Secondary data analysis using the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 data set was conducted to examine the degree to which autonomy, psychological empowerment, and self-realization (3 of 4 essential characteristics of self-determination) play a mediating role in the relationship between school-based factors and postschool outcomes. The…

This article discusses the strategic scaling up of evidence-based practices. The authors draw from the scholarly work of fellow special education researchers and from the field of learning sciences. The article defines scaling up as the process by which researchers or educators initially implement interventions on a small scale, validate them, and…

This article explores the current status in the United States of support to families who care for children with disabilities at home. It summarizes essential program features, program effects, and outstanding issues (such as, ensuring family involvement in policy formation, sufficient funding, and system collaboration). (DB)

Differences between state and local special education programs and the state-federal vocational rehabilitation (VR) program are highlighted, through discussion of the history of the state-federal VR program, the differing definitions of disabilities, operation of the VR program, funding differences, and resultant differences in evaluation…

All 21 of the first cohort of the Handicapped Children's Early Education Program (HCEEP) demonstration projects were contacted to determine whether each had maintained continuation funding of the direct services components of the demonstration model. (Author)

A survey of early childhood intervention policies in 50 states and the District of Columbia focused on handicapping conditions served, overseeing agencies, interagency contracts, state regulations, training/certification, etc. Results showed a national shortage of trained early childhood personnel, less than optimal funding, lead agency…

The article describes the conflict between parents and state governments regarding the relative liability in financial responsibility for residential placement of handicapped, particularly developmentally disabled, children and comments on implications of the "Parks v. Pavkovic" decision in Illinois which held the state financially…

This article documents decreasing support for education research and introduces this special issue. The difficulties in obtaining research grants, getting schools to cooperate, maintaining treatment integrity, and communicating findings are noted. High-quality school-based research is encouraged. (DB)

The article explores the process of change in special education and reviews major research projects of a five-year (1985-90) federal research program of the Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs. Forty-one projects addressed eight priority areas, including enhancing instructional program options and educating students with…

The article describes the current public policy environment and its impact on efforts to refine the system for identifying and serving mildly handicapped students. Areas requiring attention are cited for discussion, including revisions in the service delivery system, personnel preparation, administration of programs and funding structures, and…

Tennessee data were analyzed for four years before and five years after the funding formula for special education was changed from a "flat" rate to a "weighted" formula. The weighted formula was associated with a statistically significant decrease in less restrictive placements and a reliable increase in more restrictive…