Previous person-fit research is extended through explication of an unexplored model for generating aberrant response patterns. The proposed model is then implemented to investigate the influence of test properties on the aberrancy detection power of a person-fit statistic. Difficulties of aberrancy detection are discussed. (SLD)

As schools develop new curriculum and assessment models, they will need to answer four questions: What do we want students to know and be able to do? What will count as acceptable performance? How can we ensure expert judgments? How can we provide feedback? Answering these questions will help schools and teachers connect teaching, learning,…

Advises high school and college students on where and how to look for summer jobs. Lists information sources and notes laws regulating types of jobs adolescents can hold. (SK)

Provides overview of teaching techniques used in interpersonal and family relationship courses over past decade. Summarizes research assessing teaching techniques and outcome of courses in terms of knowledge, attitude, and behavior changes. Notes increased attention to meeting student needs by helping students clarify values and learn specific…

Offers an eight-stage activity which promotes critical thinking. Notes that the activity starts with analysis of literary characters and culminates with presentations based on interviews of respected adults. (PRA)

This article describes the High Vision Games, a habilitation model for youth with low vision which involves a pregame training phase; the games, where participants demonstrate their visual skills in high tech, low tech, or no tech versions; and postgame follow-through activities. The approach has had positive training, social, and professional…

A teacher describes use of a three-phase freestyle writing activity to encourage students with disabilities to develop independent expressive written language. Students develop their skills by writing for brief periods, first whatever comes to mind, then a self-selected topic, and subsequently a teacher-selected topic. (DB)

A Lesson Plan Evaluation Form was developed to provide systematic quantitative data about classroom functioning in an elementary-level gifted program. Plans (n=137) from 15 teachers were analyzed, and useful information about program functioning was obtained in a cost-effective manner. Data obtained were consistent with data from more traditional…

This paper reviews the history of whole-language versus code-emphasis approaches to reading instruction. The paper concludes that students with severe learning disabilities may learn to read in a whole-language, mainstream classroom, if provided with supplemental instruction, a variety of instructional techniques, and appropriate intensity and…

Discusses setting up conversation tables on campus in cross-cultural interaction among native and nonnative speakers, presents ways to teach proverbs in the advanced classroom, describes how to use Aesop's fables to integrate all learning skills, tells how to teach make/do, and suggests ways to improve communicative skills for better accuracy and…

An anthropology professor required students to compose essay questions that they felt summarized the principal issues and objectives of the course, based on lecture content. In the final examination, students were given several of their own questions to answer. Students felt they learned more from this format. (MSE)

Two groups of 9 children (ages 10-15) with profound hearing impairments and low speech intelligibility were taught to produce consonants using either electropalatographic or traditional aural-oral techniques. Results suggest that electropalatographic techniques were at least equal alternatives to traditional aural-oral speech training techniques.…

Student portfolios provide academic advisors and college students a useful vehicle for assessment and decision making. By setting goals, developing strategies, monitoring progress, and sharing ownership, students and advisors develop a holistic approach to assessment that is mutually beneficial. Portfolios contain varied work and are tailored to…

Proposes a methodology for reviewing academic branch libraries based on Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) guidelines. A four-part model is presented, including scope and review, decision-making responsibilities, criteria for opening and maintaining branch libraries, and the final report and recommendations. Sample outlines of…

Describes a method used to enable business or organizational leaders to commit to and be accountable for training programs designed for employees or group members. The key ingredients in the development of a charter and an accountability plan are briefly described, and the application of the approach to a large manufacturing plant is discussed.…