This document, prepared as background information for a conference arranged by the National Association of State Directors of Special Education, reviews studies on the use of the individualized education program (IEP) in the education of students with disabilities. The report begins by explaining the legislative origins of the IEP. The report then…

During the 1980s, school-community partnerships increased nationwide, prompted by diminishing federal and state financial support for education, increasing numbers of at-risk students, and initiatives promoting local decision-making. Numerous examples in the literature portray partnerships involving "adoption" of schools by businesses, school use…

Literature on the topic of preparing teachers for mainstreaming was reviewed, with focus on research and writings involving: (1) teacher attitudes toward mainstreaming; (2) teachers' expressed needs in regard to mainstreaming; (3) development of preservice education programs which provide a base of knowledge and experience in mainstreaming; (4)…

Visually-impaired gifted students are at risk for not being identified as gifted. Relevant identification, placement, and curriculum problems are reviewed and excerpts from interviews with two visually-impaired gifted students illustrate their unique needs (e.g., the effects of multiple labels, counseling needs, and the need to feel equal to…

This book considers issues relating to the development, revision, and evaluation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including best practices that have been developed by states and school districts. It begins with an overview of the objective of education for all children regardless of disability, with appropriate goals and instruction to…

Despite limited references to guidance and counseling in federal legislation on the handicapped, school counselors are deeply involved in the delivery of appropriate services. An individualized education program (IEP) can include counseling services for both special and regular education placements and provide intervention, as well as support.…

The similarities and differences of provisions in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are discussed, including provisions relating to identification of students with disabilities, eligibility, evaluation procedures, the Individualized Education Programs, least restrictive environment…

During the past decade there has been an increasing interest in positive psychology, which promotes a shift away from the traditional deficit-based model of mental health to a framework that emphasizes social-emotional strengths. The building of strengths and an emphasis on the prevention of problems are at the forefront of positive psychology and…

The monograph describes the progress that has been made in exceptional child education in Alabama during the last decade and addresses needed areas of improvement. Brief sections focus on the following items: financing special education programs, instructional programing in local education agencies, individualized education plans, diagnosis of…

This book chapter puts community-based rehabilitation and community-based instruction in an historical perspective by describing a number of influential social, political, legal, technological, and philosophical factors that have shaped contemporary special and regular education. The characteristics of community-based instruction, community-based…

This digest examines the mandates and requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). (Its scope does not include the IDEA's Part H program.) The digest gives a brief history of the IDEA, procedures for obtaining a copy of the IDEA and its regulations, and procedures for obtaining a copy of an individual state's special…

This digest examines the mandates and requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). (Its scope does not include the IDEA's Part H program.) The digest gives a brief history of the IDEA, procedures for obtaining a copy of the IDEA and its regulations, and procedures for obtaining a copy of an individual state's special…

This paper addresses the need for tailor-made support services for college students with learning disabilities based on sound diagnostic/prescriptive evaluation data. Literature on program design and the development of effective individualized education programs is reviewed, and performance contracts developed with student input are viewed as…

The paper reviews research studies on identification and treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Studies investigating the three primary ADHD dimensions of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness are initially cited, followed by a review of research in the related dimensions of cognitive attributions/locus of control,…

These conference proceedings deal with the role school psychologists can play in the design and delivery of vocational education programs for handicapped persons. The papers describe the general state of the art for vocational education programs as well as specific programs such as career planning, programs funded by CETA (Comprehensive Employment…