The U.S. Department of Education (Department) issued a Dear Colleague Letter (Letter) on November 16, 2015, to "clarify that an individualized education program (IEP) for an eligible child with a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) must be aligned with the State's academic content standards for the grade in…

With many states moving toward increased accountability for all teachers, special educators, who have long been held accountable through the implementation of individualized education programs and the use of evidence-based practices, have much to offer. Formative instructional practices are evidence-based techniques that are familiar to special…

This study determined school-level curricular, assessment, and accountability policies and practices in private and public day treatment and residential schools for elementary-age children with emotional or behavioral disorders (E/BD). A national random sample of 271 (56.45%) principals and 229 (47.70%) teachers responded to a mail survey. No…

The purpose of this study was to examine the alternative routes to passing the high school exit exam that were available during the school year 2008-09 to students to earn a standard high school diploma. The authors examined alternative routes in the 26 states with active or soon to be active exit exams. They documented the alternative routes…

This document offers recommendations on implementation of Portland (Oregon) Public Schools Talented and Gifted (TAG) educational program in the areas of identification, instructional planning, assessment, communication, early entry, isolated gifted students, social/emotional needs, and budget. The evaluation report identifies each recommendation…

In response to findings of excessive exclusion of students with disabilities from national and state educational assessments, this document was developed to provide a listing of the states' guidelines for the participation or exclusion of students with disabilities in assessments. Guidelines in use were provided by 43 states. The remaining seven…

The study surveyed the 50 states and the District of Columbia to identify current state policies that regulate graduation requirements and to determine how these policies have been applied to programs for high school special education students. Survey results produced four major findings: (1) all but three states have legislation or state board of…

Academic outcomes for students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) are poor. Unfortunately, insufficient attention is paid in research and textbooks to academic difficulties and students with EBD. The purpose of this special issue is to review research-based strategies and interventions for teaching children and youth with EBD. In the…

This study investigated state policy, court litigation, and accreditation standards with respect to the use of time-out as a behavior management strategy in special education programs. The study's emphasis was on existing standards concerning the use of locked time-out rooms and student supervision requirements during the application of time-out.…

In response to findings of excessive exclusion of students with disabilities from national and state educational assessments, this document was developed to provide a listing of states' guidelines for assessment accommodations for such students. Guidelines in current use were provided by 38 states. Of the remaining states, seven did not have state…

This study describes the timelines established by states for the processes of referral, assessment, eligibility determination, Individualized Education Program development, and placement of students with disabilities in special education. The purposes of the study, based on survey data from 50 states and the District of Columbia, were to summarize…

This report reviews current state policy and practices in the disciplining of students with disabilities, as they are expressed in state documents including statutes, regulations, and other types of written records. Federal law, regulations, and case law are summarized in the report's introduction and background. Findings are presented in terms of…

This study investigated the upper age educational mandates of 15 states and the policies regarding alternative awards to the regular diploma in 19 states. The study was based on analysis of state policy documents, a 1990 state survey of exiting procedures, and telephone conversations with state education agency officials. The first section…

Involving state content standards in the development of individualized education programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities--a practice most often referred to as "standards-based IEPs"--is a growing area of interest in special education. The Access Center, a federally funded technical assistance resource, is dedicated to helping…

This report discusses a variety of K-12 educational programs in California that constitute alternatives to instruction at regular public schools. For each of the programs discussed, the report identifies pertinent issues and provides policy recommendations. The report contents are based on visits to 18 school districts and 8 offices of county…