The work describes an analogy-based small oscillations analysis of a standard static equilibrium lab problem. In addition to force analysis, a potential energy function for the system is developed, and by drawing out mathematical similarities to the simple harmonic oscillator, we are able to describe (and experimentally verify) the period of small…

This paper discusses some difficulties in teaching introductory courses to programming, paying particular attention to their mathematical nature. We consider some aspects, which have not been commented in detail in textbooks and often neglected by course outlines and schedules. Some of these are constructing complex conditions, exceeding array…

In 2006-2007 a non-profit reading institute initiated a reading reform programme in the United States in which demonstration classrooms were established in 13 of the lowest performing schools in Mississippi, a state recognised for its high rate of poverty and low academic achievement. This qualitative study describes the experiences of 12 highly…

The report, "The Ready to Teach Program: A Federal Initiative in Support of Online Courses for Teachers", describes the history of the Ready to Teach Program and its role as one of the solutions to the national need to increase the performance of teachers through professional development. The report describes selected findings from the Eisenhower…

The final report presents summary data on the accomplishments of a project serving deaf-blind children who were also severely, multiply handicapped. The project operated a model classroom for six to eight students in a San Francisco public school to develop and demonstrate innovative educational practices and assessment systems for visual and…

The special issue with 21 articles reports a study by the Central Institute of the Deaf (Missouri) to design a small, "ideal" program for elementary age deaf children, given the condition that cost, staff, materials, and space were no problems. (SB)

Parent training goals, models, and predictors of effectiveness are examined with examples from three parent training models: (1) a combination of group sessions and intensive in-home consultation visits to prepare families receiving their child home again after residential treatment; (2) intensive in-home training intended to prevent residential…

Presented are the findings of a study designed to identify and describe vocational education programs that have been successful in mainstreaming mildly handicapped students (educable mentally retarded, learning disabled, and mildly emotionally disturbed). The structural elements of 30 exemplary programs in six states are described and an optimal…

Questionnaire responses from 91 parents and 30 instructional staff in the Northern Cheyenne Behavior Analysis Model of Follow Through were positive with respect to the emphasis on basic skills, amount children were learning or being taught, curriculum, and teaching procedures used in the classroom. (Author/LC)

This observational study involved literacy and mathematics instruction of 145 teachers in grades 3 through 5 in 20 low-income schools enrolled in the U.S. government's Comprehensive School Reform (CSR) Demonstration program. Observed curriculum and instructional practices were primarily and coherently focused on acquisition of basic facts and…

The study examined the effects of classwide peer tutoring (involving team assignment, a game format, contingent point rewards, and immediate error correction) on the academic performance of mildly handicapped and nondisabled students (n=91) in ninth- and tenth-grade math classes. Group and individual results indicated significant improvement in…

This report describes a secondary mainstreaming program in Pine County, Minnesota, which successfully used a team approach and consultation between regular and special education teachers to adapt regular content-area classes to accommodate mildly handicapped students. (Author/JDD)

The College of Education at the University of Georgia attempted during 1975-76 to infuse a career education emphasis into existing teacher preparation programs. First, an interdisciplinary team produced a transportable model package to use in staff development for teacher educators. Included in this multi-media package are (1) an instructor's…

The Chapel Hill Training-Outreach Project, which provides direct services to handicapped kindergarten children and their families at replication classrooms, is outlined in terms of activities, methods, and outcomes. In addition, assessment measures and newsletter issues are presented. Information is presented on the following program activities:…

The results of a computer-assisted instruction (CAI) project at 10 Job Corps centers nationwide with 5,379 trainees indicate that effects of CAI after about 60 hours of classroom instruction are small and achievement gains are not significantly different from those of students taught conventionally. CAI may help motivate students. (SLD)