This paper surveys past and current theories about the workings of the mind, current brain research and psychological applications of non-linear dynamics. Parallels are drawn between the world of high-functioning autism, gifted individuals with learning disabilities, and aspects of genius. An organizing theory is presented, which includes these…

This feature issue of a newsletter on community integration of individuals with developmental disabilities considers the role of assistive technologies. It describes efforts to utilize consumer direction, public policy, creativity, energy, and professional know-how in the pursuit of technology-based opportunities to enhance community inclusion,…

This document presents the proceedings of a symposium which discussed critical issues in employment of persons with disabilities in Europe, Australia, and North America. After introductions, the major presentations included the following: "Labor Market Forces" (Roderick A. DeArment, U.S. Department of Labor); "Civil Rights in the…

This issue presents nine articles which address identifying, pursuing, and obtaining postsecondary training and employment by youth with disabilities. It discusses how families and professionals can help young people develop important self-determination and self-advocacy skills. It also introduces adult service systems to aid in obtaining…

Based on a hypothetical situation in which second language learners must attain substantial skills in a very short time, the paper recommends intensive training not in the language itself, but in skills and strategies for learning the language. This requires achieving self-directed learning skills to: create a climate maximizing learning; identify…

Many kids with working parents must take care of themselves before and after school. This activity text offers such children practical instruction and reassuring guidance that can help them be prepared, safe, and confident when they stay alone. The text includes a pullout section for parents that helps them determine if their child is mature…

This final report describes the Mastery Project, which developed, implemented, and field tested a comprehensive model to promote the mastery orientation and functional independence of students, ages 11-20, with physical and multiple disabilities. The model includes systematic procedures to: (1) facilitate assessment of students' functional…

The construct validity of the Attitudes of Professional Autonomy (APA) as a proxy measure of professional orientation was studied. The sample consisted of all teachers in 94 schools in 6 districts in Louisiana, closely representing the statewide distribution of all schools by level and socioeconomic status. Usable data were received from 1,921…

This "feature issue" reports on consumer-controlled housing for persons with developmental disabilities, and explores housing and service options that empower individuals with disabilities to live their lives with independence, privacy, and freedom of choice. It includes an excerpt from the Association for Retarded Citizens position…

The extent to which school-based management actually altered influence relations between a district office and schools and between principals and teachers is examined in this report. Five innovative initiatives implemented in the Dade County Public Schools--peer evaluation, different teacher roles, block scheduling, school-within-a-school, and…

The curriculum guide presented in this paper promotes a nurturing environment that facilitates the development of the total child. The program is designed to be used by teachers, administrators, and parents in both public and private school settings. The philosophy of the program is experimentalist-cognitive. A number of proposals relevant to…

Basic values in higher education and the way that values are made operational are discussed in an article and three responses to the article. Conflicts among values in American higher education and the structures of accommodation are also addressed. In addition to valuing liberal arts studies, professional education, and research, competence in…

A formative inquiry into the institutional dimension of educational leadership is presented. Based on the thesis that individual educational leadership is a myth derived from misconceptions about social institutions and from the failure of the institution of education to value intellect, the paper demonstrates that these shortcomings stem from the…

This study investigated the relationships between science activities that emphasize cause-and-effect and a learner's locus of control. Pretests included the Nowicki-Strickland Abbreviated Scale 7-12 to measure locus of control, and a modification of the Test of Science Related Attitudes to measure attitudes toward science. The findings suggest…

The effect of a patient care oriented dental school curriculum that integrated the basic sciences with dental and clinical sciences was investigated. The focus was to understand the processes by which entering dental students progress through the first year of the new curriculum and to assess the effect of the curriculum on students'…