This report compares the assumptions and values embedded in scoring criteria used in five states (Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Oregon, and Vermont) for alternate assessments of students with significant cognitive disabilities. The five states use different alternate assessment approaches, including portfolio assessment, performance assessment,…

This manual is intended to give teachers a basic understanding of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and an in-depth understanding of techniques for evaluating the student with TBI in order to provide appropriate programming. Section 1 introduces a definition of TBI including incidence and causes, an overview of neuroanatomy, primary and secondary…

A study examined state Individualized Education Program (IEP) forms to determine the extent to which they include documentation of standards and assessments. All 50 states were asked to send their IEP Forms and to indicate whether they were required, recommended, or simply sample forms. Out of the 41 states with IEP forms, only 5 states…

This brief policy paper outlines considerations that school district personnel should address in determining the inclusion of students with disabilities in state and district testing and the use of alternate assessment for certain students with disabilities. It notes that the decision to include or exclude a student from state and district testing…

Adult students are forced to choose between traditional courses and independent studies and the assessment of learning. An alternative is discussed--educational workshops that focus on the theories in a field and the relationships between those theories and practical experience. (Author/MLW)

Presents the five-stage self-assessment model as a vehicle for involving students in the formulation of individual education plans (IEPs). Two examples are described which assess congruence between student-selected objectives and objectives selected by the IEP team. Suggests students can accurately determine their own instructional levels.…

Direct assessment is a multifaceted assessment paradigm for the diagnosis and planning of remediation for learning difficulties. Its process is experimental in nature and includes testing-the-limits and trial teaching techniques. Its content includes behavior checklists, classroom observation systems for reading and instruction, and informal…

Describes a proposed program model which provides a framework for an inservice program to help industrial arts teachers meet the needs of handicapped students, as well as procedures and policies for dealing with special-needs students in a district. (CT)

Describes the Florida International Diagnostic-Prescriptive Vocational Competency Profile which was specifically developed to focus on behavioral assessment of work requirements as they relate to the functional levels of vocational competency demonstrated by trainees with special needs. (CT)

Describes a group education plan for school districts and an individual education plan for the disadvantaged learner, as developed in New Jersey. Elements discussed include formulation of the group education plan and implementation of the individual education plan. (CT)

The levels of occupational aspirations of 40 emotionally disturbed adolescent males and 40 normal adolescent males were compared. Results indicated that the emotionally disturbed adolescents maintained their aspirations at lower levels, suggesting that their level of occupational aspiration vacillated. (RC)

Among suggestions for integrating assessment data into individualized education programs for multiply handicapped deaf students are to use criterion-referenced instruments and to view the domain areas as potential goal statements, the subdomains as potential long term objectives, and subcategory items as potential short term objectives. (Author/CL)

The authors examine, through interviews with 175 parents, students, teachers, and support personnel, potential obstacles to the successful development and use of individualized education programs (IEPs) as required by P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. (CL)

The author, a research officer at the National Foundation for Educational Research investigating provisions for children with special needs in regular schools, discusses contrasts in special education practice between England and the United States. (SBH)

Advantages and disadvantages of five policy approaches are examined regarding graduation requirements for handicapped students: pass/fail, certificate of attendance, the individualized education program, special education diplomas, and specialized curriculum approaches. (CL)