Students' class participation can be increased by having each child display a response to each of the teacher's questions. Suggestions are given for evaluating and using pre-printed response cards and write-on response cards. Evidence for the effectiveness of response cards in increasing learning and on-task behavior is offered. (DB)

The Mediated Learning Program (MLP) is a comprehensive preschool curriculum for children with and without disabilities, based on theories of mediated learning, with a mediator facilitating children's thought processes and problem-solving strategies. MLP includes 19 curriculum units broken into specific daily principles or objectives used to teach…

This article describes an ongoing support program in a Head Start program for grandparents who are serving as the primary caretakers of their grandchildren. Information is provided on the program's purpose and goals, the grandparents who attend, how meetings are run, experiences and incidental learning, and the progression of the group. (DB)

Suggestions are offered to teachers for obtaining minigrants from community resources other than the school in order to acquire assistive technology devices for students with disabilities. The approach involves the steps of obtaining information about potential donors, making contacts, and specifying benefits to the community and to the donor…

Special educators experiencing stress are urged to take greater responsibility for their own well-being by maintaining a balanced lifestyle, planning for success, expanding their support network, creating a positive belief system, making learning a lifelong priority, and learning to cope with complexities and challenges. (DB)

This article describes a systematic approach to communication appropriate for nearly all topics of elementary mathematics for students with disabilities. A matrix illustrates the interactive unit, in which the teacher provides input on concepts, routines, or problems by either manipulating, displaying, saying, or writing and the student responds…

A methodology for teaching students how to use a combination lock was successfully used with 7 students (ages 11-13) with moderate mental disabilities. Discussed are entry level skills, long- and short-term objectives, picture prompts, modeling and guided practice activities, assistance, feedback, and generalization. A detailed task analysis is…

This article describes the application of a proofreading mnemonic learning strategy for proofreading creative writing assignments. The mnemonic--Ninja Turtles Counting Pizza Toppings--reminds students to check their work for name, title, capitalization, punctuation, and transition words. Application of the strategy, possible pitfalls, and…

The potential of portfolio assessment in special education is addressed, including its value in displaying authentic tasks, a listing of potential portfolio items, advantages of portfolio assessment, possible problems, examples from special education, case studies, and guidelines for developing and using portfolios. (DB)

This article describes a dialog writing project which has involved hundreds of deaf students exchanging journals with hearing peers. A class of hearing-impaired students is paired with students from a general classroom, and dialog journals are physically exchanged. Practical pointers for developing and implementing the program are given. (DB)

This article presents issues for consideration by planning teams making transition decisions for students with traumatic brain injuries. Factors in selecting a postsecondary setting are outlined, such as physical accessibility, living arrangements, academic programs and support services, social and personal support systems, and career/vocational…

The role of the transition liaison professional, who is knowledgeable in medical terminology, hospital procedures, and educational/community services for helping children with chronic illnesses, is explained. Discussion covers effects of recent laws, the need for a formal discharge program and planning model, and the many functions of the…

The president of the Council for Exceptional Children urges special educators to become positive spokespeople in providing accurate information on education to policymakers at the local, state, and national levels. Every advocacy act is seen as making a difference. (DB)

A 6-step process for translating educational research findings into practice is explained. A collaborative project was implemented by 10 experienced secondary teachers of youth with mild disabilities to help students develop self-management skills. Benefits to the students and teachers are documented. (DB)

A program allowing all students (including 135 students with disabilities) at 1 urban elementary school to participate in an enrichment activity on Friday afternoons is described. Information on activity selection, program organization, materials, community involvement, student leadership, goals, and student reactions is provided. (DB)