In the context of pressure for more work-relevant outcomes in higher education, discussion focuses on essential components of an academic degree and how they might be transformed into forms suitable for the work environment, drawing on a study integrating academic learning and workplace learning for full-time students. The potential for achieving…

This article traces the transformation of a traditional correspondence school, the National Radio Institute, that relied on postal mail for delivery into a modern technology-based distance learning center now known as NRI Schools. Topics include discovery learning; test grading; lesson answer sheets; computer assisted learning; interactive voice…

This study, involving 357 mothers, assessed the type and scope of services provided to families participating in 63 early intervention programs. Analysis found that services were more related to child information and family instructional activities than to personal/family and resource assistance, and that home-based programs and center-based…

The Appalachian Regional Commission's 1996 Conference, "Building Blocks for Using Telecommunications and Information Technology," held in Binghamton, New York, focused on the role of telecommunications in Appalachia in education and training, telemedicine, business, and government. Highlights conference presentations on special…

This article discusses the importance of international perspectives in designing and promoting educational innovation and reform, cultural and financial limitations of imposing western special education inclusion principles and practices on developing countries, and special education practices in China, Vietnam, and Costa Rica. (Contains 2…

This article summarizes trends indicating a shift from institutional services to services in small community settings, an operational transformation from state government being the provider of services to being the purchaser, a shift from state financing of community services to federal-state cost-sharing, and an increase in people receiving…

Presents a history of the Council for Exceptional Children that emphasizes the role of its subcouncil, the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE), and its policy and action recommendations. Discussion of the future focuses on the trend toward more inclusionary practices, changes in delivery models, and a more unified educational…

ARIEL is a high-speed, high-quality, cost-effective document delivery system that runs on the Internet. Advantages over the fax include no long-distance phone charges, high image resolution, original source can be scanned, can send/receive simultaneously, does not require dedicated equipment, and documents can be stored and forwarded later.…

Explores current policies and practices concerning the definition, identification, and educational needs of students who are both gifted and learning disabled. Recommendations stress the need for less rigid definitions and cutoff scores for program eligibility and the provision of a wide variety of settings (resource rooms, special classes) and…

A New York University study compared effects of the Direct Student Loan and Federal Family Education Loan programs on students, families, and campus administrators and of the programs' best practices. Some administrative challenges with dual program participation were found. Reactions to the programs were largely similar and positive, but…

The study identified the similarities and differences among the self-reported perceptions of 312 parents and professionals regarding roles, criteria, and authority used for making decisions on the provision of occupational, physical, and speech/language therapy as related services for students with severe disabilities. (JDD)

Parental access to community-based assistance was investigated in 70 households with relation to occupational status and age of their intellectually disabled child/teenager. Lower-occupational-status parents were less likely to have received help with "information," while parents of children aged three-five were most likely to have…

A group service delivery model was utilized to treat nine severely speech-impaired preschool children. The program's efficiency and favorable dismissal rate were felt to be due to the specialized service time received by the children, the targeting of phonological patterns (rather than individual phonemes), group interactions, and a home program.…

Young children with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) of perinatal origin often present with increasing medical and developmental problems after the first half year of life. Most eventually require foster care; some are integrated in intervention or preschool services; others are in segregated educational programs. Family supports and specialized…

The position paper, guidelines, and definitions of the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association deal with service delivery for the mentally retarded in community settings, deinstitutionalization, audiologic screening for newborns, bilingual speech-language professionals, curriculum guides for speech-language professionals, supervisory…