There are many unresolved issues in the education of exceptional children and youth. This report addresses four topics of current interest and concern: (1) Gifted education -- the gifted and talented are currently underserved and underachieving, in part because federal support is not available. Problem areas in this context include: defining the gifted, extending special programming to the gifted, and selecting appropriate learning programs. (2) The relationship between regular and special education -- this must be restructured to achieve shared responsibilities between general and special practitioners and more effective use of the resource room and consultant models. (3) Secondary special education and the transition from school to work -- issues, needs, and work remaining to be done in both these areas are discussed, and future directions and challenges are listed. (4) Early childhood, birth to three -- programs for young handicapped children have experienced a rapid increase, with an emerging focus on the at-risk infant. The following issues are covered: school involvement, work with families, personnel, and research directions. A reference list covering all four issues is appended. (PS)