The process of "functional assessment" is recommended to establish a basis for individualized behavior management programing for students with special needs. The approach is based on identifying the functions of the challenging behavior and involves systematically collecting information about the behavior and developing an intervention…

Critical elements and best practices in school-to-work transition programs for disabled youth are identified. Noted are local factors, individual student choice, shared resources, vocational rehabilitation counselors in the schools, and school-business linkages. Best practices include individualized transition planning, community-based…

The article describes a procedural model for individualizing instructional objectives that are stated in behavioral terms. A definition for behavioral objectives is offered, and methods of individualizing objectives for five basic areas of objectives adjustment are outlined. (SBH)

Before teachers can productively implement individualized education programs for handicapped students, substantive IEP planning should occur at state and local levels. Impediments to IEP development should be identified and relationships among federal, state, and local agencies clarified. A paradigm is offered to help the teacher systematically…

The authors emphasize that, although the "Education for All Handicapped Children Act" provides for inclusion of students in the individual education program (IEP) meeting, few parents and students are aware of the possibility. Suggestion are made for parents and school personnel about ways to include students. (MC)

The article presents the major elements of the data-based program modification approach designed to comply with the individualized education program mandate of P.L. 94-142 (the Education for All Handicapped Children Act). Procedures for implementing each of the model's components are outlined. (SBH)

An educational planning strategy is presented to assist students in assuming an active role in individualized education program conferences. Using the acronym "I PLAN," students learn to inventory their strengths and weaknesses; provide the information on inventory sheets; listen and respond; ask questions; and name their goals. (JDD)

Distinctions are drawn between the disciplines of teaching and of therapy (physical and occupational); the roles of physical and occupational therapy in serving handicapped students directly or indirectly are considered; and the need for understanding the range of service delivery alternatives at the student's individualized education program is…

The use of contract activity packages (CAPs) in writing an individualized education program for special needs students is discussed. A CAP is defined as including simply stated objectives; use of multisensory resources; creative, sequential material; provision for student developed alternatives; at least three small group techniques; and a pretest…

Skills for creating an atmosphere that enhances communication in the individualized education program (IEP) conference are discussed. Among suggestions are expressing major points in a clear and nonthreatening manner, beginning and ending the conference on a positive note, and using the parent's and child's names. (PHR)

This article presents a four-step strategy for developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for severely disabled learners based on principles of age-appropriate participation in regular classes and special education and related services provided in the regular school environment. Stressed are integration, individualization, teamwork,…

Principles of planning for the transition of students with special needs into postsecondary educational programs include incorporation of postsecondary objectives into the secondary school individualized education program, use of the team approach, comprehensive program planning, interagency collaboration, and identification of resources and…

This article outlines the educational needs of migrant exceptional children in terms of native language instruction, English-as-a-Second-Language instruction, self-concept enhancement, acculturation enhancement, and family and community involvement. The importance of the Individualized Education Program is discussed and a summary list of…