This commentary on "Natural Supports in the Workplace: The Jury Is Still Out" (Test and Wood), argues that the differing definitions of natural supports are constructive because of the evolving nature of the research, and that progressive policy is often ahead of documented knowledge, but concurs that additional research is needed. (CR)

A study investigated the effectiveness of an 8-week social skills intervention targeting nonverbal communication for eight adolescents with Asperger syndrome. Although minimal nonverbal communication skills development was apparent, some social relationships were developed and the ability of some participants to read the nonverbal communication of…

A Communication Opportunity Group Scheme, which develops formal language and thinking, has been successful in enhancing the performance of a wide range of pupils with and without disabilities. Evidence is presented to illustrate its successful use with 24 children with inappropriate behavior and limited social interaction. (Contains references.)…

Students on varying degrees of academic probation were randomly assigned to one of three intervention strategies that incorporated controlled content but divergent levels of intrusiveness. The most intrusive intervention resulted in higher cumulative grade point averages and higher retention rates. Students with the highest risk of dismissal were…

Outlines the external and internal policy context of high school career and technical education (CTE). Analyzes four policy options: (1) traditional sequential occupational courses; (2) elimination in favor of a common academic program; (3) CTE as an applied context for academics; and (4) integrated CTE and academics. Concludes that the integrated…

Determines the efficacy of a structured reading intervention program with adolescents identified as evidencing significant reading underachievement. Suggests that implementation of the "LANGUAGE!" intervention program was effective in significantly improving reading comprehension and spelling, word recognition for students in grades 7 and 10, and…

Identifies research topics related to outcomes assessment in a networked environment and discusses issues affecting these topics. Proposes a framework to relate traditional evaluation components and terminology to the networked environment and identifies factors in the networked environment that affect assessment methods. Suggests outcomes…

Outlines Literacy Junction, an interactive website for middle school students and their teachers. Explains that while Literacy Junction is grounded in transactional theory, its conceptual base extends into a blend of actual and virtual transactions between readers and texts that expands the traditional boundaries of literacy and learning.…

Traces the history and evolution of graduated driver licensing in the United States and elsewhere. Considers the extent to which graduated licensing achieves its objective of reducing collisions. Discusses a growing body of research that shows the effectiveness of the program. (Contains 2 tables and 47 references.) (AUTHOR/WFA)

Considers the role and value of an extended learner's period in a graduated driver-licensing system through a review of the literature. Concludes that further research is needed on the safety benefits and optional features of the learner period. (Contains 1 figure, 3 tables, and 41 references.) (AUTHOR/WFA)

Examined how participation as mathematics tutors would affect middle school students at-risk for dropping out of school. Comparison of participants to non-participants after 6 weeks of tutoring found significant differences in mathematics performance in class and on state standardized tests. Participation had positive effects on tutors'…

Proposes that students who are performing below their grade level need to learn at an accelerated rate. Details results of using "Reading Mastery," a Direct Instruction program, with first- and second-grade students at risk. Concludes that a significant difference in rate of gain was accomplished through "Reading Mastery"…

A study of 88 British individuals with developmental disabilities and self-injurious behavior found self-restraint was more prevalent in the group not wearing protective devices than in those wearing protective devices. Individuals not wearing protective devices showed a greater number of topographies of self-restraint than those who did wear…

This article describes factors found in mainstream schools in the United Kingdom where pupils with emotional and behavioral difficulties are successfully included. The article discusses these factors and draws on studies in the USA, England, and Scotland before offering implications for the development of inclusive practice in schools. (Contains…

Discusses the Roundtable on Higher Education, which brought together stakeholders of the North Dakota University System (NDUS) to establish a common vision, a clear set of expectations, and the results for which the system would be held accountable. Reports that the Roundtable reached a level of accomplishment beyond any expectations, and that the…