This resource guide outlines procedures for efficiently and effectively planning and implementing transition programming for at-risk students. Based on a review and synthesis of needs assessment systems in transition programs, a flow chart is presented showing step-by-step procedures recommended for local transition needs assessments. Steps in the…

The We Do--They Do Model provides an evaluation methodology that service providers can use on a small scale to obtain data for themselves and for the over-all system. The model allows for complete assessment of ongoing program implementation and outcome. Three questions are used to organize evaluation activities: (1) Did staff (We) do what we said…

The paper reviews aspects of preschool special education from three perspectives: (1) existing federal and state laws, (2) the state of the art, (3) legal decisions and implications. Discretionary interpretations of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) regarding preschool special…

The document contains the final report of the Harleyville (South Carolina) Early Learning Program (Project HELP), a 3 year model demonstration project to serve three young children with developmental delays or special needs, and their families, in a rural, multicultural environment. The first eight sections describe the activities and outcomes of…

A summary of 1981-82 Title I funded educational projects carried out in the State of Georgia is provided in this annual report. Data in the report are based on a reporting sample of one-third of the State's participating school districts, and lead to the following information. (1) More than 57,000 Georgia school children participated in regular…

This report presents 1979-80 evaluation findings of the Non-Public Schools Learning Resource Center, in Detroit, Michigan. The center, funded by Title I, provided diagnostic/prescriptive-learning techniques to 1,400 students (in 27 non-public schools) who had learning difficulties in mathematics and reading. The first section of the report…

Reasons for the long-range success of the Los Angeles Community College District's evaluation system for its handicap program are explored in this report, using a force field analysis of facilitating and restraining factors. First, introductory material cites previous reports exploring various aspects of the evaluation system. Next, the following…

The paper presents a model to assist administrators of special education programs for multiply handicapped children in making budgetary decisions and in evaluating therapy programs. The model's use requires that the efficiency and effectiveness of the various therapeutic services be measured and that the service needs of the multiply handicapped…

The report describes the operation of a model preservice special education teacher preparation practicum designed from a competency based teacher education frame of reference and utilizing a computer assisted teacher training system (CATTS). Chapter I provides introductory information (including teacher training objectives) and an explanation of…

Intended for use by Texas school administrators in developing and operating programs to better meet the vocational education needs of their handicapped students, this guide first examines the need for a clearly developed program design with specific objectives as the foundation on which program evaluation is based. Following this examination is a…

Field-testing in five Vermont school districts demonstrated the effectiveness of a model to support local school personnel in forming effective collaborative teams and acquiring the necessary competencies to educate severely-disabled learners. The model featured inservice training, modeling, coaching, and feedback. (Author/CB)

Five case studies of 7- to 14-year-olds mainstreamed (by necessity) in isolated rural Queensland (Australia) schools were reviewed. Five factors influenced mainstreaming outcomes: (1) the "self-sufficiency myth" (2) availability of specialist support; (3) effective use of support services; (4) quality of staff communication; and (5) lack…

A survey of graduates' satisfaction with and perceptions of the effectiveness of off-campus and on-campus master's degree programs in special education revealed differences in attitudes toward service delivery and the importance of program goals in the two programs, but no differences in knowledge of program competencies or overall program…

Two rural Ojibwe mothers whose young children received early childhood at-risk services were interviewed about their life circumstances and experiences with service delivery. Major interview themes that emerged included positive experiences and successes with early childhood special education services, and rural and cultural obstacles to the…

A study involving 54 preservice teachers examined the outcomes of an alternative basic certification program in special education offered by the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Results found the program was effective, attracted more mature, diverse, life-experienced individuals than traditional education programs, and included more minority…