Recommendations are made for research on families of children with disabilities, including: emphasize experimental trials and multifaceted evaluations, respect family members' forms of knowledge, investigate positive adaptation, investigate effectiveness of support groups, evaluate public policies supporting families, study effective information…

This discussion of assistive technology for children with AIDS considers management in the school setting, functional limitations related to HIV/AIDS, and the use of assistive technology to address HIV/AIDS- related bodily, mental, sensory, and speech and language impairments. (Contains references.) (DB)

This article offers guidelines for planning distance professional development via interactive video for special educators in rural areas. A comprehensive planning checklist is organized into nine tasks. Other suggestions address equipment and interaction tips for receiving sites and setting up the site to encourage inclusion and active…

This article describes five organizational Web sites that are good resources in selecting and using software with children who have special needs. The sites represent the DO-IT project, the Trace Research and Development Center, Special Needs Opportunity Windows, the Family Center on Technology and Disability, and the National Center for…

This column examines issues associated with measuring assistive technology outcomes in writing. Following an introduction to assistive technology and writing, it looks specifically at design, measurement, analysis, and decision making factors in the process of creating an outcomes system for measuring the impact of assistive technology on writing.…

This article suggests that the receptive language abilities of children with AIDS and HIV infection might be less affected than their expressive and non-verbal skills. It proposes an instructional delivery framework for children with HIV/AIDS that focuses on reading, arithmetic/mathematics, handwriting instruction, and the use of computers.…

This article reports perceptions of a first-year teacher of students with learning disabilities. First-year challenges are described, as well as views on assessment, accountability, and inclusion. Recommendations are made for new teachers and steps that teacher educators, school administrators, and experienced teachers can take to ensure the…

A review of the research on the shortage of special education teachers and the role of attrition leads to eight recommendations to improve special educators' work environments and increase retention. Four of these recommendations are: hire certified teachers; use salaries and bonuses as incentives to remain; develop responsive induction programs…

Written by a British parent, this case study tells the story of an adopted child who experienced many difficulties adjusting to life at home and school. It describes attachment disorder, possible causes of attachment difficulties, the bonding cycle, therapeutic parenting, and how schools can support the re-nurturing process. (Contains references.)…

This article presents principles for using Web-based activities to support curriculum accommodations for students with mild disabilities. Tools, resources, and strategies are identified to help teachers construct meaningful and Web-enhanced thematic units. Web sites are listed in the areas of math, science, language arts, and social studies;…

This article presents a framework to guide special education services for English language learners. Policies and procedures that can minimize disproportionate representation are suggested, as are recommendations for appropriate referral, assessment, and instructional practices. Multidisciplinary teams are discussed and placement options for…

A framework is provided for creating learning environments that maximize the potential of all students, and methods are presented for transforming teaching and learning to improve the achievement of students from diverse backgrounds. The determination of "goodness" in schools is redefined and the shifting roles of education leadership are…

This article discusses integrating communication skills and the use of real object "props" with the teaching of literature to students with severe and profound and multiple learning difficulties. The novel "Oliver Twist" is used to illustrate how objects of reference can be used to teach literature and promote communication skills. (Contains…

This article highlights ways to access annual child count data on students receiving special education services in various formats in order to enhance professional productivity. Web sites are identified for accessing annual reports to the U.S. Congress, most recent national data, and most recent state data. (CR)

This article considers the needs of families of children with disabilities, the implications for interdisciplinary practice, and the changing pattern of early childhood disability. Family contributions to individuals with disabilities, the importance of early intervention, and the need for professionals to enable and empower families is…