Thirty-five studies on the efficacy of special class versus regular class placement for mildly handicapped students were reviewed for the power of their statistical tests. Twenty-one studies had adequate power to detect a large effect size but the power to detect a medium effect size was no better than chance. (Author/DB)

This review of the literature on computer-assisted instruction for students with mild disabilities identifies features of effective software, offers examples of software features that support particular instructional strategies, and outlines findings on specific instructional principles as applied to computer-assisted instructional software. (DB)

Two studies evaluated the effectiveness of guided notes with five secondary students with mild disabilities and three postsecondary students with learning disabilities. In both studies, use of guided notes resulted in significantly improved academic performance. (Author/DB)

A 6-step process for translating educational research findings into practice is explained. A collaborative project was implemented by 10 experienced secondary teachers of youth with mild disabilities to help students develop self-management skills. Benefits to the students and teachers are documented. (DB)

This article offers guidelines for increasing the homework completion rates of students with mild disabilities: (1) vary the amount and type of homework assignments; (2) provide motivating acts so that students complete their homework; (3) use peer-mediated strategies; and (4) involve parents in the homework process. (Author/DB)

This study developed a validation procedure for identifying oral vocabulary related to occupational awareness and produced a list of terms appropriate for curriculum development in career education for students with mild disabilities at the middle school level. The process used 33 teacher participants and involved sorting candidate words for…

A five-step hierarchy for problem solving in mathematical word problems, called SOLVE, involves Study the problem, Organize data, Line up a plan, Verify plan, and Evaluate the match. Implementing the SOLVE strategies enables teachers to assess and teach skills needed by students with mild disabilities and improves students' success rates.…

Interviews with 60 grade 7 and 60 grade 10 teachers examined their testing practices in English, science, social studies, and mathematics. Results suggest that special education teachers need to teach adolescents with mild disabilities effective test-taking strategies and skills to enable them to cope in general education classrooms. Specific…

This discussion examines ways to increase time on task of students with mild disabilities, focusing on teaching behaviors (e.g., gaining attention, questioning, and monitoring students), instructional management, and behavior management. A self-evaluation checklist of 24 teacher tasks during group instruction and seatwork is provided. (DB)

A Delphi procedure with an interdisciplinary panel of 105 experts (both university based and field based) from 35 states identified 96 essential teaching practices in 6 categories as being essential for effective teaching of mainstreamed students with mild handicaps. A substantial majority (82 percent) were seen as being essential for both general…

Employees in rural Utah businesses were taught to provide on-the-job training to mildly disabled trainees. Over a two-year period, disabled workers taught by co-worker trainers had greater job retention and employer satisfaction; they required less time from placement specialists than disabled workers without co-worker support. (SV)

This paper reviews literature on individualized math instructional techniques with students who have learning disabilities and suggests application strategies for resource teachers and mainstream teachers of low-achieving math students. Techniques described include reinforcement, demonstration plus permanent model, goal setting, and…

This paper describes present learning environments for students with mild disabilities, especially instructional practices that thwart student motivation for learning. The Foxfire experiential approach to learning is then outlined, through discussion of 11 core practices that promote student involvement in instructional decision making and the…

Curriculum-based measurement (CBM) is presented as a system linking data collected for special education eligibility with intervention planning and evaluation. The paper describes CBM problem-solving procedures, research outcomes of CBM problem-solving model implementation, effects on student achievement and goal awareness, and effects on teaching…

A resource room teacher of elementary students with mild disabilities and behavior disorders describes student successes in running the school store, telling Appalachian folk tales to primary classes, and carrying out other Foxfire-inspired projects. Student comments are included. (SV)