This article shares the story of Jose, a student that presents an extreme example of what can happen to deaf and hard of hearing children in our nation's schools when assessment data is either inaccurate or ignored and parental input is absent. Presenting a unique challenge to the educational system, each deaf or hard of hearing child is at the…

Questions often arise about how accessible educational materials (AEM) might be included in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The two purposes of this article are to (1) help families and educators understand the importance of including AEM in the IEPs of students who require them, and (2) to discuss locations in the IEP where it may be…

This booklet has been developed in hopes that it may aid in keeping communication open and focused between families and schools. Building communication between parents and the school staff through letters offers a way of keeping records of ideas, concerns, and suggestions. This booklet provides general guidelines to writing letters as well as…

The fundamental intent of special education is to provide instruction to meet each child's unique needs. "Life Journey through Autism: Navigating the Special Education System" offers information, tools, and tips that will help parents become an even more effective advocate for their children. Many teachers, administrators, and school…

The successful transition into adulthood of students with disabilities should be a priority for parents, students, educators, and leaders in special education. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) amendments of 1990 first mandated transition services for individuals with disabilities. Subsequent amendments to the IDEA in 1997 and…

Intended for handicapped students and their parents, the booklet presents a guide to special education services in the Boston, Massachusetts, public schools, focusing on Chapter 766, a Massachusetts law that guarantees every child the right to a free and appropriate public education. Section 1 discusses the evaluation process, covering such…

The Oregon Annual Program Plan for fiscal year 1979 sets forth the state's policies to provide all handicapped childre (6-20 years old) with a free appropriate public education, as mandated by P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. Addressed are the following topics: right to education, full educational opportunity timetable,…

This paper argues for students' inclusion as empowered participants in the process of designing their Individual Education Plans (IEP). Possible student roles in assessment, IEP development, evaluation, modification and other IEP stages are described. Guidelines for student participation in the IEP conference and a sample self-evaluation checklist…

This practicum addressed educators' concerns that relatively few parents involve themselves in the reevaluation process of high school-level students with mild disabilities. The practicum sought to increase parent involvement in the development of 10 students' academic and career/vocational programs. The practicum involved encouraging parents to…

This manual is designed to help parents learn how the special education system works in Pennsylvania and how parents can use the system to benefit their child. Chapters of the manual cover the student's right to: (1) a free appropriate public education; (2) pre-evaluation screening; (3) evaluations and re-evaluations; (4) an individualized…

This briefing paper provides answers to frequently asked questions about special education. It is divided into sections addressing student evaluation, special education eligibility, writing an Individualized Education Program (IEP), re-evaluation, and other special education issues. Specifically, information is provided on: (1) the purpose of…

The resource guide for regular teachers provides policies and procedures of the Flour Bluff (Texas) school district regarding special education of handicapped students. Individual sections provide guidelines for the following areas: the referral process; individual assessment; participation on student evaluation and placement committee; special…

Summarizes the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997, especially changes in the individualized education program process, discipline of students with disabilities, accountability, and procedural safeguards. It also addresses restructuring of the act, issues of assessment as a means of accountability, development of…

Describes a 10-step process that educators can use when conducting functional assessments and developing Behavioral Intervention Plans required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 for students with disabilities with behavior problems. A case study is provided to illustrate the process. (Author/CR)

This paper identifies essential elements and definitions (under the 1997 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments) concerning procedural safeguard requirements when the behavior of a student requiring special education services prompts disciplinary action. These procedural safeguards include the requirement that Individualized…