In this issue, Professor Perry Zirkel argues that the points presented in the Dixon, Eusebio, Turton, Wright, and Hale treatise of the Forest Grove School District v. T.A. Supreme Court case confuses "legal requirements with professional norms." Although we appreciate Zirkel's acknowledgment that our position reflects the professional…

This paper reviews the Supreme Court's Zebley decision which expanded the definition of disability in young children by including functional equivalence; compares regulations and practices under the Social Security Administration and Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; and offers guidelines concerning the intent of the law,…

If extended school year (ESY) programming is required in order for the student with disabilities to receive an appropriate education, school districts must make the necessary provisions. Reviews court decisions. (31 footnotes) (MLF)

A federal statute provided that parents may use the judicial process to challenge educators' decisions. Describes the intent of legalization; how reaction to an adversarial system led to the use of mediation in most states; and why this alternative model is not appropriate for resolving education questions. (MLF)

The Eleventh Circuit ruling in "Greer" establishes relatively clear guidelines for making choices regarding mainstreaming in considerations of appropriate programing. Only when mainstreaming in a regular class is not appropriate may a determination be made as to how the child can be placed in a special-education setting in the least…

Looks at the general legal entitlements of preschool handicapped children. Discusses school districts' responsibilities regarding accepting applications for service; evaluating the child; and devising a placement. Concludes with a discussion of legal remedies available when school districts fail to comply with their duties. (MLF)

Congressional intent and regulations, and court decisions interpreting the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, recognize the preference for mainstreaming handicapped children. Cases discussed indicate that mainstreaming is secondary to the goal of the Act to provide an appropriate education that meets the unique needs of each handicapped…

The notion of intervention strategies is introduced in this paper to explain why and when certain change efforts are successful. It is argued that the choice of control points and the selection of control linkages are determined by characteristics of the task in the implementing agency. Many implementation failures can be attributed to the…

The 1997 Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) give parents an opportunity to participate in meetings with respect to the identification, evaluation, and educational placement of their children. This article discusses parental involvement under the IDEA, specifically as it relates to methodological issues. (123…

The history of educational programming for the handicapped has unfortunately been one of quiet discrimination. This pattern has come from the evolution of an isolation-based society. Society is moving increasingly toward the human and equity-based treatment of disabled people. Reflecting some court decisions, the Education of the Handicapped Act…