Two federal statutes govern the provisions for special education in public schools. Briefly describes these laws and some of the challenges to their compliance within the school choice context. Describes and analyzes four case studies representing four types of school choice plans currently in operation. Offers recommendations for policymakers.…

Discussion of the principle of least restrictive environment (LRE) in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) reviews sociopolitical, legal, and educational data. The article suggests that concerns about LRE placement have obscured the preeminent issue of free and appropriate instruction, another IDEA principle. Some principles of…

This case highlights family and educator conflict about special education placement using the case of Jerry, a student with behavior disorders. Aspiring administrators are invited to consider Jerry's needs, the desires of his family, the concerns of local and alternative school faculty, the safety of students and staff, and the provisions of the…

This report compares and contrasts special education and least restrictive environment requirements for children with disabilities in Nigeria and the United States. The implementation of special education policies in both countries is discussed, including policies in the following areas: referral and identification, nondiscriminatory assessment,…

The U.S. Civil Rights Commission has undertaken the Equal Educational Opportunity Project to develop a series of six reports focusing on the opportunities available to students in American public elementary and secondary education. This first volume in the series evaluates and analyzes the history, performance, regulations, policies, and…

This guide provides precise, detailed descriptions of empirically validated best practices to promote learning in infants and young children with disabilities. It is designed to be a practical and comprehensive, easy-to-read introductory methods text that addresses the fundamental issues associated with implementing the legislative mandates of the…

This paper provides guidelines for conducting a functional behavioral assessment and developing positive behavior intervention plans with students who have behavior disorders or other disabilities in the context of requirements of the 1997 Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). After an introduction, rights and…

The newsletter presents six articles and associated information concerned with assistive technology for children and youth with handicaps. "Technology: Becoming an Informed Consumer" (Elizabeth Lahm and Sue Elting) reviews the history of technology with emphasis on assistive technology, offers case studies on technology applications, and gives…

This study examined the extent to which federal and state funding compensates for the excess cost of educating students under Public Law 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. The literature is supports of the contention that the high costs of educating a handicapped child were well known prior to passage of P.L. 94-142, which…

The importance of well-planned, meaningful assessments is emphasized in planning effective educational programs for severely communicatively impaired individuals. Assessment and evaluation are defined, and key provisions of Public Law 94-142 and Public Law 99-457 are outlined. Several issues to be considered in establishing effective…

This guide was developed to support families, the SoonerStart Early Intervention Program, schools, and community programs in meeting the federal and state requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendments of 1997 for transition of children at age three. It provides guiding principles, recommended practices, and…

This report focuses on issues relating to the development of individualized education programs for and placement of students who are classified as having mental retardation, learning disabilities, behavioral disabilities, or serious emotional disturbances. The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights examined present-day barriers and inequities that deny…

This paper provides guidelines for conducting a functional behavioral assessment and developing positive behavior intervention plans with students who have behavior disorders or other disabilities in the context of requirements of the 1997 Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). After an introduction, rights and…

This handbook provides information on the rights of parents of children with disabilities in North Carolina. Federal and state laws governing rights of parents are briefly summarized, followed by a more detailed description of rights in various areas, including: (1) referrals for special education services; (2) evaluation procedures; (3)…

This report identifies provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendments of 1997 that relate to 10 recommendations proposed by a 1996 conference of the National Association of State Directors of Special Education on the Individualized Education Program (IEP). The conference used an accountability model that views…