The paper describes the University of Florida Multidisciplinary Diagnostic and Training Program (MDTP) which emphasizes multidisciplinary teaming in services to exceptional students, their teachers and parents, and university students. Presented are evaluation data on MDTP functions, and a discussion of the implications of a university-based…

The article describes three goal structures (competitive, cooperative, and individualistic) that provide the context in which social skills are learned. Major components of structured learning are next presented as a strategy for teaching social skills. Limitations and advantages of combining the two approaches are discussed. (Author/JW)

Ten problem areas associated with research conducted with the Adaptive Learning Environment Model (ALEM) are delineated. Concerns about the implementation of this model in an effort to improve the interfacing of regular and special education are expressed in four areas: generalizability, level of learning, personnel and funding, and practical…

Parents and educators can help special needs children develop skills for full, happy lives. Discussed are factors in successful adaptation of special needs learners to difficult environments, educators' challenges, and the complex interdependent nature of the task of educating special needs learners. Subsequent articles in this special issue are…

Misconceptions of giftedness and factors influencing underachievement are outlined. Key sources of vulnerability that place intellectually gifted children at risk for learning difficulties include parent/teacher expectations, the child's self-concept for academic achievement, the child's learning style and educational needs, and the potential…

This article describes prevention and treatment factors that can assist rural students at risk for learning difficulties to develop self-esteem and lead useful lives. Factors include social change, teacher education, community-business-school partnerships, family involvement, community education, interdisciplinary approaches to assessment, school…

Many pupils with mild handicaps are failing to succeed in mainstream placements because of their poor social skills. Social skills training is increasingly part of the special education curriculum for these pupils. This article examines issues and strategies regarding the generalization and maintenance of social skills in mainstream settings. (JDD)

This article focuses on special education's responsibility in planning and implementing suicide prevention programs in the schools. It discusses which students are at risk for suicide, the association between depression and suicidal behavior, guidelines issued by Minneapolis Public Schools, emotional first aid, and features of effective suicide…

This article identifies students at risk for substance abuse, characteristics of substance abusers, and the difficulties of obtaining a valid special education assessment when alcohol or drugs are involved. Recommendations are offered for special educators to address the needs of exceptional pupils who may be using alcohol or drugs. (JDD)

This article outlines the educational needs of migrant exceptional children in terms of native language instruction, English-as-a-Second-Language instruction, self-concept enhancement, acculturation enhancement, and family and community involvement. The importance of the Individualized Education Program is discussed and a summary list of…

The effects of stress in families of very young handicapped or at-risk children are pervasive, multiple, and sometimes unsuspected. Stress reduction strategies include building on family strengths, empowering families and children, arranging for medical stabilization, providing social and economic stabilization, providing a functional curriculum,…

An overview is provided of the nature of students who have unique educational needs confounded by their extreme medical needs. The article defines "medically fragile" discusses medically fragile students' educational options in the form of placement in the hospital, home, special class, or regular class; and describes the teacher's role. (JDD)

Appropriate instruction for culturally and linguistically diverse children requires distinguishing among individual needs related to culture, language, poverty, mobility, and exceptionalities. Presented are suggestions regarding prereferral, assessment, curriculum, parental involvement, and program coordination for Black, Hispanic, Asian, and…

Handicapped students in state correctional facilities are legally eligible for special education services. "Best practices" in correctional special education include functional assessments, functional curriculum, vocational special education, transition programs between correctional programs and the community, comprehensive systems for providing…

Learning styles-based instruction uses the strengths and preferences of disabled and at-risk students to tailor instruction to their needs. This article defines learning styles, outlines the learning style characteristics of at-risk students, presents a global/analytic reading styles checklist, and describes 11 strategies for basing instruction on…