This column introduces issues in research and practice concerned with assistive technology for students with disabilities including delays in transferring research findings into practice and ways to integrate what is known about research, effective practice, teacher professional development, and change. (Contains 14 references.) (DB)

The review describes the advance organizer technique and reviews the empirical evidence on the effectiveness of advance organizers with both normal students and students classified as handicapped. Examples of advance organizers include the expository advance organizer, the comparative advance organizer, the graphic advance organizer, and…

This paper highlights research, development, and applications of technology in the areas of visual perception, facilitation of human communication, prosthetics and orthotics, and robotics and signal processing. Means by which the application of promising technological developments can be expedited are also discussed. (Author/DB)

This editorial notes the differences between the language of science and the language of special education practice; stresses the need for communication between these groups; notes the need for publications in both areas; and urges continued dialog among researchers, practitioners, and parents. (DB)

This article provides guidance to special education teachers who need to assess proposals involving their collaboration in research. Recommended considerations include the conceptual soundness of the research, feasibility, and ethics. (DB)

This manual is intended to help applicants write successful grant applications in response to requests for proposals (RFPs) from the Division of Personnel Preparation of the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs. It is particularly aimed at institutions of higher education involved in the Alliance 2000 Project, institutions with at least 25…

The report examines key questions surrounding cognitive and metacognitive strategy instruction for disabled learners as a concept and in practice. The first three sections provide background information about cognitive and metacognitive strategies by defining terms, by discussing their relevance to special education populations, and by summarizing…

This paper describes research needs in light of changes taking place in school-based practice in both general and special education. The tenets of educational reform and societal concerns fueling demands for reform are identified. The context in which changes in educational practices are occurring is described, focusing on evolving relationships…

Increasingly, very young children with disabilities are using microcomputers, powered mobility, myoelectric prostheses, and augmentative communication devices. This article examines research, clinical experience, and issues in the field of advanced technology applied to disabled children, aged birth to three, and suggests future applications of…

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…

Considers the relationship between disability and cultural diversity in a discussion of parent perceptions and participation, disability as a culturally and socially constructed phenomenon, differing ways of dealing with a disability, and differing methods of communication. Recommendations based on research and practice are offered. (DB)

Suggests links from research to practice in key areas of inclusive early childhood education including teachers' knowledge base and beliefs, communication, physical environment, activities and materials, social interactions, and curriculum and instruction. (DB)

This information packet is intended to provide special education administrators with information and materials regarding inservice education and staff development. The first section presents a research and development model based on Project TAMEC (Technical Assistance for Mainstreaming Exceptional Children), a North Carolina program which assists…

This paper summarizes the research literature on the best ways for teachers to communicate with parents of children with disabilities. The relatively scanty empirical research suggests that what actually works with parents is not always what teachers expect. Findings suggest that research-tested methods of communication with parents of children…

This document consists of seven newsletter issues containing the 3 year period 1989-1991. Major articles during this period have the following titles: "Special Educators Probe Promises and Pitfalls of Multimedia Today"; "NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) Developed Technology for Students with Disabilities";…