A pilot study was conducted to provide a preliminary assessment of the validity and usefulness of the Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT) as a teacher aid for individualized educational program (IEP) development and educational programing for 21 visually handicapped students (9 to 15 years old). (Author/SBH)

Because Illinois public school districts have been mandated to develop a minimal competency testing policy by 1980, the Illinois Council for Exceptional Children commissioned a study on competency testing and the handicapped to generate recommendations that could be used by local districts in developing policy. Recommendations are listed.…

Shows that, for the most part, legislation mandating the development of individual educational programs (IEPs) for children receiving special services is effective, but that parents are less positive about some aspects of the IEPs than about others. (Author/FL)

The article presents an interview with Heckelman, senior clinical psychologist with the Riverside County Califonia Children's Mental Health Department, on successful remediation of learning disabilities. Topics discussed include the relationship between success of remedial techniques and lateral dominance, the neurological impress method, the…

Seventy-five teachers provided data on the time required to prepare individualized education program (IEP) documents for a sample of 807 exceptional children in a study of the cost required for IEP development. Analysis of the data indicated that a considerable amount of time is invested in the IEP process. (Author/PHR)

Discusses implications of the 1997 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments for local policy and practice. Secondary principals should understand new requirements for locating and evaluating eligible students with disabilities, including disabled students in state and districtwide assessment programs, involving regular teachers in…

This article outlines person centered planning (PCP) methods to assist in the review and revision of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities. Two methods of PCP are explained and illustrated with case studies. The article describes uses of PCP methods for IEPs and concludes by suggesting ways that PCP methods may…

The paper describes techniques of developing and implementing speech-language individualized education programs to speech/language impaired students by means of "whole class" language experiences in regular elementary classrooms. (Author/DB)

An educational planning strategy is presented to assist students in assuming an active role in individualized education program conferences. Using the acronym "I PLAN," students learn to inventory their strengths and weaknesses; provide the information on inventory sheets; listen and respond; ask questions; and name their goals. (JDD)

Educational records of 127 secondary students with disabilities were reviewed to assess impact of vocational assessment information in Individualized Education Plan (IEP) development process. Results focus on the impact of information on the number of IEP vocational goals and objectives written, kinds of IEP items written, and number of IEP goals…

The McGill Action Planning System (MAPS) is a planning process for furthering the integration of children with disabilities into the school community, using a team which includes the individual, family members, friends, and regular and special education personnel. Examples of MAPS planning for elementary-age and secondary-age children with severe…

Profiles Ann Blakeney Clark, dynamic North Carolina middle school principal who knows her 750 students by name, insists on individualized education plans, carefully matches students with appropriate teachers. Clark's walk-around management style allows her to catch students and teachers in act of doing things right. Having instituted team teaching…

The involvement of parents in developing individualized education programs (IEPs) for their children with autism is discussed. Essential components of IEP documents are outlined, and strategies that professionals can use to promote significant family involvement are considered. (Author/SW)

Explains the concept and proper application of least restrictive environment in laws governing special education. Discusses conflicts that often arise between parents and school officials. Maintains that close adherence to least restrictive environment guidelines will best serve the interests of students and of the entire school community. (DM)

This paper draws a distinction between evaluation and measurement, and explains the need to link curriculum-based evaluation to the development of individualized educational plans. The paper proposes a set of rules for focusing curriculum-based evaluations, such as "don't confuse the curriculum with instruction" and "only think…