This special education research brief provides a synopsis of the steps in curriculum-based assessment (CBA) and lists resources that provide more detail on the method and applications of CBA. The described CBA method involves selecting or developing a method of measurement, assessing student knowledge, tailoring instruction to student needs, and…

The computer search reprint provides abstracts of 150 references concerned with educational practices consistent with the Regular Education Initiative. Citations were selected from the ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) and ECER (Exceptional Children Education Resources) databases. Introductory sections explain: how citations are…

This annotated bibliography lists 19 publications to help educators more effectively include students with disabilities in general education classrooms. The publications, including books, journal articles, videotapes, and reports, are dated from 1993 through 1999, and most are available through the ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center)…

Long used in the professional fields of business and law, cases and case methods of teaching represent a relatively new and promising approach in the education of teachers. This digest, organized into two sections, presents definitions of cases and case methods, explores the purposes of using case studies, and suggests avenues for further research…

This information sheet summarizes requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act regarding inclusion of students with disabilities in general education classrooms and lists activities and support systems that have been found successful in fostering such inclusion. Suggestions are given in the areas of attitudes and beliefs,…

The document looks at left/right brain research as it relates to learning styles and teaching styles, particularly in special education. An initial section on brain basics covers the history of brain research, methods of investigation, cerebral dominance, divisions of labor of the bifunctional brain, language and related functions, bilingualism,…

This annotated bibliography lists 18 publications to help educators more effectively include students with disabilities in mainstream programs. The publications, including books, journal articles, videotapes, and reports, are dated from 1987 through 1993, and most are available through the ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) system or…

The digest presents an overview of program evaluation in gifted and talented education. Reasons for program evaluation are offered, including the need to base decision making on valid and reliable data and the demands of accountability. Eight purposes of program evaluation are briefly considered: (1) documentation of the need for a program; (2)…

Intended to help English teachers make informed decisions about the use of computers in their classrooms, the chapters in this book consider: (1) "computer basics" (defining "hardware" and "software" and the various capabilities of both); (2) the various instructional strategies available via computers; (3) examples of software reflecting these…

This computer-searchable database, available on diskette in DOS and Macintosh versions, contains descriptions of approximately 475 video and other media products related to special education of students with disabilities and/or giftedness. Most of the products listed are videotape recordings; other formats include audiocassettes, films,…

The digest addresses ways in which gifted and talented students are identified. Commonly used identification systems include matrix systems, the Talent Search Identification Model, and the Revolving Door Identification Model. Major questions about identification practices include inappropriate use of certain instruments and the inadequacy of…

This topical bibliography and commentary addresses methods of alternative, or informal, assessment that have proven effective, and how these methods have been, or can be, established as reliable alternatives to standardized testing. It discusses authentic assessment, forms of alternative assessment (unstructured written activities, unstructured…

The ongoing reform of mathematics instruction creates a need to refine students' assessment practices. This digest describes portfolios and provides information about the types, focus, and content of mathematics portfolios. The advantages and disadvantages of portfolio assessment are also discussed, and a list of World Wide Web resources related…

Discusses several documents in the ERIC system that deal with the problems teachers face when trying to respond to the issue of television's impact on education and with ways that they can use television to students' educational advantage. (HTH)

Defines and discusses metaphors and how people in every field of knowledge use metaphors to teach and learn. Stresses the importance of using metaphors as part of instruction in every aspect of education. (MG)