The Alberta Special Education Network (ASPEN) is a computer-based communications and information network geared to the teaching and learning of exceptional children in rural Alberta, Canada. Network features include toll-free telephone access, a menu-driven user interface, training and awareness, electronic mail, weekly news, forums, and a…

Ten state education agencies participated in a satellite teleconferencing project which trained 128 attorneys as due process hearing officers. High-quality instruction was designed and methods were developed to ensure that participants were "on task." Satellite teleconferencing is concluded to be a compelling option for cost-effectively reaching…

This article comments on recommendations for physical education in the British National Curriculum as they pertain to children with special educational needs. It considers arguments for physical education; motor development of the child; principles of physical education for this population (entitlement, access, integration, integrity); teaching…

This article describes a drama program developed at Reading University (Great Britain) for special education students and teachers at the secondary level, which sought to develop initiative, leadership, ability to think for oneself and adapt to change, and ability to work as a team member. (DB)

This article notes trends in availability of microcomputer software appropriate for use with students with disabilities in the United Kingdom. Trends include increasing accessibility of general use software by those with special needs and elaboration of software developed for special needs to serve more general users. (DB)

This article addresses difficult and disruptive behavior of children with severe learning difficulties in British classrooms. It stresses the importance of clear policy underlying teacher training in methods of prevention, intervention, restraint, and record keeping. Principles of inservice training in behavior management skills are identified.…

This article comments on proposals concerning the music component of the British National Curriculum as it applies to students with special educational needs. The article addresses attainment targets, emphasis on practical activities, the benefits of music in special education, examples of music teaching, and the need for adequate resources. (DB)

The use of Makaton signs was investigated with 49 British children (ages 4-13) with severe learning difficulties. Teacher-directed settings were associated with more use of signs but limited pragmatic functions. Free play settings were associated with less sign use but more varied functions. In both settings, most spoken and signed language was…

This article describes a British curriculum development project designed to extend the teaching materials available for sex education of adolescent students with severe learning difficulties. Covered are curriculum content and structure; pilot use, evaluation, and revision; student feelings; parental involvement; and project outcomes. (DB)

This survey of 60 adolescents with behavioral-emotional disorders revealed significant gender differences in the frequency of suicide ideation and suicide attempts, with the females reporting higher frequencies in both areas. No gender differences were found in the rationales offered by the adolescents for suicidal behavior. (Author/JDD)

The Special Education Tribunals, established in Ontario (Canada) as an appeals adjudication structure, have expanded the educational rights of exceptional children beyond the rights legislated in the Education Act 1980. School boards are required to consider the child's needs, the program of studies, the teaching methodology, and the philosophy of…

Drawing upon the works of Paulo Freire and Lev S. Vygotsky, this paper argues that the institution of special education inculcates helplessness rather than autonomy, discusses the cognitive behavior modifications that enable self-control and self-mediation of learning, and proposes the educational ideal of student empowerment and autonomy. (JDD)

The efficacy of medications used to treat children with attention deficit disorders is reviewed, along with the importance of monitoring the medications' side effects. Medications reviewed include psychostimulants, tricyclic antidepressants, clonidine, and thyroid hormone. Factors to consider before recommendation of medication are listed.…

This paper reports on a series of 1992 visits to special education classes and programs in Oxfordshire, England. Information concerning mainstreaming of special needs students is applied to the situation in British Columbia, where decisions concerning inclusion and neighborhood schools are being made. (Author/JDD)

This review of special education policy documents as well as of a survey of and interviews with 25 Canadian school administrators found that the majority of administrators felt that the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms expands the rights of special needs students and parents and that its influence is moderate to profound. (Author/JDD)