e enhanced learning environment by noting that it is one in which instructional strategies are developed based on information on specific features of school learning environments that are effective in maximizing all students' chances for schooling success, particularly the chances of success for special students who require greater-than-usual educational support. The assumption here is that information on learning environments or conditions can enhance innovative program development, school implementation, and strategic planning.
According to Wang (1985) the enhanced learning environment perspective holds that schools need to be more effective in creating environments that foster basic skills development as well as preparing every individual to make the educational, occupational, and professional choices that each person deserves. It is one that focuses upon and maximizes selected indicators of learning outcome, including: students' use of resources, study strategies, use of specific lesson materials, learning behaviors, motivation, and self-concept.
According to Jolly (1990), with respect to its conceptual application to special education, the Effective Schools Movement has produced an orientation toward a unified system of education in which general and special education resources are merged to provide for individual differences among all students while conserving human and fiscal resources wasted in a double system.
Jolly states that The Southwest Educational Development Laboratory provides a model of such a system via its demonstration sites at five low income, rural schools.
At these schools, a common schoolwide knowledge base was developed through professional development for all administrators and teachers on effective schools research, the school improvement process, team building, and methods to increase student success. Inservice training was provided on attention deficit disorders, learning difficulties,...