This digest defines the term "extended school year" (ESY) and notes the issues of regression and recoupment which have led to development of ESY services for students with disabilities. The digest then provides answers to the following questions: (1) When is ESY needed? (2) How is eligibility for ESY determined? (3) What are some factors…

This information sheet summarizes findings from two reports: "Staffing Patterns and Team Models in Infancy Programs" by Jeanette McCollum and Mary-alayne Hughes, and "Early Intervention Team Approaches: The Transdisciplinary Model" by Geneva Woodruff and Mary McGonigel. The digest outlines the provisions of the Education of the…

This digest summarizes available information on the educational needs of disabled youth in correctional facilities. The high incidence of disabilities among incarcerated youth is noted and explanations are offered (e.g., they may not be recognized as disabled). The following topics are addressed: entitlement of youths with disabilities in…

The digest briefly summarizes the characteristics and current trends in special education programing for exceptional children. Exceptional children are described as having physical, mental, or behavioral handicaps and ranging in age from birth to 21. Requirements of basic federal legislation (The Education for All Handicapped Children Act) and…

The digest presents recent statistics regarding educational services for handicapped children, including data on who is being served, how that population is changing, and what trends are affecting special education today. The report answers the following questions: how are handicapped children defined for purposes of the Education for All…

Key aspects of P.L. 99-457, the Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments of 1986, affecting handicapped infants, toddlers, and preschoolers from birth to age 5 are summarized. Presented in a question answer format the information digest addresses the following questions: What children are eligible for early intervention services? Are these…

This brief paper summarizes research findings concerning the identification and implementation of effective practices in early childhood intervention for children with disabilities. First, research documenting the effectiveness of early childhood intervention is noted and the importance of developing individualized programs within integrated early…

This digest presents summary information on the characteristics and needs of children with learning disabilities (LD). The federal definition of learning disabilities is given and the existences of differences at the state level noted. Next viewpoints on various issues are briefly considered including the special educational needs of students with…

This digest presents summary statistics addressing the following questions: (1) "How are children with disabilities defined?" (2) "Who are the students served?" (3) "Where are these students receiving their special education?" and (4) "How many teachers are needed?" The digest also examines past and present…

Vocational education, special education, and vocational rehabilitation are the three primary providers of school-to-work transition services to handicapped youth. Each of these three sectors has a vital role to play in the following aspects of transition services: identification, assessment, individualized program planning, program implementation…