This study examines the current state of special education provision and resources in Finland after the extensive reform of the government transfer system and Basic Education Act implemented in 2010-2011. Data were collected from a survey of compulsory school principals and from interviews with the highest-ranking officials in municipal education…

The Special Education Needs Code of Practice (2001) states that both parents and children should be actively involved in the decisions that surround the child's special educational need. In particular, it acknowledges the "unique knowledge" that children have of their own needs and advocates that they should take part in the setting and evaluating…

Recent studies have suggested that the professional training received by general educators does not adequately prepare them to properly implement inclusion-based practices. The idea of inclusion in practice has not significantly changed the situation of teaching pupils with special educational needs (SENs) in mainstream classes. This study's…

All the pieces--laws, people, programs--can fit together. (Editor)

A model for the delivery of services to learning disabled children which provides procedures for services in the least restrictive environment through professional and parental participation is described. It is explained that the components of the model are the referral system, the case conference (where the decision is made regarding the…

This digest, in question and answer format, summarizes what is known about effective ways to provide fully educational services for gifted students in the regular classroom. The following questions are addressed: What are the steps to full service? (educators need to plan environments in which all students can fully develop their abilities and…

Intended for regular classroom teachers, the guide provides information on the educational needs of exceptional children who will be mainstreamed into the regular classroom. Data is presented in the form of answers to 35 questions which cover the following areas: definition and purpose of mainstreaming; developing student instructional programs;…

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the beliefs and skills of community early childhood lead teachers and community child care center administrators participating in Florida's Four Year Old Voluntary Pre-kindergarten (VPK) Program in five rural, north Florida counties hold regarding the inclusion of young children with disabilities…

Calls for a team approach to meeting the vocational needs of handicapped learners. Emphasizes the need for a multi-disciplinary approach to vocational programing. Specifies the competencies necessary to facilitate a team effort and provides an example of a cooperative approach to the individualized education programs. (Editor/CT)

This article addresses integrated education for disabled students from both legal and educational perspectives. Variables critical to integration, including the influence of the media, the need for increased dissemination of legal and educational findings, the need for well-developed individualized education programs, and a critical examination of…

The term "children with disabilities" includes, without limitation, all children who, because of permanent or temporary mental, physical or emotional disabilities, need special education, are unable to have all their educational needs met in a regular class without special education and related services, or are unable to be adequately educated in…

In response to Brown (EC 220 139), the paper supports the integration of severely intellectually disabled students into regular classes and stresses the importance of individualized planning, "shared ownership" by the school community, peer and adult support, and merging of traditional general and special education curriculum. (DB)

Increasing numbers of young children with disabilities are receiving services in inclusive settings such as Head Start. It is important to note that positive outcomes for young children with disabilities are due in large part to practitioners' understanding and implementation of both recommended practices in both early care and education and early…

This manual for the Portland (Oregon) Public Schools presents basic information on providing educational services to children with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Individual sections cover the following topics: the brain, central nervous system and behavior; physical, psychological and emotional implication; traumatic brain injury in children versus…

A sample of 212 Mississippi special education teachers responded to a questionnaire concerning their education, adequacy of their coursework, and their training needs in relation to PL 94-142. Identified inservice needs focused on individual education plans (IEPs), working with the emotionally disturbed, and cooperating with parents. (SJL)