Five author contributed papers focus on helping teachers work more effectively with culturally diverse handicapped or gifted children and their parents. The first chapter, "Understanding Where the Students Are Coming From" by J. Nazzaro and M. Portuondo considers the need to develop a multicultural perception, barriers to parent…

To offer public school programs that address learning needs of chronically ill children, schools must first clarify the role of education. This paper discusses major policy-relevant issues and suggests how some of these students' needs can be addressed by the schools. (DF)

This is the seventh analysis of the percentages of pupils aged 5 to 15 in special schools and the percentages of pupils aged 5 to 15 with statements in special schools. The analysis is based on the official Department for Education and Skills data of indicators for England. Findings indicate the national percentage of 5- to 15-year-old pupils in…

Describes individualized professional development activities for rural teachers based on plans developed from taking the Job Motivation Assessment Survey, analyzed by the program coordinator, and then set forth on a brief worksheet document for reference. (AH)

One approach that has proved to be effective in providing prevocational training to the deaf-blind and severely handicapped is the continuum concept. This concept emphasizes the individual's movement from the educational setting into an appropriate community-based vocational environment. (JN)

The individualized education program (IEP) management system used with elementary educable mentally retarded students in Dubach, Louisiana, includes two types of short term objectives, six organizational components, and two basic recording forms. The system is designed to actively involve students, parents, and teachers in planning and monitoring.…

Cites the example of a 4-year-old with Down syndrome attending an inclusive early childhood program to illustrate how the ecological assessment and planning process is used to individualize instruction. Includes a list of the child' IEP goals and objectives, a copy of the ecological planning form, and a description of adaptations and arrangements.…

The article outlines provisions of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act (P.L. 98-524) which provide equity and access to vocational education for students with handicaps. Provisions concern: guidance, counseling, and career development; provision of information concerning vocational program opportunities; equal access to vocational…

The designing of a remedial education program for a six-year-old boy is described. The process included several weeks of observation, selective diagnostic testing, test result analysis, consideration of the child's preferences and attitudes, and formulation of an individualized program. (MSE)

Describes transdisciplinary (TD) team model as holistic approach for identifying and educating young migrant students with special needs. Describes differences between TD and multidisciplinary team models. Describes half-day TD assessment of child. Assesses TD approach regarding student needs, staff training, ongoing staff development, and child…

This article describes the quest of an elementary special educator to create an effective reading program that would motivate students, as well as one that would address the students' Individualized Education Programs. Allowing the students to help select books and integrating writing activities had a positive effect on the students. (Contains…

Reviews major tenets of the reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act amendments of 1997, including strengthening of the role of parents, ensuring access to the general education curriculum, modification of discipline procedures, and changes in how Individualized Education Programs are developed and written. Discusses potential…

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…

In the Spring of 1998 the Portland (Oregon) Public Schools hired Dr. Pamela Settlegoode as an adapted physical education teacher for the coming academic year. Her job was to provide adapated PE to students with disabilities in three different schools and to draft individualized education plans (IEPs) in accordance with federal law. Soon after…

Pierre, a second-grade student, has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair to ambulate. He is very social and enjoys interaction with his peers. Pierre has a paraeducator named Maria, who is assigned to assist him. His Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals were independence in ambulation, fine motor skills, and flexibility. His special…