The Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA) states that transition planning should begin at the earliest age appropriate and no later than age 16. IDEA requires schools to make collaborative efforts to provide students access to an array of postschool activities including integrated employment, postsecondary…

The curriculum is designed to teach elementary level deaf and hard of hearing students telephone skills. The program provides sequential activities to teach both voice and TDD communication methods. Suggested activities are detailed for each skill. The first unit on TDD communication is divided into the following sections: keyboard skills,…

The Leisure and Recreation Behavior Evaluation (LRBE) measure is intended for use by direct care staff of mentally handicapped adults. The LRBE evaluates an individual's level of independence for a leisure or recreation behavior on a 4-point rating scale for 30 aspects divided into six major categories: (1) the activity, (2) preparation and…

Goals are presented for communication skills needed to function independently in the community. The goals, developed for adolescents/adults with severe/moderate mental handicaps, are situation-specific, outcome-oriented, and community-based. They deal with telephone use, shopping, leisure activities, traveling, banking, and going to a restaurant…

Focusing on activities that can be directly taught as "survival language situations," this journal (1) evaluates what school critics mean by "survival English," (2) demonstrates that teachers can easily pay attention to "survival"-oriented language, and (3) argues that a comprehensive English course enables students…

The curriculum guide presents activity suggestions for teachers to use with autistic students in grades K-12. Brief remarks are offered on placement criteria, student characteristics, and parent participation. Goals, objectives, procedures, materials, domain areas, and evaluation approaches are listed for eight skill areas: (1) pre-vocational…

A guide to developing lesson plans for classroom instruction in English as a second language (ESL) based on learning style theory draws on the experience of the Arlington County Schools (Virginia). It begins by describing the theory of learning styles, their applications, and the process of developing lesson plans by "4matting," which postulates…

The manual examines three teaching programs designed to help special needs young adults cope with the normal demands of living in the community. Instruction is provided in college-based and community-based facilities by a course team. Three basic programs cover communication skills, self-help, and work experience. Each program includes information…

The most effective alternative to punishment for violent or disruptive student behavior is to provide children with tools they will need for living peacefully with one another. This guide for elementary school classes examines ways in which a peaceful environment can be achieved and maintained in the classroom. Divided into six units which are…

A resource room program was proposed for integrating career education with academic instruction at the elementary level. The curriculum incorporated the following skill areas: survival skills (responsibility, independence, and appropriate behavior); social skills (socially acceptable behavior and interpersonal skills); communication skills…

The manual is intended to help Maryland special education administrators and teachers plan and develop programs for students who will pursue a course of study leading to a high school certificate in Maryland. A life skills approach called the "Maryland Life Skills Curricular Framework" is designed to help students adapt to their…

Describes a board game called Running Errands which is designed to (1) develop language and communication strategies in simulated situations and (2) develop social skills and provide cultural background knowledge. Its use with second language learners of any age and with young children in their own language is discussed. (Author/LRW)

Nine British Further Education colleges serving individuals with severe learning difficulties were surveyed concerning design and content of language curricula, teaching methods, and assessment. The courses offered aimed to improve communication skills, students' independence, and social competence. Further work is recommended to link these aims…

This is the first of three books in a series providing a systematic training program of relevant daily living skills for individuals with moderate to severe mental impairment. Useful terms and expressions are taught through crossword puzzles, experience stories, picture sequencing, flip books, word closure and other exercises. This book covers…

This is the second of three books in a series providing a systematic training program of relevant daily living skills for individuals with moderate to severe mental impairment. Useful terms and expressions are taught through crossword puzzles, experience stories, picture sequencing, flip books, word closure and other exercises. This book covers…