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 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 brief guide notes the effectiveness of self-management strategies in increasing students' responsibility for their own learning and behavior, heightening student motivation and self-esteem, and reducing demands on the teacher's time. A strategy is outlined to help students increase their on-task behavior, by having students chart, correct,…

The paper reviews findings and implications of curriculum based assessment (CBA), an approach focusing on collecting, interpreting, and using data to help lower achieving students have opportunities for success in mainstreamed settings. An instructional delivery model is presented to guage the probability of task success and provide a structure…

Classroom variables associated with academic learning time (ALT)--instructional time, on-task behavior, and student success rate--are positively related to student achievement. Guidelines and forms are provided for teachers and supervisors to gather objective and usable information on these ALT components through direct classroom observation…

A review of research relating to academic engaged time from the perspective of the special services provider indicated that academic engaged time is related to student achievement, and recommended that teachers provide greater supervision and monitoring, limit disruptions, provide feedback, use the direct instruction model, and encourage student…

Microcomputers can promote productive and engaged learning time with special education students, when teachers: combine microcomputer experiences with use of manipulative materials, utilize small cooperative student groups as well as individual microcomputer time, provide direct teaching, monitor performance, and promote generalization through…

The report summarizies findings of a study of least restrictive environment (LRE) for handicapped students. Reviews are presented of the legal and legislative background of LRE, the conceptual background of research on environments, the concept of environment in special education, and the results and methodological issues in efficacy research.…

This article discusses the results of a case study that investigated the effectiveness of an auditory prompting system, using earphones and a cassette, to improve on-task job performance of an adult with mild mental retardation. Guidelines for working with adults and student to improve job and task performance are provided. (Contains references.)…

The literature on effective instruction for difficult-to-teach students is reviewed. Preinstructional variables include classroom management planning and planning for instructional tasks (student assessments, communication of learning goals, pacing decisions, and time allocations). Instructional delivery variables include engagement time, success…

This English-Spanish language booklet is designed to help parents understand two important features of special education services, accommodations and modifications for students with disabilities. Examples of accommodations and modifications are provided, federal laws requiring schools to provide accommodations and modifications are cited, and…