A five-second constant time delay procedure was used to teach three chained vocational tasks (filling a soda machine, using a duplicating machine, and using a photocopier) to four high school students with mild or moderate disabilities. All students acquired the skills with a low percentage of errors. Maintenance and generalization data were…

A young man with severe to profound retardation was taught to use two different augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) aids. Although the participant learned to correctly request with both AAC devices, he later showed a strong preference for one device over the other. The value of multimodality and consideration of client preferences is…

Exit individualized education programs of 331 students with moderate mental retardation were analyzed for their inclusion of 49 employer-designated important job skills. The most frequently addressed skills were in the category of work-related abilities, whereas the least frequently addressed skills were in the category of interpersonal skills.…

This paper, which introduces the theme issue, examines the concept of children "at risk" and proposes a framework which includes not only risk but also opportunity factors in child behavior and development. A table presents 30 variables influencing human development and functioning, with associated risk and opportunity factors. (DB)

This article reviews research concerning (1) myths surrounding parents with mental retardation, (2) how life experiences of adults with mental retardation impact their parenting, and (3) characteristics of early intervention programs that meet the needs of parents with mental retardation. (DB)

A questionnaire about "spoiling" an infant was completed by 303 parents. Three types of spoiling beliefs (disbelievers, believers, and happy spoilers) were identified and correlated with demographics, definitions of spoiling, and belief about spoiling's impact on development. Results have implications for early interventionists working with…

This study analyzed diagnostic profiles of 151 children with disabilities receiving Head Start services. Three clinical clusters emerged which described the children along demographic, developmental/medical, family/home, and academic dimensions. Far more children with learning disabilities (26%) and serious emotional disturbances (29%) were…

Analysis of 395 recent dissertations in early childhood special education found that less than half included children with disabilities, but many incorporated experimental designs, employed qualitative procedures, and targeted social/behavioral and communication topics. Results suggest an increased emphasis on systematic investigations of…

This paper describes two measurement integrity analyses conducted using data on the Battelle Developmental Inventory, obtained from a sample of 78 children with severe disabilities. Procedures used to conduct internal reliability and construct validity analyses are discussed. Researchers are urged to evaluate a test's construct validity when their…

Data from a national sample of 456 science teachers in 93 secondary schools indicate that, relative to nonrural teachers, rural teachers were less experienced, less likely to have majored in a science, and less likely to have a graduate degree. Some differences were related to state certification policies. (SV)

In 1985, Illinois adopted state legislation supporting school district mergers. In one rural district studied, local opposition to consolidation was based on self-interest, ideologies of localism and traditionalism, and (to a lesser extent) research information. Implications for policymakers and the complexity of the "local control" concept are…

Interviews with 10 beginning principals in rural high schools examined: principals' perceptions of teacher expectations in four areas of instructional leadership; the ways that instructional leadership norms were transmitted from teachers to new principals; and principals' behavioral responses to teachers' socialization "messages." Contains 29…

Identifies nine major state educational strategies with specially targeted rural assistance goals. Categorizes the strategies according to their primary intent and state policy instruments used in implementation. Suggests that this classification will further the assessment of the equity, adequacy, responsiveness, and appropriateness of the…

Describes a preservice teacher education program in rural southeast British Columbia delivered through the collaboration of university, community college, and six school districts. Discusses student characteristics, program design and delivery, induction activities, collaborative teaching opportunities, and ongoing university presence. Presents a…

In 163 Maine schools, the performance of eighth-grade students on standardized tests, especially reading achievement, was highest in elementary settings (K-8, K-9, 3-8) and lowest in junior-senior high school settings (6-12, 7-12, 8-12), when socioeconomic status and teacher experience were controlled. (SV)