Discusses whether integrated learning systems (ILSs) provide good education and suggests the need to consider what learning technologies can deliver best and what humans can teach best. Opposition to ILSs is discussed, focusing on negative views of machines; and support for ILSs is reviewed, including individualized instruction and motivation.…

The New Community School in Lafayette, Indiana, a parent-run school, and Ann Arbor's Community High School demonstrate the challenges of running alternative schools (in finances, organization, and member burnout) and the sense of community that evolves in the process. (SK)

Interview with three Ohio directors of Reading Recovery, an intervention that accelerates the literacy acquisition of low-achieving first-grade readers. Discusses the dramatic growth of the program since its pilot year, 1984-85; how Reading Recovery differs from traditional remedial reading programs; the program's theoretical underpinnings and…

Programs for academically gifted students are being sacrificed to address elitism charges and budget crunches, at the same time that funding for students with other exceptional education needs is expanding. Gifted students can be reenfranchised by preparing teachers appropriately, differentiating course content, and improving pacing and grouping…

Twelve learner-centered recommendations for Web-based instruction are discussed, relating to safe learning communities; student engagement; students' choice; facilitating learning; public and private feedback; apprenticing student learning; recursive assignments; electronic writing and reflection activities; student Web link suggestions; clear…

This article discusses methodologies for differentiating instruction for gifted students in regular social studies classes including curriculum compacting, conceptual thematic units, questioning strategies, interest development centers, independent study, and mentorship. Recommendations comply with performance expectations of the National Council…

This article suggests strategies to make classroom curricula adaptive, flexible, and challenging to all students, including those with disabilities. Descriptions of eight sample learning activities illustrate the multiple adaptations possible. Principles such as the importance of the team approach, peer involvement, development of functional…

Reviews an autobiographical account of Fred Keller's experiences, documenting how traditional methods of instruction failed him both as a student and as a teacher, and how this failure motivated his quest for alternative methods of instruction culminating in the development of a personalized system of instruction. (KS)

Analyzes ways in which biology is taught by experienced teachers and discusses contexts in which specific teaching strategies seemed successful. Analyses of teachers' responses reveals complex relationships among their perception of what was distinctive about their biology program and students, allocation of class time, efforts to individualize…

If a state legislature sets a higher standard for individualized education programs, it must be met to receive federal special-education funding. However, an Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals decision in a case involving an autistic boy threatens to weaken IDEA's authorization of higher state standards. (MLH)

Describes a computer-mediated teaching system called computer-aided personalized system of instruction (CAPSI) that incorporates a social constructivist approach, maintaining that learning occurs primarily through a socially interactive process. Discusses use of CAPSI in an undergraduate course at the University of Manitoba that showed students…

Notes how research emphasizes the importance of tailoring instruction to the needs of the individual child. Examines tutoring interactions with Ricky, a friendly, vivacious first-grade boy who started the school year significantly behind peers in reading and writing. Explores what instruction can be provided to meet Ricky's individual learning…

Meaningful change occurs in a school culture with strong belief statements that guide reform decisions and consequences. At least four steps are required: developing a series of belief statements, determining those statements' implications, putting implications into practice, and revisiting belief statements and implications regularly to ensure…

This study examined parent perceptions of the paraeducator's role. Observations of paraeducators and students with disabilities were conducted in inclusive classrooms. Some para-educators worked as general classroom assistants, while others worked one-on-one with students with special needs. Each parent of a child with special needs was shown…

The Family-Centered Preschool Model is a family support model for center-based preschool programs. The model utilizes family consultants-parents of children with disabilities-to augment the support provided by classroom professionals. Family consultants coordinate and facilitate formal and informal family supports, maintain a close liaison with…