The newsletter describes the development of a vocational training model for severely handicapped and deaf blind adolescents. The need for innovative vocational models in the secondary school is discussed. Three stages of the vocational training model are presented--assessment in five job samples (food service, groundskeeping-agriculture,…

This document comprises three issues of a newsletter highlighting the MOST Initiative (Making the Most of Out-of-School Time) published by the National Institute on Out-of-School Time. Appearing regularly in the newsletter are updates of after-school programs in Chicago, Seattle, and Boston. The January, 2000 issue features an interview with…

The many forms of interdisciplinarity in higher education institutions and the various ways it has been used to advance curricular changes are examined. Definitions of interdisciplinarity and its variants (multi-, pluri-, and transdisciplinarity) provide a conceptual framework for the examination. In this study, interdisciplinarity is understood…

This document summarizes five studies that offer insight into the nature of higher-order thinking skills and the most effective methods for teaching them to students. The reviews outline the conclusions, definitions, recommendations, specific methods of teaching, instructional strategies, and programs detailed in the documents themselves.…

The book describes an integrated model of postsecondary education for deaf students developed at California State University, Northridge. The model uses the facilities and services of a regular university, offering special support services only where absolutely needed to insure the success of deaf students. Lectures are translated into sign…

The Multi-District Outreach Projects for Services for Youths with Disabilities include 14 federally funded projects that assist in the adoption of proven models, components of models, or other exemplary practices. The projects are designed to improve secondary education and transition services in areas such as continuing education,…

Renne (Oregon) Intermediate School offers an innovative program of personalized instruction to students in grades 6-8. Teachers work closely with individual students, following a continuous progress curriculum which allows cross-grade-level placement in the core areas of math, reading, and language arts. Based on cooperative district planning, the…

This newsletter issue highlights a variety of successful youth, family, and community program models that have been developed to curb substance abuse, lessen risk factors, and strengthen protective and supportive resources for individuals and their communities. The newsletter includes the following articles: (1) "A Systems Approach to the…

This newsletter issue focuses on the issues surrounding and benefits of childcare that actively involves the family. Articles include: (1) "The Working Parents' Dilemma"; (2) "The Consortium of Family Organizations"; (3) "Children's Services: Directions for the Future"; (4) "Implementing Strategic Policies for…

Eight new approaches to collegiate general education are described. In an introductory overview article, "Toward the Reconstruction of General Education," Jerry Gaff, director of a project on general education models, provides specific suggestions for institutional renewal, such as the formation of a task force, composed of faculty,…

Chandler (Arizona) High School has reported a dramatic increase in student achievement levels since implementing a number of management, curriculum, and discipline policy changes. Among the program changes that contributed to these gains are: (1) creation of a positive school environment, with high expectations for teachers, emphasis on high…

One of a series of sixteen knowledge transformation papers, this paper presents an educational planning model which incorporates citizen involvement at the local level and provides a more responsive and efficient vocational education system. In the first section techniques are discussed for encouraging community participation, such as general…

Asset development is an emerging approach to promoting self-sufficiency for low-income workers. By promoting and rewarding savings, asset development strategies encourage individuals to set long-term economic goals. Asset development strategies can accomplish the following objectives: (1) give low-income workers the knowledge required to navigate…

Ribault (Florida) Senior High School has reported a dramatic increase in student achievement levels since implementing a comprehensive college preparation curriculum. Among the program changes that contributed to those gains are: (1) the establishment and consistent enforcement of a strong discipline program, including rules for student conduct, a…

The title reflects the first and major article in an issue of this newsletter devoted heavily to video technology. The flexible capabilities of videotape used with microteaching are presented and illustrated with case studies of childhood education and rural health development programs in Nigeria, improvement of nurses' communication skills, and…