This commentary argues that the study reported in EC 605 442, which indicated long-term gains for children with autism who experienced intensive behavioral intervention as preschoolers, needs to be replicated to be convincing, especially given the problem of nonrandom assignment of experimental and control groups. (JDD)

Analyzed effects of counseling-education classroom intervention program, based on Values-Clarification method. Intervention was designed to enhance pupil self-esteem, classroom climate, and internal locus of control, which are all components of affective education. Found significant improvement in two of three variables (classroom climate and…

Examines how the effects of separation and divorce on young children often result in a dramatic change in classroom behavior. Offers early childhood teachers techniques for meeting the emotional needs of children coping with separation and divorce, such as empathetic listening, classroom activities that allow children to express their feelings,…

Argues that teachers seeking to identify what constitutes a crisis for children must consider the child's response to and feelings about the experience, not just the event itself. Reviews common physical, psychological, and social symptoms of crisis. Discusses ways to help children in crisis while maintaining appropriate boundaries. (PAA)

A video-assisted strategic intervention for developing written expression skills was field tested during a summer school session for 71 at-risk middle school students. Results indicated significantly greater gains in written expression skills than produced by the traditional, grammar-based language arts instruction delivered to a comparison group.…

This follow-up study of low birthweight children at the age of 4-5 found that 14 control children (who did not participate in early home intervention) scored lower than 31 preterm treatment children and 22 full-term controls on expressive language, comprehension, personal-social skills, visual-motor skills, and home environment. (Author/JDD)

This study examined the effectiveness of peer collaboration in assisting 48 special education and 43 regular classroom teachers in developing and implementing alternative interventions for students with mild learning and behavior problems. Teachers using peer collaboration were found to have increased tolerance for the range of students' cognitive…

One goal of the Success for All program is that each student in high poverty schools will achieve at or near grade level by the third grade. Describes and gives the rationale behind the program's Family Support Team component, which is concerned with attendance intervention, home visits, parent involvement, and integration with community agencies.…

This paper addresses the preparation of teachers to work with students who are both handicapped and at greater than average risk for dropping out of school. The paper describes teacher training program components including teacher/mentor skills training, academic and vocational skills training, interpersonal skills training, and parent involvement…

Described is a computer-based tutoring program that helped to improve computational performance for 16 preservice elementary teachers by effectively increasing their awareness of a tendency to divide consistently by the smaller of 2 numbers presented within division word problems. (JJK)

The classrooms of two teachers, two aides, and six children (ages four to eight) with autism were reorganized in their play materials and equipment, room arrangements, and scheduling of instruction and play periods. Adult smiling and affectionate words increased in the free play area, and children's use of play materials and compliance with adult…

This study of 55 elementary-level general, special, and remedial education teachers found no intergroup differences in perceptions of the amount or quality of assistance available for mainstreamed students with mild handicaps, or in perceived effectiveness or overall acceptability of eight instructional strategies and 11 social behavior…

This paper presents a decision-making model for comparing, choosing, and implementing social skills curricula that would be appropriate for specific students and settings. The model is structured around three curriculum areas (background, assessment, and instruction) and uses a cost-benefit analysis to assist in making modification decisions.…

This article considers the need for early intervention programs for Black and minority children and the problems inherent in seeking solutions within the public school setting. Several suggested safeguards for public school-based programs are offered, followed by a discussion of further action and research issues. (IAH)

In 1990-91 the Education for All Handicapped Children Act Amendments (1986) will require public schools to provide appropriate educational services for three and four year olds with handicapping conditions. This article examines this legislation, the historical factors contributing to its passage, and its implications for children, families, and…