This digest explains five homework strategies appropriate for use with students who have disabilities and which are supported by research. These strategies are: (1) give clear and appropriate assignments (specific tips from both teachers and students are offered); (2) make homework accommodations (eight common accommodations are listed); (3) teach…

Three brief papers review the literature and report on a study concerning the concept of functional impairment in light of regulations requiring both a psychiatric diagnosis and functional impairment for access to mental health care by children and adolescents with emotional disturbances. The first, very brief summary is: "The Origin, Meaning and…

In December 2000, the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (SEDL) began working with low-performing districts and schools as part of a 5-year research and development effort to create and refine a systemic model for improving student achievement in reading or mathematics. SEDL hypothesized that as districts and schools increase their…

This document presents four brief papers that review and synthesize the research on intervention with students who have learning disabilities (LD). The first paper is "Can School-Based Interventions Enhance the Self-Concept of Students with Learning Disabilities?" (Batya Elbaum and Sharon Vaughn). This review finds that school-based interventions…

This symposium paper reviews the literature on adult students in higher education and offers a model of their collegiate experiences. The review is organized according to the following themes: adults' experiences in higher education, social and psychological concerns, the role of the classroom, adult cognition, the adult-world surroundings, and…

Teachers and researchers need to use the research produced in education to improve their practice. However, the current modes of dissemination through journals and papers are often written for the expert community. The Telematics Centre at the University of Exeter (United Kingdom), School of Education provides creative solutions for the effective…

As part of its contract to develop a framework for continuous school improvement in its four-state region (Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia), Appalachia Educational Laboratory staff designed the Quest project. Based upon principles of inquiry, collaboration, and action research, Quest supports and investigates ongoing school…

This paper describes the development work and research findings of an initiative to create a statewide literacy assessment in New York to inform teaching and learning and report on group performance trends. The Early Literacy Profile (ELP) is a classroom-based, standards-referenced performance assessment for students in the primary grades…

This paper explains how the hardiness approach has had an impact on psychology and related fields. It states that in this process, the development of the hardiness approach to enhancing performance and health has been facilitated by continual cross-fertilization between theorizing, research, and practice. It first emerged from individual…

This study surveyed 202 state-level disability organizations concerning their capacity, policy, and practices for working with youth with disabilities who are homeless, runaway, or at risk for running away. Major findings indicated: (1) limited awareness existed of the relationship between disabilities and runaway and homeless youth; (2) only 26…

To identify future Texas higher education issues, groups of educational, community, political, and business leaders assembled for Delphi group discussions to examine Texas higher education in 2010. The final round of discussion yielded 33 questions considered important by at least one member in each of two or more groups. Areas of consensus led to…

"[I]n difficult economic times, political stakeholders in the technology transfer process usually view success in economic impact terms, and often from short-term and parochial perspectives--how many jobs in my state next year?" Although universities increasingly pressure their technology transfer specialists to become stewards of their…

The first two years' experience at the Waterford School are described by an administrator and a parent. Waterford is a private, nontuition school conducted as the major activity of an educational institute dedicated to research, innovation, and the application of advanced technologies such as microcomputers and videodiscs to education and…

Discusses science/society interface and difficulties involved in developing realistic science indicators. Topics include: intrinsic vs. extrinsic indicators; four problems society faces as a result of technological activities (toxic chemicals, radioactive wastes, auto safety, cancer); research and development (R&D) priorities; international…

Presents Research and Development (R&D) efforts at universities and colleges. Data are presented on where the money comes from, how it is spent, amount allotted to chemistry, schools that have the largest R&D efforts, and top R&D centers. (HM)