The article discusses the individualized education program (IEP--as mandated by the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, P.L. 94-142) as a process rather than a product, drawing on the results of Project IEP, a survey of special education administrators and practitioners and parents of handicapped children regarding the IEP. (Author/DLS)

Opinions of professionals from 16 agencies were obtained to identify techniques that agencies serving adults or adolescents with mental retardation could utilize to provide systematic sex education and counseling. Recommendations are offered in five areas: self-advocacy and self-determination, individual design, staff training and support,…

Discusses a study of the efficacy of mainstreaming. The goal of the study was to see what actually went on in schools, how people thought about mainstreaming, what they did about it, and how teachers, administrators, and students experienced it. (JOW)

The controversy over minimum competency assessment has special implications for the handicapped, since federal law requires that handicapped students must be afforded equal educational opportunities. Problems will arise in establishing criteria of competence and in administering minimum competency programs for students with learning disabilities.…

An examination of school finance reform and special education finance issues is presented in this paper. It describes a general model of the educational finance system, in which state and federal general and categorical aid combines with district fiscal capacity to determine educational expenditures, which in turn affect educational programs and,…

Discusses the decision making process needed to effectively integrate computers into individualized instruction in a resource room. Student scheduling is explained, and four case histories are presented that take learner needs and styles into account and incorporate a variety of instructional materials. (five references) (LRW)

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1990 stresses procedural safeguards regarding special education identification, placement, or services. Reviewed a sample of Illinois due process appeal decisions and concluded that the system appears to be serving Illinois educators and parents reasonably well. (20 references) (MLF)

Strategies are presented for systematic planning and teacher collaboration for inclusion of students with disabilities in rural general education classrooms. This planning and ongoing support is essential for the student to be a full member of the class rather than just physically present. A case study illustrates the positive effects of such a…

Two federal statutes govern the provisions for special education in public schools. Briefly describes these laws and some of the challenges to their compliance within the school choice context. Describes and analyzes four case studies representing four types of school choice plans currently in operation. Offers recommendations for policymakers.…

This study investigated the quality of programming for students (aged 3-20) with severe multiple disabilities. The study sought to determine whether physical disabilities that prevent voluntary movement are a discriminating factor affecting whether active or passive programming is provided. The Individualized Education Programs of 35 students with…