Analyzes why it is important for developmental educators to keep up to date on recent court challenges to diversity. Argues that access to higher education for those who have not traditionally had access is a key element of the developmental education mission. Developmental education programs promote diversity by providing access to…

This paper defines the whole language approach and identifies its strengths and weaknesses. An integrated instructional approach is recommended, balancing meaning and exposure to literature with skills instruction and practice. (Author/JDD)

Parents of 12 preschool children with delayed phonological development were taught to model, reinforce, and in other ways teach their children speech production skills. The speech production skills of experimental subjects improved significantly compared to a period of no intervention and to a contrast group receiving no intervention. (Author/JDD)

This article explains the basic tenets of the skills-based and the holistic philosophies of reading instruction. Although the skills-based approach is dominant in both schools and teacher education, debate exists about the most effective approach. (IAH)

Shares ways in which teachers who use a basal reading series can go beyond the manual and integrate the whole language approach into the language arts program. (MG)

A definition of mental retardation is presented to clarify perceptions of what should happen to persons with mental retardation after identification and program placement. The definition refers to the need for specific skill training and the development of independence. A rationale and six corollaries to the definition are discussed. (JDD)

Problems are identified in adapting findings of laboratory-based cognitive instruction to mainstream classes. A metacognitive instruction model called Process-based Instruction (PBI) is then described. PBI recognizes the importance of interactions between student, teacher, and curriculum content and involves assessment, orientation, strategy…

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…

Advocates using broadsides, a form of public announcements in the colonial era, as an example of easily obtainable historical source materials. Examines how studying broadsides promotes skills associated with historical inquiry. Outlines a six-step model for teaching with broadsides. Provides three sample lessons for classroom use of broadsides.…

Summarizes the current state of the art of bibliotherapy, discusses differences between reading guidance and bibliotherapy, and discusses the preparation necessary for work in this area, focusing on the needs of librarians working with children and adolescents. Available options for training in bibliotherapy and organizations that will provide…

Described is an approach to the teaching of thinking and problem-solving for gifted and regular education students, based on R.J. Sternberg's "Suggested Criteria for the Development of Thinking Skills Programmes." The program provides specific skills training and ample practice, emphasizes cooperative learning and motivation, and…

The Learning Enrichment Service encourages development of gifted adolescents as co-learners, offering screening, training, counseling, networking, and information exchange to four learning environments (specialized programs, enrichment talent pool, community resources pool, and regular classrooms). The Mentor Academy Program is a skill-based model…

The article offers a contextual and functional approach to the development of visual skills in students with concomitant visual and multiple disabilities. A decision-making strategy is provided to aid the vision specialist in maximizing effective intervention. A case study illustrates the decision-making steps. (Author/DB)

Discussion of cognitive apprenticeships highlights a computer-based coached practice environment called SHERLOCK that was developed for Air Force technicians. Training for complex skills is discussed, comparisons are made between results with SHERLOCK and results with apprenticeship models that have human coaches, and possible future enhancements…

Discussion of at-risk elementary and secondary school students focuses on the use of computers and appropriate software as tools to help keep these students in school. Uses of software are described for skills building, as a motivational tool, to strengthen critical thinking, and as a tutor in specific subject areas. (LRW)