This article addresses the effects of 3-tiered comprehensive reading and behavior interventions on K-3 student outcomes in 7 urban elementary schools with a high prevalence of students considered difficult to teach. Specific features of each level of the implementation are described including screening and tier placement procedures, scheduling and…

Self-determination (SD) has been a major topic in special education literature over the past 10 years, but research-based practices on SD for students with disabilities are still limited. This study was designed to examine 6 programs identified as placing a major emphasis on promoting SD with students with disabilities. Qualitative data were…

This article explores ways to include self-determination and self-advocacy goals and objectives in individualized education programs (IEPs). It identifies self-determination goals and offers guidelines on selection and writing of self-determination goals. Insets and tables include a review of the literature, definitions of self-determination…

This article describes a process that teachers can use to translate information in research studies into practical lesson plans. Examples are drawn from the self-determination literature to illustrate how to identify the objective of the study, setting and materials, content taught, teaching procedure, and method of evaluation. (Contains…

This article profiles Unified Discipline, a schoolwide systemic model of discipline that incorporates factors associated with best practices in teaching behavior and improving discipline. The four components of the program are described and include unified attitudes, expectations, correction, and team roles. Implications for practice are…

This article describes a project to help educators improve the self-determination of students with disabilities. The project identified critical curricular components and developed a checklist to evaluate the different curricula designed to promote self-determination skills. Five curricula that have published research documenting their…

Presented is basic information to be used by teachers in interpreting research articles. (Author/BD)

Among findings of a study investigating the effects of labeling children as learning disabled (LD) or emotionally disturbed (ED) on the assessment by 128 Ss of four case studies was that behaviors of emotionally disturbed children were more disturbing and less accepted when they were thought to be exhibited by a LD child than by an ED child. (IM)

Data from 50 states indicating the proportion of students classified in 10 categories of exceptionality were compiled and analyzed. Analysis indicated consistent increases in numbers of learning disabled students, consistent decreases in numbers of speech impaired and mentally retarded students, and relatively constant numbers of emotionally…

The author criticizes an article defending the concept of learning disabilities and points out methodological concerns. He asserts that the term has not only not reduced ambiguities and inconsistencies in the definitions but has increased competition for diminishing federal and state support. (CL)

This study examined the nature of instruction provided in 40 self-contained special classes for students classified as learning disabled, emotionally handicapped, or educable mentally retarded. Few differences were identified in teacher communication patterns, learner involvement, and instructional methods for students with different categorical…

A survey of 46 states found that about half the states are using or studying special education teacher competency tests. The paper analyzes survey results by specific content areas being tested, including basic knowledge, identification and characteristics of special needs students, processing skills, assessment, learning theory, teaching…

In response to the Tenth Annual Report (EC 210 334) and field reactions (EC 221 136-138), these articles address the need for simplified reporting, more analysis and less summary, and the development of a set of indicators to measure the health of special education. (DB)

In this comment to a paper by S. Braaten (EC 210 835), in which the Regular Education Initiative (REI) was described as a "patent medicine" for students with behavioral disorders, it is argued that such students are not misidentified or inappropriately placed and that the REI has been misinterpreted and may work. (JDD)

This introduction to three papers on effective instruction of students with disabilities provides a conceptual model for effective instruction linking components of effective instruction to principles and strategies that provide a framework for intervention and lists specific tactics for teachers to use in delivering instruction. (JDD)