This article presents 14 major teaching strategies for implementing the Jan van Dijk curricular approach with children who are deaf-blind. The theory underlying the approach is reported, and guidelines for implementing instructional strategies in the areas of communication, socialization, conceptualization, and movement are discussed. (Author/DB)

This article focuses on competencies needed for children's transitions from preschool special education programs to the primary grades, with a focus on literacy-rich classroom environments. The competencies concern: readiness to maximize academic achievement, social skills, and appropriate responsiveness to various instructional styles and new…

The effects of a goal-setting and help-recruiting training program on the attainment of transition goals were evaluated with six adjudicated male youths with disabilities who resided in a segregated institution. The youths attained 11 of 17 established transition goals, and reported improved satisfaction with their social competencies. (SW)

Presents data about the decision-making processes leading to a suggestion of committal to care for a sample of Norwegian children. Suggests that parent characteristics, primarily substance abuse and psychiatric illness, were the main reasons for suggesting committal to care, while the children themselves were fairly invisible in the process.…

Evaluates the effects of an enrichment package on the free- play behavior of black South African children in day care. Aims to assess the short-term effects and cost-effectiveness of such enrichment. Discusses the results in terms of often unexpected impacts that intervention schemes can have in the developing world, even those specifically…

Summarizes two studies concerning successful intervention strategies for disadvantaged youth and homeless children. Implications for camps involve developing partnerships with parents, teachers, and communities; increasing campers' problem-solving skills; providing positive role models; helping campers feel safe; and increasing campers'…

High-risk children aged 8 through 12 completed the Reynolds Child Depression Scale prior to and following participation in a therapeutic camp program. When compared to nonparticipants with similar learning disabilities or emotional disorders, the camp group demonstrated a significant decrease in level of depression following their camping…

Using hypothetical puppet interviews, 48 preschool children were interviewed about their preferences for teacher methods of conflict intervention. Puppet vignettes contrasted conflict issue, peer status, and resolution strategy (negotiation, power assertion, and disengagement). Results showed that preschoolers preferred negotiation strategies over…

Discusses efforts to criminalize fetal abuse, harm caused from a pregnant woman's use of illegal drugs. Such efforts have typically failed to withstand judicial scrutiny. Suggests that criminal prosecution for fetal abuse relies on questionable procedures, is unevenly applied, and may keep women from seeking drug treatment or prenatal care. (LKS)

The Future-Based Assessment/Intervention Transition Model is an individualized approach to educational planning for students with disabilities. The model involves developing a plan around short-term and long-term goals that will prepare students to meet demands in school and in future adult environments. (JDD)

Presents results of a study developing an informal social skills teacher rating scale for use with early adolescents. Reports that the scale includes skill identification and situational analysis. Provides information on identifying and ranking responses and checking a content validity and reliability. Concludes that the matrix can generate…

Two studies conducted with elementary-age children who displayed behavior problems (some with mild mental retardation) found that task preferences, task demands, and adult attention showed a positive relationship to improved behavior for some subjects. The studies were conducted in an outpatient clinic and a classroom. (Author/JDD)

A strategy is presented for helping to reorient students returning to the regular class from pull-out special services. A planning sheet is provided to help teachers correlate environmental characteristics with problem student characteristics and then select specific strategies. A table lists reentry problems and suggested strategies. (DB)

An interview with Christopher Schenk, Britain's Inspector of Schools, reveals his impressions of the differences and similarities of early childhood education in Britain and the United States. Topics included teaching methods, at-risk children, standardized tests, early intervention, family involvement in the schools, funding, and health care.…

This study investigated effects of a same-age tutoring procedure on academic and social behavior of eight behaviorally disordered middle school tutors and tutees. Results indicated increased scores on tutors' and tutees' math worksheets, improved attitudes toward math for both groups, and significantly improved social interactions between tutors…