Analysis of online discussions in a mixed-mode college course (print, seminar, online, video) revealed the following: (1) online preparation for the seminar resulted in superior presentations; (2) online communication about class tasks prepared students for later technology use; and (3) prosocial learner behavior, modeled on teacher behavior,…

A class action suit led to the 1985 closure of a large, publicly funded institution for persons with mental retardation in Oklahoma. This study compared services provided to class members with those not in the plaintiff class. Findings indicated that members of the plaintiff class received substantially more services and a greater share of the…

Examined systems for delivering vocational education and the offerings provided by public high schools in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Data from the Fast Response Survey System suggest that rural schools offer a more limited selection of vocational education courses, with programs for the expanding occupations (e.g., technical and health…

A study analyzed data on 54 parents with learning disabilities, 30 of whom were Bangladeshi, who came into contact with the specialist community learning disability health team in East London over 5 years. Ninety-one pregnancies were documented. Out of a total of 79 births, 16 children were removed into care. (Contains references.) (CR)

This article discusses international (governmental) and local (school/institution-based) issues related to appropriate support for the dyslexic multilingual child. The article then identifies factors to consider when developing an assessment package that can be used to identify educational needs with children from different language backgrounds.…

Uses data from 1985 and 1988 surveys of 48 rural West Virginia school districts to assess changes in patterns of personnel deployment and program implementation related to students with severe disabilities. Examines staff ratios, certification issues, teacher recruitment and retention problems, service delivery, and service configurations.…

The paper examines the evolutionary and historical context of special education in British Columbia; identifies sections of the School Act, Regulations, and Ministerial Orders which have particular relevance for special education and implications for how services are organized and delivered; and identifies challenges in making the intent of the…

Describes issues facing policymakers dealing with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic. Addresses six challenges for policymakers: (1) protecting people from discrimination; (2) designing testing and screening programs; (3) developing safe and effective antiviral drugs; (4) planning for future vaccine trials; (5) organizing and…

The paper summarizes the reasons given for the decrease in Braille literacy and analyzes them as indicators of faults in the system of educating children with visual handicaps. Reasons include undercounting visually handicapped children, emphasizing use of vision, attitudes toward Braille, teacher competency, service delivery via itinerant…

The article discusses conceptual principles which underpin development of consultation-based programing for students with mild disabilities, proposes informal standards for ecological evaluation of specific formats, and identifies factors (such as administrative support and participatory planning and decision making) that maximize the potential…

Educators must prepare social work students to use computers in practice, develop practice-relevant software, and protect and empower those who might be victimized by information technology. Issues and tasks associated with each of these areas are discussed. (Author/MSE)

The article suggests that computer expert systems that do not require exotic languages and machines will soon be applied in human services to help decision making in the areas of eligibility determination, casework quality control, written service plans for clients or students, job placement, service acquisition, and policy interpretation.…

The paper compares current practices of identifying students with special educational needs in Australia and Scotland. Noted are problems generated by the abandonment of a category-based approach to such children. Australian and Scottish practice are also compared to United States' experience in light of Public Law 94-142. (Author/DB)

The report provides an overview of recent population figures, types of educational programs, and current issues in the education of blind and visually impaired students in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. Trends in early intervention, educational placement, and personnel preparation are noted. (DB)

Five articles discuss options in European distance education, including setting up a satellite network, using a pan-European delivery system, computer conferencing, distance education as an element of policy, and an international networking project. (MSE)