The "IDRA Newsletter" serves as a vehicle for communication with educators, school board members, decision-makers, parents, and the general public concerning the educational needs of all children across the United States. The focus of this issue is "Opportunity." Contents include: (1) Students Deserve to Read Diverse Books --…

The National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) documents dimensions of quality in undergraduate education and provides information and assistance to colleges, universities, and other organizations to improve student learning. Its primary activity is annually surveying college students to assess the extent to which they engage in educational…

Intended for parents of infants and preschoolers with visual impairments, this booklet encourages parent involvement in all aspects of educational programming for their children and provides guidelines for selection of a suitable program. The first section examines the stresses involved during transitions from one program to another. Parents are…

This article offers guidelines on locating the most appropriate educational program for gifted students. It recommends first a thorough assessment of the student's abilities and then presents a checklist which considers program admission standards, philosophy, teachers, instructional methods, curriculum, and other factors. (JDD)

This guide is intended to help people with intellectual disabilities, their friends, family members, and support workers evaluate and choose a literacy program that includes people who have differences. A brief introduction points out that, in Canada, all citizens have the right to an education and cites Article 15 of the Canadian Charter of…

This guide for employed parents describes types of programs available to school-age children, criteria parents can use in selecting a program that meets their child's needs, and ways to find or develop neighborhood child care programs. Options for young children include day care centers, day care in schools, family day care, and care at home.…

This guide to designing an effective second language instructional program in the public schools provides parents, community leaders, and school personnel with practical guidelines for reviewing current foreign language instructional programs and for introducing changes in the curriculum that are in line with the emphasis on communication. An…

Translated into Spanish, this booklet is intended for parents of infants and preschoolers with visual impairments or blindness. The guide focuses on the parent's role in selecting an appropriate program and helping the child make a positive transition into the program. The first section looks at feelings about transitions and positive steps…