The Diagnostic Testing and Prescription model, developed by the Center for Talented Youth at Johns Hopkins University (MD), was implemented in seven sixth-grade classes at three Brooklyn schools. The selected 165 students were provided an accelerated curriculum (covering arithmetic, prealgebra, and in some cases, algebra) and completed from 1-2.5…

A Hawaiian hula instructor describes how she teaches hula dancing to her students, explaining that there is no difference in how she shows them how to do something within or outside of the classroom. The article emphasizes the importance of students understanding and experiencing what they are being taught. (SM)

Consideration is given to using the branching strategy to teach mathematics to children with learning disabilities, or any elementary school child having difficulties. Branching involves altering instructional goals and expectations for students based on developmental levels, learning characteristics, and sensory needs, and changing the antecedent…

This article identifies principles of the constant time delay procedure for teaching skills to students with disabilities and details a graphing method for efficiently monitoring student progress when teaching chained tasks. The method results in a line graph and response grid which show progress and analyze performance on each step of the task…

Reading and mathematics learning activities were surveyed in eight special classes for mildly intellectually disabled children and eight regular classes with one mildly intellectually disabled child each. Children in special classes spent the most instructional time in individualized activities, whereas regular class students spent conspicuously…

Establishes the connection between educational technology and distance education, instructional design, and delivery. Concludes that, although technology has had minimal influence in traditional classrooms, it is inextricably from distance education. (SK)

Effects of one-on-one versus small group arrangements were studied as were variations in instructional agents used to teach three elementary students with autism word recognition skills. Findings indicated the small group format allowed for more trials and reinforcing statements, as well as more closely approximating regular classroom activities.…

Describes the bibliographic instruction program taught at S.U.N.Y. Stonybrook, which comprises four courses that utilize a self-paced workbook, workshops, and performance evaluation. A sample lesson is included. (17 notes) (LAE)

A teacher describes implementation of curriculum compacting with a cluster of gifted children in her regular fourth grade classroom. Children who demonstrate that they have mastered a specific content area work together on independent work in that area and present reports to the class. (DB)

An anthropology professor required students to compose essay questions that they felt summarized the principal issues and objectives of the course, based on lecture content. In the final examination, students were given several of their own questions to answer. Students felt they learned more from this format. (MSE)

A middle school in River Falls, Wisconsin, exemplifies middle-level philosophy by providing individualized learning programs, a core curriculum, a guidance program, education for citizenship, and cocurricular activities. The school program emphasizes enhanced exploratory learning opportunities, team-teaching of core subjects, and a…

Discusses computer-based instructional management systems and explains how they can help meet goals of individualized learning. Hardware and software components are explained, the use of an instructional management system in a middle school is described, system selection considerations are suggested, and teacher benefits are considered. (LRW)

This article describes both portfolio assessment and curriculum-based measurement; offers a rationale for using these two assessment strategies together; and gives specific steps for combining these two approaches, using a case example of a learning-disabled boy with difficulties in written expression to illustrate the synthesis. (DB)

This paper discusses the elements of a management program to foster the development of speech production in children and youth with hearing impairments. Emphasis is on sensory management, experiential enrichment, and individual instruction. General cautions (e.g., avoid tension) are also offered. (DB)

This study evaluated use of the Computer-Aided Personalized System of Instruction (CAPSI) based on Keller's Personalized System of Instruction with four different undergraduate psychology classes who received no classroom instruction. Students' performance and ratings indicate that CAPSI is a viable online educational method. (DB)