This compilation presents five papers on issues and research in special education. "Qualitative Research in Special Education: An Evaluative Review" (Charles A. Peck and Gail C. Furman) explicates some of the epistemological assumptions underlying qualitative research methods, reviews examples of qualitative research, evaluates the contributions…

Novice teachers face formidable tasks of planning and management as they enter the classroom for the first time as professionals. They also bring with them mental imprints of what teaching and learning are like, images gained not from their professional preparation programs, but from their years as students. This qualitative study is part of a…

This paper describes a 1993-94 pilot program in Memphis (Tennessee) that was developed to increase the number of minority students prepared for, matriculating to, and graduating from postsecondary institutions. The communitywide partnership of institutions that implemented the program is described, along with the needs assessment commissioned by…

Sample lessons and instructional materials from a Japanese bilingual/bicultural elementary school program are presented. The lessons are designed to integrate Japanese language instruction with content instruction, using thematic units related to the core curriculum. The ten lessons are organized by target grade (K-5), and describe classroom…

This reference circular lists devices designed to provide people who have visual or physical disabilities with access to printed information. The circular includes devices that hold a book or turn the pages of a book, that magnify print material either manually or electronically, and that convert print into braille or synthetic speech. Listings…

To date, principles of applied linguistics have been practiced little in the Chinese foreign language (CFL) classroom. Most students of Chinese, the majority of whom are in higher education, are not knowledgeable about linguistics. Most teachers of Chinese in the United States are hired for their interest in Chinese culture or native Chinese…

To assist the Office of Technology Assessment of the U.S. Congress in identifying and resolving policy issues related to the electronic delivery of government services, this study examined selected innovative information technology applications, management practices, and policies that promote experimentation and integration with new electronic…

This study, authorized by the General Assembly of North Carolina, investigated current indicators of the state of youth physical fitness and the availability and utilization of programs to improve fitness. The study gathered testimony from physical fitness experts, educators, administrators, and medical personnel. The study found that youth are in…

Portfolios, collections of student work representing a selection of performance, are being used in classrooms today in the tradition of the visual and performing arts in which they serve to showcase a student's best pieces and the student's evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the pieces. Portfolios are useful as a support to new…

The numbers of culturally and linguistically diverse students in classrooms at all levels of study are increasing dramatically. In addition, the available information indicates that in general they are not performing well scholastically. Five articles address this issue; they are remarks from a 1992 symposium of members from the Teachers of…

This document presents data and recommendations on graduate education in Washington State, and outlines institutional plans for achieving a graduate enrollment goal that allows the state to reach the 70th percentile nationwide by 2010. The report is divided into seven sections that address the following questions: (1) What is graduate education?…

This report proposes 25 guidelines that should be considered in making productivity improvements in the following five key areas: (1) instruction, (2) research and public service, (3) overall academic functions, (4) administrative functions, and (5) state policies affecting higher education. In some cases, data are presented that illustrate the…

The 14 City Technology Colleges (CTCs) opened so far in Great Britain are achieving an average attendance rate of between 90 percent and 97 percent. This high level of attendance has been assisted by the use of electronic registration (role taking) devices, including smart cards, portable computers, and optical readers. This report compares…

This book focuses on the notion of "transition to adulthood" for students with special educational needs, exploring it in terms of class, race, gender, and disability differences and relating it to social, economic, and political influences. Chapter 1 sets the stage, arguing that the special needs area has largely developed in British…

A study examined the characteristics and impact of workplace literacy programs in businesses with fewer than 500 employees. Particular emphasis was placed on workplace literacy initiatives in Michigan. Case studies and telephone surveys were conducted to determine the extent of basic skills deficiencies and incidence of workplace literacy…