This article describes the design and outcomes of a project to promote the reintegration of pupils with emotional and behavioral difficulties at transfer to secondary school. It reports on a series of successful placements and discusses the factors that have helped sustain the inclusion of the pupils. (Contains four references.) (Author/CR)

A study investigated teacher and parent attitudes in the United Arab Emirates toward children with Down syndrome and educational services provided for them. Despite positive attitudes toward the inclusion of children with special educational needs in mainstream schools, the study found barriers toward the inclusion of children with Down syndrome.…

This article discusses increasing student diversity and its challenges to special education systems as more students need assistance to progress in the curriculum. It argues for whole school reorganization that reflects cultural understanding, permits flexibility in the use of resources, and is guided by clear accountability for student…

The situation of students with disabilities who also have limited English proficiency is addressed, including the identification of these students and a discussion of why it is important for them to participate in state and district assessments. Steps are recommended to ensure that these students are included so that they reap all the benefits of…

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 urges educators and administrators to collaborate closely with families of students with disabilities from diverse linguistic, racial, and cultural backgrounds and participate in training activities that stress best practices for facilitating the participation of the family. The role of the Individualized Education Program in forging…

A study investigated the effectiveness of a treatment package that included video technology (e.g., video modeling and video prompting) to teach 3 self-help skills (cleaning sunglasses, putting on a wrist watch, and zipping a jacket) to 3 elementary students with mental disabilities. Results indicate the treatment package was effective. (Contains…

The goals of the National Assistive Technology Research Institute are discussed, as well as ongoing research projects that address the status of school-based assistive technology (AT), AT policies and procedures, AT decisions made by Individualized Education Program teams, integration of AT into learning environments, effectiveness of AT, and…

Eight preservice special education teachers participated in a technology-rich field experience with students with disabilities. Preservice teachers felt as a result of their field experience that their knowledge of computers increased, they were better able to evaluate effective software, and that they could use technology to facilitate…

This article describes Gemini, an augmentative and alternative communication device that is also a full-featured Macintosh computer. The Gemini is designed to help individuals of all ages with learning, communication, or computer access difficulties to lead more independent lives. The benefits of Gemini are highlighted, including its weight of…

This article describes a technology tool integrated into course content at Iowa State University that enhances instruction for the group as well as the individual student in teacher preparation classes. "Discourse" is a group response program that links a teacher-station computer to individual student terminals via infrared networking. (Contains…

This article reviews the books, "Virtual Architecture: Designing and Directing Curriculum-Based Telecomputing" and "Design Tools for the Internet-Supported Classroom," both by Judy Harris. The books outline the activity structures and provide information to enable teachers to integrate telecomputing activities in the classroom. Chapter content is…

This article profiles 20 Web sites that can assist practitioners and researchers in locating statistics and resources on special education demographics. Web sites are divided into the following sections: authoritative reports regarding disabilities, federally funded centers on disability statistics, brief reports, specialized search tools, and…

A study examined accommodations and adaptations for students with special needs in four teacher edition textbooks for the elementary and secondary grades. Results found that all mentioned special populations, and suggestions for students with various characteristics took the form of a page or two of general suggestions in the front matter. (CR)