Skills that families gain in coping with transitions at the early ages of their child with visual impairments provide skills necessary for all the life-stage transitions that follow and, thus, are termed marathon skills. The transition programing of the Lighthouse Child Development Center in New York City is designed to develop those skills. (JDD)

A young man with severe to profound retardation was taught to use two different augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) aids. Although the participant learned to correctly request with both AAC devices, he later showed a strong preference for one device over the other. The value of multimodality and consideration of client preferences is…

This study found that naturalistic conversation training improved the spontaneous speech production of two children (ages three and four) with speech production disabilities. (Author/DB)

A closed-circuit television system was used with a five-year-old girl with severely limited vision to develop visual skills, especially skills related to concept formation. At the end of training, the girl could recognize lines, forms, shapes, letters, numbers, and words and could read short sentences. (Author/JDD)

Describes the social studies fair held every 3 years in St. Louis County, Missouri, for kindergarten through grade 12. Explains the fair is to encourage students to research an important social studies idea or concept and plan a project that turns an abstract idea into a concrete representation. Outlines the planning and logistics of such a…

Looks at teaching methods and the effects on student performance. Examines beginning teachers interactions with 84 nonmusic major students. Assesses components of proactive teaching and self-perceptions of success. Focuses on teacher feedback in relation to student success. Recommends professionals apply task analysis principles to music learning…

Parents (n=703) in a college freshman summer orientation program indicated the skills most needed to face future challenges: communication skills, computer skills, critical thinking and decision making, interpersonal skills, and adaptability. These skills correlate with those taught in general education courses, underscoring the relationship…

A one-month subspecialty outpatient clinic program for third-year medical students is described. The clerkship featured high volume (60-70 patients) clinical practice, library research (12 short papers), and close mentor supervision. Pre- and posttest scores did not distinguish participants from others, but participants later reported improved…

This study found that a procedure involving choral responding and self-assessment accompanied by contingent praise may be an effective tool for teaching in-class transition skills to preschoolers with developmental delays. Active engagement sharply increased, with collateral decreases in competing behavior and levels of teacher prompting of target…

A critical issue in leadership preparation is serving students with differing needs, goals, and educational experiences. Inspired by the NASSP Alliance project's emphasis on skill development, Florida State University's educational administration program developed a required assessment and career-planning course. Through practical and assigned…

Examines one possible side effect of using computer technology for learning. Argues that the pattern of externalizing skills that is part of the character of computers results in an atrophying of many of the most essential inner qualities that students need to develop. Gives examples involving Internet-based communication. (Author/AEF)

Describes three examples of learning environments that were created for the Web at Clyde Virtual University (Scotland) to enable task-oriented learning by allowing students to develop and apply skills and knowledge in a simulated environment. Discusses the staff's team approach, focusing on the end user, and the appropriate use of technology.…

Enrollments at evangelical and other Christian colleges have surged in the last decade, outpacing that of secular institutions. The students, many from home schooling or church-operated schools, want to avoid lifestyles found at many secular colleges and universities. Some critics, however, fear lack of diversity in both enrollments and opinions…

Analyzes the adjustments and changes that have evolved from the inception of a pilot portfolio program through the fifth semester of its implementation in a developmental English class. The program allows for authentic, performance-based assessment and challenges students to assume more control of their writing. Asserts that the final portfolio…

Reviews literature on prevention of child abduction and states shortcomings of traditional versus behavioral approaches to prevention of child abduction. Reveals that behavioral-skills training appears to be a necessary component in effective prevention programs and suggests children undergo such training, with the focus being on self-protective…