A survey of personnel representing mental health/mental retardation/developmental disabilities agencies in 50 states investigated the self-advocacy needs of clients, training in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and impact of the ADA. Results indicated that clients needed training in advocacy-related skills and that the ADA had a minimal…

A study was conducted of 201 adults with Down's syndrome to investigate the differential causes of decline in adaptive behavior. Results indicated that aging, dementia, and severity of mental retardation were significant factors, while absence of a medical illness predicted a higher level of adaptive behavior. (CR)

Describes a research project where fifth- and sixth-grade students compiled information from original sources and presented it on a Web site. Discusses planning, students' critical thinking in research strategies, and learning outcomes. Includes a summary of selected topics researched with a note on technology skills used. (AEF)

Discusses issues that students from a high school and an elementary/middle school identified as important for reviewing multimedia software programs, and includes suggestions for evaluation criteria: entertainment/educational value; skill development; measurement; speed/time; variety; and user interface. Also describes developers' use of student…

Explores what second-grade students learned about reading, writing, and literature through a year-long program of strategy instruction integrated within a literature-based environment. Reveals that students grew in overall instructional reading level, coming to view reading as a natural component of the school day; developed skill in word…

Describes how one middle school approached the challenge of integrating technology skills into the curriculum by engaging a team of administrators, teachers, and library media specialists to systematically create a framework and curriculum aligned with national and state standards. Discusses creating the framework; curriculum design and core…

Discusses the use of libraries by teenagers and considers implications from the research for practice. Topics include why teens use libraries; the librarian's role in reaching out to teens; teen reading; skills needed for information literacy; effects on student research, including attitudes and achievement levels; and use of technology,…

Presents a lesson plan that enables students to learn how to analyze primary sources, while they also learn why the United States entered into World War I. States that this lesson can be used as an introduction to World War I. Includes handouts that feature primary materials. (CMK)

Describes Chicago magnet school's use of seminar discussion and classroom dialogue to nurture students' active engagement in the learning process. Draws on experience at a public magnet school in Chicago with a student population that is largely poor and minority. (Contains 10 references.) (PKP)

A survey of Canadian and United States medical schools (n=98) on the uses and value of autopsy revealed that uses extend far beyond traditional ones to legal/judicial proceedings, vital statistics, epidemiological investigations, and public health and aid in understanding such complex matters as medical fallibility, medical uncertainty, and grief.…

The Learning Disabilities Program at Arizona State University stresses development of independence and responsibility, self-advocacy skills, and realistic self-knowledge. Program services and the faculty perspective are described. Recommendations are made to assist learning-disabled students in developing survival skills before entering college.…

Cognitive strategy training is recommended for parents in helping a learning-disabled child function more effectively in day-to-day tasks and familial relationships. This paper considers families from a deficit and transactional perspective, explores the nature of coping and intervention strategies, and outlines the advantages of cognitive…

Describes an empirical study of the effect of computer game practice on the improvement of skills that are related to visual perception in young children. Treatment of experimental and control groups of kindergarten children in Israel are described, and recommendations for the use of computer games versus educational games are given. (23…

Summarizes the findings of studies that indicate serious deficiencies in the reading, writing, and basic information skills of American students. Possible causes are discussed including the lack of effectiveness of teaching methods and instructional materials. It is argued that the school library offers the best hope for creating a culturally…

Discussion of the use of interactive video (IV) as an instructional medium focuses on its uses in the teaching of professional interpersonal skills. Topics discussed include the use of IV for tutorials and simulations; learning theories; a model of skill acquisition; hypothesis testing; and nine principles for interactive video designs. (33…