State policymakers' attitudes toward time-shortened degree programs were investigated through a questionnaire sent to legislators and directors of statewide governing or coordinating boards. Credit by examination and early college entrance are seen as among the best methods of time shortening; reducing requirements, among the poorest. (Author/LBH)

This study compared state disparities in the diagnosis of students with learning disabilities. It found that state prevalence of learning disability was moderately explained by demographic and sociopolitical factors (unlike four common physical disabilities) and that these same factors strongly predicted the extent of mainstreaming and the size of…

At the two-year mark, foster-care outcomes (continued court supervision, kinship placements, adoption) were examined for 1,038 African American, Latino, and White infants, prenatally exposed to drugs and removed from their mothers at birth, and 203 infants similarly removed but not drug-exposed. Discusses policy and practice implications in terms…

Reports the results of an analysis of trends in the placement of students with different disabilities in New South Wales from 1986-1994. Although there was a general trend of movement of students from special schools to support classes, there were some major differences across disability groups. (Author/CR)

Reports findings from a survey of 385 supported employment agencies on their use of natural supports in time-lined and extended services. Eighty-five percent reported that their agencies emphasize natural supports and that these supports have been successful. Resistance to natural supports by employers and coworkers is discussed. (Author/CR)

Highlights scenarios showing the importance of school districts making clear distinctions between comprehensive and coherent practices in building inclusive schools, rather than simply adding students with disabilities without knowing how the organization of schooling needs to change. Presents recommendations for building successful inclusive…

The Northern Tier Distance Learning Consortium links six high schools and three colleges in northeastern Pennsylvania. Indiana students participated in an interactive distance-learning program that focused on underwater exploration. (MLF)

This article reviews the history of educational programs for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in Canada and the United States. It notes the educational options now offered, ranging from separate schools to full integration in public school programs. The greater recognition of American Sign Language and the activism of the deaf community are also…

This study examined placement outcomes for 133 individuals (most aged 17 to 21) with mental retardation or severe learning disability. Nearly 50% of the men but only 1% of the women were competitively employed. Results suggest the need for more rehabilitation training for women, focusing on self-determination skills (assertiveness, self-advocacy,…

Suggests a role for "authentic measurement" using performance measures in task-based approaches to assessment and describes the implementation of a task-based, performance-referenced test of English for academic purposes (EAP) developed to place English as a Second Language college students. Results suggest that skills-focused tests of EAP ability…

Student course-taking patterns in seven high schools in California and New York that attempted to enroll lower level math students in more meaningful math courses were studied. Results show that the new transition math courses are partially successful in providing a common curriculum to students with diverse math preparation. (SLD)

Examines strategies to optimize hiring effectiveness for new employees. Discusses how to develop a philosophical, legal, and ethical personnel structure. Presents basic principles for making personnel decisions. Discusses basic steps in making effective hiring decisions, including identifying job prerequisites, looking at a reasonable number of…

Based on research on the geometric understanding of regular and gifted middle school students, this article describes a procedure for assessing geometry readiness in mathematically able middle school students. The procedure utilizes the vanHiele model of stages of geometric understanding and distinguishes between readiness for algebra and…

Discusses ways to support children with partial hearing in the general education classroom. The difficulties children who are hard of hearing have in listening in noisy classrooms is discussed. Teachers are urged to be tolerant of misunderstandings, guard against presumption, give time for auditory processing, and monitor student placement. (CR)

Reviews the historical background of special education as a major factor in the placement of many children with disabilities, and examines data that reveal a disproportionately large number of students in these programs are children of color. Suggestions are offered to help lead to a more equitable placement of all children in appropriate…