategy approaches for LEP and LD students, compares two models (the Cognitive Academic Language Learning Approach and the Strategies Intervention Model), and proposes a merging of the two…

The Family Needs Survey assesses the functional needs of parents with young handicapped children, including the following areas of need: information, support, community services, financial assistance, assistance in explaining the handicap, and assistance in family functioning. Field testing with 34 families indicated the instrument's usefulness as…

Analyzes how the need to maintain the societal system results in the practice of power politics and the repression of human needs. Examines how democracy is an institutionalized means of resistance to demands for human needs. States that the Western political philosophy's interest-oriented system is a major source of global violence. (GEA)

The study examined the effects of physical fitness training and reinforcement on the maladaptive behaviors of five institutionalized mentally retarded/emotionally disturbed adults. Results showed a dramatic decrease of target behavior during intervention phases and a clear increase during the baseline and maintenance phases. (Author/JDD)

Whole task training and graduated guidance were used to teach independent dressing skills to two developmentally disabled 4-year-olds. After the boys acquired basic dressing skills, additional practice (fluency training) elevated their performance to socially validated rates. Follow-up showed that the skills were maintained and generalized to…

Scholastic Aptitude Test skills of dyslexics can be enhanced through use of special test administration arrangements and a structured program of vocabulary development, test-taking strategies, and a pattern of analysis to improve reading comprehension. Two case studies illustrate the impact of drill and reinforcement, multimodal imagery…

Recent research and practice in the education of students with autism are contrasted with earlier approaches and grouped in seven current issues: assessment, early intervention, family involvement, setting of classrooms, curriculum, program evaluation; and staff training and consultation. (Author)

The procedural safeguards required by the Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities Program (Part C) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are intended to protect the interests of families with infants and toddlers with special needs and of the early intervention system. Early intervention system personnel are legally obligated to…

Meeting a growing need among human service and education professionals, this book presents empirically supported guidelines for delivering effective services to 3- to 12-year-olds with aggression and conduct problems. The volume begins by reviewing the characteristics and developmental pathways of children with aggression and conduct problems. The…