Argues that a change in approach to families of children with special educational needs, including a radical reappraisal of the structure of their role and the style of delivery of early intervention, is necessary and is fundamental to re-establishing the place of early intervention as a valid and valuable resource to families. (Author)

Presents the Verbal Interaction Analysis System (VIAS), a computer-based system designed to analyze verbal interactions, and describes application of the VIAS in analyzing family/professional interactions during the Individualized Family Service Plan process. The results of a pilot test of the VIAS found high interobserver reliability. (Author/CR)

Placement of children in state custody with their relatives has grown dramatically. Interviews with caseworkers serving children in kinship foster care were studied and revealed the complex nature of this practice and identified potential obstacles to permanency for these children. Results suggest practice principles that may facilitate permanency…

This article describes a comprehensive transition program for students with mild disabilities. The program revolves around a classroom-based employability skills curriculum taught over a semester's duration. Four program components are addressed: employability skills training, family involvement, adult agency referral, and on-the-job support. (CR)

This article proposes that schools take on the role of coordinating intervention efforts with school-age children who exhibit antisocial behavior patterns. Collaboration with families and social service agencies is urged. A generic prevention/intervention approach for reducing antisocial behavior risk factors is suggested, with recommendations for…

Describes the creation of a flexible and varied family-school partnership for second-language learning at a Montessori preschool. Highlights how the program provided students with an opportunity to participate in second-language learning in an optimal environment while providing parents access to home-based activities that were in concert with…

Compared regular and special early childhood education in the United States and Japan through videotaped observation and interviews. Found differences in the standardization of programs offered, adequacy of equipment and materials, class size and schedule, background of teachers, discipline, development of special needs programs, and emphasis on…

This article presents the Autism Spectrum Disorder Inclusion Collaboration Model and discusses its five major components: environmental and curricular modifications; classroom support and instructional methods; attitudinal and social support; coordinated team commitment; recurrent evaluation of inclusion procedures; and home-school collaboration.…

A study examined patterns and predictors of service use by 85 families of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) graduates, specifically premature infants. Enabling variables (NICU contacts and follow-up services) and parents' perceptions of children's problems were major predictors of service use. No demographic characteristics predicted service…

Surveyed 585 adolescents to examine relationship between family structural and process variables and adolescent participation in family decisions and vigilant decision making. Family socioeconomic status, high family cohesion, good parent-adolescent communication, and sound parental conflict resolution skills were related to adolescents' vigilant…

Claims that children's peer relations are significant in their social, cognitive, and moral development, and are correlated to later problems in social adjustment. Includes a brief historical perspective on the subject, and explores direct and indirect influences. Claims that peer relations develop within ecological frameworks, and identifies the…

This article considers political and legislative conditions needed for the successful education of children with special educational needs. It covers the international scene, positive British policies and legislation, positive local policies, implementation strategies, monitoring of progress, support services, meeting individual needs, working…

Summarizes four projects that attempt to use cultural resources for instruction, each in a unique way. Suggests that these projects serve as catalysts to challenge the status quo by creating conditions and activities for novel uses of literacy. Highlights the important mediating functions of literacy, especially in two languages, in helping…

This qualitative study used focus groups to explore student perspectives on family involvement in the transition from school to adult life. Four focus groups, including students with learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, and mild mental retardation, demonstrated the importance to students of family input and support.…

Schools participating in the League of Schools Reaching Out, a national reform project, offer multiple examples of practices to increase family and community involvement. These numerous efforts exist without benefit of a clear, comprehensive, and supportive policy. Developing such a system must be a national priority. (SLD)