Provides an overview of personal and situational influences on health professionals' participation in systematic learning activities that reflect gaps between learner's current and desired proficiencies. Concludes with suggestions for planning, conducting, and assessing effective learning activities. (JOW)

Strategies for establishing and maintaining an effective vocational assessment program for students with learning disabilities involve highlighting the school motivation and career planning connection, securing administrative support, conducting a needs assessment, communicating goals, maintaining open communication with school personnel,…

Contends that strengthening the relationship between university departments or schools of music and K-12 music programs will improve music programs at all levels. Discusses the goals and structure of the Partnership in Musical Excellence program that has linked the School of Music at Ohio State University and several Ohio school systems. (DB)

A checklist is presented that provides an organizational framework for the development, review, and selection of instructional techniques and programs for persons having severe handicaps. The checklist covers instructional content, description of learner population, instructional methods, testing and recording, individualization, program…

Describes one department's experience with curriculum development through the formulation of a departmental mission statement reflecting the shared sociological goals of faculty and students. Discusses the process of achieving consensus, the actual mission statement, and the curricular and program implications of such a process. (KO)

Six of 509 high schools were identified as having the most successful mathematics programs for gifted students, and key ingredients of these programs were isolated. Key ingredients included: focus on problem-oriented independent study programs rather than texts or tests, dynamic research-oriented teachers, administrative support, active…

This editorial describes the role of early intervention programs in helping children with disabilities, focusing on parents' and infants' needs, the Family Service Plan, and the role of case managers. The editorial cautions that: early intervention's effectiveness is unproven, early is not always better, and more is not always better. (JDD)

A mentoring program for both gifted and nongifted low- or under-achieving students in grades three-six was developed to improve students' academic standing and self-esteem. Mentors and mentees discuss difficulties with school or social relationships, become involved in special projects, etc. The program has also improved bonds among faculty…

Some basic assessment/evaluation issues which must be considered when beginning any health/fitness program are identified, and assessment's role in fitness program development is discussed. A description is included of the development of a total wellness program designed to meet criteria for law enforcement certification of the Greensboro (NC)…

The Sea Island School for the Arts in Beaufort County, South Carolina, is a summer program for junior-high students with special abilities/interests in music or visual arts. Students create artworks and music compositions; develop self-concepts, creative viewpoints, and communication skills; and participate in field trips, recreation, and…

Identifies a number of challenges facing the community services profession in the coming years, including not overextending itself; not working at cross purposes with other groups within or outside of the college; making community services more developmental; and building a sense of community within the field. (DMM)

Steps in establishment of Indiana University School of Dentistry's quality assurance program included gathering existing information on quality assurance; ascertaining administrative support; appointing a committee; defining terms and setting goals; raising awareness and commitment; designing a patient satisfaction survey; undertaking a chart…

Outlines characteristics of effective technology-based distance-learning programs that meet specific local needs, incorporate current educational theory and practice, and satisfy the social and emotional needs of the students. Presents guidelines for program development in rural schools. (SV)

Parents of 25 infants/toddlers with handicaps were surveyed to gain perspectives on easing the transition from home-based infant programs to preschool programs. Analysis of the results led to 4 major recommendations and a series of steps that infant program staff can follow to facilitate transition to preschool program options. (JDD)

Multicultural education in teacher preparation programs seeks to sensitize preservice special education teachers to individual differences attributable to culture or ethnicity. Described are the goals and objectives of a multicultural module; teaching strategies; module evaluation; resources used; and such learning techniques as fishbowl…