A study examined the response of two adults who attended a music activity therapy program in which music activities encouraged peer interaction. Music activity therapy was compared with a control condition (i.e., ball and target games). Both conditions increased the level of positive interaction, however, music therapy was least effective.…

Program Evaluation in 6 elementary school resource rooms (30 mildly handicapped students) found that students receiving the experimental program scored significantly higher on posttraining measures of peer acceptance and social skills. Experimental students also made a slightly greater improvement than controls in social behavior in natural school…

Evaluated long-term effectiveness of three cost-effective parent training programs for conduct-problem children. Assessed parents (N=154) one year posttreatment. Found significant improvements reported immediately posttreatment were maintained one year later. Found few differences between three treatment conditions excepting "consumer…

This article delineates several problems confronting preparation programs for teachers of the visually impaired and explores possible remedial actions. The basic premise is that personnel preparation needs in blindness and visual impairment fields cannot be met by traditional, inflexible training programs. Six recommendations for changes and five…

Considers current discussions of theory and practice in teacher education. Explores the relationship between theory in education and theory in teaching. Suggests that the focus of theory in teacher education should be on pedagogy. Describes methods for implementing an exploratory pedagogy based on the foundation disciplines. Reconceptualizes…

Concept mapping, a technique of graphically representing concepts and their hierachical interrelationships along two dimensions, was used to examine the growth of student teachers' knowledge concerning planning over three sequenced courses. It is demonstrated that this technique may be useful in assessing individual growth and program…

The paper reviews experimental/contrast groups and longitudinal studies of changes in adaptive behavior associated with retarded persons moving from state institutions to small community living arrangements.The paper summarizes outcomes in overall behavior, 7 specific behavior domains, and problem behavior. All 18 studies reported at least some…

Problems when developing and operating a successful student assessment program are described. Potential problems and solutions in three major areas are examined: the purposes and definitions of assessment, program implementation, and assessment designs and methods. (Author/MLW)

This study examined ethnic differences in performance among 78 elementary students (22 Black and 56 White students in grades 2 through 6) who participated in a special program for mathematically talented children and 185 non-participants. Results indicate that the program was successful in identifying and helping mathematically talented Black…

Discusses the controversy involving the effectiveness of elementary science curricula projects of the sixties and seventies. Reports on a synthesis of the research, student performance, implications, and improvements for the future. States that these innovative programs were more effective in raising student performance and attitudes than…

The article reviews the history of special education in Australia over the last 30 years and identifies issues including the efficacy of early intervention programs, legislation and other governmental acts, the move to integration, attitudes toward integration, and establishment of a multidisciplinary center providing training, resource, and…

The effectiveness of a six-hour teacher training workshop on child sexual abuse prevention was evaluated. Findings indicated that trained teachers demonstrated significant increases in knowledge about child sexual abuse and pro-intervention opinions. Trained teachers were better able to identify behavioral indicators of abuse and suggest…

Describes a process used by the Downtown Alternative School, Toronto, Canada, to resolve conflicts among the students there. Offers the perspectives of the teachers, students, parents, and observers on the effectiveness of the approach. (TB)

Key educators from 16 schools engaged in the outcome-based education (OBE) movement were interviewed to determine why their schools adopted OBE and its current and future status at the schools. These administrators were committed to OBE and were very optimistic about its potential for real change in the schools. (SLD)

Describes the development, implementation, and implications of a speech-pathology-based language intervention program originated at the Children's Place, Ltd., day-care center. The program combines individual speech and language therapy by a speech and language pathologist with speech and language intervention by teachers in the classroom, thus…