Eight years ago, the editors of this special issue published another special issue focused on the topic of response to intervention (RtI; Vaughn & Fuchs, 2003). At that time, there was considerable interest in the application of an RtI model for providing services to children at risk for learning disabilities. The potential benefits have led to…

The authors summarize evidence from a multiyear study with secondary students with reading difficulties on (a) the potential efficacy of primary-level (Tier 1), secondary-level (Tier 2), and tertiary-level (Tier 3) interventions in remediating reading difficulties with middle school students, (b) the likelihood of resolving reading disabilities…

This article examines the effect of educational reform on transition services for students with learning disabilities (LD). Considered are effects of general education reform, the inclusion movement, teacher education programs, special education reform, and standards-based education (Goals 2000). The need for effective transition planning for…

A preventive model is proposed to avoid special education through concentrated early intervention. Several operating programs are described as examples of the practicality of the approach. Issues including numbers of students who could be serviced by such a model and the ongoing role of special education alongside "neverstreaming" are…

Discusses special education in Russia by reviewing: (1) background information on the formation of a Russian-American partnership; (2) special education in Russia from an historical perspective; (3) the current status of special education; and (4) future directions of Russian special education. Identifies an emerging theme of more humanistic…

This article reviews research and program literature on four aspects of vocational education for students with learning disabilities: (1) data from follow-up and follow-along studies illustrating the relationship between vocational-technical education and adult outcomes; (2) recent program trends; (3) current practices regarding placement and…

This article describes changes in the Department of Special Education at the University of South Florida, which has embraced a transformative philosophy emphasizing the constuctivist learning paradigm, a collaborative model of work, the value of diversity, reflective teaching, and the value of a community of learners. Perspectives on this change…

This study involved 524 students in 2 elementary schools in analyzing the effects of instructional service changes. Services included cooperative learning for sixth grade students, cross-age tutoring for special/remedial students in grades 1-3, and in-class services for all grade levels. None of the three treatments had much impact on achievement.…