The article (1) identifies current problems in instruction of written language (such as insufficient attention to writing); (2) recommends a curriculum model focused on improving fluency, syntax, vocabulary, content, and conventions; and (3) describes effective teaching approaches for the mildly handicapped including student motivation, guided…

The paper introduces the articles in this special issue, which addresses curriculum for learners with mild handicaps, the curriculum modification process, general modification techniques across subject areas, and content-specific modifications. Curriculum development is viewed as a process of modification rather than as a unique and separate body…

The author suggests ways in which the field of special education, specifically for mildly handicapped students, must reexamine its role and functions in light of budget cuts and threats of deregulation. He asserts that mainstreaming efforts must be reevaluated to assure that special education remains a part of general education in the community.…

Educators from 41 high schools and middle schools in south-central West Virginia were surveyed regarding their use of curriculum modifications for inclusion of students with mild disabilities. Educators were asked to identify modifications that they use, do not use, or would consider using. Findings indicate that respondents were employing only 6…

This paper outlines a method for meeting the vocational needs of students with mild disabilities and the instructional demands placed on both teacher and student, without sacrificing time devoted to content areas. By manipulating the existing curriculum and environment, educators can cultivate the skills necessary for success in the working world.…

Ideas are presented for using microcomputers as a tool for curriculum modification with mild to moderate special needs students in various instructional situations. The focus is on the use of microcomputers in modifying the way curriculum content is presented by the teacher, received by the student, practiced and studied, and demonstrated and…

The article presents an approach to instructional design for mainstreamed students with and without mild disabilities, stressing functionality in a three-step procedure: (1) select what the student (general, gifted, learning disabled, or mildly retarded) needs to learn; (2) determine its functional value; and (3) decide how best to teach the…

The article offers guidelines for using the regular education mathematics curriculum for students with mild disabilities. Approaches geared toward mildly handicapped adolescents include the parallel alternate curriculum, the resource room model, and the strategies intervention model. Specific teaching suggestions are also recommended as are…

Based on suggestions of participants at the second annual Instructional Methods Forum held in June 1989, the monograph considers cognitive-based approaches to teaching mathematics to students with learning problems. It addresses identification of characteristics of successful cognitive approaches and the role of media and materials. An…

The article describes a three-year research project to develop an applications model to successfully integrate technology in the instruction of mild and moderately handicapped elementary grade students. The model focuses on decisions of in-school agents in such areas as identification of content, instructional methods, organization of instruction,…

This resource guide is the result of a 3-year effort by a task force which addressed vocational and career education services for disabled students in Louisiana. Section I reports on the assessment process for students requiring special education with subsections on essential competencies recommended for vocational assessment personnel, the role…

This report describes the development and field test of "Make It Happen!," a school-based approach to integrating technology into the middle school curriculum. This activity, conducted between October 1989 and May 1991, constituted Phase II of a 5-year study of technology integration for mildly handicapped students in four middle schools…

This study investigated general education classrooms in one elementary school to determine impact of grade and disability on interactions among students, teachers, and the environment (i.e., instructional context). Twelve students were randomly selected from four strata (mild disabilities/grades 1-2; mild disabilities grades 3-5; severe…

The book contains 19 papers from the journal, "Focus on Exceptional Children," that discuss new perspectives and practices in educating students with mild disabilities. The first half of the book is titled "New Perspectives" and includes the following articles: "Beyond the Regular Education Initiative/Inclusion and the Resource Room Controversy"…

This textbook provides information on how to teach middle and high school students with mild disabilities both in school settings and in out-of-school settings and how to prepare these adolescents for future postsecondary and work environments. Part 1, "The Student and the Secondary School Environment," addresses the following topics:…