This paper discusses the national movement toward increasing high school graduation requirements and the development of alternatives to the standard high school diploma for students with disabilities. Findings from a review of state policies indicate: (1) 38 states and territories apply some graduation requirements to students with disabilities;…

In the context of science, teachers reported reluctance to teach students with special needs, a university science teacher educator decided there was a need to conduct practitioner-research in an undergraduate, elementary/middle level teacher preparation program. Two courses were investigated. The first course was a general pedagogy course…

All students can learn, including all students with disabilities. High expectation of learning for all students is essential for the success of any student's post school outcomes, whether work or education. Participation in statewide assessments is crucial in determining success and demonstrating equal opportunity and access to education.…

Three areas related to decision making are discussed: (1) a research survey summary of multidisciplinary team decision making (MTD); (2) four approaches for structuring MTD decision making; and (3) styles of leadership as a factor that impacts on the decision-making teams. (Author/PN)

As its name implies, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 was full of promise for handicapped students and their parents. The authors examine the gap between the philosophy and the reality of six promises made in P.L. 94-142. (Part of a theme issue on mainstreaming.) (Editor/SJL)

An integrated home/school program model for training parents of young handicapped children was evaluated by 26 participating mothers. Parents reported a high level of satisfaction with each of the components of the program, which included videotaped practice teaching sessions by the parent and coordination of home and school efforts. (CL)

Thirty-six parents of students with disabilities who had exited high school 6 to 12 months earlier, were interviewed to examine perceptions of their participation in their child's final Individualized Education Program/transition planning meeting. A majority reported they participated in a variety of ways and were satisfied with their…

This study evaluated the social goals and objectives in 163 Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) of preschool children in early childhood special education settings, using 3 federal criteria for evaluating quality of objectives: specification of setting, measurability, and criterion for success. Results indicated IEPs were lacking both in the…

This commentary on the quantity and quality of Individualized Education Program (IEP) objectives dealing with social competence in preschoolers with disabilities focuses on whether IEP goals and objectives are meaningful for achieving a functional effect, influencing social competence beyond the specific skill, and influencing the child's…

Cites the example of a 4-year-old with Down syndrome attending an inclusive early childhood program to illustrate how the ecological assessment and planning process is used to individualize instruction. Includes a list of the child' IEP goals and objectives, a copy of the ecological planning form, and a description of adaptations and arrangements.…

This article describes specific steps educational teams can follow to embed individualized education program (IEP) goals and objectives into daily activities and routines and, therefore, enhance the likelihood that intervention efforts are effective, individualized, and developmentally appropriate for young children with disabilities. Strategies…

Claims role of counseling in enabling students with disabilities has changed, with other personnel in school settings now counseling students with disabilities, in addition to school and rehabilitation counselors. Provides support for this claim from national survey. Notes specific roles of other counseling-related personnel. Discusses…

The problems of Individual Education Plan (IEP) utilization with handicapped students are analyzed and compared to the developing use of Individual Transition Plans (ITP). Considered are issues of accountability, relevance, quality, feasibility, and preparedness. (DB)

The article outlines provisions of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act (P.L. 98-524) which provide equity and access to vocational education for students with handicaps. Provisions concern: guidance, counseling, and career development; provision of information concerning vocational program opportunities; equal access to vocational…

The study of Individualized Education Programs developed for 203 limited English proficient Hispanic elementary students found that a student's bilingualism and level of English proficiency exerted little influence on selection of instructional goals. Native language or English-as-a-Second-Language instruction was infrequently incorporated into…