This article provides a framework for portfolio assessment in which common benchmarks and rubrics provide explicit and shared criteria for judging both the collection of work in the portfolio and individual performance samples. Also addressed are efforts to achieve validity and reliability in teacher, student, and parent judgments while…

This brief article responds to a previous article on guidelines developed by professional associations for developmentally appropriate early childhood special education practices. The importance of individualization in the application of practices is emphasized, and sample criteria are offered for evaluating the practices. (DB)

Among ideas expressed are that quality of caring, which is the substance of programs for behavior disordered students, cannot be legislated. Teacher training programs should concentrate on underlying concepts that promote teaching excellence. The individual psychology approach is the only real theoretical match for the development of…

Analysis of the Supreme Court's 1982 decision in "Board of Education of Hendrick Hudson Central School District versus Rowley" suggests that the more recent and more liberal interpretation requiring educational programs to confer some meaningful benefit is in keeping with Congress's and the Court's original intent. (DB)

Analyzes several cases involving students with disabilities and assesses how courts determine the supervisory standard of care for disabled students injured on school premises. Explores the extent to which special characteristics of students with disabilities might affect the standard of care owed to such students. (MLF)

The report presents recommendations of a task force on the integration of hearing-impaired students, focusing on procedures for early identification, standards for educational programs, staff development and training, and program quality indicators. After brief sections giving definitions and the rationale for integration, preferred practices are…

Reviews the major substantive amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act being proposed by the U.S. Senate, including changes in state and local educational agency eligibility; least restrictive environment; private school placement; evaluations, reevaluations, and Individualized Education Programs; discipline procedures;…

The United Kingdom's Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs is presented, along with an introduction explaining the code of practice, which gives guidance to local education authorities (LEAs) and school governing bodies on responsibilities toward children with special educational needs. Contents cover…