This article discusses social hierarchy and uses graduation exit exams to show how social class relations are manifest in school practice. After deconstructing the negative, ideas are put forward for reform and educators are urged to join in a movement to transform hierarchical and excluding relations in school and society. (Contains references.)…

This article focuses on self-determination and quality of life in special education services and supports. It discusses essential characteristics of self-determined behavior, core quality-of-life dimensions, quality-of-life assessment and instruction, assessment, how quality of life and self-determination are related, and curricular issues in self…

This paper reports on a meta-analysis of the research literature on effective teaching models for students with learning disabilities. It concludes: that the most effective models combined components of direct and strategy instruction; that eight major instructional factors captured most intervention programs; and that the explicit strategy…

This article provides an overview of the benefits of using portfolio assessment for children with special needs followed by a discussion of the steps one might follow when implementing this strategy in an inclusive classroom. A sample letter to parents and a developmental domain descriptor sheet are provided. (Contains nine references.) (CR)

This article profiles the Hope Infant Family Support Program in San Diego, California, and its shift to providing educational services in the natural environment. How the program managed this complex change process is discussed, including the development of a vision statement, incentives, skill development, resource allocation changes, and action…

This article discusses how professionals can integrate computer technology into early childhood classrooms. Strategies are provided for using computers to facilitate learning, selecting developmentally appropriate software, setting up a computer center, and integrating computer technology across the curriculum. A chart pairs level of interactivity…

Part of a continuing feature on different aspects of early intervention that reviews resources that cost $50 or less, this article profiles six resources for the development of personnel and policies that support inclusion. The resources address childcare, preschool administration, and best practices in integration inservice training models. (CR)

This article discusses characteristics of students with Asperger syndrome (AS), especially those germane to educators, and methods most appropriate for supporting and enhancing the educational experiences of children and youth with AS. Effective social interventions and supports, behavioral interventions, and academic accommodations are described.…

This article explores factors related to the difficulties that teachers experience in their first year of teaching, needs and concerns of beginning general education and special education teachers, and induction and mentoring of beginning teachers. Recommendations for ways various individuals can support beginning special education teachers are…

This article provides information and guidelines for the effective use of medication in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Basic principles of psychopharmacology, different types of medications that have been used successfully to treat ADHD, and best practices for assessing the effects of medication in children with ADHD are…

This article provides the following guidelines for creating culturally responsive, inclusive classrooms: use a range of culturally sensitive methods and materials, create a classroom atmosphere that respects individuals and their cultures, foster an interactive classroom learning environment, employ ongoing and culturally aware assessments, and…

This article explores the ins and outs of bilingual instruction and examines whether to use the native language or English in instructing bilingual students with language disorders and the role the code switching plays in instruction. Strategies are suggested for using the native language and using code switching. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

This article provides guidelines and examples of effective use of inclusive language to empower students. Recommendations include focusing on the individual rather than the disability, articulating high expectations for all students, describing students in terms of academic achievements, and providing opportunities for all students to assume…

This article presents BASE (Big ideas, Analyzing areas of difficulty, creating Strategies and supports, and Evaluating the process), a unit-planning process that teachers have used successfully with ninth-grade nontracked math classes to help secondary students with disabilities and students who are at-risk to be successful in a "reform" math…

This article discusses three important issues that educators must address as they integrate technology into their classrooms: increasing access to technology, appropriate instruction in and use of technology, and barriers to institutional technology. Tips for creating technology-rich schools and classrooms and for improving technology integration…