In this article, the author has advanced the view that the world is currently on the threshold of a new status quo--the hegemony of the image. Yet, this seems a mixed blessing, for people, and especially young people, are not equipped with the necessary critical viewing and thinking skills to survive it. Nevertheless, this unfortunate situation…

Describes a curriculum guide to teach self-help skills for single parents. The guide features problem solving and decision making as the skills essential for effective management of one's life. (JOW)

Presents a rationale for changing from the current emphasis of precollege computer courses on BASIC programming skills to a focus on teaching applications software skills. Reviews research regarding the quality of computer literacy courses. Discusses parallel cognitive and affective consequences of programming and applications software. Promotes…

The newsletter issue reports on the current debate on the merits of academics versus "life skills" in the education of mildly handicapped students as well as the proposed Regular Education Initiative, a plan to better unify regular and special education. Noted are the increased numbers of students identified as handicapped with the…

Discussion of transition for students with disabilities emphasizes transition skills needed for life beyond work. The importance of assisting students in planning for their life roles as workers, family members, friends, consumers, and community members is discussed. Suggestions are offered to better prepare students for all their life roles by…

This discussion looks at the functional curriculum approach to educating students with disabilities. It addresses identifying functional knowledge and skills, starting a functional curriculum, needs of students with disabilities for such a curriculum, and the relationship of the functional curriculum to the traditional curriculum and to inclusive…

Curriculum planning for the future must recognize and accept certain premises: forces at work in society greatly influence the nature and direction of the curriculum; students in our society possess varied backgrounds, capabilities, interests, and aptitudes that must be met; common curriculum designs have many strengths; a curriculum to foster…

This article reviews a top down 11-step model for identifying critical life skills content, describes a high school science course incorporating a life skills orientation, and examines some considerations related to incorporating life skills content into the programs of students with special needs. (DB)

Two educators describe the changes in a severely retarded, multiply disabled 12-year-old resulting from a functional curriculum approach. Assessment of his life needs and skills produced a new curriculum with emphasis on age appropriate interests. (CL)

This paper emphasizes that the needs of students with mental retardation should drive program design, rather than clinical labels, philosophical issues, the Regular Education Initiative, or other factors. Program design should consider the need for curricular differentiation, life skills, vocational skills, community-based instruction, and futures…

Listening remains generally unappreciated while being the communicative skill most used and essential to the human condition. There is no name for the condition of being unable to listen, but the term "illistenacy" could be used. An individual who can hear but cannot consciously attend, understand, and respond to non-written messages in…

Defines five aspects of experiential education. Explains three perspectives of the future, those of the extrapolationist, the transitionist, and the transformationist. Notes implications of the work of Alvin Toffler, Elliot Seif, John Naisbitt, Willis Harman, Harold Shane, and others on the future of education. (SB)

In light of the large and growing numbers of "low functioning deaf" adults who read at very low levels, this article reviews research related to transition for adolescents with disabilities, especially those who are deaf or hard of hearing. It argues for a greater emphasis on vocational and independent living skills in transition programs.…

The ability of the special education student to make a smooth transition into the adult world depends upon a number of criteria, beginning with the support and assistance of family, friends, and school personnel. An appropriate curriculum for high school students with mild disabilities should accomplish the same goal as one designed for all high…

This book is a collection of photographs and accompanying text that focuses on the inclusion of high school students with disabilities in general education classrooms in New Hampshire. For each topic, a black-and-white picture is presented of a student with a disability in a general education setting. The opposing page has a paragraph on what…