Continuum Publishing Group

Beyond the factory gates; asbestos and health in twentieth century America.

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral whose dust is a serious health threat. In this "sequel" to The Way From Dusty Death. Turner and Newell and the Regulation of Occupational Health in the British Asbestos Industry, 1890s-1970 (2001), Bartrip (history, U. of Northampton/socio-legal studies, U. of Oxford) focuses on asbestos issues in the U.S. in a non-manufacturing context. He investigates what and when scientists, the government, and unions knew about exposure hazards for insulation contract workers, paying particular attention to the U.S. Navy's role as a major asbestos user and originator of precautions against asbestos hazards during and after World War II, and the role of the Asbestos Workers' Union (which denied him access to its files). (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Supporting children with multiple disabilities, 2d ed.

Mednick, head of service for visually impaired children for an inclusive education authority in the UK, addresses the growing demands placed on special needs educators and other professionals working with children with multiple disabilities in a variety of educational settings. After an introduction reviewing perceptions, myths, and definitions, he describes common disorders and syndromes. He outlines specific methods to use with children for developing communication skills, facilitating the use of sensory information, and enhancing mobility and motor skills. There is also material on assessing students, creating access to appropriate environments, and facilitating inclusive education. B&w photos illustrate equipment and techniques. Sample record-keeping forms, a glossary, and a list of organizations and web sites are included. This second edition is updated throughout, and now includes information on the Signalong signing system, visual timetables, baseline assessment and P scales, and new technology. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Teaching number sense, 2d ed.

Some children have an awareness of relationships that enables them to interpret new problems in terms of results they remember. Children who have this awareness and the ability to work flexibly to solve number problems are said to have "number sense." What characterizes children with "number sense" is their ability to make generalizations about the patterns and processes they have met and to link new information to their existing knowledge. This book explains how to teach the connections involved in developing number sense, and highlights the key ideas at each stage in children's learning, covering counting, addition and subtraction, the number line, multiplication and division, written calculations, and teaching approaches. Numerous b&w figures and examples of children's work are included. Author information is not given. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)