This monograph provides a portrait of non-tenure-track faculty, describes studies of their experiences, and proposes plans of action. Much of the research, particularly early on, tried to provide a picture and description of this faculty that have been largely invisible for years. Therefore, "Portrait of Non-Tenure-Track Faculty" focuses on the…

This project involves assessing the knowledge base in the education and rearing of gifted children, by developing a literature review summarizing recommended practices. A rationale for the project is presented, discussing the idea of recommended practices, the state of the knowledge base, methods for providing guidance to researchers, and the…

This paper proposes that research on a constructivist approach for students with disabilities should emphasize specific instructional and assessment practices, as opposed to broad educational ideologies. The value of a particular instructional or assessment practice (such as constructivism) is probably dependent upon context and learner…

This paper reviews findings from comprehensive early intervention studies with young children with autism and formulates questions that need to be answered to establish efficacious, accessible early treatment. Results suggest that intensive, very early treatment appears to lessen the debilitating effects of autism. Research questions involve…

The researchers who conducted a review of 995 journal articles on mainstreaming reflect on the finding that there has been much more survey research than direct measurement of teacher and student performance. The need for empirical research on instruction and learning in inclusive settings is stressed. (DB)

Because vocational researchers and practitioners have not been able to reach a consensus concerning criteria for judging excellence in vocational education and have been unable to agree on exactly which factors lead to successful programs, research in vocational education has had limited impact on improving practice. Two sets of research findings…

This article summarizes the special issue's reports (EC 232 346-353) on federally sponsored research on special needs students, with emphasis on the relationship of policy to educational change. The summary is organized into the following categories: what has been learned?, what has not been learned?, and what do we need to know?. (DB)

This paper reviews the research concerning critical elements of early intervention with children at risk for emotional/behavioral disorders. It examines: (1) literature search procedures and criteria; (2) conduct of the intervention including participant characteristics, types of interventions, types of measures, age of onset, and length of…

A review of the research on designing instruction for students with significant disabilities identifies valid questions and the conclusions derived from these questions that focus on additional research needs. The questions are organized around three concerns: (1) the role of instructional materials; (2) ways to motivate students to learn; and (3)…

The editors of this journal comment on an article by John Johnson and Frank Rusch (EC 606 176), which reported that few of the recommended "best practices" in transitional services are actually supported by empirical data. The editorial urges greater empirical investigation in the field of career development, especially research on "best…

This paper describes research needs in light of changes taking place in school-based practice in both general and special education. The tenets of educational reform and societal concerns fueling demands for reform are identified. The context in which changes in educational practices are occurring is described, focusing on evolving relationships…

An outsider to the field of deaf education questions the seeming ambiguousness in terminology, lack of scientific research, continuing controversies, and lack of definitive answers. Questions concern such issues as the difference between "Deaf" and "deaf" and the feasibility of the American Sign Language/English-as-a-Second-Language proposal.…

Encouraged by evidence linking quality early care/education programs and improved student outcomes, a variety of school readiness programs and initiatives have been created. This report reviews and synthesizes evaluation studies conducted on early childhood interventions, focusing on programs emphasizing a school readiness goal. The report…

States comparative education is a significant academic activity, noting that wide lists of periodicals on comparative education are published in multiple languages. Protests narrowing and defining the field too conservatively. Gives a comprehensive analytical framework for comparative studies and stresses the key factor is a sharp focus in…

Comments on the two previous articles (EC 628 520-521) support the studies' explorations of how at-risk students' and teachers' thinking help define the educational environment; raise questions about the possible complicating of unreported factors of race, class, and gender; and suggest that qualitative studies are needed to complement…