Implementing evidence-based practices (EBPs) for children with autism is challenging for teachers because these practices are often complex, requiring significant training and resources that are not available in most school settings. This brief investigation was designed to identify areas of strength and difficulty for teachers implementing one…

It is encouraging that children with autism show a strong response to early intervention, yet more research is needed for understanding the variability in responsiveness to specialized programs. Treatment predictor variables from 47 teachers and children who were randomized to receive the COMPASS intervention (Ruble et al. in "The…

More than a decade has passed since the National Research Council described the common elements of effective educational programs for young children with autism. Since that time, few studies have attempted to understand the mechanisms of change and factors affecting the effectiveness of research supported interventions implemented in community…

The study investigates factors influencing the establishment, operation, and elimination of an elementary enriched/accelerated program existing from 1958-69. The program's life cycle and perceived effects on students were investigated to determine factors that may continue to affect programing for the gifted/talented. (Author/JDD)

A survey of teachers' attitudes over the use of individual education programs (IEPs) for handicapped children revealed that they viewed the IEP more as a legal requirement than as an important guide for planning instruction. Few helped develop their students' IEPs. Recommendations for increasing teacher involvement in IEP are presented.…

This book is intended to assist anyone who is interested in the quality of life afforded persons with moderate and severe disabilities, including educators, residential providers, vocational rehabilitation personnel, social staff, parents, and advocates. The first section, which deals with the reasons why transition is needed, covers the following…

This study was designed to identify and document programs and practices that demonstrated responsible success with special needs students in the areas of assessment, prevocational training, support services, coping skills, counseling, basic educational skills, and job placement. Data were obtained from more than 121 programs and from 16 visited…

This draft document presents an analysis of all major educational reform proposals before the Illinois General Assembly, assessing the costs of implementation and what benefits might be expected for the funding levels contained in the proposals themselves. The 18 areas examined are (1) student testing; (2) student retention/remediation; (3)…