The Illinois survey of 72 community residential alternatives serving 512 developmentally disabled persons found that, though recreation and leisure activities were a part of residents' lives, funding for leisure pursuits was limited and a need for improvement and/or expansion of recreation/leisure services was expressed. (Author/DB)

The study taught three moderately mentally retarded adolescents to: (1) communicate an emergency (dial 911), (2) apply first aid for minor injuries, (3) apply a plastic bandage to a minor injury, (4) apply first aid for choking. The maintenance of skills rarely practiced is discussed. (DB)

Six mildly and moderately retarded children (ages 6-8) were instructed in the Piagetian constructs of unidimensional classification and/or seriation using the "Piacelleration" learning set technique. After one semester, subjects made significant gains on: classification and seriation tasks, the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, and the Slosson…

This study found both constant time delay and a most-to-least prompting strategy were effective in teaching 4 moderately mentally retarded 18-year-olds to operate a washing machine and dryer.The constant time delay procedure, however, was more efficient in terms of instructional time and number of instructional errors. (Author/DB)

The Oregon survey of 333 educators serving students with severe disabilities found their perceived prioritized inservice training needs included: (1) teaching students having specific handicapping conditions, (2) teaching functional communication, (3) teaching appropriate behavior and modifying inappropriate behavior, and 4) identifying/designing…

Examined children's notions about segments of written sentences. Subjects watched a sentence being written and listened to it being read. The interviewer then asked questions about each word--whether or not it was written and, if so, where. Found that children used word order before phonics to figure out what was written in each segment of the…

Compared the early literacy development of English-speaking preschoolers and kindergartners to that of Spanish-speaking children. Subjects wrote at least six words and one sentence, then interpreted their own productions. Found that syllabic writings in English-speaking children were like those of Spanish speakers; found differences in how…

Explored the relationship between the developmental appropriateness of kindergarten classroom instruction and first-grade overall and individual subject area reading test averages. Found that first graders from more appropriate kindergarten classrooms had higher reading averages than children from less appropriate kindergarten classrooms. Gender…

Examined the extent of extra-year programs for kindergarten students in Texas school districts; identified procedures and curricular interventions; and established the growth trend of these classes statewide. Found that 39% of the 285 school districts responding had transition classes, and the trend for the state at-large appeared to be one of…

Tested the effects on achievement of the High/Scope K-3 Curriculum. Found that the High/Scope Follow through children scored significantly better on achievement tests than they would have in regular classes without this program. However, the evaluation was incomplete in that such tests do not assess important High/Scope K-3 Curriculum goals. (WP)

Identified the work-related problems perceived by public school prekindergarten teachers. Found 37 problems that occurred significantly more frequently than others. The global areas perceived to be of most concern included parent relationships; discipline; program requirements; student success; time; classroom personnel; affiliation; and…

Assessed first- and fifth-grade teachers' perceptions of student retention. Found an unwritten policy among teachers advocating retention of students as beneficial. Respondents believed that retention improved academic performance or facilitated student growth and increased learning success. Results suggest a serious gap between research…

Asserts that the introduction of the term "critical studies" to British art education reflects art educators' views that the practice of art alone is insufficient to gain a full experience and coincides with a political will to return to traditional forms of content and knowledge. (CFR)

Contends that, over the past 10-15 years, critical studies has become established in the primary and secondary phases of art and design education. Maintains that critical studies is a collective term for a range of interests and activities that enrich those practical components of the art curriculum regarded as core disciplines. (CFR)

Examines issues related to critical studies and educational goals included in the National Curriculum in Great Britain. Concludes that the emphasis on production in art education has declined and that aesthetics and cultural diversity, both components of critical studies, has increased insignificance. (CFR)