This report illustrates how four high-performing systems--British Columbia (Canada), Hong Kong, Shanghai (China) and Singapore--developed their teacher professional learning. The report and accompanying materials are designed as a resource for teachers, school leaders and policymakers wanting to improve teacher professional learning in their…

This paper reviews Lev Vygotsky's theories concerning optimizing of potential through assistance, support, or instruction. The paper notes that there is a "zone of proximal development" or a band around intelligence quotient (IQ) scores reflecting one's true potential. IQ tests are generally well-standardized and "static,"…

The paper describes a process for planning, implementing, servicing, and revising handicapped children's individualized education programs (IEPs). The procedure is based on a developmental approach with emphasis on systematic instruction and methodical planning of long-term objectives. Sample record sheets suggest a format for detailing strengths…

The authors describe the development and use of a structured, data base approach to developing individual education programs for special education students. The components of the "Data-Based Program Modification" (DBPM) approach are described to include five decision areas: problem selection; program selection (least restrictive yet most…

This article describes programing modifications and transition techniques for educators planning for the reentry of a child with a head injury. Discussion addresses: gathering information about the child; preparing school staff; preparing the student for the return; providing homebound instruction; modifying schedules to alleviate physical…

The paper provides information for Lutheran schools in Oklahoma attempting to design gifted programs in light of state accreditation requirements for such programs. The establishment of a committee for gifted programs is suggested as a first step. Formulating a philosophy about the program and the needs of students is the next step. Identification…

This manual provides information to assist individuals in working together more effectively to provide comprehensive services and improve outcomes for children with special health care needs. The manual emphasizes the need for a union of services that places the child and family at the center and exists to provide educational, medical/health, and…

Variables impacting on the communication skill development of the mainstreamed child with hearing impairments include physical and environmental factors, child/student factors, teacher/service provider factors, peer and classmate factors, classroom arrangement and environment, teacher and curriculum adaptations, student responsibilities and…

This sourcebook contains nine papers on various aspects of collaborative learning for students with emphasis on college level instruction (though some material relevant to secondary elementary education is also included). Contributors address what collaborative learning is, how is it implemented, how to assess it, and where it is used. Each…

This text, intended for school principals and others, provides an overview of the inclusion movement. Chapter 1, "The Context: How Far Have We Come and Where Are We Going?" (Patrick J. Schloss) provides the historical and legal context in which the concept of inclusion evolved. Key terms are defined, and the benefits of inclusion for students with…

This booklet examines the unique difficulties of delivering education services to at-risk children and youth with exceptionalities who live in rural areas. An introductory chapter considers the extent of the problem and identifies such strategies as providing self-esteem education, appropriate preservice and inservice training,…

This curriculum guide is intended to assist educators to maximize the performance of gifted students and others in required subject areas and is keyed to initiatives of the Kansas State Board of Education (KSBE). Part 1, the introduction, describes the guide's development, states the guide's purpose, specifies the students to be served, and…

This guide presents a model for designing an early childhood program that educates children with and without disabilities in the same classroom setting. Its system of instruction is developmentally appropriate for preschool children and provides effective early intervention for young children with disabilities. It focuses on creating an…

These guidelines are intended to provide a resource to use in assessing, planning, providing, evaluating, and improving the quality of programs for California pupils with severe orthopedic impairments. The first three chapters present characteristic elements of a well-designed program in the areas of: (1) identification and assessment, (2) the…

This manual is designed to be a practical guide for designing, implementing, and evaluating instruction and services for students with disabilities. The first section, "Leadership and Collaboration," offers a conceptual framework for program leadership, a program vision and descriptions, strategies for interagency collaboration, and…