The Arc Ed Curriculum uses video game formats to teach math and language arts content. Four motivational features (feedback, improvement, high response rates, and unlimited ceiling on performance along with adapted content could make the system applicable for use with severely handicapped learners. (CL)

Market factors surrounding computer software in special education are examined, including proliferation of computers in schools, widespread marketing and distribution patterns for software, consumer demands for software, quality, timelessness, emphasis on basic skills, and an understanding of future capabilities. (CL)

The "Writing to Read" program uses microcomputers to teach a phonemically consistent alphabet, thus allowing children to write words phonetically while learning to read. Because the system requires minimal motor coordination, it may be applicable to students with disabilities. (CL)

A gestural-assisted menu-driven communication system for motorically impaired persons was developed using a low-cost microcomputer with adaptations and adjustments to hardware and software. (CL)

Research is reviewed concerning instructional pacing (characterized by manipulating within-trial intervals or intertrial intervals) and its implications for special education. Research needs and problems are cited. (CL)

The Parsons Visual Acuity Test (PVAT) described in the article has been developed for use with difficult-to-test individuals previously labeled untestable. The studies reported support use of the PVAT as an alternative screening procedure for identifying difficult-to-test persons who are in need of a professional eye examination. (Author/CL)

Characteristics of mathematics curricula for moderately/severely retarded and autistic students are described and the development of two curricula, the Perceptual and Numerical Correspondence Curricula, are reviewed. Preliminary field testing results are described, as are differences in learning demonstrated by autistic and retarded Ss. (CL)

A discussion is presented on the knowledge and skills helpful to special educators in their role as consulting teachers in mainstreaming. A parallel is drawn between adult development phases and career development. Sources of resistance to mainstreaming are cited. Three modes of consulting (provision, prescriptive, and mediation) are described.…

A review of research on evaluation of inservice and preservice teacher education notes that the lack of outcome data reflects a lack of consensus about the choice of evaluation measures. The use of both trainee and child performance measures is proposed, and an example of such an approach is given. (Author/CL)

The functional or community adaptation approach to curriculum development for the severely handicapped is described using the curriculum characteristics (1) philosophy and research support, (2) content and sequence, and (3) individualization. The model is further clarified through a wheel design, a complete curriculum example, and guidelines for…

The meta-analysis investigated the effects on achievement of type of graphing paper employed in displaying student performance data collected over time based on 15 controlled studies with 16 effect sizes. No significant differences in student achievement were found between studies using six-cycle and studies using equal interval paper graphing…

The feasibility of using computer simulation to teach behavior management skills to special and regular education teachers in training was evaluated using microcomputer-simulated spelling lessons involving four pupils programmed to make off-task comments. After training, education students' management of off task behavior approximated that of…

The article describes four of the most widely accepted and utilized Electronic Travel Aids for blind persons--the Lindsay Russell Pathsounder, the Mowat Sensor, the Sonicguide, and the C-5 Laser Cane. Current uses and applications of the four aids for specific populations of visually impaired persons are discussed. (Author)

The study evaluated the feasibility of using two commonly available peripheral devices (Apple Graphics Tablet and Power Pad) and specially developed software to help 12 moderately and severely retarded individuals to use written communication (Rebus symbols). Students learned the symbol processing system and used it effectively for personal…

Individualized educational programs (IEPs) written either by hand or by use of the "IEP Writer'" a specially designed word processing program, were compared. Results indicated that IEPs which were written using the program took less time and were of higher quality than were handwritten IEPs. (Author/DB)