This article presents a comprehensive model for assessment of secondary students with disabilities. The model is intended to comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which requires identifying transition needs of students in their individualized education programs. The model assists in structuring an outcome-oriented transition…

This article discusses studies supporting the use of computer-managed Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and potential deterrents using such software, and summarizes software evaluation criteria. A checklist/rating scale is presented and applied to two software programs: the "Talley Goals and Objectives Writer" and "IEPs…

A New Hampshire school district denied a special education program to a severely handicapped and profoundly retarded child. The Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the child. Reviews the legal history of "Timothy W. et al. v. Rochester et al." Advises school districts of actions to take to avoid such cases. (30 references) (MLF)

A study involving 46 parents of youth with disabilities in public and private schools found that they believed the Individualized Education Programs were not individualized, were disappointed in special education, were tired of parenting special-education students, and had minimal parent expectations. Recommendations for parents are provided.…

Adopting full inclusion as the implementation strategy for educating children under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) will eliminate the discretion granted parents and guardians under the act. Discusses the intent of IDEA, its legal interpretations, and implications for school social workers. (Author/MKA)

This study compared Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for 108 elementary grade students with mild disabilities in either resource or inclusive settings. IEPs for resource students had more service minutes, more long-range goals, used more information sources, indicated better correspondence between IEP components and student ability level,…

This article describes the quest of an elementary special educator to create an effective reading program that would motivate students, as well as one that would address the students' Individualized Education Programs. Allowing the students to help select books and integrating writing activities had a positive effect on the students. (Contains…

A study of eight students with moderate to severe disabilities investigated the nature of their involvement in transition planning during their final year of high school. Teachers and parents made little investment in preparing students for their transition planning meetings, and none were active participants with designated roles. (Contains…

This article reviews research, policy, and practice related to the use of assistive technology by students with mild disabilities. It addresses the potential of technology for individuals with disabilities, consideration of assistive technology in the Individualized Education Program, and strategies for capturing the potential of assistive…

Reviews major tenets of the reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act amendments of 1997, including strengthening of the role of parents, ensuring access to the general education curriculum, modification of discipline procedures, and changes in how Individualized Education Programs are developed and written. Discusses potential…

This article explains how administrators make it possible for their staff to initiate and implement advocacy efforts on behalf of students with special needs. A step-by-step series of actions and decision points are described to support the implementation of an innovative student-led Individualized Education Program process. (Contains 7…

In the Spring of 1998 the Portland (Oregon) Public Schools hired Dr. Pamela Settlegoode as an adapted physical education teacher for the coming academic year. Her job was to provide adapated PE to students with disabilities in three different schools and to draft individualized education plans (IEPs) in accordance with federal law. Soon after…

Pierre, a second-grade student, has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair to ambulate. He is very social and enjoys interaction with his peers. Pierre has a paraeducator named Maria, who is assigned to assist him. His Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals were independence in ambulation, fine motor skills, and flexibility. His special…

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA Amendments of 1997) charts a clear change of direction for special education teachers in two areas: (a) access to general education curriculum standards and (b) the consideration of assistive technology (AT) when planning the individualized education program (IEP) of all students with…

This document provides guidance for establishing a tiered instructional approach to support the achievement of all students in Maryland public school, particularly those not demonstrating mastery of grade level content. The framework includes student screening, identification of specific learning needs, provision of appropriate instruction aligned…