When accurately assigned and administered appropriately, testing accommodations help ameliorate the effects of personal characteristics that limit access to critical information and prevent a person from demonstrating his or her true abilities in the tested domain. Inaccurate assignment or misuse of accommodations may counteract the benefits of…

The focus of this factsheet is the variation among English local education authorities (LEAs) in the proportion of the school population placed in special schools. Statistical data are presented to show how the national proportion of pupils aged 5-15 attending special schools in England changed between 1982 and 1987. Additional data provide the…

The manual suggests procedures for speech and language programs in Michigan. The six stages of the special education process are examined: referral; evaluation (including the role of the multidisciplinary evaluation team and eligibility requirements for determining speech and language impairments); the individualized educational planning committee…

The document discusses the development of individualized education programs (IEPs) for handicapped students based upon information which describes a child's level of educational achievement and learning rate, social development, physical development, and management needs in the classroom. An introductory section provides a rationale for developing…

The manual presents guidelines for use by South Dakota School districts regarding planning, implementing, and evaluating services for gifted students. Relevant laws and regulations are cited, followed by a statement of educational philosophy for gifted programs. Five needs are addressed briefly: identification of the gifted population, a…

The materials in this monograph are intended to introduce the regular teacher education candidate to those areas of special education significant for facilitating the needs of special learners in regular classroom settings. Seven modules are presented, each developed around a content theme selected to identify the basic information a beginning…

Oklahoma's policies regarding developing and implementing individualized education programs (IEPs) for handicapped students are set forth. An introductory section lists local education agency responsibility. Policies are detailed in succeeding chapters for the following aspects (sample subtopics in parentheses): screening (public awareness,…

A questionnaire completed by school psychologists indicated ethical and legal dilemmas involved in evaluation, decision making, and placement of students under P.L. 94-142. These conflicts arose from budgetary restraints and professional disagreements. The dilemmas are discussed and possible preventive measures are suggested. (DWH)

The author reviews results of eight research papers with conflicting data on effectiveness of special versus regular class placement for educable mentally retarded children, expresses need for more research, and emphasizes use of the individualized education plan to determine the most appropriate setting for a child. (MC)

Under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Vermont Department of Education's Special Education Regulations, parents have specific rights concerning their participation in the special education process. The purpose of this booklet is to inform parents of those rights and to provide them with a list of resources to…

This handbook for Missouri parents of young children with disabilities provides information on obtaining special education services from a local school district. A step-by-step guide for transitioning into preschool is provided. The steps include: (1) referral of the child to their local school; (2) holding a transition conference; (3) arranging…

A framework for vocational assessment that matches handicapped students, curriculum, and training environment is described. The assessment approach is described in regard to screening, educational placement, evaluation of student achievement prior to placement in the curriculum, and assessment of individual progress, and program evaluation. (SEW)

Steps to success in the mainstreaming of handicapped students include: (1) warm and accepting atmosphere; (2) acceptance of the handicapped students; (4) less physically restrictive classrooms; (5) successful experiences; (6) emphasis on individual strengths; (7) fair testing procedures; (8) enlivening lesson plans; (9) parent teacher…

The Education for All Handicapped Children Act requires school districts to provide handicapped children with an appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. Analyzes several circuit court decisions that provide a reasonable framework for courts to use in deciding least restrictive environment controversies. (MLF)

In deciding "Honig v. Doe" the United States Supreme Court held that the unilateral exclusion of a handicapped student for conduct caused by the student's disability, for a period in excess of 10 school days, constitutes a prohibited change of placement. Identifies and discusses seven unanswered questions regarding disciplining…