Examines issues in the provision of comprehensive services to students who are both gifted and disabled, especially learning disabled. It urges a closer working relationship among the department of gifted education, the department of special education, and parents, and the development of an individual learning plan for each student. (DB)

Dr. Mitchell Yell, an expert in special-education law, is interviewed on the 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act that will affect the discipline of students with disabilities. He addresses suspension and expulsion of students with disabilities, the required manifestation determination hearing, and…

Presents a developmentally appropriate framework reflecting the constructivist orientation of early childhood education to guide development of IEP goals and objectives for young children with disabilities. Discusses problems teachers encounter with IEPs, including defining skills too narrowly, not considering the time factor, and isolating the…

Discussion of the role of play in development of young children with disabilities considers the different forms of play as the child develops, the social nature of play, contexts and play materials, and the value of including play goals and strategies in the individualized family service plan or individual education program developed cooperatively…

Parents have used their empowerment under the 1997 Amendments to become the advocate for the child not only in the classroom, but also in the courtroom. Generally, the courts have been quick to reject nonattorney parents' request to represent their child. Those parents who are licensed members of the bar may be allowed to represent their child,…

This study analyzed the Individualized Education Program (IEP) statements of 24 students' present functioning and goals concerning social competence, observed the students in various school settings, and interviewed teachers and students. IEP statements accurately characterized present peer interactions, but instructional practices to foster peer…

Discussion of the assessment of students with disabilities receiving services in inclusive settings focuses on assessing for updating the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and for guiding instruction. It considers the use of norm-referenced assessment, informal assessment, assessment for instruction, teacher observation and listening skills,…

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, schools have certain responsibilities when addressing special-educations students' assistive technology needs: selecting and purchasing appropriate devices; maintaining, repairing, and replacing devices as needed; and training students and family members how to use devices. Costs and funding…

A study investigated the kinds of instructional and assessment accommodations received by 280 students with disabilities and the extent to which instructional accommodations match assessment accommodations. Most students who had Individualized Education Programs in specific content areas received instructional accommodations in those areas.…

Discusses the myths related to inclusive education and offers suggestions for enhancing every child's education. (SR)

A review of learning disabilities in gifted children provides definitions of "learning disabilities" and "giftedness", a classification of gifted students with learning disabilities, the importance of a multidimensional approach to identifying students with gifts/learning disabilities, characteristics, programming guidelines, teaching strategies,…

This article provides a general description of the features and steps of the functional behavioral assessment (FBA) process. It is organized around frequently asked questions and provides information on who conducts an FBA, when an FBA should be done, the components of an FBA, and outcomes of an FBA. (Contains references.) (CR)

Case studies of three inclusive early childhood education programs investigated the feasibility of supporting the learning objectives of four children with disabilities through the use embedded learning opportunities. Teachers demonstrated increased use of instructional behaviors toward targeted children and children demonstrated concomitant…

In light of the discipline provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act emphasizing functional assessments and positive behavioral interventions as well as new responsibilities for the Individualized Education Program team, this article discusses the problems that school divisions are encountering when implementing these…

Examines the use of supplementary aids and services, those modifications or additional supports frequently required by young children with disabilities in an inclusive environment. Discusses the definition and continuum of assistive technology devices, the importance of supplementary aids, factors hindering the use of assistive devices in…