A narration of teaching experiences in an inner-city school in California is the basis for a proposed democratic educational platform that suggests ways to move beyond the despair and frustration of inner-city teaching without losing sight of the painful realities. Implications for teacher education are discussed. (SLD)

This response to five case studies of inclusive practices for elementary students with learning disabilities raises questions about bottom-line practices expected in inclusive classrooms, the relationship between classrooms and their schools and administrators, and how the case studies can be used to stimulate development of the next generation of…

This response to five case studies of inclusive practices for elementary students with learning disabilities evaluates the studies by standards that require prioritized objectives, adapted methods and materials, effective teacher presentation, and systematic monitoring. It finds that the case studies show shortcomings in all areas, which appeared…

A nationwide survey of braille instructors in adult rehabilitation centers found that: most teachers taught braille to fewer than 20 percent of clients; few taught complex reading skills; instructors' attitudes were influenced by their training site, type of college degree, and degree of vision; and teaching behaviors were affected by teaching…

This paper notes a Canadian survey on the policies and practices of mainstreaming and integration of disabled students and suggests that, although widespread integration exists, there is a growing disaffection with the demands of mainstreaming which include individualized instruction, personalized success structuring, and continuous learning. (DB)

This article reports on a 1988 survey of music programs in 49 residential schools for blind and visually impaired students. It presents information on teachers, materials, course offerings, accomplishments, goals, and administrative concerns. Recommendations include communication among music teachers, more involvement by music therapists, and…

Discusses the educational philosophies of the two camps of the Progressive Education Movement: the child-centered education camp, exemplified by the work of John Dewey, and mass education camp exemplified by the rising "science" of educational testing (led by Edward L. Thorndike) and the growth and centralized authority of large…

This article introduces the papers included in this special issue on special education of African-American youth. It notes the multidimensional problems confronting African-American students in special education settings and urges special educators and service providers to take new directions in educating at-risk African-American students. (JDD)

This article outlines the current vocational education and training system in England and Wales; notes current reform efforts to increase privatization, decentralization, and enterprise; identifies obstacles to change; and considers decentralized decision making in the context of the 1988 Education Reform Act. (Author/DB)

This paper argues that, if teachers are to be held accountable for instructional quality, then the educational establishment must be held accountable for providing teachers with relevant knowledge and the feasible professional tools derived from that knowledge. Suggestions are offered for developing this accountability, such as field testing…

This paper describes present learning environments for students with mild disabilities, especially instructional practices that thwart student motivation for learning. The Foxfire experiential approach to learning is then outlined, through discussion of 11 core practices that promote student involvement in instructional decision making and the…

Discusses 3 different categories of literacy programs discerned in observations of 37 kindergarten classrooms over an 8-year period: maturationist teachers, basal teachers, and emergent literacy teachers. Provides perceived rationales for the existence of these categories. (SR)

This article is organized into two parts: (1) a review of literature on teachers' grading practices, and (2) a discussion of the findings about teachers' grading practices in light of evaluation and motivation theory. The discussion considers both research implications and practical recommendations. (Author)

Describes current literacy practices in Australia and the history of influential approaches to literacy instruction. Discusses the unique contexts of professional development and practice that may make Australian approaches to literacy different from whole-language movements in American schools. (SR)

This paper addresses the transition of young children from preschool programs that provide special education services to kindergarten or alternative elementary school placements. The roles of the child, family, and service providers in transition preparation, planning, implementation, and evaluation are described. Components of successful…