The author, as a school administrator, wrote this article to describe an effective collaboration with several universities on research projects that benefit both institutions. The outcomes described here focus on the process involved in such collaborations and the benefits to the school district these collaborations can create. Directed toward…

Autism is called a "spectrum" of disorders because a variety of symptoms and degrees of disability are involved, with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) defined by the severity of impairment. Since the 1940s, the incidence of autism has exploded exponentially. Researchers are scrambling to find effective strategies for helping autistic…

Educators are challenged to provide instruction for learners with diverse needs in general and special education settings. Learning centers are one organizational method that can be used to provide students with small-group instruction, practice and review activities, and increased active engagement in learning. Educators must be organized and…

A photographic essay illustrates a composite school day for two teachers from Alabama and the gifted/talented students to whom they provide special academic tutoring during the weeks that the children rehearse and perform in productions in New York City. (JDD)

Four successful Connecticut projects which nurtured the special abilities of gifted learning-disabled children are summarized. Case studies illustrate components of the programs crucial to their success. These components include development of alternate modes for thinking and communicating; unique identification strategies; highly motivating…

This paper describes work being conducted at the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center of Rutgers University, focusing on the center's research findings which support the value of group-focused, language-based, integrated programing for preschool children with autism. (Author/JDD)

This article describes a mentor program for gifted and gifted/handicapped students which focuses on each student's specific area of strength. Scientists, writers, and artists, among others, are hired to work as mentors with individuals or small groups of students in the school setting. (JDD)

A survey report of programs for gifted and talented students in Massachusetts is presented, along with information about funding sources and related programs. The first section provides a definition of terms and a glossary of instructional models used in developing programs for gifted and talented students. The section also offers an analysis of…

Chapter I programs are based on locally identified needs, and projects are developed and operated at the local level to meet each district's needs. A majority of Chapter I programs stress language and math skills, however, there are a wide variety of instructional approaches. This source book relates educational practice to research in school…

The Teacher Assistance Team (TAT) process has come about as a result of the increase in referrals for special education services (mostly for the learning disabilities classroom). TAT was devised to break the cycle of student failure. This paper has five parts. Part 1 briefly elaborates on the definition of a TAT. Part 2 addresses the need for TAT…

This text provides future and practicing teachers of deaf children with basic theoretical and research knowledge as well as specific principles and practices for fostering the development of language and reading. In this third edition of "Language Learning Practices with Deaf Children," the authors have added a section on language assessment in…

This monograph examines educational alternatives for children and youth with emotional, behavioral, or social problems. It focuses on alternatives to traditional education systems, concentrating on those which have an administrative structure separate from the regular education system. It begins with a brief description of the role alternative…

The Learning Enrichment Service encourages development of gifted adolescents as co-learners, offering screening, training, counseling, networking, and information exchange to four learning environments (specialized programs, enrichment talent pool, community resources pool, and regular classrooms). The Mentor Academy Program is a skill-based model…

Problems the visually handicapped child is likely to encounter in a regular classroom are discussed, and suggestions are made as to modes and methods teachers can use to meet the student's special needs while maintaining the focus on learning activities for all classroom students. (PP)

Representative adaptations currently being used to educate exceptional children are described and their effectiveness is weighed. Diagnostic-prescriptive teaching, behavioral modification techniques, lesson content modifications, and early intervention are considered, as are student placement options, such as special schools and classes and…