Career development of elementary school students is aided through planned activities in the school and the community. Teachers, parents, and businesses provide career and self-awareness for students as well as opportunities for observation of and participation in work activities. (Author/CC)

Describes goals of the liberation movement for handicapped students. Suggests providing guidance workers with a theoretical base for understanding the current state of school guidance. Discusses the need for alternatives in school guidance. Goals of alternatives include altering a state of acceptance, and promoting new options and possibilities.…

In order to provide credit-bearing programs directed toward the specific in-service needs and concerns of elementary and secondary teachers and administrators, schools, colleges and departments of education are at last beginning to utilize much needed input concerning professor selection, the type of credit activity, scheduling activities, and…

A survey is reported that was undertaken by the Association for Medical School Pharmacology to assess the status of developing clinical pharmacology programs in medical schools in the United States and Canada and to determine why some schools have been unable to mount such programs. Survey questions are included. (Author/JMD)

This article provides a template to assist policymakers in developing and refining reliable large-scale alternate assessments for students with significant disabilities unable to participate in general state and district assessments. It also discusses Kentucky's 10-year experience with its alternate assessment and experiences of other states…

This introductory paper identifies critical issues related to organization of caregiving environments for young children with handicaps, including physical and programmatic features, transitions between activities, transition between special preschool and kindergarten settings, classroom organization, the social-physical environment, the home…

Issues in sponsored research are addressed: institutional commitment and targeted budget allocations, administrative and faculty commitment--structure and support services; sponsored research and institutional characteristics; and faculty development programs--research-oriented. (MLW)

The paper provides a synthesis of "best practices" from the field of disability, which can be applied to develop exemplary early childhood special education programs. Exemplary programs are determined to be those providing services that are integrated, comprehensive, normalized, adaptable, peer- and family-referenced, and outcome-based.…

Howard Gardner's view of education for the gifted in 2000 includes individual-centered schools, "intelligence-fair" testing, and mentorships and internships in the community that match students with learning opportunities, allowing them to explore career opportunities and avocations for life enrichment. (MSE)

Introduces special section in this issue on educating linguistic minority children. Relates the author's own experience as a participant observer in pioneering bilingual education efforts, and comments on the articles in this issue. (BJV)

Based upon recent research, this article provides an update of best practices for inclusive education in the areas of program options, curriculum design, classroom environment, social interaction, communication, family inclusion, and support services that will help preschool teachers more effectively serve both normal and developmentally disabled…

Research points to the increasing importance of career exploration as a component of effective guidance programs in the transition years. For such programs to be successful, however, they must be part of a guidance program which involves the total school staff and works in collaboration with the school board and community. (Author/LKS)

This article reviews literature on experiences with the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). It identifies IEP problems (such as poorly written objectives) and positive features (such as better teacher-family relations). The article suggests that IEP/IFSP development flaws may indicate problems…

Views of five members of the evaluation community in Washington (D.C.) concerning the future of evaluation in the federal government are summarized. Evaluators include (1) E. Chelimsky; (2) M. F. Mangano; (3) J. S. Wholey; (4) R. C. Sonnichsen; and (5) C. Wye. (SLD)

This article reviews definitions of quality of life; explores the subjective nature of life quality for people with disabilities; relates the concept to cultural norms and universal human values and needs; explores the optimal theory of personal well-being; and surveys the source and use of research and implications for planning and evaluating…