Educators are often caught up in the problem of political agendas or funding driving educational research. Projects and proposals congruent with current trends or some agency's priority are often those that are funded. Institutional recognition in the form of promotion and salary increments is frequently focused on funded research. What, then, is…

In the United Kingdom, school-effectiveness research has significantly influenced both policy and practice. Research demonstrates considerable methodological sophistication, with axiomatic use of multilevel modeling, cohort studies, multiple intake and outcome measures, and limited attempts to analyze instructional processes. The historic split…

In Israel, the school principal role is still being professionalized. There are no licensing or formal, systematic selection procedures. The Jerusalem model is a master's level program that balances theoretical content with practical experience. Major components include academic knowledge bases, task-oriented studies, training in managerial…

Five special educators (Durand, Bambara, Dunlap, Kennedy, and Wacker) respond to an article in the same issue by Horner and Carr entitled "Behavioral Support for Students with Severe Disabilities: Functional Assessment and Comprehensive Intervention." Respondents raise concerns regarding the range of intervention options, the behavioral…

This commentary on "Natural Supports in the Workplace: The Jury Is Still Out" (Test and Wood), argues that the differing definitions of natural supports are constructive because of the evolving nature of the research, and that progressive policy is often ahead of documented knowledge, but concurs that additional research is needed. (CR)

This article identifies six core elements that have empirical support and should be included in instructional programs for students with autistic spectrum disorders. They are: (1) individualized supports and services; (2) systematic instruction; (3) comprehensible/structured learning environments; (4) specialized curriculum content; (5) functional…

This article synthesizes articles discussed as part of the research symposium at the 24th International Conference on Learning Disabilities on October 11, 2002. Topics include translating learning disability research to practice, identification of learning disabilities, special education and postmodernism, and the response to treatment model.…

Describes evolution of the Montessori perspective as Montessori adolescent programs attempt to reinforce the elementary and early childhood stages. Asserts that although development of these programs is experimental and undefined, a crystallization point around the whole of Montessori may occur amid diverse implementation. Asserts that Montessori…

Reviews Maria Montessori's view of sensitive periods and examines the kinds of help needed from adults: an open mind, specific help from a prepared learning environment, and challenges presented at the right time. Stresses the universality of sensitive periods and their connection to brain development. Focuses on the unconscious nature and…

Profiles a working model of a 6-to-12 class, operating from the premise that both 6-to-9 and 9-to-12 levels embody the same complete equipping of the prepared environment for the elementary level and include all the elementary presentations. Suggests that key lessons in language, mathematics, science, social studies, and history need to be…

Identifies certain conceptions regarding the science content studied by students aged 9-11 years and develops a strategy for altering these conceptions. Reviews research on misconceptions and defines action research. (DDR)

Raises seven issues to consider: appreciating centrality; enriching communication education through theory; knowing how they got there... and why; teaching communication successfully; celebrating communication skills; creating a sociology of communication education; and making communication education relevant outside of the classroom. (SG)

This review examines the literature on how to teach kindergarten children with reading and writing difficulties how to write. Research on handwriting instruction, spelling instruction, and composition writing is discussed. Although the research on writing instruction in kindergarten is limited, findings suggest it can include instructional…

To better serve the needs of a pluralistic student population, Mount Holyoke College's Career Development Center shifted the focus of its programs and services. This article discusses the dynamic, multidimensional nature of identity and how practitioners might create more effective interventions to support their diverse students. (Contains 13…

Discusses advantages of adjunct teaching responsibilities for librarians based on experiences of the Illinois chapter of the Special Libraries Association (SLA). Describes the class design, the focus on content, and teamwork skills; and considers the theory practice relationship, library education, and future challenges. (LRW)