Examines potential advantages of Advance Placement (AP) courses for students and schools. Reviews literature on the effects of AP courses on students, AP implications for college admissions, AP implications for college attendance, AP economic implications, and AP program concerns. Concludes that AP program advantages for students, schools, and…

A survey investigated mathematical word problem-solving practices of 133 mathematics teachers of students with deafness (grades 6-12). Half of the teachers were from center schools and the other half from mainstream programs. Results found that regardless of instructional setting, students were not being sufficiently engaged in cognitively…

This article describes the cooperation between the Marriott International Worldwide Reservations Center in Santa Ana, California, the Braille Institute of America, and the California State Department of Rehabilitation that has resulted in at least 37 adults with visual impairments being hired as reservations sales associates. (CR)

In response to Kauffman (EC 221 675), the article challenges the following: that the Regular Education Initiative (REI) is a Reagan-Bush plot to cut the costs of special education; that REI is value-driven with placement as the only consideration; and that REI is intended to do away with special education and strengthen regular education. (DB)

Arguing that only 13 percent of children with severe emotional disturbances are receiving adequate special education services in the least restrictive environment, this article presents strategies for parents to ensure appropriate responsiveness from placement and Individual Education Planning teams as well as advice regarding yearly reviews,…

Modifications and alternatives to tracking can address teachers' desires to match instruction to student abilities without the gross educational inequalities accompanying lower-tracked classes and without ignoring exceptional children's needs. Untracked classes can be improved by providing extra help, equipping teachers with useful teaching…

Five adults with severe traumatic brain injury, unable to gain or maintain jobs, were individually placed in competitive supported employment. Wages ranged from $4.25 to $5.00 per hour with an average of 339 hours of employment specialist intervention time required per case. Long-term job retention results were disappointing. (Author/JDD)

School psychologists (N=261) in New South Wales, Australia, were surveyed regarding their attitudes toward mainstreaming and asked to identify resources required to meet the needs of disabled students in regular classrooms. Subjects generally saw their role as consultative rather than interventionist and attached little importance to knowledge of…

Describes the University of Texas at El Paso's use of a Spanish placement system that seeks to appropriately place both native and non-native speakers of Spanish in the correct track and level of Spanish courses. (CB)

Examines the effects of nonpromotion on achievement and effort of junior high school students. Finds that students who were retained improved significantly with respect to academic achievement and effort when compared to students who had been considered for retention but had been promoted. (KEH)

This New Jersey survey found that 67 teachers of preschool handicapped children were more stringent in their perceptions of the skills necessary for mainstreaming in kindergarten than were 63 kindergarten teachers. The survey also found that different instructional strategies were used by the two teacher groups. (Author/JDD)

Alumni get involved in a network when they share their professional expertise with undergraduates. Programs to bring alumni and students together include: mentor, alumni hosts, alumni rosters in which former students are listed by profession and geographic area, credentials service, etc. (MLW)

An extensive clinical interview, public records, and a multi-faceted educational program comprised a selection and training process for caregivers who worked in children's homes. The process was designed to minimize risks for the child and family and liability for the referral agency, and to maximize employment opportunities for low-income women.…

A New Zealand report on mainstreaming students with special educational needs has stimulated discussion of the policy's real outcomes and the wisdom of placing students in special education without appropriate support services. Development of specific educational and social goals and instructional and organizational changes facilitating…

Two measures used for early detection of learning problems (Preschool Screening System and Denver Articulation Screening Exam) were tested for their predictive validity. Educational placement at the end of grade one was examined and compared to pre-kindergarten test scores on the two measures. Analysis found both measures to be valid. (Author/MSE)