Discusses intervention and treatment options being used with the population of children and youth who have autism spectrum disorders. The discussion includes interventions based on relationship formation (including holding therapy, gentle teaching, options, and floor time), skill-based treatments, physiologically oriented intervention, and…

Four children (ages 4-6) with autism were taught to use gestures in combination with oral communication. Intervention was introduced successively across three response categories that contained gestures representative of attention-directing/getting, affective, and descriptive behavior. Results indicated that all participants acquired this skill…

An instructional program designed to help middle school students with severe learning disabilities learn about story themes, and focused on enhancing ability to generalize to themes not included in the instruction, was evaluated. Findings indicate students with learning disabilities can profit from instruction geared toward abstract higher order…

This article describes the development of an inner-city public school for highly gifted and high achieving students in northeast Denver. It discusses deciding on the school's design, using block schedules to provide the time needed to study integrated units, and the need to help students initially with basic skills. (Contains one reference.) (CR)

Reports on the effectiveness of a prejudice prevention intervention that was used among a culturally diverse group of students in Hawaii. Results indicate that teachers observed significant improvement in the students' cooperative social skills as a result of participating in the multicultural guidance activities. Discusses implications for…

Describes a specific structured procedure for peer assisted learning in writing, Paired Writing, and its effects on the quality of writing and attitudes toward writing in primary school children. Reports on three action research projects. Finds the Paired Writing method proved practical and robust, adaptable to different classroom contexts, and…

Presents an interview with Claudio S. Hutz, who is dean of Instituto de Psicologia at Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul in Porto Alegre, Brazil, where he has been teaching psychology since 1977. Discusses topics such as teaching psychology in Brazil and developing critical thinking skills. (CMK)

Contends that teaching contemporary music pieces that are largely improvised provides an ideal learning opportunity for students. Focuses on the piece "Improvisations I," stating that the version presented is intended for college students. Describes the performance of each section of the piece and provides suggestions for rehearsal. (CMK)

Explores ways sketchbooks can be used in fifth-grade art, such as a record of ideas and information, an experimental space, a portable drawing resource, and a permanent collection and personal journal. Discusses briefly how students created their own sketchbooks and describes "Sketchapalooza," the culmination of the year-long project.…

Explains the interest of sociologists in feature-length film analysis. Discusses the problems with using films in sociology courses. Describes two analytic devices to help students interpret films. Presents a teaching strategy that groups films to convey certain sociological theories. Appends a schedule of films and readings. (CMK)

Presents a unit on volcanoes and experiences with volcanoes that helps students develop geography skills. Focuses on four volcanoes: (1) Rangitoto Island; (2) Lake Pupuke; (3) Mount Smart; and (4) One Tree Hill. Includes an answer sheet and resources to use with the unit. (CMK)

Focuses on works of art that are dreamlike and surrealistic and include visual contradictions. Includes four reproductions of artworks with information about the works of art and the artists. Explains that the four pictures will stimulate students' creativity. (CMK)

Standard two of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education requires students to use cognitive information to understand and enhance motor skill acquisition and performance. This article provides examples of incorporating the standard into K-12 instruction using units based on balance, fitness, and bicycling. Examples illustrate a…

Humor and fun, although essential factors to emotional health, are two of the most neglected aspects of human service practice and education. This article is an attempt to provide human service professionals and educators with an understanding of and some practical guidelines for the uses of humor and fun. (Author/BF)

Defendants of affirmative action are asked to demonstrate that race-sensitive admissions policies and diversity produce educational benefits for all students. This study found that the racial/ethnic composition of a classroom may indeed be related to the development of students' problem-solving and group skills. The nature of that effect, however,…