The paper interprets the legal meaning and application of the "least restrictive environment" (LRE) principle in the education of handicapped, and particularly deaf children. The role of the Department of Education in interpreting the intent of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, is reviewed with emphasis on the "core…

The paper examines the continuing overrepresentation of minorities in special education programs for the mildly handicapped and their underrepresentation in programs for the gifted and talented. Alternative policy strategies are presented for advocates and decision makers concerned with reducing the increasing racial and ethnic disparities in…