This book for parents of children with disabilities is a guide to parent advocacy and the special education system. The five sections focus on: (1) getting started in advocacy; (2) "Advocacy 101"; (3) the parent as expert; (4) special education law; and (5) tactics and strategies. Individual chapters address the following topics:…

These eight brochures for parents provide practical information and suggestions regarding various aspects of managing a child with a brain injury. The brochures are: (1) "Back to School after a Mild Brain Injury or Concussion," which covers helping the student in the classroom and changes that occur in school and knowing when extra help is needed…

This brochure is intended to inform parents and educators regarding the use of assistive technology devices and services in the special education evaluation process and programming. It is designed to help team participants develop the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). Topics covered include: (1) the federal definition of assistive…

All students can learn, including all students with disabilities. High expectation of learning for all students is essential for the success of any student's post school outcomes, whether work or education. Participation in statewide assessments is crucial in determining success and demonstrating equal opportunity and access to education.…

Three areas related to decision making are discussed: (1) a research survey summary of multidisciplinary team decision making (MTD); (2) four approaches for structuring MTD decision making; and (3) styles of leadership as a factor that impacts on the decision-making teams. (Author/PN)

Provides a rationale for obtaining evaluative feedback concerning the perceived usefulness of school psychological reports and their impact on the development of individual educational plans. Research data and authoritative opinion support the need for feedback on a case-by-case basis. A working copy of a brief evaluation form is included. (Author)

In describing the process for developing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for handicapped children, the author focuses on the need for teamwork and effective communication between Child Study Team members, teachers, and parents. (SJL)

This article describes specific steps educational teams can follow to embed individualized education program (IEP) goals and objectives into daily activities and routines and, therefore, enhance the likelihood that intervention efforts are effective, individualized, and developmentally appropriate for young children with disabilities. Strategies…

Arguing that only 13 percent of children with severe emotional disturbances are receiving adequate special education services in the least restrictive environment, this article presents strategies for parents to ensure appropriate responsiveness from placement and Individual Education Planning teams as well as advice regarding yearly reviews,…

Examples are given of how teachers of students with hearing impairments can incorporate standards developed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics into the mathematics curriculum. Possible adaptations for teaching measurement skills to students with hearing impairments in grades K-4 and patterns and functions in grades 5-8 are…

Guidelines are proposed for development of early intervention educational goals and objectives that reflect daily functioning skills. Guidelines are presented as questions to pose when developing individualized education programs (IEPs) and individualized family service plans IFSPs). They cover functionality, generality, instructional context,…

This article presents a comprehensive model for assessment of secondary students with disabilities. The model is intended to comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which requires identifying transition needs of students in their individualized education programs. The model assists in structuring an outcome-oriented transition…

This article discusses studies supporting the use of computer-managed Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and potential deterrents using such software, and summarizes software evaluation criteria. A checklist/rating scale is presented and applied to two software programs: the "Talley Goals and Objectives Writer" and "IEPs…

This article explains how administrators make it possible for their staff to initiate and implement advocacy efforts on behalf of students with special needs. A step-by-step series of actions and decision points are described to support the implementation of an innovative student-led Individualized Education Program process. (Contains 7…

Autism presents parents and families with many challenges under normal circumstances. Autism in a military family magnifies many of those challenges and adds a few more that are unique to the demands of military life and service, further complicating an already complex neurobiological disorder. Military sources indicate that more than 13,000…