The article reacts to C. E. Sleeter's analysis of the history of learning disabilities by concluding that the fundamental problems in learning disabilities and other mildly handicapping conditions are the consequence of their politicization and not of political pressures for their establishment. (Author/DB)

Concurrent use of two direct observation instruments (momentary time sample of task engagement and event recording of discrete student responses) were evaluated in six middle school resource rooms using either of two reading programs. Findings tended to be program specific with differences lost or diluted when data were combined across programs.…

The implications of current theories of intrinsic motivation for educational practices for mildly handicapped learners are reviewed. The interaction of classroom demand environments, the effects of teacher reward and punishment, and individual differences in intrinsic motivation are discussed in relation to behavioral effectiveness and to academic…

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…

Study strategies used to assist mildly handicapped students become more actively engaged and successful in gaining and responding to information in content area classes are described. They include using advance organizers, summarizing/paraphrasing what is read, enhancing listening skills, and improving the organization, appearance, and accuracy of…

The theoretical bases of process-oriented approaches for teaching writing to mildly handicapped students are described. Instructional features of such approaches include opportunities for sustained writing, establishment of a writing community, student selection of topics, modeling of the writing process and strategic thinking, reflective thinking…

A successful Newfoundland service model for mildly disabled students which features a team approach incorporated in a resource room program is described in terms of referral, assessment, placement, programing, and evaluation procedures. (CL)

A survey of 160 teacher education programs and state certification departments in all 50 states showed a continuing trend for states to establish separate certificates for elementary and secondary level special education teachers along with significant differences in college/university training programs in states that require separate secondary…

This study determined the mild disabilities certification perceptions and preferences of Louisiana special education (SPED) professionals and students. A stratified random sampling procedure was used to select the subjects, who included 115 undergraduates and 44 graduate students, 26 professors, 24 local or school system directors of SPED, and 22…

The trend to include mildly mentally retarded, emotionally disturbed (behavior disordered), and learning disabled children in the same generic category and in the same school programs is increasing. The author believes that the noncategorical trend in special education can endanger the appropriate education of many children. (Author)

The article briefly reviews the literature comparing group and individualized instruction and suggests ways special teachers who work on an individual basis with mild to moderately handicapped students can promote transference of independent work habits to the larger classroom situation. (DB)

Discusses the impact that mentoring programs can have on the academic achievement and social development of young African American males. Provides steps for starting a mentoring program, examines the mentor's role, offers suggestions for mentor-student interactions, and offers some cautionary considerations, such as legal ramifications and school…

Reintegration of 23 elementary-age students with mild disabilities who had been in special education pull-out programs into general education classrooms for reading instruction was evaluated using curriculum-based measurement. Results indicated that, on average, reintegrated students made academic gains comparable with their general education…

This study evaluated the Collaborative Instruction Model in four secondary classes that included students with mild disabilities and low achievement. Measures included instructional actions of teachers, student engagement, student use of strategic skills, and student performance on content tests. Mixed results on student measures suggested the…

Advertisements for used cars can be an aid in teaching adolescents with mild disabilities reading, writing, vocabulary, and study skills. A lesson is presented that teaches students how to interpret the abbreviations and vocabulary associated with used car advertisements, to develop car ads, and to role play the appropriate way of responding to an…