Hunt and McDonnell have provided an excellent overview of one of the most important aspects of planning for students with severe disabilities--an ecological curricular framework that is created with input from the student, family, and needs of current and future environments. The standards-based reform-movement has created tension for educators to…

This article reviews some ways of differentiating classroom methods for special needs students in Great Britain, including differentiation of content, interests, pace, level, access, response, sequence, structure, teacher time, teaching style, and grouping. The most effective methods of differentiation are felt to be grouping, structure, and…

This paper suggests a variety of ways of assessing the curriculum and assessing pupils so that tasks can be matched to special needs learners in the process of curriculum differentiation. The emphasis is on formative and diagnostic assessment but summative assessment is also discussed. (Author/JDD)

Areas crucial to the development of "state of the art" curricula for gifted students are discussed, including differentiation, emphasis on both process and content, interdisciplinary and individualized formats, balance between acceleration and enrichment, and comprehensive and articulated curriculum structure. (DB)

Both general education and the structure and process of specialization on the undergraduate level must be reformed in relation to each other to strengthen curriculum and practice of liberal learning. Reform could mean either redistributing the time allotted in the undergraduate curriculum or tying general education to specific student interests.…

This article outlines principles of a needs-based approach to the inclusion of students with emotional and behavioral disorders and describes implications for inclusion in three areas: (1) provision of services; (2) curriculum; and (3) behavior management. The article also addresses the responsible limits of inclusion from a needs-based…

Curriculum differentiation for students with special educational needs is examined in the context of Great Britain's move toward a market system for education and its impact on policy and practice. Issues considered include the vulnerability of particular groups, the ideals of entitlement and empowerment, values inherent in governmental policies,…

Art teachers should create individualized learning programs for their students. Such art programs can assure personalized programs for disabled students and elevate the development of basic skills in art, artistic expression, and art appreciation. (Author/RM)

Discusses the preservice education of art teachers. Suggests that there are three major challenges for teacher education programs. Points out the need to individualize such programs, the need to update curricula in order to answer the call for reform, and the need to ensure that teachers have a firm commitment to art. (KO)

The British Undersecretary of State for Education and Science and the parent of a school-age son with cerebral palsy looks at implications of the new National Curriculum for children with special needs including individual statements declaring individualized applications, the foreign language requirement, flexibility for pupils with dyslexia,…

Philosophy and practice in gifted education are reviewed, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive planning policy which takes into account the total experience of the gifted student and the need for a differentiated curriculum. Gifted education should include basic skills, general curriculum, talent development, and interpersonal relationships…

Presents a rationale for sex education for the handicapped and lists instructional concepts relating to sex education which the authors feel should be considered by those developing IEPs for handicapped students. (SJL)

This paper draws a distinction between evaluation and measurement, and explains the need to link curriculum-based evaluation to the development of individualized educational plans. The paper proposes a set of rules for focusing curriculum-based evaluations, such as "don't confuse the curriculum with instruction" and "only think…

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)

High expectations and appropriate standards for learning and achievement are important to any curriculum plan. The need for curriculum to meet developmental needs is particularly important for middle-level students. Middle-level students are unlike any other age group and are internally varied. Not all middle-level students need the same things at…