An educational assessment model for developing an individualized education program for mildly retarded students is composed of seven assessment topics: intellectual, development, adaptive, vocational, academic, reinforcement hierarchy, and behavioral characteristics assessment. (CL)

The author discusses problems associated with parent/educator conferences on the yearly plan for educational services for an exceptional child and provides five guidelines, including facilitation of parent's verbal participation. (MC)

Teachers and administrators can promote the involvement of parents of handicapped students through individualized education programs which include home-or home-school-based objectives. The programs must then be monitored to determine their success. (CL)

The author reviews results of eight research papers with conflicting data on effectiveness of special versus regular class placement for educable mentally retarded children, expresses need for more research, and emphasizes use of the individualized education plan to determine the most appropriate setting for a child. (MC)

To enhance the interaction level between parents and multidisciplinary team members at meetings on individualized education programs, seven recommendations and nine print resources are offered. (MC)