Parents of students with moderate (n=38) and severe (n=15) disabilities indicated their preferences for the percent of a typical school week spent on functional life skills, academic skills, friendship/social relationship development, and other educational activities. Both groups of parents preferred that the largest percentage of time be spent on…

Measures of 4traits (cognitive competence, social competence, social maladaption, and personal maladaption) were obtained on 157 persons with mental retardation, using 3 measurements: standardized assessment instrument, day shift staff ratings, and evening shift staff ratings. The multitrait-multimethod matrix procedure demonstrated strong…

This study examines the linguistic norm ideals of the German minority in Denmark, which include the Sonderjysk Danish dialect, standard Danish, and standard German. The linguistic realities, as observed in a longitudinal study of minority children, point to a functional bilingualism in Sonderjysk and nonstandard German. (MDM)

An approach to collaboration in social skills instruction for students with disabilities or other special needs is described. The Teaching Social Skills Program involves a four-step evaluation process, with various interventions for students who either cannot or will not demonstrate prosocial behaviors. Teacher training in collaboration skills and…

The difficulty with which native English-speaking adults learning French control the distinction between verb aspects has prompted study of the neurological processes that may affect this learning process. It is concluded that it may not be possible to change these basic perception patterns of adult learners. (MSE)

Studies examining the social skills deficits of children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are reviewed, and possible mediating activities are explored. Efficacy studies involving medication, behavioral interventions, and cognitive-behavioral interventions are discussed. The need for adjunctive nonpharmacological interventions…

This study evaluated the "I Found a Solution" computer-assisted social skills intervention program with 87 mildly mentally retarded students (ages 10-18) in 2 Israeli special schools. Following training, teachers rated trained students as demonstrating better task orientation and less aggression and behavior difficulties. The second…

Defines the role of children's librarians in public libraries by listing necessary competencies in various areas, including knowledge of users; administrative and management skills; communication skills; materials and collection development; program development; advocacy and public relations; and professionalism and professional development. (LRW)

Explores the meanings constructed around the concept of cooperation by a teacher and her fifth-grade students during cooperative learning. Their experiences indicate that cooperative learning has the potential to be a wolf in sheep's clothing, promising much but actually stifling the empowerment of students for proactive social action. (SLD)

With the exception of teachers, most educators are convinced that principals can have a powerful leadership role in curriculum and instruction. Achieving lasting educational change requires specific strategies, such as adaptive problem solving, school-level focus, compatibility, administrative leadership, teacher involvement, top-down or bottom-up…

Five papers on research related to learning and instruction discuss the following: subjective competence and self-assessment; development of quantitative-relational abilities from childhood to adolescence; detecting functional relations in a computerized learning environment; developmental patterns and individual differences in word-search…

Nine articles discuss therapeutic recreation, focusing on community reintegration, social skills training in mental illness, computer links for social service providers, approaches to professional preparation, assistive technology, play environments, self-esteem in adult clients, volunteers, and recreation and music therapy for sexually abused…

This interview with Percy E. Pollard, Jr., Director of the Cultural and Human Services Program of International Business Machines, discusses new requirements for basic skills and competencies for American workers and considers the role of the private sector in the reforms needed for education and employment training. Women and minorities can take…

Examines the history and current issues in the use of sheltered content teaching in secondary bilingual programs. After examining key theoretical underpinnings, the article discusses how theoretical principles facilitate development of critical communicative competence and how sheltered content teaching promotes both segregation and social…

Presents issues concerning traditional MBA programs and traditional liberal arts Japanese language programs and discusses the need to integrate the two disciplines; addresses the need for new instructional approaches, particularly the need for using authentic materials to develop practical language skills; discusses the value of integrating…