This article presents a perspective for viewing mediation in resolving conflicts between parents and school personnel about the education of handicapped students. The appropriateness of mediation as well as its limitations are discussed, as are current uses of mediation in special education and legal problems and issues arising from its use.…

Discusses the decision making process needed to effectively integrate computers into individualized instruction in a resource room. Student scheduling is explained, and four case histories are presented that take learner needs and styles into account and incorporate a variety of instructional materials. (five references) (LRW)

Problems of mainstreaming and racial integration in American schools are analyzed by a Japanese observer. The individualized educational program ideology is seen often to prevail over the principle of mainstreaming. A "separate but equal" approach contradicts the spirit of the Federal Handicapped Education Act. Synthesis of togetherness,…

The Future-Based Assessment/Intervention Transition Model is an individualized approach to educational planning for students with disabilities. The model involves developing a plan around short-term and long-term goals that will prepare students to meet demands in school and in future adult environments. (JDD)

This article reviews the initial purposes of the Individualized Education Program in its historical context as legislated by Public Law 94-142; traces its unintended molding influence on instruction and individualization; and considers how provisions for individualization, accountability, and parent participation can be achieved while preserving…

This article examines why Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities often lack validity and accuracy and offers methods to make IEPs more responsive to student education needs. These methods focus on holistic assessment including such strategies as observation, story retellings, oral and silent reading, writing…

Mandate Consultant is an expert system that assists in special education file review, to determine compliance with state and federal regulations regarding Individualized Education Program development. In this validation study, a secretary using Mandate Consultant produced reports 5 times more accurate and 20 times less expensive than reports…

Provides a framework for supervisory tasks in special education, outlines funding and organizational alternatives for providing supervision in rural areas, and suggests specific strategies for dealing with barriers to supervision in rural programs. (Author/KS)

Provides information on how school districts can reduce their fiscal liability under the Handicapped Child Protection Act (HCPA) of 1986. School officials that present an image of service and cooperation for disabled students are less likely to have a dispute and less likely to have to pay attorneys' fees. (Contains 32 references.) (MLF)

Describes a 10-step process that educators can use when conducting functional assessments and developing Behavioral Intervention Plans required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 for students with disabilities with behavior problems. A case study is provided to illustrate the process. (Author/CR)

Information recorded on Transition Planning Guides was compared with the perceptions of 22 students with learning disabilities and their parents regarding postsecondary goals and anticipated support needs. Findings indicate little relationship between the postsecondary outcomes and support needs recorded and those expressed by students and parents…

The mandated transition content of Individualized Educational Programs for 68 Arkansas high school students with disabilities was rated using a checklist of outcomes and life skills. Many plans were unclear regarding residential, postsecondary education, and employment goals, and important skill areas were overlooked. The checklist is presented…

This article explores the status of implementation of the behavioral and discipline requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997. Data are presented from complaints, hearings, and court decisions that suggest that the overall discrepancy between competency expectation for Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams and…

The similarities and differences of provisions in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are discussed, including provisions relating to identification of students with disabilities, eligibility, evaluation procedures, the Individualized Education Programs, least restrictive environment…

This article examines assessment practices for young children with disabilities and establishes how videotaping can effectively supplement traditional methods. It shows how teachers can use videotaping to involve parents in the process of monitoring the objectives in Individualized Education Programs and to increase parent awareness of their…