This discussion of funding for assistive technology devices for children with disabilities addresses how to locate community funding sources, set priorities, increase peoples' awareness of technological applications, and encourage parental involvement. An annotated bibliography lists seven items on funding, and a chart shows an example of an…

This article provides guidelines to help school personnel establish and maintain productive relationships within the legal framework governing special education. Special attention is given to conflict resolution, especially in cases of disagreement on students' individualized education plans. The role of parents in these team efforts and relevant…

This article describes the continuum of treatment/education interventions developed to address the needs of Kentucky adjudicated and other at-risk and delinquent youth, ranging from school-based alternative education programs to long-term stays in residential programs. The interagency collaborative approach emphasizes transition planning to less…

School division compliance with Virginia state and federal regulations concerning the parent's role in the special education process was examined. Analysis of parent surveys and state department of education compliance reports found a high incidence of parent nonparticipation, inadequate communication to parents of their rights, and difficulties…

If teachers of students with behavior disorders are to be more effective, there must be several changes in preservice education. Teachers need training in one predominant theoretical philosophy, in remediation of academic deficits, in competent use of behavior management skills, and in writing individualized education programs. (SM)

This paper suggests a process for developing Individualized Education Programs for students served through collaborative/cooperative teaching arrangements. IEPs used in pull-out arrangements are compared to in-class service delivery IEPs. The proposed IEP process is designed to meet legal requirements and guide instruction reflective of the…

A special education record-keeping system using bar code symbols and optical scanners is described. Bar code symbols were created for each Individualized Educational Plan objective, and symbols are scanned when students emit targeted behaviors. A weekly printed report of student performance is produced. Advantages, disadvantages, and costs are…

Contends music education can help hearing-impaired students achieve both academic and social goals of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (1990). Describes instructional content and methods of elementary program utilizing sign language, vocal music, and keyboard computer music systems. Concludes with description of school performance in…

This article describes a Maryland staff development program that guides educators through an improved Individualized Education Program (IEP) process that provides a better alignment of IEP goals with general education curricular outcomes. The program's components and the teachers' response to the program during the 1999-2000 year are discussed.…

A long-standing challenge for special education personnel is how to appropriately involve Spanish-dominant migrant parents in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process, especially in rural agriculturally based school districts. Twelve recommendations for the IEP process are presented related to parent rights, parent orientation to school…

Analyzes teachers' attitudes regarding the value and practicality of adapting their teaching to the needs of heterogeneous classes. Surveys teachers and administrators in five German comprehensive schools. Finds that teachers do not support the view that within-class grouping may be a viable alternative to systems of across-class setting by…

Discusses issues influencing the placement of young children with disabilities, including individual educational plans, labeling, philosophy-based decisions, the Regular Education Initiative, and full inclusion. Maintains that decisions regarding educational programs with disabilities must be based on individual educational needs, and notes that…

Strategies are presented for systematic planning and teacher collaboration for inclusion of students with disabilities in rural general education classrooms. This planning and ongoing support is essential for the student to be a full member of the class rather than just physically present. A case study illustrates the positive effects of such a…

A case study of a nine-year-old boy with visual impairments and mental retardation illustrates the importance of family-school-community partnerships when planning for students with visual impairments. A chart identifies areas for Individualized Education Program team consideration and decision-making to support the child's inclusion in the…

This article explores how to identify students with traumatic brain injury (TBI), difficulties students with TBI may face in the classroom, where the best placements might be, and what teaching strategies are effective. A classroom observation checklist for students with TBI is provided, along with advice on developing instructional plans.…