A study assessed whether the impact of a microswitch-based program on indices of happiness would be comparable with that of a stimulation program on three persons with profound multiple disabilities. The microswitch-based program produced increases that were fairly clear for two participants and quite modest for the third. (Contains references.)…

Twelve case studies describe the kinds of decisions that young people with disabilities and their families have to make as they prepare to leave school. The seven types of decision-making processes that are identified attempt to describe some of these complexities as experienced by young people and their parents. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

This article provides an overview of the core principles and implications of emancipatory disability research. It suggests the emancipatory research paradigm has begun to transform the material and social relations of research production and concludes by suggesting that emancipatory disability should be perceived as a process rather than a…

This article addresses the ongoing need to access the power of self-determination. A definition of self-determination is provided, along with a description of key components. Examples are provided for implementing effective self-determination skills though the use of a case study, an action plan, and list of best practices. (Contains references.)…

This article explains how administrators make it possible for their staff to initiate and implement advocacy efforts on behalf of students with special needs. A step-by-step series of actions and decision points are described to support the implementation of an innovative student-led Individualized Education Program process. (Contains 7…

Examines some representative critical commentaries on the emerging information technology culture and investigates this new culture's influence on the erosion of selfhood. Offers Heidegger's "Being and Time" that provides valuable insights into the problem of this "disappearing self." Believes that students must become…

England's Education Action Zones are a flagship New Labour Party policy geared toward raising standards and reducing social exclusion in areas of academic underperformance. This article outlines the policy's key features, considers its broader significance as a governance model, and comments on issues confronting four different EAZ constituencies.…

Multiple, daily decisions about a myriad of things add to people's sense of stress, complexity, and being stretched too thin, but especially for parents of young children. This article points out the need to offer parents quality options, not simply more options, and advice and support in following through on the decisions they make affecting…

Describes how one teacher used an instructional Web site to encourage student learning, explaining how such Web sites can create teacher development opportunities. The paper explains how to get teachers to build and use instructional sites and how to empower teachers to participate and innovate. Sidebars describe the school, explain what makes a…

School-community partnerships create empowered communities that become actively involved in the academic educational process and pursue lifelong learning. Examples of community education efforts involving American Indians include a community learning center at a reservation school, tribal language and dance courses, Internet use, distance…

This article discusses the discrimination faced by minority youth with disabilities. Federal legislation promoting equality of opportunity for all students is reviewed and the lack of true educational equality is lamented. The article emphasizes the need to prepare minority youth with disabilities as they transition into adults. (Contains…

Using grounded theory methodology, the experiences of 11 self-identified gay male college students were explored to understand how the environment contributed to the exploration and development of a gay identity. One central category (finding empowerment) and 5 integrative categories (self-acceptance, disclosure to others, environmental…

A teacher's attitude--whether good or bad--trickles down to the students. According to Tom Carroll, who serves in the capacity of president of the National Commission on Teaching and America's Future, there is no teacher shortage but a horrendous turnover and attrition problem. Teachers who are leaving are constantly being replaced. The conditions…

An ongoing challenge that both classroom and physical education teachers face on a daily basis is how to organize and manage large groups of students. This is particularly true in many urban settings where classrooms and gymnasiums are typically understaffed and/or under equipped. Educators in these settings often struggle with how to minimize…

Children come to school with a variety of factors impinging on their academic success (Rose, 1998). The impact of these factors varies in degree. Furthermore, children from high-risk urban areas may experience barriers that not only hinder academic success, but also support their disengagement from educational institutions. Therefore, working with…