Reading and math achievement subtest scores on several standard achievement tests were compared for 233 students with mental retardation. Correlations were generally moderate among subtests purporting to measure similar constructs. Significant mean differences were present for five of seven reading test comparisons and for six of eight math…

A review of British Columbia (Canada) Education Ministry documents and published research literature examined theory and practice regarding grading of special needs students undertaking modified programs. A lack of equity in reporting progress for these students was found despite professional consensus that students with special needs should be…

This article offers specific strategies to diagnose and remediate difficulties students may have in learning multiplication facts. Analyzes strategies students use to go from a known fact to an unknown fact. The point is made that, for many students, the order of interpretation of a number fact may affect accuracy. (DB)

A Copy/Cover/Compare method of teaching multiplication facts to a sixth grade student with learning disabilities was evaluated. Results indicated that the Copy/Cover/Compare method was effective in increasing percent correct for the targeted multiplication facts. Practical implications of employing this drill and practice procedure in the…

A school counselor recounts the case of a gifted 14-year-old with rheumatoid arthritis and a destructive home situation, to remind teachers that in-school problems have out-of-school roots and that the teacher is not the only professional available to, and concerned with, the well-being of the student. (DB)

This article comparing the educational systems of various countries contends that, while most countries have clearly articulated educational goals and educators know how to achieve the goals, there is little information on the extent to which students with disabilities are achieving such goals because most accountability assessment efforts do not…

This paper addresses issues concerning nationally prescribed tests and tasks in relation to the National Curriculum for England and Wales and the assessment of primary-age students with special educational needs. (DB)

This article addresses issues concerned with British adolescents at Key Stage 4 of the National Curriculum who have learning difficulties and do not achieve a "G" grade for the General Certificate of Special Education. Types of alternative accreditation are discussed, and implementation in three mainstream schools is recounted. (DB)

This case study describes the mainstreamed and accelerated educational program being provided to a 15-year-old boy in England who is highly gifted and has Asperger's Syndrome, a condition with many autistic-like characteristics. The boy's special education program to develop his social, communication, and independence skills is highlighted. (DB)

Teaching methods to develop the handwriting skills of children who have low vision are discussed. Difficulties are seen to result from problems with motor skills, visual factors, and mechanical difficulties. Stressed throughout is adaptation of the handwriting program to the particular needs of the individual child. (DB)

This article first summarizes the American literature on applying the market force to education in the movement to give greater power to parents in determining school policy and then applies these concepts to similar trends in the United Kingdom. Issues emerging from interviews with British parents of children with learning difficulties are…

Results of a survey of 54 schools for students with moderate learning difficulties (MLD) in England are organized into such categories as pupil numbers, proportion of boys to girls, pupils with statements of special educational needs (SENs), changes in SENs served, previous placement of pupils, pupils excluded, ethnicity of pupils, and…

This article reviews the history of educational programs for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in Canada and the United States. It notes the educational options now offered, ranging from separate schools to full integration in public school programs. The greater recognition of American Sign Language and the activism of the deaf community are also…

This paper describes a model of inclusion for deaf students in the British Columbia Provincial School for the Deaf, which is included within a public elementary-secondary school. The congregated setting and use of technology allow inclusion of deaf students in classes and extracurricular activities, while retaining their cultural and linguistic…

This paper reviews research on the relationships between inclusion and the self-concept of special needs students. The Self-Description Questionnaire was used in a pilot study with 10 students (ages 11-14, including 5 with special needs). The study found differences in self-concept between male and female special needs students and between special…