A study involving 64 Australian parents of children with mental retardation (ages 4-31) found no significant differences between mothers and fathers in terms of their general positivity-negativity, but that fathers were less represented by overall responses than mothers. Significant differences were also found between subgroups of mothers.…

This study examined current practices and perceptions of 345 supported-employment-provider agencies regarding extended services. Findings indicate that provider agencies were underutilizing natural support networks within consumers' workplaces for essential extended-support needs and that the majority of consumers were only receiving the minimal…

Analyzes the application of levels of deficits or supports in the classification of mental retardation in published research. Analysis of data from three professional journals indicated that the supports model of classification has had no significant impact in subject descriptions reported in mental-retardation research. Implications for teacher…

Major components of the social support and social systems approach to early intervention are reviewed, reflections are presented, and the future use of the model are discussed. The paper concludes with an overview of a "third generation" model integrating new evidence for studying and practicing family systems intervention. (Contains extensive…

Argues that we can help develop resilience in youth by using a nontraditional approach to changing the fragmented manner in which most services are provided. This approach can include demonstrating desired behaviors instead of relying on the enforcement of mandates or directives to support the change process. (GCP)

Explores a socially resilient system of care and two key elements of the wraparound process: cultural competence and discovering family strengths, preferences, voice, and choice. Demonstrates the basic elements of an organized, resilient system of care and community strengths and includes exercises in social resilience, cultural competence, and…

There are three reasons that specially designed instruction at the high-school level is improperly delivered: teachers may not understand the requirements, know how to make appropriate accommodations, or follow what has been outlined. Scheduling mismatches and failed behavior-management implementations are additional factors. Planning ahead avoids…

Evaluated the Homeless Families Program implemented in nine cities to create systems change by restructuring systems of health and support services and housing and to develop and test a model of services-enriched housing for homeless families. Considers the evaluation as a case study of evaluation approaches and results presentation. (SLD)

About 1,500 schools nationwide pay an estimated $200 million in federal funds to private enterprises claiming to provide better literacy instruction than the disappointing Title I results of the past 34 years. Programs run by Kaplan Inc., Success for All Foundation, Sylvan Learning Systems, and Reading Recovery Council are described. (MLH)

The first of three studies on interagency activity among state agencies delivering or funding employment services focuses on identifying exemplary models and strategies used in interagency agreements to improve delivery of supported employment services. Interagency agreements were most frequent with state agencies that specialized in or had…

Discusses the growth of metropolitan universities as an emerging model of higher education, noting their key characteristics and their history and philosophy (as codified in the "Declaration of Metropolitan Universities" of the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities). Identifies current issues and challenges related to students,…

Provides the beginning grant writer with guidelines for the process of securing external funding for school-linked, integrated services. Focuses on the key ingredients of successful proposals: demonstrating need, describing the project, proving organizational capability, explaining finances, and documenting success. Selected publications,…

Argues that the current state of computer-based distance learning is problematic. Shows that (1) solving the problems requires changes at all levels of computer-mediated communication; (2) more research is needed in computer interface design; and (3) delivery systems need radical redesign. Concludes that medium-sized and small colleges may suffer…

This interview between Mark Laird, statewide employment specialist with Missouri Rehabilitation Services for the Blind, and Gil Johnson, director of American Foundation for the Blind West, describes an innovative rehabilitation model that forges relationships with businesses and has doubled the number of consumers with visual impairments who find…

The term "Fax-on-Demand" denotes various document delivery systems whereby users telephone the information provider's fax system and enter numbers in order to initiate an automatic fax outgo. This article focuses on financial and practical advantages of Fax-on-Demand over manual faxing as well as relevant case studies of document…