Teachers often grapple with the challenge of giving report card grades to students with learning disabilities and English language learners. The authors offer a five-step model that "offers a fair, accurate, and legal way to adapt the grading process for exceptional learners." The model begins with a high-quality reporting system for all students…

The emotional and behavioral problems of students in the classroom are a major concern for teachers, administrators, and the public. Without effective behavior management, a positive and productive classroom environment is impossible to achieve. Forty years of scientific research supports the efficacy of behavioral interventions in the classroom,…

Survey responses revealed that nonhandicapped students (N=26) more frequently felt that report card grades reflect amount learned and effort expended than did handicapped students (N=24). Interviews with special education students (N=10) and nonhandicapped peers (N=10) indicated acceptance of differentiated requirements for passing grades based on…

Use of a daily report card covering academic and social behavior resulted in decreased inappropriate verbalizations by a junior high school learning disabled girl. Changing the criteria for earning bonus points had mixed results. (Author/DB)

Do seemingly motivated students with learning disabilities work hard in general education classes only to receive lower grades than their peers? Donahoe and Zigmond (1990) found that 60-70% of students with learning disabilities passed their mainstreaming classes but received a below-average (below a C-) grade. A similar finding was reported by…

Presents check-off forms used in reporting the progress of children in pre-academic classes designed for students with language or learning disabilities. Such forms provide information similar to that found in a narrative description, but are less time-consuming and expensive to produce. (RW)

Much discussion in educational circles centers on such issues as assessment, student performance, parent conferences, and related topics. The 1996 Yearbook provides information about and examples of outstanding assessment reporting systems in use in the United States and Canada. The following contributions are included: (1) "Introduction" (Thomas…

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 has placed a renewed emphasis on the importance of the regular classroom, the regular classroom teacher and the general curriculum as the primary focus of special education. This book contains over 100 topics that deal with real issues and concerns regarding the regular classroom and…