Ten modules for training paraprofessionals who work in classrooms for students with emotional handicaps address the following topics: (1) awareness of emotionally handicapped (EH) students and the educational programs and services designed to meet their needs (assessment, evaluation, the individualized education program, case conferences, social…

This paper reports on a study of the Biomedical Sciences Preparation Program (BioPrep), a rural component of the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation's funded projects. The program was intended to give Alabama students (particularly minorities) academic competency in mathematics, science, and oral and written communication relevant to medical professions.…

A method for improving curriculum and schools through the local development of competency tests in basic skills--the Competency-Rossville Model (CRM)--is outlined. The method was originated in the school system of Rossville (Illinois) and has been tested in five other midwestern school systems. The approach leads the faculty of the school, with…

This report is adapted from a letter sent to President-Elect George Bush in early January 1989. The report was published to stimulate a broad public discussion of the role that the Federal Government might play in developing the skills of the Nation's people. The priority of preventing damage to young children is the topic of the first section. In…

A needs assessment determined the need for independent living skills for high school students with severe disabilities, as perceived by the students (n=45), their parents (n=38) and their teachers (n=7). Results revealed that the students believed that their lives were steadily improving, that they were more satisfied than dissatisfied with the…

This report offers statistical data for fiscal year 1987 on student enrollments, faculty, semester credit hours, physical facilities appropriations, and state loan and grant programs for Texas institutions of higher education. The following enrollment data are presented: 5-year (1982-86) summaries of headcount for public senior colleges and…

At Colorado Mountain College (CMC), academic advising is based upon a comparison of students' basic skills with the skill requirements of individual courses. Students who enter CMC to obtain a degree must take placement tests in writing, reading, math, and study skills before they can enroll in classes. The placement test battery includes a…

This monograph contains five papers that discuss an eco-behavioral approach to psychology, special education, and applied behavior analysis. The papers point out the advantages of assessing ecological factors (such as natural stimuli and special education procedures) in a quantitative fashion and in a temporal relationship with student behavior.…

This monograph, which reports findings from the New Jersey Governor's Council on the Prevention of Mental Retardation, discusses the scope of mental retardation (MR), its causes, identification of people at risk, and prevention methods. The Council cites several cost-effective prevention programs, such as vaccination programs and prenatal care…

A study investigated the use of questions and directives by bilingual children of variable relative proficiency in Spanish and English. Patterns in the use of each question and directive type were examined in relation to language proficiency and context of use. Qualitative characteristics of the questions and directives were analyzed. The subjects…

The special education procedural handbook and the special education curriculum guide provide guidelines for teachers and other school personnel. The procedural handbook covers the following areas: individual education program process (IEP) and program placement, individual education program team, administrative placements, parent interviews,…

Cost effective approaches for providing services, modifications, and technological devices for disabled college students are discussed. Attention is directed to planning strategies, considerations for determining cost effectiveness, and a variety of ideas actually in use on U.S. campuses. It is noted that the key to cost effectiveness is long…

This 1987 annual report provides systemwide and institutional information on programs, enrollment, and finances in the University of Hawaii's six community colleges. The first section of the report reviews the accomplishments of 1987 with respect to program improvement, staff development, basic skills education, awards received, curricula,…

A study examined the processes and results of children's involvement in interrelated reading/writing activities. First, descriptions of 23 children's reading and writing behavior were drawn from a group of case studies of children who were participating in Reading Recovery, an early intervention program that targets first grade children at risk of…

Arguing that consultative and authoritative frameworks for rural development programs allow those in a superior position to define development priorities and to determine when and to what extent those in subordinate positions can participate, this paper outlines the need for participative-group management of such projects. The paper notes that…