A study examined teachers' and parents' ratings of 39 developmentally handicapped (DH) and 9 learning disabled children on the revised Vineland and the AAMD Adaptive Behavior Scale. Teachers rated children eligible for DH placement more frequently than parents. The adaptive behavior ratings of the two instruments differed significantly. (Author/CB)

Reports on a national survey of articulated vocational education programs between high schools and two-year colleges. Describes features of advanced placement, tech-prep, and vo-tech two-plus-two programs. Offers principles for developing or expanding articulation activities drawn from the experiences and characteristics of successful programs.…

Presents a model for an instructional system for low-achieving students, including such elements as proactive preenrollment, entry-level assessment and mandatory placement, basic skill development, articulation with subsequent courses, instructional prescriptions based on assessment, content-based instruction, exit testing, and student behavior…

Parents of disabled children throughout the country are organizing to find appropriate employment opportunities for their children by: writing proposals and obtaining funding for employment programs; improving in- school vocational programs for special needs students; advocating earlier vocational education; preparing work settings for supported…

Five case studies of 7- to 14-year-olds mainstreamed (by necessity) in isolated rural Queensland (Australia) schools were reviewed. Five factors influenced mainstreaming outcomes: (1) the "self-sufficiency myth" (2) availability of specialist support; (3) effective use of support services; (4) quality of staff communication; and (5) lack…

Retrospective examination of primary graders' (N=34) preschool performance on a predictive instrument and its relationship to primary school reading achievement found that those judged as needing (and who took) another year of preschool were reading significantly better than others who displayed similar developmental anomalies but did not take…

College and high school teacher partnerships will improve both the quality of instruction in the schools and the abilities and morale of teachers. The College Board Advanced Placement Program is seen as one way to bridge the gap between teaching scholars in schools and colleges. (MLW)

Parents have a real opportunity to influence their child's education through participation in the Committee on the Handicapped process which includes referral, evaluation, Individualized Education Program (IEP) planning and review. Specific guidelines for parent participation in this process are discussed, including parent/teacher conferences,…

Examined the role of various psychoeducational assessment devices in contributing to appropriate placement decisions for 30 emotionally handicapped, 30 learning disabled, and 30 educable mentally retarded students. Results showed that standardized tests plus teacher ratings were effective in predicting only the EMR group. (JAC)

Describes computerized placement programs at three colleges. Cornell University developed a microcomputer program while Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University used the university's mainframe system. College of Lake County found that computerized job placement meant a stronger link with the business community. (JAC)

This reaction paper stresses the importance of matching the qualitatively different types of educational decisions with appropriate types of tests. Reading instruction is used to illustrate that while standardized tests are helpful for student classification and program accountability, they are hazardous to instructional process decisions which…

Two investigations of spontaneous use of mnemonic strategies by learning disabled and nonlearning disabled children and adolescents are reported. Despite differences, recall and strategy use were not useful predictors of classification as learning disabled or nonlearning disabled and were only weak to moderate correlates of academic achievement.…

Syracuse University's Project Advance, a collaborative program between the university and high schools that allows students an opportunity to earn college credit while they are in high school, is described. The program also provides teaching-oriented faculty development, and conducts research on effective instruction. (Author/MLW)

Investigated the change in IQ scores over time of subjects in classes for the Educable Mentally Handicapped. Analysis indicated a significant difference existed between Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children scores administered at initial placement and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale scores administered later (mean age, 17 years-6 months).…

Argues the advantages of setting up programs for special education students within local schools as an alternative to outside placements and residential institutions. The author details the financial savings of the two-year old program of which he is director and describes adjustments made to better meet students' needs. (JBM)