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The purpose of this study was to investigate the views of special education directors toward communitybased vocational instruction (CBVI). Participants included a non-proportional random sample of 47 directors from one state who completed an online or paper-based survey. Independent variables were directors' years of experience, geographic location, whether the district provided CBVI in the summer, and the curriculum of students who participated in CBVI. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics along with a content analysis of open-ended questions. Results indicate that respondents support the use of CBVI and experience few barriers to implementation. Insufficient staff and inadequate public transportation were the highest rated barriers. Views regarding the intensity with which CBVI should be provided and the age and types of students who should receive CBVI differed from practices recommended in the field. Significant group findings were evident for the variables of years of experience and curriculum of students who participated in CBVI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on children with intellectual disabilities, aged 5-8, who are beginning to learn to write. Evidence is presented for two theoretical models - Flower and Hayes' cognitive process model and Nystrand's social interaction model. This evidence was obtained through an open-ended writing activity called Big Paper which was conducted several times over a six month period. This involved writing sessions where communicative interactions among students were also observed.