Provides suggestions for teaching library skills to mainstreamed special education students for each of the four components of the instructional model: (1) determining skill level; (2) setting objectives; (3) instructing with modification (methods, materials, and motivation); and (4) monitoring progress. (seven references) (MES)

Consistency in legal opinions provides administrators a framework for dealing with the discipline of handicapped students. Determination should be made by the individualized educational program team to ensure that students not be disciplined merely because they are handicapped. (MLF)

If extended school year (ESY) programming is required in order for the student with disabilities to receive an appropriate education, school districts must make the necessary provisions. Reviews court decisions. (31 footnotes) (MLF)

Comprehensively surveys the reported court decisions arising from liability litigation on behalf of K-12 students with disabilities. Reports that no court decision has appeared of monetary damage judgment against a public school district or official for improper diagnosis/placement or improper education of a nondisabled, much less disabled,…

In "Carter" the Supreme Court affirmed a ruling where parents of a learning-disabled student were afforded tuition reimbursement after unilaterally enrolling the student in a private school. Briefly describes rulings in eight other lower court decisions. Concludes that the "Carter" decision will have little impact on school…

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and its implementing regulations provide disabled students and their parents with specific procedural rights. Cited cases illustrate that failure to provide parents with the rights enumerated in the legislation will lead to decisions against school districts in the courts. (MLF)

Encourages parents and educators to apply political pressure through advocacy to make policymakers aware of special education issues concerning the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Discusses the importance of being familiar with current law, knowing how to obtain services, and being an advocate on a global level. Reminds individuals…

Discretion and regulatory flexibility must be managed without violating the amended, reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Misbehaving disabled students may be removed from their educational placements for 10 consecutive days or less--the same punishment meted out to regular students. Longer-term placements need IEP team…

Discusses strategies for encouraging student participation in the development of an Individualized Education Program for a child with a disability. Outlines the significant steps in the process including developing a vision, prioritizing learning needs, collaborative problem solving, setting goals, and planning the intervention. (CR)

This study attempted to validate a strategy for improving the quality of individualized education program (IEP) goals and objectives. A diverse group of early childhood special educators was trained on writing quality IEP goals/objectives and using a curriculum-based measure. Results indicate the quality of written IEP goals and objectives…

This article discusses practical strategies to assist parents in becoming a more inclusive part of the Individualized Education Program process. Characteristics of effective teams are provided, and strategies are listed for providing social support, increasing distinctiveness, ensuring fairness, providing a sense of similarity, and for enhancing…

To address disabled students' troubling outcomes, the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services identified school-to-work transition as a major priority. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act mandates that transition services be part of secondary students' IEPs. Principals' and parents'…

This study investigated parents' perceived levels of involvement and satisfaction in the IEP (Individualized Education Program) planning process. Approximately half of the 98 parents interviewed expressed high levels of satisfaction with their involvement in their children's educational planning process, although 26 percent expressed definite…

Criticizes the process of making statements of special educational needs for students with disabilities. Statementing is argued to have led to schools' demands for special resources for activities seen as outside of the ordinary and to have increased the number of children with statements of special needs. (CR)

School districts are on safer legal ground if they recommend appropriate educational services for each special-needs child, convene parents and school personnel for Individual Education Plan meetings, make placement decisions based on individualized, thorough evaluations; document alternative options; develop behavior-management programs, and use…