A Basic Attainments Programme for Young Mentally Handicapped Children (Routledge Library Editions: Special Educational Needs)

First published in 1987. Most non-handicapped children entering school are prepared for the school curriculum in that they have acquired, incidentally, a range of skills that are needed for school-type attainments (reading, numbers, etc.). However, by definition mentally handicapped children make slower progress and do not learn so easily in this indirect fashion.

This book is a manual presenting a programme which sets specific objectives and methods by which mentally handicapped children can be taught the basic prerequisites of school success. Implicit in this intention is the assumption that many such children can and should be admitted to ordinary schools. A linked assumption is that parents and non-specialist teachers will therefore need practical guidance in this area. The book will also be of value to teachers in special schools for the handicapped because it focuses on the difficult-to-teach basic prerequisites of school attainments. Each chapter contains: ‘ceiling’ objectives; an outline summary of step-by-step objectives; an assessment-for-teaching checklist; background teaching activities; general teaching rules; and specific teaching procedures for each stage.

Bill Gillham is a a psychology professor at Southeastern OSU.