Discusses why innovation is important for technical services and lists requirements: the ability to envision the future, the use of intuitive thinking and creativity, and well-managed implementation. Examines systems for verification and delivery of bibliographic records (OCLCs Passport for Windows and PromptCat), and outsourcing and…

Assessed use of server statistics to evaluate utilization of web-based computer assisted instruction (CAI) in the undergraduate medical curriculum. No correlation was found between students' computer literacy at matriculation and subsequent levels of CAI use. Utilization of CAI developed for specific course objectives coincided closely with course…

Reports that anecdotal evidence and studies by individual institutions suggest that course completion and program retention rates are generally lower in distance education courses than in their face-to-face counterparts. Suggests some of the causes may be that distance students are often older, have more obligations, or that lack of face-to-face…

A survey of 39 personnel preparation programs in visual impairment examined such issues as the availability of programs, type of faculty, salaries, and program delivery models. Findings indicated that a variety of nontraditional models are available for delivering preservice education and that there has been a decline in the percentages of…

A survey of 138 Australian therapists providing services to students with severe disabilities found their role perception was consistent with a contemporary functional approach and that practices associated with a collaborative team approach received both a higher level of agreement and reported implementation than practices not associated with…

This article reports on the use of single-case accountability designs for examining outcomes and evaluating the Ohio Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) project. Procedure guidelines were successfully used to help structure the process of ecobehavioral analysis, collaborative consultation, and naturalistic intervention design for 34 children (ages…

This article focuses on children with emotional or behavior disorders in England and programs that have evolved in the 19th and 20th centuries to address their needs. Theoretical battles between supporters of a medical approach and those of the now-dominant educational model are discussed, as well as the inclusion movement. (CR)

This study examined the relationship between 18 pairs of special-education resource teachers and the paraeducators they supervise. Teachers were divided in their beliefs about the fundamental role of paraeducators, whether as assistants to the teacher or to the student. Teachers also expressed reluctance about their supervisory role, preferring to…

Describes the prevalence and patterns of vision impairment in the Sultanate of Oman. Reviews the types of special education and rehabilitation services offered and future priorities. Concludes that, although at present, few visually impaired children are receiving services, a special education system is evolving into a community-based approach to…

In assessing educational leadership dimensions for 2020, one must consider the effects of technology and automation in education, important influences of changes in society, and progress in developing and understanding administrators' personal/professional needs. Conscience, creative imagination, and interpersonal skill development are essential…

This study describes differences in teacher engagement identified within two approaches to providing paraprofessional supports in general education classrooms, program-based and one-on-one. Analysis of observed and reported experiences of 103 school personnel from four schools identified characteristics of teacher engagement and disengagement,…

A three-dimensional model is used to compare various approaches to natural environment interventions. The model distinguishes between practices that are contextually or noncontextually based, adult or child directed, and practitioner or nonpractitioner implemented. One approach (practitioner implemented, adult directed) has increasingly been…

This response to an article evaluating Indiana's early intervention service delivery (EC 628 669) based on the state's comprehensive data system evaluates the amount of services provided, type of services, the service system, and the service delivery model. Analysis indicates continuing gaps between federal law requirements and implementation in…

Conjoint behavioral consultation (CBC) is an ecological model of service delivery that brings together parents and educators to collaboratively address shared concerns for a child. This study provides exploratory data investigating the effects of CBC on home and school concerns for 48 children aged 6 and younger. Single-subject methods were used…

This article provides comments on an article by Dunst and Bruder. Families, practitioners, researchers, and policy makers have been involved with federal and state-funded early intervention programs for children with disabilities and special health care needs for a very long time. The authors have provided valuable information to lay a stronger…