A variety of items covering a wide range of interests is presented this month. Gaye McNutt of the University of Texas-Austin reviews a two-kit spelling program:
Continuous Progress in Spelling.
User suggestions are considered in this review. Materials developed for teaching English as a second language are useful for older students who need interesting reading at a low level of complexity. Oxford University Press, a primary distributor of these materials, publishes
Reading and Exercise Series
and
English in Focus —
samples of the rich resources offered by this field to learning disabilities. For the very severe language/learning disorder, the
Non-Speech Language Initiation Program (NON-SLIP)
is recommended because it by-passes the auditory-vocal channels of communication. The
Pacemaker Primary Curriculum
is seen as an excellent resource for the person who works with primary-age LD children or with their teachers (grades K-3). It is an excellent example of a planned, structured program designed to extend for an entire school year. Of the four Ms of teaching: materials, methodology, management, and measurement, the third and fourth Ms receive attention this month. Marvin Fine's
The Teacher's Role in Classroom Management
presents a practical approach to classroom discipline. It may be used by LD or resource teachers to help match technique to the child. Both informal and formal methodologies are suggested.
Measurement and Analysis of Behavioral Techniques
by John O. Cooper concisely describes and illustrates a wide range of techniques for the observation and measurement of permanent "academic" products. Included is a section on the preparation of data for professional colleagues. For the supervisor or administrator,
Group Techniques for Program Planning: A Guide to Nominal Group and Delphi Processes
describes in detail how to use each of these processes. Of special interest is the Nominal Group Technique, which helps reduce the dominance of a group by a few of its members.
