A meaningful curriculum is one that is individualized, inclusive of the individual's unique needs and interests, and focused on building independence in current and future environments. A meaningful curriculum addresses an individual's needs and prioritizes instructional programs based on what is, potentially, most important to their lives and not…

Down syndrome is the most common genetic cause of mental retardation and one of the most frequently occurring neurodevelopmental genetic disorders in children. Children with Down syndrome typically experience a constellation of symptomology that includes developmental motor and language delay, specific deficits in verbal memory, and broad…

Adolescence is a critical period in biological, cognitive, and social development. The transition from childhood to adulthood is a time of particular vulnerability and risk as well as of opportunity for preventive interventions. The Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development is seeking to assess and develop programs to facilitate this transition.…

A plan to de-escalate fighting behaviors at an inner-city elementary school was implemented. It is believed that factors contributing to the problem were: low socio-economic status; a lack of parental supervision at home; a lack of parental involvement at school; a high level of criminal activity surrounding the schools; overcrowded class areas;…

This practicum was designed to decrease the number of times boys in third, fourth, and fifth grade classes met with the school guidance counselor for unacceptable behaviors and to improve the attitudes of the boys and their parents. Pre- and post-attitudinal and observational questionnaires were administered to 30 randomly selected third, fourth,…

This practicum was designed to improve students' ability to determine appropriate behavior for various places within the school and to learn self-control to comply with expectations. Specifically, the practicum intended to decrease the number of referrals to administrators and the counselor for out-of-control student behavior and decrease the…