A structured reinforcement system, in which learning disabled students earn tokens for on-task activities, is an effective way of managing classroom behavior. An 11-step process of initiating such a program is described. (CL)

Teachers can increase students' learning time by following specific instructional methods that maintain interest and develop the experience of success. Selection of realistic learning goals is essential. (CJH)

Techniques to promote engagement in preschool children with special needs include rotating toys to maximize novelty, specifying engagement goals, and using individualized materials. Promoting engagement requires consideration of methods for determining engagement goals and ways to manage the logistics of the individualized program. (DB)

The article addresses ways to maximize the engagement of preschool children with special needs, through classroom modifications of the physical environment, the social environment, and instructional practices. The article encourages use of appropriate, sufficient, and accessible materials; a daily schedule with smooth transitions; and use of…

The article considers various learning disabilities in mathematics and suggests teaching approaches such as ways to increase instructional time and the importance of building both computation skills and concepts. (DB)

Observation of teacher and student behaviors in four areas (teacher cognitive, teacher management, student on-task and student off-task) revealed that teachers spent 48 percent of total classroom time in cognitive activities. (Author/CL)

The article reviews research on children's use of time with emphasis on maintaining "engagement" (developmentally and contextually appropriate behavior). Techniques for preschool teachers to use to promote high levels of engagement by children with or without disabilities are identified. (DB)

This booklet focuses upon ways in which a teacher can increase the amount of time students apply themselves to learning. Methods are presented for observing how much time students actually spend learning, for identifying which students are off-task, and for selecting teaching methods to increase students' learning time. Contents include…

The author discusses ways in which special education classroom teachers can examine the ways in which their classrooms are organized to save academic time without losing common sense. (CL)

An attitude that students could, and would, master their lessons resulted in raised student test scores and improved school discipline at a Florida elementary school. Increasing time on task and dividing lessons into manageable blocks contributed to the school atmosphere. (MLF)

This article examines the concept of negative reinforcement in relation to the maintenance of off-task and disruptive behaviors in classrooms. Suggestions are given for determining whether negative reinforcement (in the form of escape from the instructional task) or teacher attention is maintaining the behavior. Suggestions for making tasks less…

Individualized instructional contracts are described as a useful approach to increasing on-task behaviors of mildly handicapped students in the regular classroom. Their step-by-step design and implementation are outlined. A blank contract form and sample contract of activities are provided. (Author/JW)

A teacher describes the organization of her resource room program for learning disabled elementary grade students emphasizing increased academic learning time through structured direct instruction and independent work time, activities to reinforce individual and small group instruction, and systematic material storage and recordkeeping. (DB)

A classwide peer tutoring procedure was implemented in an urban elementary school classroom of 23 students, to improve students' spelling performance. Results indicated the untrained or collateral tutoring behaviors increased the academic response frequencies of three tutees and the weekly spelling achievement of one target tutee. (Author/DB)

The Classroom Pairing System (CPS) for second language instruction is a simple pattern practice technique that allows students to practice orally with a partner. An advantage of the technique is that it allows maximum time on task for each student in a large class. Students hold picture cards in their hands, and the partners ask and answer…