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…

Based on end-of-year report cards, 70% of AISD pre-K students met expectations across all personal development areas in 2011-2012. [Funding for this report was provided by Title I funds. For "Issue 2: Tuition-Supported Program," see ED628766.]

There is a great need to identify specific instructional methods that effectively promote positive skill development in young children with developmental disabilities. One method that has received strong empirical support with children with autism is Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT); however, the effectiveness of DTT has not been extensively…

Three preschool children exhibiting autistic behaviors were taught developmentally appropriate (DA) and age appropriate (AA) pretend play activities. Although DA activities were consistently acquired, activities in the AA category were, in most cases, not acquired and were less likely to be generalized to other activities or toys. (Author/JDD)

The paper discusses the roles of educational agencies, teachers, parents, and the children themselves in ensuring successful transitions from special education preschools to mainstreamed kindergarten placements. Factors determining classroom placements for the child include chronological age, results of school readiness and developmental screening…

CHILDREN FROM LOW SOCIOECONOMIC GROUPS ARE HANDICAPPED BY THE LACK OF MANY EXPERIENCES FOUND TO BE CONDUCIVE TO SUCCESS IN DEVELOPING SCHOOL SKILLS. THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF THIS EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM IS THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE COGNITIVE SKILLS AND SCHOOL BEHAVIOR PATTERNS DEEMED TO BE NORMAL FOR CHILDREN OF THEIR AGE. THE FOLLOWING SKILLS ARE TO BE…

This article highlights the importance of parents as intervention agents for young children with special needs. It describes individualized training in behavioral strategies for parents, explains procedures for helping parents gain skills that foster their children's development, and suggests that parents will maintain the skills and generalize…