Guidelines for assessing the classroom environment for optimal student performance cover physical environment, time/instructional management, behavior management, and teacher effectiveness. Vignettes illustrate classroom problems and suggest management solutions. A checklist identifies instructional methods and conditions that positively affect…

An overview is provided of the President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education's report. Four recommendations are discussed: focus on results not on process; embrace a model of prevention not a model of failure; consider children with disabilities as general education children first; and target funds for direct services. (Contains 5…

Weaknesses in traditional forms of social-emotional curriculum development are identified. In the Data Based Curriculum Project, teachers submit, on a standard reporting form, interventions they have found to be effective in changing student behavior, and forms are duplicated, distributed to each participant, and filed by behavior label. (JDD)

This paper describes the distinct strengths and weaknesses of special education in rural schools and discusses issues regarding rural education reform recommendations, such as inadequate resources, parental involvement, and use of rigidly interpreted performance standards. Preventive service delivery systems are recommended, and several policy…

This paper examines reform efforts needed to confront the realities that children at risk bring to public education. These at-risk children include children prenatally exposed to drugs, children with human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome, homeless children, and children of abuse and neglect. Recommendations for…

Describes a school-based interprofessional case management model for children at risk for school failure that has been field tested in elementary and secondary schools. The model has three components: the case manager, the school-based interprofessional management team, and the comprehensive service network. The model has been used as a framework…

This article summarizes a process model designed to help schools include students with complex social, emotional, and behavioral needs in general classroom settings. Challenges to inclusion of these students are identified, and the seven-step model is explained and illustrated through examples of systems change projects throughout New Hampshire.…