This article addresses whether or not the assumptions upon which the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) is based remain valid as we approach the 21st century. Eligibility and labeling, free and appropriate public education, the individualized education program, and the least restrictive environment requirements are examined, and…

A five-part article describes and analyzes the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and a behavioral intervention technique called "positive behavioral interventions, supports, and strategies" (PBS). Suggests guidelines for applying PBS within the framework of IDEA, especially as it applies to discipline of students covered…

This article provides an overview of identification of appropriate testing accommodations for students with learning disabilities (LD). First it defines the concept of testing accommodations and review research on test accommodations commonly used with students with LD. Next it examines the validity and fairness in accommodations, as well as the…

This article explores ways to include self-determination and self-advocacy goals and objectives in individualized education programs (IEPs). It identifies self-determination goals and offers guidelines on selection and writing of self-determination goals. Insets and tables include a review of the literature, definitions of self-determination…

This study investigated the effects of teaching middle grade students with disabilities to participate in their IEP meetings using "The Self-Advocacy Strategy." Four students with high-incident disabilities were taught to be active participants in their IEP meetings. Student contributions, along with scores on "The Arc's Self-Determination Scale,"…

This article discusses the use of IEP software applications from the perspectives of form (i.e., legally correct documents) and function (i.e., educationally appropriate individualized programs). The article provides an overview of the basic components of two fairly comprehensive IEP software programs and discusses the general strengths and…

Self-directed Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) allow students to assume leadership and become actively involved in the decisions made at their IEP meetings. This article describes how through direct instruction, social skills discussion, active practice, and role-playing students are prepared to facilitate their meeting. This active…

Given the documented benefits of family involvement in educational planning, engaging families throughout the school years is strongly advocated. However, barriers continue to impede families from collaborative partnering in educational planning. In this qualitative study the perceptions of six families were examined prior to and after the…

Children with disabilities have a right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE). Children differ in mental abilities, sensory development, physical traits, emotional or social behaviors, or communication skills. Some may require modification to their school program or special education and related services in order to benefit from their…

Academic outcomes for students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) are poor. Unfortunately, insufficient attention is paid in research and textbooks to academic difficulties and students with EBD. The purpose of this special issue is to review research-based strategies and interventions for teaching children and youth with EBD. In the…

Intended as a guide for replicating parts or all of the Mountain-Plains Career Education Model IV, this handbook provides a detailed description of a residential, family-based education program developed to improve the economic potential and lifestyle of selected student families in a six-state area. The handbook is divided into seven chapters and…

Resource materials and program planning guidelines are set forth for the creation of a multi-level, modular program in English as a second language for adult learners. An overview of the modular system briefly discusses staff requirements, program designs, and laboratory materials. The role and duties of the teacher aide are treated. Seven…

Individualization and personalization of instruction in general and in foreign language study are examined. The historical and theoretical background of individualization and aspects of various programs are discussed. The concentration is on the literature and programs as developed in the 1971-73 period. Individualization of foreign language…

One in a series devoted to transportation career education, this guide which is intended for use by teachers in grades 11 and 12, presents a program to prepare students for careers in transportation. Section I gives an introduction to career education and its four phases: career awareness, orientation, exploration, and preparation. Section II…

The inservice training package for teachers of severely and profoundly handicapped children consists of six field tested modules. Each module consists of the following components: objectives (general and specific), instructional methodology, instructor materials (lecture notes and transparencies), participant materials (worksheets and handouts),…