Examines the perceptions of the usefulness of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) by teachers (N=150) of emotionally disturbed and learning disabled children. The majority of respondents indicated that although the IEP does have some utility, it does not usually assist them in planning day-to-day instruction. (BH)

The first of two articles, featuring innovations and research on programs for learning disabled students in middle and high schools, reports expected goals and actual outcomes on intervention programs, identifies seven components for inclusion in a comprehensive intervention model, and focuses on the motivation, acquisition (of information), and…

A piece of civil rights legislation, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guarantees students with disabilities a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment and authorizes appropriations of billions of dollars in funding to states and school districts to assist them in providing special…

On December 3, President Bush signed into law the "Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004," amending IDEA '97. These amendments continue the focus on educating children with disabilities, to the maximum extent possible, in the general education curriculum and go a step further by aligning many of the provisions…

Under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), public school students throughout the country must participate in annual testing in specific academic areas and grades outlined in the law, including students with disabilities. Requiring the inclusion of all students with disabilities in state- and district-wide assessments helps ensure that schools,…

This popular book in its third edition shows inclusive and special educators in elementary and special education how to adapt curricula for students with diverse needs. The contents of this updated and expanded edition reflect the most current and practical adaptation issues necessary to successfully differentiate curriculum and instruction for…

This paper describes the development and implementation of the public input process at Gallaudet University's Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center. It shows how the public input process was applied to one of the Clerc Center's priority areas, the transition from school to postsecondary education and employment. Part 1 of the paper…

Vocational Resource Educators (VREs) assist students with disabilities, place them in vocational programs in which they can successfully meet competencies, and create bridges across deficit areas to provide training programs so that students can gain competitive employment. VREs also participate as members of Individualized Education Program (IEP)…

This document provides answers to questions frequently asked by parents and practitioners about the mandates and requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 (IDEA). The 29 questions are organized into six sections: (1) background information on the IDEA (history of IDEA, and obtaining copies of IDEA and…

This document is comprised of presentations and highlights from a 1997 forum on implementing the 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The forum focused on provisions of IDEA that relate to individualized education program (IEP) requirements in the areas of conduct, social skills, academics, and ways to…

This package (with manual, CD-ROM, videotape, and lists of Web-based resources) was designed to assist administrators, service providers, family members, policymakers, and other stakeholders in locating information about Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 1997 (IDEA) that will help in implementing both the legal requirements…

Recognizing the increase in school violence, California recently enacted the Hughes Bill that requires a positive behavioral intervention plan for individuals with exceptional needs. Although special education teachers are required to develop positive behavioral intervention plans, most have not been trained in the skills necessary to develop or…

This guide explains the process of developing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for a student with disabilities and is based on requirements of the original Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the amended Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997. Following an introduction, the first section outlines the…

The term "children with disabilities" includes, without limitation, all children who, because of permanent or temporary mental, physical or emotional disabilities, need special education, are unable to have all their educational needs met in a regular class without special education and related services, or are unable to be adequately educated in…

This paper identifies projects that have successfully applied the systems approach to instructional design and points to situations where that approach may be inappropriate. A method which relies on strict sequencing of objectives and means may not be easily adaptable for individualized programs in which means and ends emerge from instructional…