The effect of teaching parents of at-risk students to facilitate a home-based self-management program to improve homework performance and academic achievement was Investigated. The parents of 26 sixth- and seventh-grade students from two middle school programs for at-risk youth received training and implemented home-based self-management and reinforcement strategies. Results indicated that overall levels of homework completion and homework quality increased significantly for those students whose parents consistently implemented the 10-week homework program. Significant increases in mathematics achievement also occurred. These results suggest that the practice of homework may be an important element of academic programming for students at risk and students with disabilities and that parents may play a primary role in the homework process.

No abstract

The passage of recent legislation has ensured special service provisions for a previously overlooked population, elderly persons with mental retardation. This article presents a broad overview of current research studies on this topic and focuses on identification of the population, residential options, and service needs of elderly persons with mental retardation. Similarities and differences between older persons with developmental disabilities and the non-retarded elderly, and service need requirements of this particular population are also included. Finally, the importance of developing collaborative services of developmental disability agencies and aging services is discussed as well as recommendations for future research needs.

The impact of language disorders in children with learning disabilities is highlighted.

No abstract