This paper is one of a group that describes the research methodology for an evaluation of individually guided education (IGE) in American elementary schools. The paper covers the first phase activities from solicitation of participants (April 1977) through preparation of final data tapes for the structural equations analysis (September 1978).…

Public Law 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, stipulates that an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) be prepared for each handicapped child going to public school. Each IEP must include a statement of the child's current performance, a statement of annual goals and instructional objectives, a statement of services…

A major problem in mainstreaming and implementation of Public Law 94-142 has been in establishing evaluation criteria to determine appropriate learning environment placement. Providing appropriate education in the least restrictive environment is primarily the classroom teacher's responsibility, requiring decision-making based on these questions:…