Intended for Minnesota legislators, this report compares special education requirements under Minnesota special education legislation and federal legislation. It is divided into two parts. Part 1 compares Minnesota special education law and federal special education requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Part 2…

New Mexico defines a pathway as a planned program of study (course, Individualized Education Program [IEP] goals, objectives, and benchmarks) designed to address the needs of individual students. Students receiving special education services are able to earn their high school diploma option by following one of three pathways: Standard, Career…

The article considers such issues as the individualized education plan, due process procedures, the least restrictive environment, parent participation, annual reviews, and allocation of federal support. Recent setbacks caused by cutbacks at the California and national level are cited as a result of more recent state and federal rulings. (SB)

The authors define the individualized educational program (IEP) provision of PL 94-142 and the roles and responsibilities of the participants in the IEP process. Studies of concerns and potential problems with the IEP are briefly reviewed. (SJL)

Reviews the 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in the context of the law's history. Focused on are changes in Individualized Education Program requirements, mediation as a conflict resolution option, discipline of students in special education, and the required review of the relationship between a student's…

A federal statute provided that parents may use the judicial process to challenge educators' decisions. Describes the intent of legalization; how reaction to an adversarial system led to the use of mediation in most states; and why this alternative model is not appropriate for resolving education questions. (MLF)

Dr. Mitchell Yell, an expert in special-education law, is interviewed on the 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act that will affect the discipline of students with disabilities. He addresses suspension and expulsion of students with disabilities, the required manifestation determination hearing, and…

Parents have used their empowerment under the 1997 Amendments to become the advocate for the child not only in the classroom, but also in the courtroom. Generally, the courts have been quick to reject nonattorney parents' request to represent their child. Those parents who are licensed members of the bar may be allowed to represent their child,…

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, schools have certain responsibilities when addressing special-educations students' assistive technology needs: selecting and purchasing appropriate devices; maintaining, repairing, and replacing devices as needed; and training students and family members how to use devices. Costs and funding…

A five-part article describes and analyzes the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and a behavioral intervention technique called "positive behavioral interventions, supports, and strategies" (PBS). Suggests guidelines for applying PBS within the framework of IDEA, especially as it applies to discipline of students covered…

Children with disabilities have a right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE). Children differ in mental abilities, sensory development, physical traits, emotional or social behaviors, or communication skills. Some may require modification to their school program or special education and related services in order to benefit from their…

Academic outcomes for students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) are poor. Unfortunately, insufficient attention is paid in research and textbooks to academic difficulties and students with EBD. The purpose of this special issue is to review research-based strategies and interventions for teaching children and youth with EBD. In the…

The relationship between transition planning/coordinating interventions and transition outcomes for secondary-aged youth with disabilities was explored in this systematic review. A total of 31 studies intervening with 859 youth with a wide variety of disabilities were reviewed. Using the transition intervention framework of Kohler and Field (2003)…

Anna is a 13-year-old student who has a learning disability and is eligible for special education and related services. Anna's parents enrolled her in the Private Academy for fifth grade; her frustration, inappropriate behaviors, and inattention had increased during fourth grade. In its year-end report, the Private Academy described Anna's…

"Kevin" is a 16-year-old student identified by an unnamed School District ("the District") as a student with a learning disability; he is also eligible for a Section 504 plan as a student with ADHD. He currently attends his local high school. He and his friends were in the hall of his high school when Kevin, on a dare from his…