This research report summarizes a study of independent study projects in 36 American secondary schools selected from a list of 317 schools nominated as having definite and organized independent study programs. The investigators found 8,584 students in the 36 schools involved in independent study programs. Independent study is defined as learning…

Reported were data from the first year of a 2-year project in which four elementary schools implemented a new organizational pattern that stressed individualized instruction and maintenance of mild to moderately handicapped children in regular classrooms. Schools were selected on the basis of the following criteria: school population of 600 to 900…

The authors review some of the shortcomings in schools trying to translate mainstreaming theory into practice: lack of a full range of special placement options, over-reliance on consultation and resource teacher programs, and failure to furnish adequate special instruction in regular classrooms. (Author/SJL)

Contends that classroom teachers can teach science well and offers suggestions for organizing an elementary school staff to ensure that good science teaching would occur. States that each classroom teacher can become a local expert on a particular area of the science curriculum and practice. (ML)

The resource room concept need not be considered as merely an alternative learning environment for handicapped children but can aid in the improvement of general education so that fewer children need specialized services and in the provision of services for children who still require specialized instruction. (DB)

The author suggests ways to teach "campus survival skills" to handicapped students and suggests techniques for successfully integrating these students into the mainstream of campus life. (KC)

A third-grade classroom participated in a communication skills unit (CSU) designed and implemented collaboratively by a teacher, speech-language pathologist, and student speech-language pathologist. The CSU aimed to increase the students' metapragmatic awareness of explanation adequacy. Students showed significant improvement in ability to rate…

Proposes the resource teacher model as a solution to lack of motivation in middle-aged teachers. The role of the special education resource teacher provides intrinsic rewards such as autonomy, challenge, and variety which can renew motivation. A new role as resource teacher addresses the issues of midlife stagnation and allows for personal growth.…

The article describes how the use of collaborative consultation as a problem-solving process can be used in various service delivery options for educating mildly handicapped and at-risk students. Critical considerations (staff development, planning/problem-solving options, scheduling/time to consult) are identified. (DB)

This article discusses weaknesses in standard approaches to consultancy that have developed out of conflicts between special and regular educators, including a narrow focus on problem solving and an implication of superiority on the part of special educators. Cooperative professional development teams consisting of both special and regular…

This study examined the relationship between 18 pairs of special-education resource teachers and the paraeducators they supervise. Teachers were divided in their beliefs about the fundamental role of paraeducators, whether as assistants to the teacher or to the student. Teachers also expressed reluctance about their supervisory role, preferring to…

This paper describes the use of special "Intervention Teachers" to address the needs of severely learning disabled (LD) high school students in a Chicago Public High School. In this approach the Intervention Teacher, a trained LD teacher, consults with, helps, and observes the regular teacher's instructional plans and implementation.…

This final report resulted from a 1-year evaluation of three Area Learning Support Teams, intended to provide a flexible and coordinated learning support service in three secondary schools and associated primary schools in one region of Scotland. The study interviewed 26 key people and used questionnaires to elicit opinions of 163 others. Findings…

Designed to identify and develop reading skills, stimulate the desire to read, promote an appreciation of literature, and encourage reading as a lifelong habit, the Department of Defense Dependents Schools Comprehensive Reading Program presented in this pamphlet outlines the major functions of the reading improvement specialist (RIS). These…

A critical examination of problems in delivery services to students with mild learning and behavior problems points out weaknesses in special education programs. These programs have grown indiscriminately, resulting in over-identification of "handicapped" students. The special education placement system is time-consuming and is not the most…