Asynchronous online Extension classes can reach a wide audience, is convenient for the learner, and minimizes ongoing demands on instructor time. However, producing such classes takes significant effort up front. Advance planning and good communication with contributors are essential to success. Considerations include delivery platforms, content…

Teacher shortages are a pervasive global issue that is expected to continue, especially in low-performing, high-needs schools [O'Connor, E. A., Malow, M. S., & Bisland, B. M. (2011). Mentorship and instruction received during training: Views of alternatively certified teachers. "Educational Review," 63(2), 219-232]. In an effort to…

This paper presents an innovative approach to e-learning by exploring a number of initiatives where there is a move towards collaborative use of Personal Development Plans (PDPs) integrated with e-portfolios as mechanisms for delivering such plans. It considers whether such a move towards more product orientated assessment might enhance student…

Recent emphasis on employment for students labeled mentally retarded has presented new challenges for educators in the design and implementation of high school programs. Promising practices for facilitating the achievement of full employment for these students are suggested, and trends that will influence the manner in which services are provided…

Born out of a belief that higher education must improve its delivery of service, the School of Education and Human Services at Oakland University initiated and implemented a quality system. To better respond to market need, this initiative focused on current behavior and the future needs of the students, faculty, and school-at-large. This article…

This article presents an agenda for educational change that identifies core issues in early childhood inclusion as well as the mechanisms and strategies to address those issues at the systems, program development, and research levels. Recommendations include development and dissemination of effective practices and evidence-based guidelines.…

This monograph offers an international perspective on the period of transition from school to adult and working life for young people who are disabled. It examines practices which appear to be effective in facilitating a successful transition and looks at ways in which important features of those practices might be incorporated into professional…

This commentary reacts to an article that presented an agenda for educational change to encourage early childhood inclusion. It calls for a leadership agenda for the nation, agreement about inclusion as a feasible program model, development and dissemination of effective practices and evidence-based guidelines, family involvement, and increased…

This guide sets out the requirements and expectations for the development and delivery of programs for students with special needs in Alberta, Canada. First, it describes legislation (especially the School Act of 1988) and policy related to educating students with special needs. Next it specifies established requirements and expectations in the…

Since November 1995, all programs/processes of the business school of the International Management Centres (IMC) of Buckingham, England, have been conducted through the Internet. As in other distance education programs, students join the IMC program from any country in the world. Programs are always delivered to "sets" of 8-16 people who…

This paper lists practices recommended by the Council for Exceptional Children's Division for Early Childhood concerning service delivery models in early intervention and early childhood special education (EI/ECSE) programs for infants and young children with special needs and their families. An introductory section discusses five principles that…

The paper reviews the historical and cultural attitudes of Ethiopians toward blind children, the education of blind children, the special situation of orphaned blind children, limitations of existing educational models, and development of a new model that relies on elements of community-based rehabilitation and the employment of blind high school…

This final report describes a project in Vermont which developed, implemented, evaluated, and disseminated a program development model for establishing new, and for improving existing, comprehensive early childhood special education services to young (birth to 5 years) children with disabilities and their families in rural settings. The model…

A nationwide survey of 510 postsecondary learning disability (LD) service providers revealed that an educationally diverse group of professionals is developing programs and providing direct instruction to students with learning disabilities. Service providers are encouraged to utilize interventions that lead to self-determination and independence…

These guidelines present best educational practices designed to assist school districts in providing quality programs for students with severe disabilities. The guidelines are intended to serve as a self-assessment tool for school districts. State-operated programs for Oregon students who are trainable mentally retarded are to use the guidelines…