Four female mildly mentally retarded subjects (ages 17-21) were trained individually in a simulated bank setting at their school. After training, subjects were able to generalize newly trained skills to real community settings though some additional in-vivo training was required for perfect performance. (Author/DB)

This paper describes major concepts related to item analysis for criterion-referenced tests including validity, reliability, item difficulty, and item discrimination, particularly in relation to criterion-referenced tests. The paper discussed how these concepts can be used to revise and improve items and listed suggestions regarding general…

This study examined the effects of a schema-based direct instruction strategy on the addition and subtraction word problem solving performance of three third- and fourth-grade students with learning disabilities. An adapted multiple probe across subjects design was used. The intervention involved training students to distinguish…

This study examined the differential effects of two instructional strategies on the acquisition, maintenance, and generalization of mathematical word problem solving by students with learning disabilities: an explicit schema-based problem solving strategy (SBI) and a traditional general heuristic instructional strategy (TI). Twenty-two middle…

This review covers four general areas: modification of undesirable behavior; increasing competence; generalization and maintenance; and behavior analysis methods in assessing preschool procedures. These studies support the usefulness of behavioral analysis; however, a major problem is the lack of systematic follow-up or procedures encouraging…

An attempt was made to enhance large muscle control and balance in congenitally blind children (ages 5-to-10 years) by exposing them to a program of creative dance movement. (Author/PHR)

A study of three males (grades 7-8) with learning disabilities investigated the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral self-management training package on the consistent use of specific classroom survival skills. Results demonstrated more consistent use of targeted classroom survival skills by all students in both learning support and mainstream…

Effects of two instructional trial scheduling formats (massed practice only, versus combined massed practice and distributed practice) on acquisition, transfer, and generalization of explicitly prompted requests were studied with five children with severe mental disabilities, ages 4-8. General case/naturalistic teaching was effective for all…

Four leisure skills (playing cards, selecting a television program, playing a sports videotape, and playing a computer game) were taught to four secondary students with moderate mental retardation by using least prompts procedures. Nondisabled peers assessed generalization across persons. Benefits were shown to the students with disabilities and…

In response to Whitman, "Self-Regulation and Mental Retardation" (EC 222 812), the author raises four points: use of alternatives to language based interventions, questionable effectiveness of verbal self-instruction with the retarded, questionable practicality of gradual withdrawal of teacher prompting, and need for immediate testing of…

Under the National Curriculum in the United Kingdom, children with learning difficulties will need to use transfer skills for various cross-curricular themes. To promote transfer, the use of cognitive strategies is recommended, including perceived similarity, analysis of the learning context, expert scaffolding, and detailed planning of practice…

Three seriously emotionally disturbed children were trained in techniques for self-evaluation for demonstrating appropriate behavior. Student use of those techniques in the classroom indicates generalization to that environment did occur. (MSE)

Microcomputers can promote productive and engaged learning time with special education students, when teachers: combine microcomputer experiences with use of manipulative materials, utilize small cooperative student groups as well as individual microcomputer time, provide direct teaching, monitor performance, and promote generalization through…