This document contains the proceedings from the University of Vermont's 1978 summer institute on special education and Public Law 94-142. In addition to containing the welcoming address, presentations concerning interpreting the mainstreaming law, on perspectives from the bureau for the handicapped, on the need for due process for handicapped children, on the role and responsibilty of the parents of handicapped children, on the educational needs of classroom teachers who are required to implement the federal mandate, and on the weaknesses of standardized testing when applied in the context of PS 94-142 are included. Also discussed is the commitment of the state of Vermont to implementing change in the educational system. A listing of conference faculty is appended. (LH)