Describes a plan that identifies the extent of academic and related service needs of students. Using data on students from 50 elementary schools in Minneapolis (Minnesota), the authors show how their analytical technique helped identify schools with poor performance and what actions needed to be taken to improve them or to sustain efforts where…

Describes a longitudinal research project to introduce holistic-constructivistic pedagogy into bilingual special education classrooms. The authors report the process of teacher change as teachers shifted from a medical model to a contextual-performance model for viewing abilities and disabilities, the changes in students' attitudes toward reading…

This study examined the effectiveness of school-based drug education in affecting knowledge, attitudes, decision making, motivation, and self-esteem. Pre- and postintervention surveys of fourth through eighth graders indicated that self-esteem did not improve significantly. Knowledge and attitude scores improved significantly, with a positive…

Evaluation of a leisure skill instruction program with five high school age students with severe disabilities found generalization of trained skills in activities with nondisabled peers. Additionally, attitude scores of high school peers showed a significant improvement following four months of interaction with a disabled student. (DB)

Using 41 students (ages 6-10) with moderate mental retardation as subjects, 3 different forms of academic integration are compared: special classes using a functional curriculum, special classes using a traditional curriculum, and regular classes. After the first year, no significant intergroup differences appeared for measurements of cognitive…

Describes a study of affective differences between 300 university undergraduates enrolled in an introductory psychology course, comparing students who elected to participate in Supplemental Instruction (a nonremedial, academic support model targeting high-risk courses) with those who did not. Assesses Supplemental Instruction's effects on locus of…

This study evaluated the impact of a school-based nutrition teaching program on students' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. Modest use of the program "Nutrition for Life" related to modest attitude, behavior, and knowledge differences. Interactions among teacher assignment, nutrition teaching, and program use explained variations in…

Data were gathered from all state Medicaid programs, 11 health insurance carriers, and 140 firms offering health insurance to employees, concerning coverage of various services needed by young children with disabilities, including ancillary therapies, mental health services, and case management. Results revealed that Medicaid offered the greatest…

Proposes resolutions about the relationship between a short course on science instruction and specific changes in teaching strategy. Identifies teachers' existing knowledge base as an important factor for the examination of new pedagogical ideas. Suggests that loyalty and demonstration provide a mechanism by which teachers may enhance their…

A Johns Hopkins University (Maryland) medical college substance abuse education program was evaluated by nine annual student surveys (n=892 students). Significant improvements were found in student attitudes, beliefs in role responsibility, and confidence in skills during preclinical years. Clinical programs emphasizing substance abuse increased…

Discusses five major issues raised by the papers in this special issue. Also considers curriculum and conceptual issues not dealt with in the issue. Describes the need for a combination of education and care, or "educare," in early childhood programs. (BG)

More than 1,600 middle school students, including an experimental group exposed to the Biological Science Curriculum Study (BSCS), were administered the Modified Nature of Scientific Knowledge Scale. Results indicate that the students utilizing the traditional science curriculum possessed a significantly better understanding of the testable nature…

Drug-exposed infants are having a profound impact on the child welfare system. When community resources are not available to meet the needs of these children and families, requirements of current child welfare laws cannot be met. The range of services necessary for effective child welfare responses is discussed. (SLD)

Claims that the Carolina Abecedarian Project, an early intervention with children from economically and socially impoverished homes, has produced and maintained higher IQs in children at risk of mental retardation are examined for approximately 112 children. Assertions of project success are reviewed, and the implications are discussed. (SLD)

An independent activity engagement program, developed for institutionalized people with mental handicaps, included an adapted watch to provide auditory or visual cues at preset times, a box with pictorial cards representing familiar activities, and reinforcement. The program was suitable for the two adult participants but they continued to rely on…