Research on the effectiveness of early intervention with handicapped children is reviewed in this information digest. Presented in question and answer format, the digest addresses the following questions: What is early intervention? Why intervene early? Is early intervention really effective? Is early intervention cost effective? Are there…

Questionnaires were completed by 85 high school administrators, 87 high school special education teachers, and 103 general education teachers; and interviews were conducted with 48 special education students. Data are presented according to each sample group. Special education teachers responded to questions on such issues as courses taught,…

This progress report summarizes evaluation findings for the Janesville, Wisconsin, Learning Disabilities Program for 1982-83, which served 360 students with approximately 27 certified instructors. Past findings are listed for self-concept; teacher, parent, and administrator reactions; identification of LD students; and student achievement.…

The report evaluates the functions and effectiveness of sheltered workshops for handicapped students in Minnesota. The initial chapter reviews the history of the workshops, discusses participation in state workshops, describes programs and services of vocational rehabilitation, and summarizes funding of rehabilitation facilities. A chapter on…

The final report describes the evolution and accomplishments of a project designed to identify factors associated with successful completion of education/training programs for mainstreamed mildly handicapped secondary students. Program outcomes were measured via examination of the student records, interviews, and recollections of special education…

The 1987-88 annual report reviews progress on 17 longitudinal studies to determine the efficacy of early intervention with handicapped children. The overview chapter reviews previous research on this topic; considers ethical, practical, and scientific considerations of randomized experiments in early childhood special education; examines benefits…

The relationship between the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Program and vocational rehabilitation (VR) programs was reviewed. Focus was on the extent to which VR services are successful in returning SSDI beneficiaries to productive employment. The review was carried out in 10 states with widely varying practices in referring SSDI…

The effectiveness of using 75 aides in special education classrooms in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was evaluated in terms of impact on students, classrooms, and staff. Interviews, record reviews, and survey research were used to collect data. Findings revealed that aides were perceived as having a positive impact on the children through more…

Results are reported from an investigation of the implementation and effects of The Adaptive Learning Environments Model (ALEM), a program designed to provide special education services for mainstreamed handicapped students in regular classroom settings on a full-time basis. ALEM includes components of prescriptive instruction with informal…

A quasi-experimental study was undertaken of the effects of summer programs on the behaviors and skills of 186 severely handicapped children (2-18 years old). Programs were categorized by their orientation and by their length, resulting in five groupings: 6 week high structure (educational skill and behavior goal-oriented), medium structure (mixed…

The manual, intended for local education agency administrators, outlines Program Quality Evaluation (PQE), North Carolina's approach to measuring special education programs. Chapter 2 establishes the rationale of evaluation and advocates the goal-based approach. Chapter 3 lists three program goal areas (determining learner gains/outcomes, locating…

The report presents accomplishments of a program to stimulate new and improved services to high risk/handicapped infants (0-3), with specific emphasis on new intervention and followup services to chronically hospitalized premature babies in intensive care nurseries (ICNs). Following a summary of project accomplishments (including the provision of…

The final report summarizes goals and accomplishments of a project which developed and field tested materials to facilitate interagency cooperation in serving exceptional persons. The project developed a manual (which is appended) designed to acquaint the reader with major research findings on interagency agreement; describe a model for…

One of 10 documents developed by the Preschool Program of the Putnam/Northern Westchester (NY) Board of Cooperative Educational Services, the document is a summary of a June, 1981, institute on the efficacy of early childhood education for the handicapped. The institute was intended to provide state legislators, county executives, education…

A school psychologist reviews court cases (Armstrong vs. Kline and Battles vs. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania) and discusses effects of an extended school year on 45 students (mean age 11 years) with severe/profound mental retardation or severe emotional disturbance. Analysis of pre- and posttest levels in 11 developmental areas (gross motor, fine…