Individual plans for people with intellectual disabilities were evaluated for quality and effectiveness in improving quality of life. Quality was assessed by rating whether goals were relevant, observable, age appropriate, necessary, timetabled, developmental, measurable, realistic, assigned to staff and improving at least one of O'Brien's five…

This study evaluated the extent to which individualized service plans (ISPs) for individuals with disabilities are consistent with established policies. Evaluation of 50 ISPs from Australian community residences for people with moderate to severe disabilities found major deficiencies in the plans, such as a lack of measurable objectives. (DB)

Federal legislation mandates all students, including those with significant cognitive disabilities, participate in standards based education and in state assessments linked to those standards. To address this issue, this study used a multiple case study design in order to determine the impact alternate assessments based on alternate achievement…

The program "Take Action" was used to teach six adolescents with mild to moderate mental retardation the skills they needed to attain their daily Individualized Education Program goals. Results indicate all students learned to attain their own daily goals and maintained these skills following withdrawal of teacher instruction. (Contains…

This article reviews results of research on individualized planning for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. It discusses the relevant change in the values, philosophies, policies, and developments that have occurred during the last 25 years and discusses how these have influenced planning for, with, and by, people with…

A study of 22 students with mental retardation and their families evaluated the impact of person-centered planning activities on several variables related to a student's individual education program/transition planning meeting. Person-centered planning had a significant effect on parent participation in meetings, but not on discussion of…

An inservice teacher training program on individualized education programs was provided to two vocational coordinators and seven teachers of students with mental retardation. The program was found to be effective in teaching the participants how to write technically adequate objectives and in increasing statements of generalized performance. (CR)

Reflects on a study of the effectiveness of an inservice training program on individualized education programs that was provided to two vocational coordinators and seven teachers of students with mental retardation. Discusses the reasons the study focused on behavioral objectives and the importance of writing quality behavioral objectives. (CR)

This federally funded project analyzed data from a computerized individualized education plan (IEP) system, to examine factors relating to excellence in special education, with the goal of improving student assessment, evaluation, and outcomes in special education. This final report focuses on three research questions. The first question is…