In this article, we describe the exploration of the content and quality of annual goals included in the Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) of students with disabilities in one rural U.S. school district. We utilized content analysis to understand the district's service delivery model comprehensively. Findings revealed disparities between…

Students with complex support needs require individualized education programs (IEPs) to describe their present levels of academic achievement and functional performance (PLAAFP), and the annual goals and supplementary aids and services (SAS) that will be provided to enable them to make progress in the least restrictive environment. Previous…

Students with complex support needs require individualized education programs (IEPs) to describe their present levels of academic achievement and functional performance (PLAAFP), and the annual goals and supplementary aids and services (SAS) that will be provided to enable them to make progress in the least restrictive environment. Previous…

This case study uses an institutional ethnography approach to investigate the experiences of the parents of a son who has autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as they engaged in meetings related to his progress and placement with school personnel over the course of one school year. Through an analysis of the discourse used in these meetings and…

Despite the continued growth of inclusive practices, an increasing number of students with disabilities are being served in alternative school settings. However, the number of students served in these settings, and the services they are receiving, remains virtually unexplored. This study reports the results of a survey of alternative schools in…

The present study identified factors influencing determination of educational setting for students with Emotional Disturbance (ED). Determination of most appropriate educational setting, a key provision of students' individualized education programs (IEP) continues to be one the most contentious issues in special education. Focus group interviews…

The individualized education programs (IEPs) of 22 students with severe disabilities were analyzed during students' placement in special classes and general education classes. No difference was found in the curriculum content of the IEPs written for students attending a special versus a general education class; however, IEP objectives' quality was…

The purpose of this book is to provide guidelines to develop appropriate Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for children with disabilities based on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act amendments of 2004 (IDEA-2004) or Public Law 108-446. These guidelines are intended to result in IEPs that are streamlined, focused, and reasonably…

This paper presents results of a survey of Massachusetts parents of children with disabilities concerning implementation of the child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Survey respondents (N=400) addressed the following issues: quality of educational and related services; access to the general curriculum in the least restrictive environment;…

Discusses the growing legal, philosophical, and empirical support for allowing students with severe handicaps to attend regular classes with peers of the same age. Presents advantages of integration for students with and without handicaps. Resources for bringing about integration are described. (GLR)

Parents of 209 children (162 males and 46 females) with autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome or learning disabilities ranging in age from 4 to 21 years were surveyed about their perceptions of the education of their children. Items on the survey were categorized into 7 areas: school personnel's knowledge about the disability, best practices,…