Understanding facilitative aspects of power is necessary for analyzing processes and outcomes in today's schools. Facilitative, interactive power has become commonplace when no single individual or role commands decision-making control without dependence on expert knowledge and collegial cooperation. Examples include individualized educational…

Investigates the existence of an identifiable core cognitive curriculum operative in early intervention programs as revealed in the developmental inventories used to assess students and in Individual Educational Program (IEP) objectives. Discusses the substance and suitability of this curriculum for developmentally disabled preschoolers. Questions…

Discusses the three major developments in the revised Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): general-education teachers participating in individualized education programs, school flexibility in disciplining special-needs students, and emphasis on integrating special-education students into general education. (JOW)

Discusses current emphasis on individualization and meeting Head Start Program Performance Standards in this area. Assessment of individual needs, evaluation of information and planning practices comprise the individual approach to learning. Documentation in the form of personalized lesson plans provides a record of health, safety, and nutrition…

The Individualized Educational Program (IEP) is the foundation of instruction for individuals with disabilities. Therefore, learning to write and attach meaning to these documents is critical for preservice teachers. This article explores an approach to teaching IEPs during teacher preparation, which encourages preservice teachers to view the IEP…

This study provides an analysis of case law concerning applied behavior analysis (ABA) for students with autism to determine outcome-related factors. The authors classified the 68 pertinent hearing/review officer and court decisions published in EHLR ("Education for Handicapped Law Report") and IDELR ("Individuals with Disabilities Education Law…

For years, Marilyn Arons, 67, has taught parents how to use the main federal special education law to get the most appropriate education for their children. And now, the role of experts such as Ms. Arons is at the center of a U.S. Supreme Court case that will be heard next week. The case, which began in 1997, involves New York state's Arlington…

This article advocates the use of a decision-making flowchart to help understand whether the proposed test alteration(s) is an accommodation or a modification. If the proposed alteration is not listed in state guidelines, the flowchart directs the IEP team to identify (a) the purpose of the test and (b) the consequences of the scores so that the…

Two purposes are served by this guide: to allow school districts to examine their special education programs and related pupil personnel services, and to aid state departments of education in evaluating the nature, scope, and quality of school district offerings to handicapped students. The guide is divided into two parts: one provides forms for…

The purpose of this guide is to help educators understand and be able to respond effectively to the needs of children with Asperger Syndrome in an inclusive classroom setting. This guide is meant to orient educators to the challenges and skills of students with Asperger Syndrome and outline strategies that can be easily implemented to meet their…

This report provides an analysis of those portions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related legislation relevant to the career preparation and employment status of individuals with cognitive impairments. It reviews government-sponsored evaluations and professional research in specific areas of labor and education and reports on a…

This paper addresses two approaches to serving students at risk for or with emotional and/or behavioral disorders in general education settings: (1) use of individual behavior plans (IBPs), and (2) use of the combined classroom model. The process of developing an IBP is detailed, including when an IBP is developed, by whom it is developed, and the…

This report presents findings of a Minnesota study group which reviewed the costs and structures under which developmental disabilities services are provided. The group conducted a series of town meetings throughout the state and concluded with a toll-free call-in day. Six themes emerged from the meetings: (1) "We have a lot to be proud of…

This final report describes objectives, activities, and outcomes of a project to provide training to infant specialists employed within a total of 16 infant intervention programs in New York State. The project focused on the acquisition of skills necessary to provide services under Public Law 99-457. Training content and procedures were derived…

This report on the Santa Clara Plus Assessment and Activities Program describes the development of the Santa Clara Inventory of Developmental Tasks and evaluates the program's effectiveness. Intended as an observational tool for teachers concerned with the development of readiness, the Inventory provides a procedure for: (1) observing children's…