The paper is an outgrowth of a Utah task force composed of school personnel and parents examining conflict in the individualized education program (IEP) process for handicapped children. An introductory section examines the history of parent-school relations, reviews the steps in the IEP process, and describes such conflict resolution strategies…

Individualized educational programs (IEPs) written either by hand or by use of the "IEP Writer'" a specially designed word processing program, were compared. Results indicated that IEPs which were written using the program took less time and were of higher quality than were handwritten IEPs. (Author/DB)

The study determined the extent to which multidisciplinary teams that include vocational educators are utilized to provide services for mentally handicapped and learning disabled students. Questionnaires were completed by 222 principals or special education directors. Results indicate that vocational educators have limited involvement in the…

A process to translate results of vocational assessment of learning disabled and behavior-disordered students into individualized education program objectives is described. The process addresses three concerns: (1) appropriate vocational assessment for all; (2) adequate use of assessment results; and (3) inclusion of transition objectives and…

A survey of 50 vocational and industrial education teachers revealed that most had taught handicapped students and felt a need for a required undergraduate course in vocational education of handicapped students. Their training priorities included (1) vocational assessment, (2) helping organizations, (3) laboratory adaptation, and (4) policies and…

A dropout prevention program is described which incorporates direct involvement of parents in training; an advisory committee made up of employers, parents, students, and staff; and a subcontract which allowed continuation of the program throughout the summer. The effectiveness of the program is discussed. (CT)

The authors address planning issues and suggest methods of interagency cooperation, integration of generalizable skills in individualized educational planning/programming, developing goals and objectives, and using student assessment and evaluation information. (CT)

A case for "special-ordinary" education is made in the context of the Effective Schools Movement. Development and maintenance of the "Most Enhancing Environment" (rather than the Least Restrictive Environment) and appropriate goals are discussed. (JC)

Articles concerning the special needs student include an account of how some teachers participate in the preparation of their students' individualized education programs, the effects of a teacher's attitude on a student's performance and how to put that knowledge to work in the classroom, and ways to help special needs students succeed in…

Reviews provisions in Public Law 94-142. Delineates needs of classroom teachers in providing effective mainstreaming for handicapped students. Offers practical suggestions for classroom teachers to make mainstreaming a positive, beneficial experience--identify support personnel, participate in individualized education plan guideline formation,…

The article summarizes the following factors identified in service provision for severely and multiply handicapped students: programmatic considerations; administrative considerations; service delivery models; assessment; educational placement; individual educational programs; and program documentation. (CL)

Parents often become experts on their child's disability. Through their own learning process, many see the value of teaching their child's classmates about the affect of the disability at school. Parents and professionals find that if classmates understand a child's disability, they may become allies in helping the child. The children may also be…

With the introduction of the revised Special Educational Needs (SEN) Code of Practice in 2001/2002, the full range of early years care and education was required to plan and implement inclusion. This meant that many settings were included for the first time in far-reaching changes, designed to make sure that early years children who have special…

This book presents a group of case studies to show how to assess students to develop a clear statement of transition service needs and then use that information for goals and objectives in their IEP or ITP (individual transition plan). The case studies format will help you see in a concrete way how assessment procedures relate to young people with…

This report presents results of a survey of 1,275 Individualized Education Program (IEP) managers in Minnesota concerning IEP team collaboration and communication, technology use, IEP manager tasks, and effects of IEP software, both networked and non-networked versions. Survey data were divided into five comparative groups: no use of software to…