This study examined the teaching practices of Maria, a special education teacher who worked with students who had multiple disabilities, were nonverbal, and used augmentative and alternative communication. The study focused on the complex, interdependent, and dynamic nature of teacher knowledge, beliefs, and practices, illuminating the connection…

This brief paper summarizes findings of a 1996 national survey of approximately 1,000 school administrators about the use of advanced telecommunications in their schools. One question asked administrators to report the extent to which five barriers hindered the use of advanced telecommunications by students with disabilities. Findings indicated…

This pamphlet, in Spanish, describes Colorado parents' educational rights under federal and state special education rules and regulations. It addresses: (1) free appropriate public education and termination of services; (2) required prior notice to parents if there is a proposed change or refusal to change a child's special education program; (3)…

This report discusses the outcomes of a New Jersey program designed to implement a responsible model for including students with disabilities into general education sixth, seventh, and eight grade classrooms. A major element of the "Toward Inclusive Education" (TIE) project included an intensive 2-week inservice program provided during…

This manual provides educators with goals, objectives, and intervention strategies for behavior problems identified by the "Transition Behavior Scale-Second Edition," an assessment of the behaviors of students (ages 12-18) which will interfere with successful transition to independent living and employment. The areas evaluated by the scale (work…

This booklet examines adult education needs and opportunities for persons with disabilities. It reports on the following: the changing perceptions and definitions of disability in both developed and developing nations, the rights of disabled persons, the need for educational policies for adults with disabilities, and the inclusion of people with…

This paper reviews research on best practices for preventing students with mild disabilities from dropping out of high school. Findings from the literature review indicate there is a consensus among the researchers that warning signs for school dropout among students with mild disabilities include: poor attendance, academic difficulties,…

This publication is a guide to assist librarians in taking a proactive stance to include families of children with special needs in programs and services. The focus is on families with children up to age five, and covers the basic principles underlying inclusion, family-centered service, resource-based practice, and the provision of library…

This proceedings, containing 69 paper and poster presentations, focuses on innovation and hope with a glance to the future. The conference was planned to include theoretical discussions, current research findings, and promising practices based on sound evidence. Current issues in special education include the use of technology, integrating theory…

Based on the view that increasing numbers of mothers who do not fit a narrow traditional image are often maligned, misunderstood, or ignored, this book presents the stories of a diverse group of mothers whose life circumstances place them outside the mainstream. Chapters explore the lives of mothers of exceptional children and biracial children;…

This study examined preservice teachers' responses to a survey that assessed their tolerance of difference in race, gender, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, disability, and sexual preference. It also investigated their perspectives concerning welfare recipients and non-English speaking people. During the fall 1998 semester, 117…

These instructional materials are designed to improve the performance of paraeducators working in transitional services and supported employment for teenagers and young adults with disabilities. The competency-based program helps participants to learn skills they can apply immediately, to accept new practices, and to increase their understanding…

This booklet was developed in response to input from six regional forums held in Missouri in the spring of 1996. The purpose was to solicit public perceptions about inclusive school practices in public schools for students with and without disabilities, as well as to obtain stakeholder input on how to increase and improve inclusive education in…

In this study, a performance-based assessment was used to examine the effects of preservice preparation factors on culturally responsive teaching (CRT). The measure used to assess CRT among beginning teachers was derived from Praxis III, an assessment system developed by the Educational Testing Services and infused with sensitivity to culture as…

Although in the United States there are many thousands of crippled children, probably as many as there are of deaf and blind, little attention has been given them as a class. While special provision for the deaf and blind children is made in all States and for feeble-minded and incorrigible children in most of the States, few States make any…