An action research study examined the use of an extensive experiential assignment to introduce preservice elementary teachers to the field of special education. The study documents the use of 58 students' experiences in a difficult learning situation and investigates the transference of this learning experience to course content on individualizing…

Identifies the ambiguities in defining handicapped students and outlines the unique needs of handicapped persons and the role education plays in meeting these needs. Discusses the legislated responsibilities of postsecondary institutions to foster the education of the handicapped and the difficulties in complying with such mandates. (Author)

Describes a person-centered planning approach for involving students with disabilities and their families in the transition planning process. Components of person-centered planning are discussed, including development of a personal profile, identification of future lifestyle preferences, action steps and responsible parties, and necessary changes…

Explains some of the significant provisions and recent case law developments in special education for the disabled in England. (78 footnotes) (MLF)

Reviews the legal basis for the mandatory consideration of supplementary aids and services for enabling children with disabilities to be educated in the regular classroom and presents a four-step approach for teams to use in determining supplementary aids and services for children with disabilities. (Author/CR)

As every school administrator knows, the IEP is an integral part of meeting the needs of students with disabilities (Wright & Wright, 1999). It is the primary device through which communication takes place among parents, students, administrators, teachers, and other related service personnel regarding how the school plans to meet the requirements…

This paper first compares Vermont's old Individualized Education Plan (IEP) which was designed primarily to insure legal compliance with the new family-centered IEP. It then describes the new IEP. Vermont's new family-centered IEP process emphasizes increased collaboration, reduced paperwork, and legal compliance. Three questions serve as a focus…

This teacher's resource guide from British Columbia provides an overview of the needs of students with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). It begins by discussing the definition of FAS and fetal alcohol effects (FAE), characteristics of students with FAS/E, and steps for preparing to teach students with FAS/E (collecting information, making and carrying…

The rationale behind Public Law 94-142, which pertains to education of handicapped children, is presented. Key terms such as mainstreaming, least restrictive environment, zero reject, most appropriate placement, and individualized education are discussed to clarify their significance for educators. (PP)

A survey of special education directors investigated the provision of related services to disabled students in rural Nevada. Difficulties included hiring qualified personnel, low numbers of students needing particular services, geographic dispersement of students, and distance from urban areas. Solutions included collaboration with other agencies,…

Among ideas expressed are that quality of caring, which is the substance of programs for behavior disordered students, cannot be legislated. Teacher training programs should concentrate on underlying concepts that promote teaching excellence. The individual psychology approach is the only real theoretical match for the development of…

Suggestions to facilitate the reentry of the disabled student into the regular classroom are offered, and information on resource materials is presented. A chart lists mainstreaming materials for the normal child, children's books about handicaps, and teacher resource materials, along with the publishers' addresses, type of handicap, type of…

This workbook was written to help students, parents, and support staff prepare "transition plans" to help students with disabilities get ready for living in the adult world. (Such transition planning should start four to five years before students leave school.) Written in simple language and short sentences, the workbook contains seven sections.…

Part of a series of instructor training modules on related subjects instruction for apprentices, this booklet deals with providing for individual learner needs. The first chapter consists of an outline of the scope and content of the instructor training modules as well as a self-asessment pretest. Covered in the module are determining needs,…

This module (part of a series of 24 modules) is on writing individualized education programs (IEPs). The genesis of these materials is in the 10 "clusters of capabilities," outlined in the paper, "A Common Body of Practice for Teachers: The Challenge of Public Law 94-142 to Teacher Education." These clusters form the proposed…